Definition

Noun: A rifle designed to fire .22 caliber ammunition. This term specifically refers to a firearm whose barrel is sized to chamber and fire cartridges with a bullet diameter of approximately 0.22 inches (5.6 mm). These rifles are commonly used for target shooting, small game hunting, and recreational plinking due to their low cost, light recoil, and relatively quiet report.

Usage

The term "twenty-two rifle" is used to identify the type and caliber of the firearm. It functions as a countable noun. * He learned to shoot with his grandfather's old twenty-two rifle. * For varmint control, many farmers prefer a twenty-two rifle. * The most common firearm in the collection was a twenty-two rifle.

Examples

• Target Practice: "The beginners' course focuses on safety and accuracy using a twenty-two rifle."
• Historical Context: "The twenty-two rifle has been a staple of American marksmanship training for over a century."
• Comparison: "While a hunting rifle has more power, a twenty-two rifle is more economical for practice."

Advanced Usage

• The term is often part of a more specific noun phrase describing the rifle's action type (e.g., bolt-action twenty-two rifle, semi-automatic twenty-two rifle).
• In technical or commercial contexts, the caliber is frequently written in its decimal form, making ".22 rifle" a common variant.

Variants and Related Words

• .22 rifle: The most common variant, using the decimal notation for the caliber. This is often considered interchangeable with "twenty-two rifle."
• Twenty-two (noun, informal): Can be used alone to refer to the rifle, especially when the context is clear. (e.g., "Grab the twenty-two from the rack.")
• Rimfire rifle: A broader category that includes most twenty-two rifles, as .22 Long Rifle is a rimfire cartridge.
• Small-bore rifle: A general term for rifles of small caliber, typically including .22 caliber firearms.

Synonyms

• .22-caliber rifle: A direct synonym emphasizing the caliber measurement.
• Small-game rifle: A functional synonym describing one of its primary uses, though this category can include other calibers.

Related Phrases

• To plink with a twenty-two: A common phrase meaning to engage in informal target shooting at casual targets like tin cans.
• A box of twenty-two: Refers to a box of .22 caliber ammunition.

Noun

1. a .22-caliber rifle