The .22 Short is the oldest American self-contained metallic cartridge still in production, dating to 1857. A very small, low-powered rimfire round with minimal recoil and noise, it is used for close-range plinking, pest control, and recreational shooting.

The .22 Short holds a remarkable place in firearms history: introduced in 1857, it is the oldest self-contained metallic cartridge still in production today. It predates the more powerful 22 LR, which was later developed in part from the .22 family, and it has remained in continuous use for well over a century and a half. Ballistically the .22 Short fires a very small, light bullet — commonly around 27 to 29 grains — at low velocity, producing minimal recoil and notably little noise. Its gentleness is its defining trait: it is even milder than the 22 LR, which makes it suitable for very close-range pest control, casual plinking, and certain low-noise recreational uses. It has also historically been associated with some specialized competition and gallery shooting. A practical compatibility note: many firearms chambered for 22 LR can also fire the shorter .22 Short, though not all will cycle or feed it reliably, particularly semi-automatics designed around the 22 LR. As with all rimfire, it cannot be reloaded, and its very low power limits it to small targets at close range. Its availability is narrower than the ubiquitous 22 LR. Today the .22 Short is used for close-range plinking, pest control, and recreational shooting, with steady if more limited availability. Its combination of very low recoil, minimal noise, and deep historical lineage is why this 19th-century cartridge remains in production.

General information about this caliber — not a recommendation for this specific firearm.