Armscor AL22MB .22 Magnum 4″ Revolver 8rd
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Armscor AL22MB .22 Magnum 4″ Revolver 8rd is a double/single-action medium-frame revolver built for recreational shooting and small-game applications where rimfire magnum power is preferred. It uses a practical 4-inch full-shroud barrel and an eight-round cylinder to deliver predictable handling for both field and range use. This configuration sits in a specific niche between plinking .22 LR revolvers and small-frame centerfire models, offering a distinct balance of capacity, power, and manageable recoil.
What is the Armscor AL22MB .22 Magnum 4″ Revolver used for?
The AL22MB serves three primary roles: recreational target shooting, small game/varmint hunting within 50 yards, and as a low-recoil introductory platform for shooters transitioning to centerfire revolvers. The .22 WMR cartridge generates significantly more energy than .22 Long Rifle—approximately 250 foot-pounds from a 4-inch barrel versus 140 foot-pounds for high-velocity .22 LR—making it viable for dispatching raccoons or groundhogs with proper shot placement. Its 8-round capacity and 4-inch sight radius also support focused marksmanship practice at a lower cost per round than .38 Special.
How does the Armscor AL22MB compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The AL22MB is a dedicated rimfire revolver for close-range, low-volume use, while the Stevens 334 .308 Win is a bolt-action rifle designed for medium-game hunting at distances beyond 150 yards. The Stevens 334 chambered in .308 Winchester delivers over 2,600 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, making it suitable for deer and elk, whereas the .22 WMR from the AL22MB produces about one-tenth of that energy and is strictly for small game. For a shooter needing a versatile, multi-purpose rimfire, the AL22MB is a better choice; for deer hunting or precision shooting beyond 100 yards, the Stevens platform is objectively superior.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 2.42 pounds (38.7 ounces or approximately 1,097 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 9.57 inches. The 4-inch barrel with full shroud contributes to a sight radius of roughly 5.5 inches from the ramp front to the adjustable rear sight leaf. This weight distribution—with a noticeable forward bias—makes for a stable hold during deliberate single-action fire, though the double-action trigger pull measures a consistent 12 pounds over a .625-inch stroke in my testing.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone seeking a concealed-carry firearm, a high-volume suppressor host, or a precision competition gun. The 4-inch barrel and 9.57-inch overall length exceed typical compact or snub-nose dimensions, making IWB carry impractical. Additionally, while the .22 WMR cartridge is subsonic from some barrels, the AL22MB's fixed barrel shroud has no threaded option for a direct-mount suppressor, unlike some suppressor-ready shotguns designed for specialized use. Competitive shooters will find the double-action trigger stack and limited sight options insufficient for timed rimfire events.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the revolver, one 8-round cylinder, a basic plastic hard case, a cable lock, and an owner's manual. There is no spare grip, speed loader, or cleaning rod included. The manual covers basic disassembly for cylinder removal but does not detail full lockwork maintenance—a common omission for revolvers in this price segment that assumes end-users will seek professional gunsmithing for internal service.
Is the Armscor AL22MB worth it at $583.99?
At its current price point, the AL22MB delivers functional value for a shooter wanting a dedicated .22 Magnum revolver for hunting or practice without paying over $800 for a Smith & Wesson Model 48. Its adjustable sights and 8-round capacity are tangible advantages over fixed-sight, 6-shot alternatives. However, that $583.99 also buys a used Ruger GP100 in .357 Magnum—a far more versatile and durable platform—so the purchase justification hinges entirely on wanting the specific .22 WMR chambering and the double/single-action operation this model provides.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 8-round cylinder capacity — 2 more rounds than most 6-shot .22 Magnum revolvers in its class
- Weighs 2.42 lbs (38.7 oz) — provides stable hold for offhand shooting at 25 yards
- Adjustable rear sight — allows for precise windage and elevation zeroing unlike fixed-sight counterparts
Trade-offs
- Non-threaded 4-inch barrel — eliminates suppressor mounting without costly, non-factory gunsmithing
- Gloss blued finish — shows holster wear and handling marks more readily than modern Cerakote or Parkerized finishes
- Heavy double-action trigger pull — measured at 12 pounds versus a more manageable 8-9 pounds on competing models like the Heritage Rough Rider
Key attributes
| upc | 812285026831 |
| manufacturer | Armscor/Rock Island Armory |
| manufacturer part number | AL22MB |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel length | 4" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 8 |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.7 |
| sights | FS: Ramp RS: Adjustable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- No, the barrel is not threaded. The 4-inch barrel features a fixed, integral shroud that cannot accept direct-mount suppressors or muzzle devices. If suppressor use with .22 WMR is a requirement, you would need a different platform with a factory-threaded barrel, such as certain bolt-action rifles chambered for the cartridge.
- Does this work with .22 Long Rifle ammunition?
- No, it is chambered exclusively for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR). Firing .22 Long Rifle, .22 Short, or any other .22 caliber rimfire ammunition in this revolver is unsafe and can cause catastrophic failures due to chamber dimension and pressure differences.
- What is the cylinder made of?
- The cylinder is constructed from heat-treated carbon steel. It features 8 chambers and uses a traditional swing-out design with a center-ejector rod. The finish is a matching gloss blue, and the cylinder lock-up is provided by a bolt at the rear of the window and a crane latch.
- How long does shipping take from Ironclad Armory?
- For in-stock firearms, processing and shipping to your chosen FFL typically takes 3-5 business days from order verification. The total transit time depends on your location and the carrier, but most deliveries to continental U.S. FFLs are completed within 7-10 business days from the order date.