Benjamin & Sheridan Model 722 Classic .22 LR Rifle

Description

You’re clearing the back forty of varmints, teaching a new shooter the fundamentals, or just need a reliable, low-cost plinker that won’t let you down. When it comes to a rimfire rifle that bridges the gap between a basic trainer and a serious small-game tool, the choice gets simple. The Benjamin & Sheridan Model 722 Classic .22 LR 16.1″ Barrel Blue Finish Walnut Stock is a bolt-action .22 LR rifle that combines classic American styling with modern, practical reliability for small game hunting, pest control, and foundational marksmanship training.

Here’s the thing—a .22 isn’t just a first gun. It’s a lifetime tool for honing skills and handling chores without the cost and blast of a centerfire. The Model 722 gets this. Its 16.1-inch barrel keeps it maneuverable in thick brush or a cramped shooting booth, while the classic blue steel and genuine American walnut stock offer a heft and balance that polymer-stocked trainers lack. At a total length of just 36 inches, it’s a compact package that’s easy to store and handle. This rifle is built for the long haul, not the safe queen life.

Key Features

The heart of the Model 722 is its simple, robust bolt action. It’s a design that’s been proven for generations—dirt-resistant, easy to operate, and inherently accurate. The single-shot design (with a 5-round magazine version often available) forces deliberate fire, perfect for building discipline in a new shooter or making every round count when hunting. The bolt lifts and cycles with a satisfying smoothness, and the entire system is drop-in ready for standard .22 LR ammunition with no gunsmithing required. You can run everything from subsonic CB caps to high-velocity hollow points without a hiccup.

That genuine walnut stock isn’t just for looks. It provides a solid, vibration-dampening platform that aids in steady sight picture acquisition. The classic blade front sight and adjustable notch rear sight offer a clean, intuitive sight picture for traditional shooting. For those who want to add optics, the receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for scope mounts, compatible with standard rimfire rings from brands like Weaver or Leupold. The manual safety is positive and easily accessible, a critical feature for any training scenario. With an overall weight around 5.5 lbs, it’s light enough for all-day carry but has enough mass to steady off-hand shots.

Specifications

Caliber	.22 Long Rifle
Action	Bolt Action
Barrel Length	16.1 inches
Overall Length	36 inches
Stock Material	American Walnut
Finish	Blued Steel

Pros and Cons

Pros: The timeless design and wood-and-steel construction ensure durability and a classic feel that synthetic rifles can’t match. The single-shot action is an excellent training tool, promoting safety and shot discipline. Its compact size makes it highly maneuverable. At $386.99, it represents a solid value in a firearm built from traditional materials. Maintenance is straightforward, with simple disassembly for cleaning.

Cons: The single-shot design limits rapid follow-up shots, which may not be ideal for certain pest control situations where volume of fire is needed. It lacks the modularity and accessory rails of modern tactical rimfires. The iron sights, while classic, may not suit all eyes, necessitating the added cost of a scope and mounts for some shooters.

Who Is This Rifle For?

This rifle is for the Missouri landowner who needs a dependable tool for dispatching garden-raiding pests without startling the livestock. It’s for the parent or mentor looking to instill safe firearm handling and marksmanship fundamentals in the next generation—the deliberate single-shot action is a teaching advantage. It’s for the traditionalist who appreciates the craftsmanship of a walnut stock and blued steel, and for any shooter seeking a low-recoil, low-cost platform for practicing the basics. All firearm purchases require an FFL transfer, and this model ships to Missouri and compliant US states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this a single-shot rifle only?

A: Yes, the classic Model 722 as described is a single-shot. The action requires manually loading a round directly into the chamber each time. This design emphasizes safety and precision, making it ideal for training and deliberate hunting shots.

Q: Can a scope be mounted on this rifle?

A: Absolutely. The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for a standard .22 scope base. This makes it compatible with popular rimfire scope rings from manufacturers like UTG or Nikon, allowing you to easily add a 3-9×40 or similar rimfire scope for improved accuracy at longer ranges.

Q: What kind of ammunition does it use?

A: It is chambered for the ubiquitous .22 Long Rifle (LR) cartridge. You can use any standard velocity, high-velocity, or sub-sonic .22 LR round. For best accuracy, it’s wise to test a few different brands and bullet weights to see what your particular rifle prefers.

If you need a straightforward, reliable rimfire that handles real-world tasks and training with classic style, the Benjamin & Sheridan Model 722 Classic is a practical choice. See current availability and pricing at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.