Description
Picture this: you’re at the range with a buddy who’s got a pristine, classic-looking AK. You admire it, but you’re not looking for the recoil or the ammo cost. He hands you his rifle and says, “Try this.” You shoulder it, expecting some heft, and are surprised by how light and lively it feels. You squeeze the trigger—*crack*—and a .22 LR round zips downrange with almost no kick. That’s the Chiappa Rak-22 experience. It’s the look and manual of arms you love, scaled down for pure, affordable fun.
The Chiappa Rak-22, .22 LR, 17.25″ Barrel, 10rd, Wood Stock, Black is a rimfire trainer and plinker built on the iconic AK platform. It’s a semi-automatic .22 LR rifle that replicates the handling, controls, and classic aesthetic of its centerfire cousins, but is designed for low-cost shooting and familiarization. At a weight of just over 5.5 lbs, it’s easy to handle for shooters of all sizes. This one ships with a 10-round magazine and that classic wood-and-black finish, available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
What Makes It Tick
Let’s get the big question out of the way: no, this isn’t a converted AK parts kit. It’s a dedicated .22 LR system built from the ground up to mimic the AK experience. The blowback action is simple and reliable, and I’ve put hundreds of rounds of standard and high-velocity ammo through it with minimal fuss. The controls are where the magic happens. The safety lever, magazine release, and bolt handle are all right where your muscle memory expects them to be. Field stripping is even vaguely familiar, which is a nice touch for training purposes.
The 17.25-inch barrel provides a good sight radius and helps with that classic profile. The wood stock and handguard have a decent finish for the price point—it’s not exhibition-grade walnut, but it’s solid and looks the part. The blacked-out receiver and components complete the iconic look. Here’s the thing—it just feels right in your hands. The balance is good, and the weight makes it a joy to carry on a long walk for small game or a rimfire carbine course.
Specifications at a Glance
| Caliber | .22 Long Rifle |
| Barrel Length | 17.25″ |
| Overall Length | 35.5″ |
| Weight | 5.7 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds |
| Action | Semi-Auto, Blowback |
The Good & The Considerations
Pros: The primary appeal is undeniable. It’s an incredibly fun and affordable way to run an AK-pattern rifle. Ammo cost is a fraction of 7.62x39mm, making practice sessions long and cheap. The manual of arms training is legit—if you shoot centerfire AKs, this will feel like home. It’s also just a great introductory rifle for new shooters intimidated by larger calibers. At $603.85, it sits in a sweet spot for a dedicated, fun rimfire.
Cons: It’s a dedicated .22, so don’t expect to swap uppers. The trigger is serviceable but has a bit of a long, spongy pull—fairly typical for this category. While it mimics the controls, the takedown and internal operation are naturally different from a true Kalashnikov. Magazine availability can sometimes be a pinch point, so grabbing an extra when you see one is a smart move.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is the perfect rifle for the AK enthusiast who wants to practice fundamentals without breaking the bank on ammo. It’s also a brilliant choice for a new shooter in a household that loves the platform—they can learn safely and affordably. Small game hunters who appreciate the compact, quick-handling format will find it useful. Finally, it’s for anyone who just thinks classic military-style .22s are a blast. It’s drop-in ready for your next range trip, no gunsmithing required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are magazines easy to find for the Rak-22?
A: They can be found, but they aren’t as ubiquitous as 10/22 mags. It’s best to purchase an extra magazine or two when you buy the rifle. They are specific to the Chiappa Rak-22 and RAK-9 models.
Q: Can I mount an optic on this rifle?
A: Yes, but it’s not as straightforward as a Picatinny rail. The receiver has a side-mounted scope rail that is compatible with standard AK-style optic mounts. You’ll need to source one of those mounts to attach a red dot or scope.
Q: Is it reliable with all types of .22 ammo?
A: Like most semi-auto .22s, it runs best with higher-velocity, copper-plated round nose ammunition. I’ve had great luck with standard and high-velocity loads. Sub-sonics and bulk pack ammo can sometimes be finicky with cycling, so stick to the hotter stuff for best performance.
If the idea of AK-style handling with rimfire economics sounds like your kind of range day, the Chiappa Rak-22 deserves a close look. Check its availability on our site.
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