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  5. Rimfire small game rifles
  6. Compact rimfire carbines

Compact Rimfire Carbines: Top 5 Short-Barreled Rimfire Carbines in Canada for 2025

Published on Monday, August 25, 2025

Compact rimfire carbines are short-barreled .22 LR platforms designed for enhanced maneuverability in tight cover, brush hunting and casual range plinking. In 2025 Canadian buyers are favoring semi-automatic designs and compact configurations that combine low recoil, easy handling and modular accessory compatibility. Key consumer preferences include ergonomic pistol grips for better control, M-LOK handguards for mounting lights and bipods, threaded barrels for those seeking suppressor-ready options where legal, and compact optics compatibility for fast target acquisition. These carbines suit new shooters, backyard target practice, small-game hunting and as lightweight pack guns for bush use. Buyers in Canada also pay attention to local regulations, storage and transport rules, and hunting season restrictions when selecting a model.

Quick Menu

1. Best Takedown Compact

2. Best AR-Style Compact

3. Best Lightweight Varmint

4. Best Tactical Platform

5. Best Boutique Precision

1
BEST TAKEDOWN COMPACT

Ruger 10/22 Takedown

Allen Company

The Ruger 10/22 Takedown is the go-to compact rimfire carbine for portability and aftermarket support, combining Ruger’s proven 10/22 reliability with a true takedown design for easy transport. It outshines many competitors here by offering the broadest parts and magazine ecosystem and generally lower operating costs compared with higher-priced precision or boutique models on this list.

4.7
★★★★☆

  • Quick takedown

  • Light recoil

  • Quick takedown

  • Light recoil

Review Summary

95%

"Dependable, easy to disassemble and carry; owners overwhelmingly praise the Takedown's reliability, abundant aftermarket support, and excellent value for frequent use."

  • Lego-like disassembly

  • Classic 10/22 reliability in a quick-break takedown design for easy transport and storage.

  • Lego-like disassembly

  • Classic 10/22 reliability in a quick-break takedown design for easy transport and storage.

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

Skill Development & Mastery

The Ruger 10/22 Takedown is the go-to compact rimfire carbine for portability and aftermarket support, combining Ruger’s proven 10/22 reliability with a true takedown design for easy transport. It outshines many competitors here by offering the broadest parts and magazine ecosystem and generally lower operating costs compared with higher-priced precision or boutique models on this list.

  • Quick takedown

  • Light recoil

  • Lego-like disassembly

  • Classic 10/22 reliability in a quick-break takedown design for easy transport and storage.

  • Accepts standard 10/22 magazines and extensive aftermarket support for triggers, stocks, and barrels.

  • Quick takedown

  • Light recoil

  • Lego-like disassembly

  • Classic 10/22 reliability in a quick-break takedown design for easy transport and storage.

  • Accepts standard 10/22 magazines and extensive aftermarket support for triggers, stocks, and barrels.

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From 82.99$
2
BEST AR-STYLE COMPACT

GSG-16

GSG (German Sport Guns)

The GSG-16 brings modern AR-style ergonomics and controls to the compact rimfire segment at a competitive price, making it attractive for shooters who want familiar handling without centerfire recoil or cost. While it lacks the aftermarket depth of the Ruger 10/22, its factory tactical features and wallet-friendly MSRP give it a clear financial and ergonomic advantage over several pricier, precision-focused rivals.

3.7
★★★☆☆

  • AR-style ergonomics

  • Low recoil

  • AR-style ergonomics

  • Low recoil

Review Summary

76%

"Fun, affordable AK-style .22 with good ergonomics, but many users report occasional feeding issues, heavy feel, and inconsistent factory magazines after extended use."

  • Mini-AR swagger

  • AR-style ergonomics with familiar controls for shooters transitioning from centerfire platforms.

  • Mini-AR swagger

  • AR-style ergonomics with familiar controls for shooters transitioning from centerfire platforms.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

The GSG-16 brings modern AR-style ergonomics and controls to the compact rimfire segment at a competitive price, making it attractive for shooters who want familiar handling without centerfire recoil or cost. While it lacks the aftermarket depth of the Ruger 10/22, its factory tactical features and wallet-friendly MSRP give it a clear financial and ergonomic advantage over several pricier, precision-focused rivals.

  • AR-style ergonomics

  • Low recoil

  • Mini-AR swagger

  • AR-style ergonomics with familiar controls for shooters transitioning from centerfire platforms.

  • Detachable box magazine feeding and a top rail for optics make it a practical training and plinking carbine.

  • AR-style ergonomics

  • Low recoil

  • Mini-AR swagger

  • AR-style ergonomics with familiar controls for shooters transitioning from centerfire platforms.

  • Detachable box magazine feeding and a top rail for optics make it a practical training and plinking carbine.

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$600-800 CAD

3
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT VARMINT

Savage A22 FV-SR

Savage Arms

The Savage A22 FV-SR is positioned as the accuracy-first compact rimfire carbine, delivering a more deliberate platform and features tuned for consistent groups and follow-up accuracy. Compared to the more modular Ruger and tactical GSG, the A22 trades some configurability for better out-of-the-box precision and a price point that typically undercuts boutique trainers while outperforming basic entry-level models in target work.

4.3
★★★★☆

  • Precision chassis

  • Long-range accuracy

  • Precision chassis

  • Long-range accuracy

Review Summary

86%

"Highly accurate and well-suited for varmint work with a solid trigger, though some shooters note occasional feeding quirks and sensitivity to magazine choice over long-term use."

  • Benchrest vibes

  • Semi-automatic .22 LR with smooth cycling suited to plinking and small-game hunting.

  • Benchrest vibes

  • Semi-automatic .22 LR with smooth cycling suited to plinking and small-game hunting.

Skill Development & Mastery

Recreational Enjoyment

The Savage A22 FV-SR is positioned as the accuracy-first compact rimfire carbine, delivering a more deliberate platform and features tuned for consistent groups and follow-up accuracy. Compared to the more modular Ruger and tactical GSG, the A22 trades some configurability for better out-of-the-box precision and a price point that typically undercuts boutique trainers while outperforming basic entry-level models in target work.

  • Precision chassis

  • Long-range accuracy

  • Benchrest vibes

  • Semi-automatic .22 LR with smooth cycling suited to plinking and small-game hunting.

  • Lightweight stock and compact barrel options prioritize portability without sacrificing handling.

  • Precision chassis

  • Long-range accuracy

  • Benchrest vibes

  • Semi-automatic .22 LR with smooth cycling suited to plinking and small-game hunting.

  • Lightweight stock and compact barrel options prioritize portability without sacrificing handling.

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$600-800 CAD

4
BEST TACTICAL PLATFORM

CZ 512 Tactical

CZ

The CZ 512 Tactical offers European build quality and tactical styling in a compact rimfire package, appealing to shooters who value ergonomics, metal component quality, and a solid factory fit-and-finish. It is generally more refined than economy AR-style options like the GSG-16 and more tactical in layout than the Ruger takedown, though it often comes at a premium relative to mass-market platforms.

4
★★★★☆

  • Tactical ergonomics

  • Fast follow-ups

  • Tactical ergonomics

  • Fast follow-ups

Review Summary

80%

"Well-built and accurate with a tactical layout, but long-term owners often mention magazine/feed sensitivity and concerns about parts/support since the model's reduced availability."

  • Tough-as-nails

  • Robust semi-auto action paired with a tactical-style stock and extended top rail for optics.

  • Tough-as-nails

  • Robust semi-auto action paired with a tactical-style stock and extended top rail for optics.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

The CZ 512 Tactical offers European build quality and tactical styling in a compact rimfire package, appealing to shooters who value ergonomics, metal component quality, and a solid factory fit-and-finish. It is generally more refined than economy AR-style options like the GSG-16 and more tactical in layout than the Ruger takedown, though it often comes at a premium relative to mass-market platforms.

  • Tactical ergonomics

  • Fast follow-ups

  • Tough-as-nails

  • Robust semi-auto action paired with a tactical-style stock and extended top rail for optics.

  • Detachable box magazine and reliable feeding for sustained target or training sessions.

  • Tactical ergonomics

  • Fast follow-ups

  • Tough-as-nails

  • Robust semi-auto action paired with a tactical-style stock and extended top rail for optics.

  • Detachable box magazine and reliable feeding for sustained target or training sessions.

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$700-900 CAD

5
BEST BOUTIQUE PRECISION

Dlask DAR-22

Dlask

The Dlask DAR-22 is a boutique, precision-oriented compact rimfire carbine that emphasizes craftsmanship and match-grade performance for users prioritizing accuracy and bespoke features over cost. It typically sits at the high end of the price spectrum on this list but offers superior materials and fit that outmatch mass-produced models like the GSG-16 or standard Ruger 10/22 Takedown for demanding target applications.

4.5
★★★★☆

  • Bullpup compact

  • Ambidextrous controls

  • Bullpup compact

  • Ambidextrous controls

Review Summary

88%

"Praised by enthusiasts for precision machining, compact handling, and excellent accuracy; criticisms focus on high cost, limited parts/support, and being a niche, low-production option."

  • Ninja-sized stealth

  • Precision-engineered takedown design with a match-grade barrel and tight tolerances for excellent accuracy.

  • Ninja-sized stealth

  • Precision-engineered takedown design with a match-grade barrel and tight tolerances for excellent accuracy.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Time-Saving Convenience

The Dlask DAR-22 is a boutique, precision-oriented compact rimfire carbine that emphasizes craftsmanship and match-grade performance for users prioritizing accuracy and bespoke features over cost. It typically sits at the high end of the price spectrum on this list but offers superior materials and fit that outmatch mass-produced models like the GSG-16 or standard Ruger 10/22 Takedown for demanding target applications.

  • Bullpup compact

  • Ambidextrous controls

  • Ninja-sized stealth

  • Precision-engineered takedown design with a match-grade barrel and tight tolerances for excellent accuracy.

  • Modular stock and folding/takedown capability make it highly portable and optics-ready.

  • Bullpup compact

  • Ambidextrous controls

  • Ninja-sized stealth

  • Precision-engineered takedown design with a match-grade barrel and tight tolerances for excellent accuracy.

  • Modular stock and folding/takedown capability make it highly portable and optics-ready.

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$2,500-3,500 CAD

What research and practical evidence say about compact rimfire carbines

A mix of occupational acoustics, ergonomics and small-arms research helps explain why compact rimfire carbines are effective tools for training, plinking and light hunting. Lower-mass rimfire cartridges produce much less recoil impulse and noise than centerfire rounds, which reduces shooter fatigue and improves learning outcomes for new shooters. Ergonomic chassis, pistol grips and modern handguard systems improve natural point of aim and repeatability. Acoustic and hearing-safety research shows that reduced sound exposure — achieved by lower-velocity rimfire loads and, where permitted, muzzle devices — lowers the risk of hearing damage during frequent shooting sessions. Ballistics studies note that shorter barrels slightly reduce muzzle velocity but rimfire cartridges remain effective inside typical carbine engagement ranges used for plinking and small-game hunting.

Lower recoil and noise of .22 LR reduce shooter flinch and improve training retention for beginners and youth.

Ergonomic grips and adjustable stocks improve shooter control and shot-to-shot consistency.

M-LOK and modular handguard systems support accessory mounting without adding excessive weight.

Acoustic and occupational safety studies show that reducing peak sound exposure helps protect hearing during repeated range use.

Shorter barrels trade some velocity for maneuverability but remain effective for close-range hunting and recreational shooting.

In Canada for 2025, compact rimfire carbines like the Ruger 10/22 Takedown, GSG-16, Savage A22 FV-SR, CZ 512 Tactical and Dlask DAR-22 deliver a mix of portability, low recoil and modern ergonomics for brush hunting and range plinking. Among these, the Ruger 10/22 Takedown stands out as the best overall choice for most buyers because of its proven reliability, takedown portability and unmatched aftermarket support, making it easy to fit optics, threaded barrels and modern handguards. We hope you found what you were looking for — use the search to refine by features like threaded barrels, M-LOK handguards, or compact optics compatibility, or expand your search to include specific models and accessories.

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