Retay, the Turkish upstart that’s been quietly disrupting the budget firearms market, just dropped a game-changer with the RA1522 Pistol right before SHOT Show 2026 kicks off. This compact, AR-pattern .22 LR handgun weighs in lightweight for easy backpacking or range hauling, clocking in at a featherweight that’s perfect for plinking sessions or dry-fire drills without breaking the bank. Chambered in the ubiquitous .22 Long Rifle, it’s got all the ergonomic familiarity of an AR lower—pistol grip, Picatinny rails for optics or lights, and a threaded barrel option for suppressors—making it a no-brainer for new shooters dipping their toes into tactical platforms or seasoned 2A enthusiasts running low-cost ammo through their training regimens. At a price point that’s sure to undercut big-name competitors like the Ruger SR22 or S&W M&P 22 Compact, Retay’s positioning this as the everyman’s rimfire trainer, proving you don’t need to mortgage your truck for quality.
What makes the RA1522 a big win for the 2A community? In an era of skyrocketing centerfire ammo costs and supply chain headaches, .22 LR remains the great equalizer—affordable, low-recoil, and high-volume for building fundamentals like trigger control and malfunction clears. This pistol bridges the gap between toy-like plinkers and serious carbine trainers, letting you replicate AR handling in a package that’s NFA-friendly (no brace drama) and ideal for apartment dwellers or youth training without the neighborly complaints. Retay’s track record with reliable, import-friendly designs (think their shotgun lineup) suggests it’ll eat bulk packs without hiccups, and its modularity screams customization—slap on a red dot, extend with a brace or stock via conversion, and you’ve got a versatile SHTF backup or varmint getter. Critics might scoff at budget Turkish, but history shows imports like Canik and Tisas have elevated the game; the RA1522 could do the same for rimfire pistols, democratizing tactical training and keeping more Americans proficient.
The implications? This isn’t just another gun—it’s a shot across the bow for stagnant .22 pistol makers, forcing innovation in a market ripe for disruption. For 2A advocates, it reinforces the ethos of accessible self-defense tools: lightweight for EDC alternatives, backpack-ready for hunters or hikers, and a gateway for the next generation to embrace the right to bear arms. If Retay nails the QC and street price under $300, expect shelves to empty fast at SHOT. Keep an eye on this one—it’s the kind of smart, practical firepower that keeps the Second Amendment thriving.
