One Horse Express 22 and Express Pistols are carving out a niche that feels almost retro-futuristic: compact, lever-action handguns chambered in .22 LR and .22 WMR that blend the quick-handling ergonomics of a pistol with the mechanical charm of a lever gun. By shrinking the traditional lever-action platform into a handgun format, One Horse is giving shooters a fresh way to enjoy rimfire plinking and small-game hunting without the bulk of a rifle or the monotony of a standard semi-auto pistol. The Express models emphasize smooth lever throw, crisp trigger pull, and optics-ready rails, signaling that the company isn’t just chasing nostalgia—it’s courting modern shooters who want versatility in a small package.
For the 2A community, these pistols underscore a broader trend: innovation within rimfire platforms can expand accessibility and training opportunities. Because .22 LR and .22 WMR remain among the most affordable and widely available cartridges, the Express pistols lower the cost barrier for new shooters while still delivering the tactile engagement of a lever-action mechanism. That combination matters in an era when range fees, ammunition prices, and regulatory scrutiny all compete for attention; a fun, inexpensive platform can keep people actively engaged with the shooting sports and, by extension, with the culture that defends the Second Amendment. Moreover, the optics-ready configuration hints that One Horse recognizes the growing demand for red-dot pistol setups, a feature once reserved for higher-end centerfire handguns.
Ultimately, the Express 22 and Express Pistols serve as a reminder that the right to keep and bear arms isn’t static—it evolves with new designs that invite fresh participants. By offering a lever-action pistol in ubiquitous rimfire calibers, One Horse is expanding the menu of lawful options, reinforcing the principle that lawful gun ownership can be both practical and enjoyable. In a policy environment where restrictions often target “assault weapons” or “high-capacity” firearms, these little lever guns quietly demonstrate that America’s firearms culture remains inventive, diverse, and deeply rooted in the everyday enjoyment of shooting.
