Plinking is the art of informal target shooting done totally for fun and generally at non-standard targets that can include, but are not limited to, old electronics, bottles, logs, tin cans, watermelons, old road signs, pumpkins, etc. You get the picture. It’s a great pastime and a great way to excite new shooters who may shy away from a formal range experience.

Because plinking is more relaxed and really all about fun, some serious shooters discount its benefits. Any time you’re out there aiming and shooting, you’re reinforcing your muscle memory and improving your skills. Whether you’re hitting a paper target with a circle on it or an old soda can, you’re improving your shooting. Plinking also makes the shooting process feel natural and engaging, which can help build good shooting instincts.

The fact that plinking is also a ton of fun is an amazing bonus in my book. Life doesn’t always have to be so serious, and plinking is a great way to have fun, relieve stress, and improve your shooting at the same time. While it’s generally acceptable to use any rifle and caliber to plink, some are more fun (and less expensive) than others.

I’ve broken out our top 10 plinking rifles and organized them by ascending calibers.