The real difference between the 22lr and the 22 mag will be seen on the hunting field - the 22 mag is a much better killer. Some years ago when I was doing a lot of prairie dog hunting I would shoot some with the handguns. Comparing my 6" M48 no dash to my 7 3/8" M41 it was very easy to see the different results. Both guns are very accurate and hits were frequent at ranges over 50 yards. With the 22, critters were tipped over to run into holes while the 22 mag smacked them with more authority and they usually did not run anywhere!