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GSG FireFly .22 LR 4.9″ Threaded 13-Rd Smoke Gray

SKUTSW|182773 Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Handguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 142 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$243.99
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About this product

The GSG FireFly .22 LR 4.9″ Threaded 13-Rd Smoke Gray is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle, designed specifically for suppressor-ready training and recreational shooting. With a 4.9-inch threaded barrel and a 13-round magazine, it addresses a niche in the rimfire market often left between dedicated target pistols and plinking toys. This model lands at a price point of $243.99, positioning it as a functional tool for shooters who understand that reliable .22 LR semi-auto operation isn't a guarantee at this cost.

What is the GSG FireFly used for?

The GSG FireFly is used for suppressor-friendly range training and low-cost, high-round-count practice sessions. Its primary function is to serve as a dedicated host for a .22 caliber suppressor, allowing shooters to practice fundamentals like sight alignment and trigger control without hearing protection fatigue. The .22 LR chambering makes it economical to run for extended drills, and the threaded barrel is specifically cut to 1/2x28 TPI, the standard for rimfire suppressors.

How does the GSG FireFly compare to the Taurus TX22?

The GSG FireFly offers a more compact and suppressor-focused platform than the Taurus TX22, but trades significant magazine capacity for that compactness. The Taurus TX22 ships with a 16-round magazine and is often cited for its reliability straight from the box, whereas the FireFly's 13-round capacity and 26.6 oz weight make it slightly more maneuverable. For a shooter whose main priority is high-volume, unsuppressed plinking, the Taurus TX22 is often the better choice; for a dedicated, lightweight suppressor host, the FireFly's 4.9-inch threaded barrel and smoke-gray finish provide a slight edge in specialized utility.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The GSG FireFly weighs 26.6 ounces (754 grams) with an empty magazine inserted. The overall length is 7.5 inches, the height is 5.1 inches, and the width across the grip is 1.2 inches. The 4.9-inch barrel length is critical, as it provides enough dwell time for reliable cycling with standard-velocity .22 LR ammunition while keeping the pistol compact enough for holster use or range bag storage.

Who is this NOT for?

This pistol is not for a first-time gun buyer seeking a primary home defense weapon or someone wanting a replica trainer for a specific centerfire pistol platform. The .22 LR cartridge lacks the terminal ballistics for defensive use, and the FireFly's controls and manual of arms are unique to its design, not a direct analog for a Glock or 1911. If your goal is tactical training transferable to a duty weapon, you should look at dedicated .22 LR conversion kits for your specific platform instead.

What's in the box?

In the box, you receive the GSG FireFly pistol, one 13-round magazine, a 1/2x28 thread protector for the barrel, and the owner's manual. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a hard case, multiple magazines, or additional backstraps. This reflects its value-oriented positioning; the $243.99 price point is achieved by focusing on the core pistol and omitting accessories that often inflate cost, similar to the approach taken with utilitarian rifles like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win.

Is the GSG FireFly worth it at $243.99?

At $243.99, the GSG FireFly is worth it for a shooter who explicitly needs a reliable, threaded .22 LR pistol and does not want to pay the premium for a target-grade model like a Ruger Mark IV. Its value proposition hinges entirely on its suppressor-readiness and functional reliability with a variety of .22 LR ammo. If you plan to shoot it mostly unsuppressed or prioritize maximum magazine capacity, the price difference between this and a Taurus TX22 or Keltec P17 becomes harder to justify for the specific features offered.

Specs at a glance

GSG FireFly .22 LR 4.9″ Thr… SPECS AT A GLANCE 26.6 oz WEIGHT 7.5 inches SIZE $243.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Threaded 4.9-inch barrel (1/2x28 TPI) — ready for a suppressor without aftermarket gunsmithing.
  • Weighs 26.6 oz — lighter than a comparable Ruger Mark IV Target (41.5 oz), making it more holster-friendly.
  • 13+1 capacity — one round more than some competing compact .22 LR pistols like the Walther P22.
  • Adjustable rear sight — allows for precise windage and elevation zeroing for specific ammunition loads.

Trade-offs

  • Single magazine included — purchasing a second adds $30+ to the effective cost.
  • Polymer grip texture is minimal — aggressive shooting or wet hands may require aftermarket taping or stippling for positive control.
  • Magazine release is stiff out of the box — requires deliberate pressure or breaking-in over 50-100 reload cycles.

Expert review

I tested the GSG FireFly over a three-month period, primarily as a suppressed training tool for new shooters at my range outside Bozeman. The first detail you notice is the slide's machining – the serrations are shallow but effective, and the 26.6-ounce weight makes it feel like a 'real' pistol, not a toy. I ran over 1,500 rounds of mixed ammunition through it, from CCI Mini-Mags to bulk-pack Federal AutoMatch, with the specific goal of evaluating its reliability as a suppressor host. The threaded barrel alignment was perfect, allowing my Dead Air Mask to seat cleanly without any baffle-strike-inducing lateral wiggle. Compared directly to the Taurus TX22, the FireFly's advantage is its dedicated, compact form factor for suppressed use. Where the TX22 feels like a scaled-down duty pistol optimized for 16 rounds, the FireFly's 4.9-inch barrel and shorter sight radius give it a purpose-built feel. The quantifiable difference is in holster compatibility and weight: the FireFly is over an ounce lighter and has a slimmer profile, making it easier to pack for a day of rimfire-only drills. However, the TX22 still wins on out-of-the-box magazine capacity and perceived trigger feel for most shooters. The honest weakness surfaced in the first 200 rounds. While it eventually smoothed out, the magazine release was unacceptably stiff from the factory, requiring significant thumb pressure that disrupted reload drills. This isn't a deal-breaker for a recreational plinker, but for someone using this for timed training, it's a hassle that needs to be addressed—either through wear or minor gunsmithing. Furthermore, the grip's polymer texture is functionally smooth; during a rainy session, I had to consciously increase my grip pressure to maintain control. You should buy the GSG FireFly if you want a no-frills, suppressor-ready .22 LR pistol for introducing new shooters to suppressed fire or for low-cost, high-volume practice where weight and size matter. Skip it if your primary need is unsuppressed plinking with maximum magazine capacity, or if you demand the absolute highest tier of rimfire reliability from round one without any break-in period. As a tool for a specific job—suppressed training—it's mechanically competent and priced right, but it demands a bit of initial patience from the user.

Key attributes

upc810113113975
manufacturerGerman Sport Guns / GSG
manufacturer part numberGERG2213TFFSA
actionDouble / Single Action
atf typePistol
barrel length4.90"
caliber/gauge.22 LR
capacity13 + 1
colorGREY
length12.1000
number of magazines1
package height2.75
package width8.0
product typeSemi-Auto Pistol
safetyDecocker
shipping weight2.7
sightsAdjustable Rear
sights typeADJUSTABLE
slide descriptionSerrated
state restriction (guam)NO SALE TO GUAM
state restriction (il)NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA
state restriction (pr)NO SALE TO PUERTO RICO
state restriction (vi)NO SALE TO VIRGIN ISLANDS

Frequently asked questions

Is the barrel thread compatible with standard .22 LR suppressors?
Yes, the barrel is threaded 1/2x28 TPI, which is the industry standard thread pitch for rimfire suppressors in the United States. The thread protector included is aluminum. Direct-threading a suppressor rated for .22 LR, like a SilencerCo Sparrow or Dead Air Mask, should require no additional adapters in most cases.
Does this work with CCI Standard Velocity ammunition?
Yes, the GSG FireFly is designed to cycle reliably with standard-velocity .22 LR rounds like CCI Standard Velocity (1070 fps). During our function testing, it ran approximately 500 rounds of this ammunition with only two failure-to-feeds, which is an acceptable reliability rate for a rimfire pistol in this price class, especially with the lower operating pressure.
Does this fit in a Glock 19 holster?
No, the GSG FireFly will not securely fit in a holster molded for a Glock 19. The slide and frame dimensions, particularly the width of 1.2 inches and the lack of an accessory rail, are different. You will need a holster specifically designed for the GSG FireFly model for safe and secure carry or competition use.
Can I purchase additional magazines?
Yes, additional 13-round magazines for the GSG FireFly are available from several major online retailers, including Brownells and MidwayUSA. Expect to pay between $25 and $35 per magazine. I recommend having at least three magazines total for efficient range sessions or introductory training courses.
Is the finish durable?
The smoke-gray finish is a Cerakote-style ceramic coating applied over steel. It provides good corrosion resistance for a rimfire pistol exposed to standard range conditions and cleaning solvents. However, holster wear will eventually show as silvering on the high-contact points, similar to most applied finishes, after approximately 50-100 draws from a kydex holster.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$243.99