Introduction
The gentle pop of a .22, the satisfying thud of a hit on a target – it’s a feeling that’s drawn countless shooters to the world of rimfire. For many, the .22 Long Rifle is the gateway drug to the shooting sports, providing a fantastic and affordable way to hone fundamental skills. It’s a caliber perfectly suited for recreational shooting, small game hunting, and, importantly, training. Learning the fundamentals on a .22 allows for quicker and more efficient practice than larger calibers, without breaking the bank on ammunition.
Today, we’re focusing on a popular choice within this realm: the Smith & Wesson M&P 22 pistol. This handgun seeks to capture the essence of the larger, centerfire M&P line, but in a more economical and user-friendly package. Designed with both new and experienced shooters in mind, the M&P 22 promises a blend of reliability, accuracy, and affordability.
This review will delve into every aspect of the Smith & Wesson M&P 22. We’ll explore its features, assess its performance on the range, compare it to its competitors, and ultimately answer the question: Is this the perfect .22 pistol for *you*? We will examine the gun’s ergonomics, reliability, and overall value, so you can make an informed decision.
Overview and Features
The Smith & Wesson M&P family is a well-regarded series of handguns, initially designed for law enforcement and military use. They’ve built a reputation for robust construction, user-friendly designs, and a commitment to reliability. This pedigree carries over to the M&P 22, although in a different scale and with a different action.
The M&P 22, while sharing the family name and aesthetic, takes a slightly different approach. Its design seeks to mimic the feel and operation of its larger, centerfire siblings, but it’s chambered in the much milder .22 LR caliber. This design philosophy is excellent for training; the controls are similar, allowing for smooth transitions to larger calibers.
Physical Characteristics
The M&P 22 presents a modern and familiar profile. Its dimensions are well-suited for comfortable handling, especially for those with smaller to average-sized hands. The pistol feels balanced in the hand, and its weight contributes to steady aiming.
The frame is constructed from a high-strength polymer. This choice keeps the weight down, making the gun easy to carry and manage for extended shooting sessions. The slide, however, is constructed of aluminum. The result is a balance of durability and ease of use.
The finish on the M&P 22 is generally a matte black, providing a durable and non-reflective surface. Its sleek lines and overall aesthetics are pleasing. Smith & Wesson has crafted a handgun that looks the part, presenting a sense of professionalism, right out of the box.
Ergonomically, the M&P 22 excels. The grip is designed to be comfortable and easily grasped, even with wet or sweaty hands. The grip texture is textured, which helps to maintain a secure hold without being overly abrasive. The grip angle, too, is well-suited for natural pointability, making it easy to acquire targets quickly.
The sights on the M&P 22 are a three-dot system. This configuration is a common and effective sight picture, and it makes target acquisition straightforward. The sights are generally easy to pick up, especially for those accustomed to this style.
The controls, like the slide release and the magazine release, are well-placed and easily accessible. Their placement makes manipulation fast and intuitive, allowing for quick reloads and clearing of the pistol. The manual safety lever, where it exists, is also easy to access and operate.
Key Features and Specifications
The heart of the M&P 22 lies in its chambering: the .22 Long Rifle. This ammunition is incredibly versatile and readily available, perfect for plinking, training, and small game hunting.
The magazine capacity of the M&P 22 is quite respectable. With a capacity designed for optimal firing, you’ll spend less time reloading and more time enjoying your practice or hunting sessions.
The barrel length contributes to the overall accuracy of the pistol. It strikes a good balance between compactness and ballistic performance, making the M&P 22 easy to carry while retaining good accuracy.
The trigger on the M&P 22 is generally smooth and predictable. The trigger pull weight is manageable and conducive to accurate shooting. The trigger reset is relatively short, allowing for quick follow-up shots.
Safety features are crucial in any firearm. The M&P 22 incorporates safety mechanisms. A manual safety is present on some models, offering an extra layer of security.
Beyond these core features, the M&P 22 may include other convenient additions, like a threaded barrel for suppressor use and an under-barrel accessory rail for lights or lasers.
Performance and Shooting Experience
Evaluating a handgun’s performance requires a rigorous and consistent approach. To thoroughly assess the Smith & Wesson M&P 22, we subjected it to a variety of tests, under different conditions. We used a variety of .22 LR ammunition from different manufacturers to assess its performance with various bullet weights and types.
Accuracy testing was conducted at a controlled distance. We fired multiple five-shot groups at targets, carefully measuring the groupings to assess the pistol’s inherent accuracy. We took care to remove the human error and evaluate the ability of the gun.
Reliability testing was also a key component of our assessment. We fired hundreds of rounds through the M&P 22, tracking any instances of malfunctions, such as failures to feed, failures to eject, or any other issues.
The recoil impulse of a .22 is famously light. This makes for a very comfortable shooting experience, particularly for beginners or those who are sensitive to recoil. The M&P 22 benefits from this, allowing for rapid follow-up shots and extended practice sessions without fatigue.
The trigger plays a crucial role in the shooting experience. The M&P 22’s trigger provides a smooth and consistent pull. The reset is clear, allowing for rapid follow-up shots. The trigger contributes to overall accuracy and control.
Overall, the shooting experience with the M&P 22 is highly enjoyable. The pistol feels balanced in the hand, and its smooth trigger allows for controlled and precise shooting. The light recoil makes it easy to stay on target, and the overall experience is one of fun and user-friendliness. It’s the type of gun that invites you to shoot it more.
Pros and Cons
Every firearm has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of the Smith & Wesson M&P 22:
Positive Aspects
The M&P 22 typically exhibits very good accuracy. It’s capable of producing tight groupings, making it ideal for target shooting and small game hunting. This precision is a significant advantage for both beginners and experienced shooters.
The M&P 22 generally demonstrates good reliability. Proper maintenance and quality ammunition contribute to a smooth and consistent operation. This reliability ensures a positive shooting experience, with minimal malfunctions.
The M&P 22 is known for its excellent ergonomics. It feels good in the hand. This ergonomic design contributes to a more comfortable and enjoyable shooting experience.
The M&P 22 provides an excellent value proposition. The balance of features, quality, and price make it an attractive option for shooters of all levels.
The pistol’s ease of use is a significant advantage. Its intuitive controls and user-friendly design make it accessible to new shooters, as well as experienced shooters.
The pistol offers additional benefits, such as interchangeable backstraps, accessory rails, and threaded barrels.
Potential Drawbacks
While reliable, the M&P 22 can be sensitive to ammunition quality. Using low-quality or improperly stored ammunition may cause occasional malfunctions.
The grip size and angle may not be ideal for every shooter. Those with extremely small or large hands might find the grip less comfortable, although this is common with many handguns.
Competition and Comparison
The .22 pistol market is competitive. Several other pistols compete with the Smith & Wesson M&P 22. Let’s consider a few key competitors:
The Walther P22 is a popular choice, known for its stylish design and ease of use. However, it sometimes experiences reliability issues.
The SIG Sauer P322 is a relative newcomer, boasting a high magazine capacity and impressive accuracy. However, its initial price point is a bit higher.
The Ruger SR22 is a rugged and reliable pistol that offers a more traditional design. It’s a solid performer but may not have the same feel or the same look as the M&P 22.
The M&P 22 differentiates itself through its combination of features. Its ergonomics, its user-friendly design, and its generally good reliability set it apart from the pack. It is a great blend.
Price comparison is a critical factor. The M&P 22 generally offers competitive pricing, placing it firmly in the mid-range of .22 pistols. Its cost makes it an accessible choice for many shooters.
Who Is This Pistol For?
The Smith & Wesson M&P 22 is a versatile handgun that is well-suited for a wide range of shooters.
It’s an excellent choice for beginners. Its light recoil, user-friendly controls, and easy-to-handle design make it ideal for learning the fundamentals of shooting.
It also serves as a great training tool. Its similar ergonomics and feel to the centerfire M&P line make it perfect for practicing those skills at a fraction of the cost of centerfire ammunition.
Recreational shooters will also appreciate the M&P 22. It’s a fun gun to take to the range, plink with, or simply enjoy a relaxed day of shooting.
Target shooters will find the M&P 22 to be a capable platform, too. It’s accurate and easy to handle, making it ideal for casual target practice.
It’s less ideal for those who prefer a more specialized .22 pistol, such as those with a very high-end, match-grade pistol. Those shooters are few and far between, however.
Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson M&P 22 is a well-rounded .22 pistol that delivers on its promise. From its familiar design to its enjoyable shooting experience, the M&P 22 provides a great experience.
The M&P 22 offers good accuracy, is generally reliable, and excels in ergonomics. It’s also competitively priced, making it an accessible option for various shooters.
With all that said, the Smith & Wesson M&P 22 is a strong contender in the .22 pistol market. It is a good blend of features and value. The Smith & Wesson M&P 22 is definitely a strong choice for those in the market for a reliable and fun .22 handgun.
If you’re looking for a fun, accurate, and affordable .22 pistol for training or recreational shooting, then the Smith & Wesson M&P 22 is an excellent choice. It’s a great way to enjoy the shooting sports without breaking the bank.
