Smith & Wesson 22a

[Elwood]

Have you ever shot one? Do you like it?
My son is interested in getting one. I told him that I would check out what the guys on Graybeard had to say about it. How does it compare with my Ruger Mark 1?
Elwood

[bscman]

Honestly, I would steer clear of the 22a. I can see why it's on your list to look at, it was on mine too!
However, there is absolutely NO comparison between the 22a and a Ruger MK. The ruger will win hands down every time.

1. The 22a is NOT dry fire safe--you WILL ding the chamber if you dry fire!

2. Buffer life is very short--I've heard many people say that after 800-1,200 rounds the buffer needs replaced. S&W supplies 2 extras, but for many shooters that won't even last a year!

3. FAT GRIP. It might be a little large, or difficult to "lock in" on this grip for your son. Definitely have him check it out. Feels great if you've got big paws, though.

4. A history of cracked slides. I found at least a dozen instances in the little time I spent researching the 22a. Money of the complaintants also noted S&W offered NO help and required purchase of (expensive!) parts.

5. Many complain that theirs is a picky eater....not reliable with *most* lower end ammo. This seems hit and miss...so maybe you'll get lucky and get a gem.

I've heard a LOT of references to the 22a as a "15,000 rounds pistol" meaning it's expected life is only around 15,000 rounds. That's not a very long life in the rimfire world.

That being said, it is worth noting that you hear a lot more negatives online than you do positives. Those that are happy a relatively quiet, while those with problems are quick to speak up.  I'm sure a few guys will come along and sing praises.

If you're on a budget, the Beretta Neos is a great buy...$199 for blued, $250 for stainless. I just picked up the 6" stainless and am VERY pleased with it. Best groups so far have been just over 1" @ 25 rested w/ iron sights and inexpensive federal ammo. Seems very well built, no buffers to wear out, good trigger, and very easy to take apart to clean. Personally, I think this is a "best buy" for the price. Comes with 2 mags, too.

Beyond that, the Walther P22 is a good buy that gets a lot of attention in the younger crowds. They used to be jam-o-matics, but some revisions have been made--SMALL GRIP THOUGH!
Browning Buckmark is a VERY good choice. Well made, accurate, reliable--the camper starts around $260
Ruger 22/45 is another great choice...but has a thin grip some don't like. Again, about $250 starting price.

[Jack Gilbert]

I had a 22a and traded it off for a real genuine model 94 Winchester.

There is a hook at the back of the barrel assembly which hooks in to the frame. I don't know what this material was, but the hook sheared off. I noticed a lot of slop in the barrel assembly after that. The takedown of the 22a is a lot like the old High Standard Supermatic series but the materials aren't anything like that fine old pistol.

Anyway, the stuff looked like pot metal. When I discovered that the pistol had actually broken, I went shopping. That's when I found the real sharp 1952 manufactured model 94 and swapped the pistol and $190. I got the best deal, believe me.

The Ruger line is the best bet. I got a 45/22 for $225 a while back and it's a great gun. Reliable and well made. They can't be beat. I hoped the Smith would have been as well made as the model 41 I had, sure sorry I traded that one off years ago.

That's the story. This problem is not rare, as noted by the previous writer. The gun is junk.

Jack

[Cheesehead]

I had mistakenly assumed since it was made by S&W it would be a quality handgun. I have used the Model 41 in competition and thought it could be nearly as durable, my mistake. I am disappointed since I was considering buying one.

Cheese

[Old Syko]

Buy one you'll like it.  Mine is about a year or a little over, old.  Paid $200 out the door.  To date has fired in the neighborhood of 12,000 rounds and has had the buffer changed once.  There were 2 spares in the box.  The folks that have so many problems with the 22A usually cause those problems themselves.  As with any other blow back action they will not live long shooting high velocity ammo but also like most any other gun you won't get maximum accuracy with max velocity ammo anyway.

Shooting the 22A gives the feel ever so slightly reminiscent of a full size 45.  Yes I did say ever so slightly!

Accuracy is not quite as good as with my Mk II 678 but is more than adequate for a $200 piece.  The 22a has been my go to fun gun for a while now and is just that, fun to shoot.

No it is NOT a model 41 but then again, how many 22As can you buy for the price of a 41.  It's well worth the money and I understand Smith will likely take care of it if something goes wrong so what do you have to lose.  If I'm wrong about this I'll let you know but for now I know it's going to take more than 12,000 rounds to find out.

[BIG Dog454]

I have the 22S which is the SS model of the 22a, been shooting at the club indoor range every week during the fall and winter about 200 rnds a week plus about 150-250 rnds once a month on Sat.  No problems if I clean the gun once every other month and lightly lube it when I clean it.  other then that I (usually) wipe the exterior with an old oily rag before putting it in the safe.  Ive had no problems with it and it will shoot along with the 41 for accuracy, if I do my part I can shoot 95 to 97.  My best was 99 have not hit the magic 100 but do shot a lot of mid 80's also.  A lot of the others that shoot at the range are competition shooters at Camp perry and have 41's; I think that the S&w 22 will shoot right along with them.  I feel that it is as good as my High-Standard for accuracy, but not as good a trigger.  I have found that my gun shoots best with cheap Federal ammo, I've tried target ammo and other ammo, but it's cheap Federal that it likes. 
 Just my opinion on the S&W model 22

[Savage]

it will shoot along with the 41 for accuracy,   
Savage

[BIG Dog454]

Some guns shoot better then others.  Now I don't mean to say that another 22a-s will shoot as good as the one I have, maybe I'm just luckey and got the one out of 10 or whatever, but this one will shoot.  I've shot the 41 and could do no better, also have a High standard and I can do do no better with it, maybe its me maybe the gun.  maybe the "S" is better then the "A".

[Savage]

Big Dog454,
I'd say it's a miracle on par with the "water into wine" one! I'd hang on to that pistol!!
Savage

[obxmike]

Mine was a very accurate shooter. No issue puttin' one thru a squirrel at up to 30-40 yds. Problems I had were fail to feeds and stovepipe ejects. Didn't matter what brand ammo. On average of two to three per magazine. Got tired of jimmying with it, traded for a Ruger and have been happy since.  Still, not a bad way to go for a cheap shooter, but I'd probably opt for the Beretta "neos" in that price range. Hear a whole lot less gripe out of those vs the S&W.

[bscman]

  The folks that have so many problems with the 22A usually cause those problems themselves.  As with any other blow back action they will not live long shooting high velocity ammo but also like most any other gun you won't get maximum accuracy with max velocity ammo anyway.

Every semi-auto 22lr I've ever owned had a line similar to this in the owners manual: "This rifle/pistol will function the best with quality High Velocity ammunition." This includes my Ruger 10/22, Marlin model 60, Beretta Neos, and Ruger MKII.

Hyper velocity rounds, on the other hand, can cause damage with extended use. I'm guess this is what you meant.

[Old Syko]

Hyper velocity rounds, on the other hand, can cause damage with extended use. I'm guess this is what you meant.

Your guess would be incorrect then as I meant "High" Velocity and not "Hyper" Velocity.  I have in the past damaged 2 guns with the use of RWS High Velocity and Ely High Velocity ammo after being warned as I have attempted to do for others here.  Shoot whatever you want.  I'm not responsible for anyones repairs other than my own. 

[bscman]

All is well. To each their own. I'm not trying to start any fights, but I don't believe using high velocity ammunition is going to cause problems.
Personally, I shoot mostly High Velocity ammunition in all my 22lr's and have never had a single issue (and we're talking thousands and thousands of rounds). Most manufacturers will recommend High Velocity 22lr's in their auto-loaders for best function and reliability. If using High Velocity ammunition was known for causing problems, assuredly they'd make note of it in their user manuals and definitely not recommend it!

That being said, MANY manufacturers do not recommend extended useage of "Hyper" velocity rounds, as these put a lot of strain on the receiver, bolt, etc.

I would suspect many catastrophic failures of semi-auto's aren't due to high-velocity ammunition, but rather fatigue of recoil springs, worn buffers, and improper care. I damaged or non-existent buffer can cause a LOT of damage fairly quickly with most rimfires--a good buffer is CRITICAL with the SW 22a/22s. With thousands of compressions, a recoil spring will weaken. As this occurs, less recoil is absorbed by the spring so the reciever and bolt become battered by recoil much more than they were originally designed for.

I have a glenfield model 60 that is over 20 years old, and easily has 40,000+ rounds through it--and I shoot 98% High Velocity rounds. Still performs flawlessly.
My Savage 64f has at least 15,000 rounds of High Velocity through it and it still looks and performs as new--and this is a CHEAP, CHEAPLY produced auto-loader that I didn't expect to last as long, or be as reliable as it is.
I called Walther regarding a P22 I used to own (reliability issues) and they recommended I use CCI Minimag 40gr HV's as they proved to be most reliable--HV stands for High Velocity.

A few excerpts from user manuals...I got sick of searching after coming up with these 5.

Mossberg 702 Plinkster



Ruger 10/22



Ruger MKII and 22/45



Marlin/Glenfied Model 60



Marlin model 795

[Chris]

Elwood:

The 22A is a fun gun to shoot.  Mine's not as accurate or as rugged as others I own and a bit finicky with ammo...likes lower velocity/sub sonics the best.  I keep mine as a tin can roller or a gun I can let a friend/kid use while at the range.

My two cents.

...Chris

[greener]

I've had a 22A for a couple of years.  At 9k rounds, the firing pin return spring broke.  I made a mistake of emailing S&W about the problem instead of calling them.  Instead of getting the parts to fix it myself, by return email I got shipping instructions and a FEDEX charge number.  Three weeks later, UPS delivered the pistol.  My cost?  Gas to get to FEDEX.  I probably could have fixed it in less time than it took me to go to FEDEX. I'm a little puzzled by the comments like "15,000 round pistol" and something broke so I got rid of it.  The 22A has a life-time warranty, honored to a fault by S&W.  That seems to include no-cost shipping.  Not bad at all for a pistol I bought new for $175. 

The 22A is like any other handgun, you either like the feel and features or you don't.  I prefer the feel of the M41's I've shot, but my 22A at 15% the price, will shoot about as accurately as the M41.  I'd guess that my MKII GC and MKIII Hunter are "better" than the 22A, except my best ever group has come with the 22A and the 7" barrel.  Go figure.

I have a 22A (5.5" and 7" barrel), MKII GC, MKIII Hunter, MKIII 22/45, single six, Buck Mark Standard and P22.  The P22 is definitely a notch or 3 below the rest.  All have their strong points.  The 22A is a solid, accurate and reliable rimfire that will hold it's' own with the others. 

PS.  Just noticed that Gander Mountain has them on sale for $200.  GM is a bit high priced usually, but this is a good price just about anywhere.

[AlabamaBoy]

Had one for almost a year .Got one after a buddy let me shot his . Love it never shoot it without putting a couple hundred rounds thru it in one sitting .Have never had a problem with it or a problem with any ammo other than some old remmington ammo I had laying around . would recommend to anyone who wants to have a reasonable priced gun that is a blast to shoot. Bamaboy

[sparkyjan14]

I had Ruger MK3 Hunter,Ruger singe six, S&W .22a.

I sold the rugers, and kept the .22a. I have shot well over 9k rounds through this pistol and i am still on the first buffer.

Lots of folks exaggerate things to a point to where its rediculous. I have a red dot sight on mine and it gets shot just about every other day.

When i first bought the gun it had a Failur to Feed problem, a very little one, but after about the first brick of ammo, it shoots anything i put  through it.

I would suggest getting one and trying it out for yourself.

I did not like the Hunter, didnt feel as good in my hands as teh S&W, same goes for the single six, as well as the six not being very accurate with any type of ammo i put in it.

 If  you ignore the naysayers and actually shoot the gun, you will be very impressed and surprised at the .22a

[deerhunter]

I have a 22a for well over a year now.  I also have a Model 41, and Single Six.

The 22a, is not as well made as my 41, but it costs about 1/4 the price.  I got it for a plinker so I wouldnt wear out my 41.  I am not that thrilled with it, my son likes it because it fits his hand well.  For a simple trainer its ok.  It also has integral mounts on the barrel if you wan to mount an aimpoint.

I wouldnt spent too much on it though.  If you can get it for unter $200, then I'd get one.  If its over that, I would get the ruger Mk3, or a Riger Single Six if you dont mind a revolver.

I havent had any failures, and it shoots std velocity CCI and HV Federals without jamming.  I am still on my 1st buffer.

[jmayton]

I've had a 22s for several years now.  It's my fun gun and it's really only been shot at the range at paper and a few cans.  I had a MKII standard barrel but never really liked the feel.  So I traded for a 22/45 with the bull barrel.  After some work on the sights I liked it pretty well.  Very reliable and very well made.  I still didn't like the way it felt in my hand.  Then I found the 22s and loved it.  More weight, better balance (not sure if the 22a with its lighter frame is the same in this respect) and a better feeling trigger out of the box.  However, it is much more cheaply made than the Rugers or most other plinking pistols.  I've had a few problems with stove-pipe jams, but its about 1/100 rounds.  I also broke off the rear hook of the sight rail while cleaning.  Sent it to S&W and they replaced it with a steel hook that is riveted on.  They may have now changed the design so that they all have the steel hook.  Other than that it's performed flawlessly.  Thinking about getting a new barrel for it. 

When it's all said and done, the 22s just felt better than the other options.  So that's what I went with.  It shoots well.  Probably a bit more accurate than my Rugers because it feels more comfortable in my hand.  But it's still a matter of feel.  For durability and probably long-term value, I'd get a Ruger, but for cheap, fun plinking, I like my 22s.

[S.B.]

I just bought a new 22A-1 camo finished and love it. I've owned Rugers but, will never again buy any gun with such a terrible trigger as Ruger .22 semi autos. Must be a personal taste thing?

[Waldo Pepper]

Having owned a Buckmark for 10 years and never a problem, but never rally liked the gun for some reason. Have a 50 year old Ruger MkI that is all original that was bought for me by my dad summer of 1959 IIRC and number of rounds through the gun is unknown, but I would guess 7,000 to 10,000 range is all. It has been drop dead reliable and shoots to POA for me. My Ruger Mk III 8" barrel fluted barrel target pistol was easily out shoot by my S&W 22a on such a regular basis that got rid of the hard to field strip Mk III Target. I also had a Walther P22 that was ammo picky and not a target gun for over 20 or 25 feet and when I got a chance I got rid of that one also. My Ruger Mk III 22/45 Hunter is as yet tested other then for function by firing one magazine of 10 rounds as fast as trigger could be fired and it functioned perfectly. When the weather cools off enough I will give it an accuracy test maybe, but most likely it will just sit in gun safe. I just bought it to set back and give to grandson when he is old enough, I hate the Ruger break and only reason I bought it was the price was almost what the 22a was new.

If I were to buy another 22 auto for plinking it would be the 22a, and 41 if I was serious target shooter.

[highwayman]

i was just about to ask about a s@w 22a and i found this. i will wait till i can get a ruger or a buckmark

[coyotejoe]

I can't comment on the "15,000 rounds" as I've had a 22A for 10 or 12 years and haven't put nearly that many rounds through it, but for accuracy it is top notch. My interest was as a small game gun and hunting doesn't burn a lot of ammo. I chose the 22A because I could get a 7" barrel with less weight than a 4 3/4" Ruger standard model. I've owned several Rugers and a Buckmark. All were trouble free as is the 22A but none were as accurate as the 22A.

[kmystry]

I shoot a S&W 422...love it.  The poor man's 41...!

[Bruised]

 I just found this thread. Just today a friend told me about a recent purchase of a SW 22a-1. This gun has a digital camo finish. An e-mail to SW got a reply of "we don't make a 22a-1 and don't make digital camo."
Does anyone know if this may be a special run for a distributor or anything about it? any info would be greatly appreciated.
                                                           Thanks, Bruised

[S.B.]

I just found this thread. Just today a friend told me about a recent purchase of a SW 22a-1. This gun has a digital camo finish. An e-mail to SW got a reply of "we don't make a 22a-1 and don't make digital camo."
Does anyone know if this may be a special run for a distributor or anything about it? any info would be greatly appreciated.
                                                           Thanks, Bruised

Yes, I bought one of these last fall at the Indianapolis gun show but, don't know them to be digital camo just a camo finish, to me? http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=68946&langId=-1&isFirearm=Y
Trigger breaks clean at 4lbs.m great shooters.
Steve

[Bruised]

S.B., thanks. Apparently the -1  has something to do with the difference. SW told my friend about the Realtree camo version, but his is definately digital camo.

[spooky]

thanx,bruised,s.b.,on info to 22a-1,anyone eles on the digital camo? p.s.its lite tan,gray,sandstone,definately a factory finish.