New 22A

[threepdr]

I bought a standard 22a from Larry's in Huntsville, AL this week.  I couldn't resist the price at $199, especially after the positive reports on this board.  I put about 300 round through it yesterday without a hitch.  Most of what I shot was old bulk pack Rem Thunderbolts and Federal HV hollow points.  Some were old and dingy with with tarnished cases. No failure to feeds, stove pipes or any other extraction problems.  About 2 or 3 % of the Federals were dud's. 

On one occasion a dud would not extract and I had to pull it out with the edge of a pocket knife.  For some reason the pistol would not strike and fire another round until I disassembled it and put it back together.  Not sure what the issue was, but it ran just fine after that.  Also fired great with new CCI mini-mags.

Observations:  Not a precision target gun, but will do 99% of what I need it to do.  The sight are a bit lack luster.  I would prefer a white out line or something to improve sight acquisition.  I may add that myself.  The plastic buffer is still intact, but it has taken a beating.  How long do these last?  It came with two extras. 

Overall, for what I paid it is a great gun. 

[bigman2]

threepdr,
Thanks for the report on your new 22A. I have been looking and reading about these pistols, and I was wondering how they shoot. One question I have is, are these pistols hard to disamble? And can you tell me a little more about the plastic buffers. At my local gun-shops I have not seen one yet. Thanks for the help..Ray

[threepdr]

Ray,

Disassembly for cleaning is a snap.  There is a take down button on the front of the frame.  Retract the slide and lock to the rear.  Depress the button and lift the barrel up and off of the frame.  Ride the slide forward and lift from the frame and then remove the recoil spring and buffer from the slide.

I could tell the buffer was "buffing" but its condition did not change much between about 50 and 300 rounds.  I called S&W and asked aobut them.  A tech rep said that is normal, and it may get no worse for several thousand rounds.  He even said the buffer is actually not even needed with standard velocity rounds.  He sent me three more for free just in case.  I now have 5 on hand but don't plan on changing out the first one till it is truley destroyed.  These things are about the size of a thumb nail BTW.

Good Luck

[BUGEYE]

mine runs great on winchester HVHP. I'm hoping it will eventually shoot standard velocity.
I'll try standards again after another 500 rounds of HV.  mine is sighted for 15yds. I got it to shoots snakes and scare squirrels.

[pastorp]

I have a friend in Montana that pots the occasional grouse with his.   

Regards,

[Crow Juice]

I got  my Dad's after he  passed and mine I would say is about 10 years old .I just shot it last week for the first time and it is a very nice weapon . I was using Remington golden 22's and had about 4 duds in 150 rounds. I had no problem with the same ammo in my revolver (Charter Pathfinder 4").My gun was quite accurate for a field gun and would easily be able to take squarrels and birds at 20-25 steps .It is " Minute of Zombie " @ 50 steps.   

[bigman2]

threepdr, thanks for the information, and the explanation about the buffers. You said you were told that if you shoot standard velocity ammo you don't realy need the buffer. I know all rifles and handguns are different, but does it make a difference in the acurracy between shoot SV and HV? I found a gun shop on the north side of Atlanta, and they say they have these pistols in stock. If I remember right, I was told they come with a 4 inch or 5 inch barrel is this right. I hope to go to this shop saturday. Their prices run between $239.00 and $300.00 or something like that. Anyway, thanks for all the help.....Ray

[Crow Juice]

Just an update : Put about 50 rounds of Fedral 36 gr bulk pack from Wall Mart through mine yesterday .No duds or failure to feed . Accuracy about the same as the Remingtons in my earlier post.

[camsdaddy]

I have had mine for years. I love it. It eats anything I put through it. The only complaint I have is trying to find a holster other than that its been perfect for me.

[BUGEYE]

update, tried some more standard velocity today.  winchester T22 stovepipes on every shot.
all HV runs perfect.  being old and shaky, my 25yd groups were about 6"

[greener]

I bought one about 5 years ago.  Planned to shoot it until I decided if I was going to shoot regularly.  I've bought a number of other handguns since.  The 22A still gets fired regularly.
I seem to be able to shoot this pistol pretty darned accurately.  It may not have the best trigger, grips or sights but they are acceptable and I seem to do well with it.  It does better with standard velocity ammo.

[S.B.]

Try some HV rounds.

[S.B.]

I think the secret is high velocity rounds? I've got one with -1 and it runs just fine with HV rounds. IO've sent mine back to S&W for FE issues and they recommend CCI Mini Mags.
Steve

[greener]

I've had one for about 5 years.  It came with a 5.5" barrel and I added a 7" barrel.  Shoots better with 40 gr SV ammo, but does pretty well with 36gr hp HV ammo.  I've been very pleased wit the pistol with either barrel. 

If you are having problems ejecting SV ammo, make sure the chamber is clean and the rails are lubed.  If that doesn't work look at the extractor and then replace the recoil spring.