The Smith and Wesson M&P 22 is built to serve several different purposes of training, recreational shooting and personal or home protection. Unlike other 22 pistols, it is perfect for recoil sensitive users and quite useful for anyone who enjoys plinking.
Smith and Wesson M&P 22 bears resemblance to the center fire model. It measures approximately 7.56 inches in length with a height of about 5.53 inches and 1.63 inches wide. The front sight is drift-adjustable with a white dot while the rear sight is plain black, low-profile sight, and fully adjustable. It is supported with a fixed barrel of 4.1 inches and its weight amounts to approximately 24 ounces when unloaded.
Despite not having back straps, it is built with ergonomic considerations. Similar to the center fire model of Smith and Wesson, it consists of ambidextrous slide-stop release, take-down lever, and the Picatinny-style rail throughout the length of the rimfire, which is built with polymer and metal internal inserts. However, the slide is built with aluminum alloy and not steel as in the case of center fire. The magazine release provides an add-on feature of reversibility. The Smith and Wesson M&P 22 also incorporates the features of ambidextrous thumb safety, a well-articulated trigger, and a loaded chamber indicator.
There are several markings on the exterior of the Smith and Wesson M&P 22, however, it is interesting to discuss the proof marks that are present on the three primary structural pieces of the firearm including the barrel, metallic frame and the slide. There are four poof marks altogether, which collectively imply that this firearm was proof tested in Germany in the year 2011.
When it comes to firing, the Smith and Wesson M&P 22 uses the internal hammer for its hammer-fired mechanism. After firing your last shot, when the pistol is with an empty magazine, the slide automatically locks off. This can also be unlocked, without a magazine inserted, by pulling the slide back followed by pressing up on the slide stop. The most appealing feature is its 12-round magazine, which is built to offer you two rounds; more than most other rimfire pistols available in the market.
The Smith and Wesson M&P 22 is quite user friendly, and its disassembly is simple if you follow these steps. The first thing when it comes to disassembly is safety. Therefore, removing the magazine is the first priority. After making sure that it is unloaded, the slide should be positioned forward on the frame. Next, the takedown lever is rotated and pulled out so that it points down. After pulling the slide to the rear, it should be lifted upwards on the back of the slide. Now, the recoil spring can be easily slid off the guide rod.
The Smith and Wesson M&P 22 is the most economical choice when it comes to using pistols for a training program. The most admirable feature of Smith and Wesson M&P 22 is in its overall quality and complete package of various add-on features that are customized for your enjoyment.