Decisions...Decisions...

[D.B. Cooper]

I was at a LGS last week buying a used never-fired M9 just because it was a good deal. No real need for it. While I was there, but after I completed the transaction, I noticed that they had a S&W 22S pistol for $400. This is the grey Ceracote 5" bull barrel target pistol with the oversized, almost Olympic styled, Birchwood looking grips. I bought one new for $429 in 98. Stupidly sold it for about $400 in about 08. Regretted it ever since. (Indeed, there is actually a small probability that the gun in the store is actually my old gun. Small town, rare gun. Etc.)

Now the conundrum. My original plan-even before buying the M9-was to go to my local camouflage box store and buy the last remaining Springfield Armory XD-E, which is my EDC gun. Like all of the previously mentioned guns, I have no real need for it. My thought was buy the XD-E while it's still available (they were discontinued last year), and keep it as a back up or use one gun solely for training and one identical gun solely for carry.

I can buy one, but not both of these guns. I recently bought a Ruger MK IV, and it's a very nice gun that will do everything the 22S will. (In fact, I had a MK III before I bought the 22S, and all three were solid, super accurate guns.) I feel like it may be a very long time before I see either of these in the used market.

So. What would YOU do?

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Well, I have a deep and abiding disgust for the S&W22A platform, so it would be an easy choice for me.

 

[JTHunter]

(Indeed, there is actually a small probability that the gun in the store is actually my old gun. Small town, rare gun. Etc.)

Do you have a copy of the original gun's serial number somewhere?

 

[sparkyv]

My S&W 22A shot well, but I couldn't stand the sight of it, so it didn't make it out to the range much ...down the road it went to a good home! Though I have a couple of XDMs, I'm not a huge SA fan, but would still take the XDE over the 22S, D.B. Cooper.

Well, I have a deep and abiding disgust for the S&W22A platform, so it would be an easy choice for me.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

My S&W 22A shot well, but I couldn't stand the sight of it, so it didn't make it out to the range much ...down the road it went to a good home! Though I have a couple of XDMs, I'm not a huge SA fan, but would still take the XDE over the 22S, D.B. Cooper.

Mine was one of the least reliable pistols Ive ever owned, and IMO, butt-ugly to boot. I only bought it to help out a buddy who needed cash and traded it off after the third range session wherein it refused to digest an entire magazine without jamming solid.

The XD-E is ok. My SIL has one and it shoots fine. His has been 100% reliable so far.

Big fan of the M9/ M92, have several. Im sure the OP will love it.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

Do you have a copy of the original gun's serial number somewhere?

I don't. Not anymore. And the FFL from which I bought it, in another state, went out of business long ago. I could possibly write to S&W and ask for a letter that would show where it was initially delivered, but that's about it. I do remember the first 2 or 3 numbers.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

Big fan of the M9/ M92, have several. Im sure the OP will love it.

I do. I already have one. This would be a second, identical XD-E. They're great guns.

I only bought it to help out a buddy who needed cash and traded it off

Interesting concept. I have a Hi-Standard 22 that I got from a friend for the same reason, and I thought about trying to trade it in part for the S&W. (At this point, I actually have three high-end target 22s, and now I'm talking about adding a 4th. smh)

 

[D.B. Cooper]

I do. I already have one. This would be a second, identical XD-E. They're great guns.

At this point, I actually have three high-end target 22s, and now I'm talking about adding a 4th. smh

After writing out those two sentences, I think answered my own question. This is why I like writing. It helps clarify thoughts. And this forum is like "iron sharpens iron."

 

[sparkyv]

Indeed!

This is why I like writing. It helps clarify thoughts.

 

[jmorris]

First thing I would do is ask myself the question “why did I get rid of the last one I had?”

Next question would be “why do I want two of the same thing vs a more diverse collection?”

The answers should nudge you in the right direction.

I had both a 22a and an XD, both came from different prize tables at matches, I didn’t care for either one but a buddy of mine has had both for years and likes them just fine. So, there’s no wrong answer, just what’s right for you.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

First thing I would do is ask myself the question “why did I get rid of the last one I had?”

I went through a phase where I really wasn't carrying/shooting handguns anymore, and I was heavily focused on NRA High Power and CMP Service Rifle. I actually sold all of my handguns at about the same time. Fast forward 10 years and, while I'm still competing in rifle disciplines, I'm also doing USPSA.

Next question would be “why do I want two of the same thing vs a more diverse collection?”

I thought of that after I started this discussion. The one thing I'm really missing is a HD/SD shotgun. Indeed, if Springfield Armory hadn't discontinued the XD-E, and I could just always go buy a new one, we wouldn't even be having this conversation. I feel like this could end up being like the Ruger Security Six I sold at about the same time. I've never seen another one for sale anywhere outside of Gunbroker. Sold my PT99 at about the same time as well, ended up replacing it with the Beretta.

The reason for duplicates is one is a trainer, one is a carry gun. Or, in the case of competition guns, one is a back up in case one goes down. (Two is one. One is none.)

 

[Archie]

D. B. you need to assess what puts you in the best over all position. With limited funds, the security of a 'back up' EDC is very tempting. Sounds to me like the 22S (whatever it is) is more of a collector arm than a using arm. Still, I'm in the position - surprisingly - of not recognizing any need for 'shooting' guns. I have enough defense and hunting weapons outlive me and possibly my heirs. So I concentrate on my collections.
Can't decide for you.

I'm tempted to say something with which one can jump from a plane. But I won't.

 

[12Bravo20]

I have a S&W 22A that has been very reliable and accurate. The problem is that when S&W decides to discontinue a model, they also discontinue all parts and accessories too. Try finding any parts for the 22A/22S anywhere except Numrich.

I also have to agree that the dights on the 22A/22S are horrible. I never enjoyed shooting my 22A until I installed a red dot on it. Accuracy is good but my Kel-Tec CP33 still outshoots my 22A.

@D.B. Cooper I would skip over the 22S simply due to parts no longer being available.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

Sounds to me like the 22S (whatever it is) is more of a collector arm than a using arm.

Not really. It was the successor to the Model 41 target 22 pistol and a competitor to the Ruger MKIII. None of which I would consider a collector's item. I owned a MKIII prior tot he 22S, and I own a MKIV now. I would consider all of those on par with each other. Indeed, I'm surprised to hear negative comments about the 22S.

Still, I'm in the position - surprisingly - of not recognizing any need for 'shooting' guns. I have enough defense and hunting weapons outlive me and possibly my heirs.

I'm pretty much in the same position.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

I would skip over the 22S simply due to parts no longer being available.

Good point that I hadn't considered.

 

[Archie]

Not really. It was the successor to the Model 41 target 22 pistol and a competitor to the Ruger MKIII. None of which I would consider a collector's item. I owned a MKIII prior tot he 22S, and I own a MKIV now. I would consider all of those on par with each other. Indeed, I'm surprised to hear negative comments about the 22S.

Humpf! I have a model 41, used to shoot it in bullseye competition until the little community (in PDSR California) decided to abandon the shooting range - rather nice - for basketball under the notion basketball encourages younger people to competence and self confidence more than actually learning something. But I digress... I stopped paying attention to S&W when they installed the Hilary hole and quit pinning barrels.
Anyway, I a couple guns for bullseye but not the eyes. C'es la vie.

 

[Zendude]

I would get the XD-E. It’s your primary EDC, and there’s nothing similar on the market to replace it.

 

[Pat Riot]

I wouldn’t buy the 22S. I had one that I bought a decade ago. What a finicky bi*** of a gun. Hated that thing.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

I wouldn’t buy the 22S. I had one that I bought a decade ago. What a finicky bi*** of a gun. Hated that thing.

Wow. SO much hate for the 22S. I guess I just got lucky with mine. I could just about write my name with it. (From a bench rest, of course. LOL)

 

[kerreckt]

Speaking of decisions. Global Ordnance is having a sale on AREX handguns. I don't need one because I have one but the sale price makes me want another. The one I have is the best in class...in my opinion. Best wishes

 

[12Bravo20]

Wow. SO much hate for the 22S. I guess I just got lucky with mine. I could just about write my name with it. (From a bench rest, of course. LOL)

I don't understand the hate either. While the 22A/S will never compete with a S&W Model 41 or other high end target pistols, they are still pretty accurate and all that I have handled always function reliably with decent (non bulk) ammo. I bought my 22A back in 2007 and have put a lot of rounds through it without any issues. I do keep an eye on the buffer and replace as needed. I also do not shoot cheap bulk ammo in any of my 22lr pistols either.

The only reason I recommended earlier to stay away from the 22S is simply due to replacement parts being very hard to find.

 

[ms6852]

It is a simple solution. Whichever pulls your heart strings more. Know that nostalgia is a powerful motivator but you can never really capture what once was, it is a fleeting moment.

 

[Ks5shooter]

I shoot my nines more than my 22's soooooooooo..............

 

[SwampWolf]

Sounds to me like the 22S (whatever it is) is more of a collector arm than a using arm.

One thing the 22S will never be is a "collector arm" and for many it is doing well to be a "using arm".

 

[SterlingBullet]

EDC guns come and go, there is always something new or better every year.

However, if your XD-E is in .45ACP, then buy a second one. I don't anticipate any other manufacturer offering a similar size subcompact 45 with the same features.