I bought a 22A when they first came out. Since then, it's taught countless people the joys of shooting, and has made cheap practice for me. The grip angle isn't as severe as either the Ruger, Browning, or Beretta.
However my 22A (standard aluminum frame, not the steel one), has reached it's end of life. It's had well over 60,000 rounds through it.
The frame, where the slide rides, has peened and gouged beyond repair. If I knew this would occur, I would've shelled out some more money for the steel version, if it's still available.
The mag release is in a funky place. The standard rubber grips feel great, and have held up better than the rest of the pistol.
The recoil spring should be replaced frequently, ~3000 rounds. The 22A is very susceptible to failure to load/extract if the spring tension drops slightly. This can be offset by using higher powered ammo, but even then the spring should be replaced after a while.
Also, the little plastic buffer that holds the guide rod in place will go dead within 1500 rounds. You can extend the life slightly by reversing it every cleaning. However, it gets chewed up rather quickly. Luckily, S&W should mail you free replacements if you send them unhappy emails.
With that said, after letting it sit for over a year, and after replacing the spring and buffer, the gun still jams. Every shot. With every type of ammo in my possession. It's ready to be retired forever. IIRC, when it was first introduced, I payed $179 new. It was a great investment, though some of the other pistols mentioned will hold up better in the long run.
I have no experience with the neos.
However my 22A (standard aluminum frame, not the steel one), has reached it's end of life. It's had well over 60,000 rounds through it.
The frame, where the slide rides, has peened and gouged beyond repair. If I knew this would occur, I would've shelled out some more money for the steel version, if it's still available.
The mag release is in a funky place. The standard rubber grips feel great, and have held up better than the rest of the pistol.
The recoil spring should be replaced frequently, ~3000 rounds. The 22A is very susceptible to failure to load/extract if the spring tension drops slightly. This can be offset by using higher powered ammo, but even then the spring should be replaced after a while.
Also, the little plastic buffer that holds the guide rod in place will go dead within 1500 rounds. You can extend the life slightly by reversing it every cleaning. However, it gets chewed up rather quickly. Luckily, S&W should mail you free replacements if you send them unhappy emails.
With that said, after letting it sit for over a year, and after replacing the spring and buffer, the gun still jams. Every shot. With every type of ammo in my possession. It's ready to be retired forever. IIRC, when it was first introduced, I payed $179 new. It was a great investment, though some of the other pistols mentioned will hold up better in the long run.
I have no experience with the neos.
