Which .22???

[Redcoat3340]

I don't need another .22. I have a Sig 250 in .22 and conversion units for both my Sig 226 and 220.

But I'd like a S&W .22 as I have a small "collection" (accumulation?) of Smith semi-autos.

So I'm wondering about people's experience with the M&P 22; 22A; 422 and Victory .22 (and unless I find the bargain of the century on a S&W 41, I can't justify spending that kind of money on what is essentially a plinker/collection gap filler.)

I understand the M&P is a good trainer/low-cost-ammo substitute for it's bigger brothers; the 22A takes optics and is more accurate than the M&P; I had a 422 and sold it to a semi-relative, it was ok; and the Victory possibly superior in all ways as a target-type gun.

I'd like to hear people's experience/opinions...and I will handle 2 when I whittle the selection down to a pair.

Thanks in advance.

(And yes, I suppose the Ruger Mk II or III or IV? or 22/45 is a superior gun, but for this discussion I'm sort of focusing on S&W. Same with Buckmarks. If I were deciding on a just a good .22, it would be between the Ruger 22/45 or Victory.)

 

[jak67429]

I would go with the Victory. Very reliable and accurate. I coach a junior team the shoots mostly rim-fire. The only issue we have seen with the victory is the take-down screw likes to back out. Put a small dab of never seize(this does actually work mine hasn't backed out since I started) or purple locktite. on it.

edited to add. you can also buy a lot of aftermarket add on parts.

 

[mgresh]

Depends on your primary use for it. If you want a target 22, get the Victory. For just a plinker and to match your M&P collection, I'd go with the M&P 22 Compact - not the full size.

 

[Kookla]

Have heard nothing but good things about the victory.

 

[Doublehelix]

I love my Victory. It has been a really great gun, and as @jak67429 mentions, there are lots of aftermarket part for them.

Accurate, reliable, a joy to shoot... What is not to love? The only ammo I have found that it does not seem to like is the Winchester Super-X for some reason. I think they are just a tad too long for reliable feeding.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I don't own one yet but have shot 2 different S&W Victory 22s and both were accurate and extremely reliable with at least 8 different brands of ammo including CCI Velocitor ammo. Fun to shoot and a really nice gun.

I own a S&W 22A and a Ruger Mark II, I wouldn't sell either but will be buying a Victory in the near future.

 

[Indigo22]

I have shot my friends full sized M&P22. It handled very well and was extremely accurate. If I didn't already have a few 22 pistols or were starting out the M&P22 would be a top choice.
I owned a S&W 2206TGT and was foolish enough to let it go several years back. In the last few years I've picked up a 2214 and recently a 422. These are my favorite 22 pistols. Hands down... a winning choice, and a permanent part of my collection.

 

[joneb]

I have a S&W 4" 422 with a alloy frame that I really like, Its lightweight and very reliable and the accuracy is pretty good.
This is one my favorite backpacking pistols.

 

[bumbazine]

I had a 22A-1 for many years until it disassembled itself on the range.
I replaced it with a Victory and like it even better. Very accurate and the grip fits my hands great.
Right now I have reflex sight on it for grins, but it's so easy to hit the 10 ring that it feels like cheating and I may go back to the standard FO sights.

 

[Kp321]

Nothing wrong with the Victory, but if I didn't have a 41 I would be looking for a 422/622. They just feel better in my hand than the Victory.

 

[sparkyv]

I love my Victory. It has been a really great gun, and as @jak67429 mentions, there are lots of aftermarket part for them.

The Victory is surprisingly accurate, but you can get the 22A for a song, and it too, is a great shooter. I have and like them both.

 

[FROGO207]

I have a 22A and although it is plenty reliable the accuracy of the 7 1/2 inch target barrel is not as good as any of my Ruger MKII pistols. It also fouls easily with any lead bullet I try in it. I will be getting a different barrel someday when I find one at a deal to see if it shoots better with that one. It is now out on loan to a good friend as a varmint getter around his yard. Others have great luck with theirs and that's why I got it in the first place but I now see why it was such a good deal at $150 used.

 

[Armored farmer]

I have a Ruger mkll bull barrel. Great pistol. Eats all ammo.
My buddy has a Buckmark. It shoots great too and is ready to add optics.
Either one is good.