Just wanted to report on my new 22c. I hope to try it out this weekend. First observations upon unboxing:

• barrel nut is already loose
• wrench is included
• slide is oiled pretty well

The first two items will take care of a couple of issues reported earlier here. Hopefully these new guns are a sign of S&W paying attention.

A bit more:

As I said, the barrel nut or I guess the collar that protects the threads is finger tight. The actual thread adapter is tight and only took a slight pull with the wrench to loosen. BTW, use must take this off to remove the slide. Bad news: with just a little pressure on the wrench to re-tighten the adapter, one side of the wrench broke off.

Like I said on another thread, the EWK wrench is heavy-duty. I guess someone will figure out how to break one, but it will be a challenge if I haven't already done it (I break everything).

I also notice just a tad of play in the slide fitment.

As to how the slide fits, I only have one, it shoots well, so no complaint / nothing for comparison. But it is a .22 that I have been able to run with CCI standard velocity out of the box, so I am happy. I suspect that a tight slide fit would need high velocity ammo and a serious break-in period (like the GSG 1911-22 that cost me a fortune in CCI Mini-mags).

One thing I seriously recommend for this gun is the EWK M&P .22 Compact Recoil Spring Centering Bushing. It really does stabilize the barrel; I can see a noticeable improvement in my groups. Check it out; it's like $8.95 at EWK Arms and it is well worth it IMO.

Eric has done his homework on the parts for the .22 compact. I can say good things about EWK and his research.

Wish I had seen this price before I ordered one from Gander. Great price.

Do you think this is needed for the model I have? There are two different models out - one has the thread protector positioned inside the end of the slide, and one like mine where the thread protector is located beyond the end of the slide. On the first model it appears the slide can be removed without removing the thread protector. On mine the thread protector and thread adapter must be removed to remove the slide.

Yes. What you actually have there is the model that already has the adapter on it for a suppressor. If you take that adapter off, and just put the regular thread protector on it, then you have the "regular" model. Either way, the Recoil Spring Centering Busing I am talking about will help stabilize your barrel and tighten up your shots. It fits in place nice and snug.

Got an email Tuesday that mine had shipped. Still waiting...... I live in Central Florida. Could have been there and back 10 times by now. Oh well, excellent price and $40 less than dealer cost ($309) through the major gun distributors.

Not 2 minutes after I replied above my dealer called and said mine had arrived. Just got home with it. Looks good to me. One question though, Do I need to get a different thread adapter for a Sparrow or is the one on it 1/2x28? Thanks

The thread is right based on what the web site (S&W) shows, but I'm wondering (have not seen this edition) if it has the shoulder o-ring engagement area. Maybe you can report back on that.