Understudy to Shield 9mm

[Skintback]

Hey men! I am looking for a 22 lr pistol that is close to the same weight and size as my shield 9mm. The M&P 22 compact looks very close with a slightly longer barrel. Academy has them for what seems to be a fair price I just haven’t been able to get by to look at and hold one yet (may be awhile too with current issues). Main purpose would be cheaper ammo plinking and something to carry while working in the woods (forester). Any thoughts or experiences with the 22c? Is there something else better or closer that I am omitting? Thanks.

[Eric300]

I don't know of too many 'look alike' semi auto pistols in .22lr that don't have issues of some kind or another (ie; Accuracy FTFeed/Fire/Extract/Eject, etc.). Some brands may be better than others, though. Honestly, if you're looking for a semi-auto pistol in .22lr, I think you'd be much better off spending your money on one of the models offered by Browning, or, Ruger. Browning Buckmarks and Ruger MK Series pistols have very good track records, especially in accuracy.

[Ranger17]

I had a 22 Compact and yep it was close overall to my Shield’s sizing. I didnt buy it for any cross training but just as a plinker. I ran 1k trouble free rounds thru it but for me it was not near as accurate as my Buckmark. So for a second 22 i picked up a Victory to replace the Compact.
Only my .02, but a Compact can be a fun and (for rimfire) a reliable little shooter. Maybe even a good trainer for those new to shooting. But for a more accurate target type 22 i would recommend a Victory and Buckmark, and many others also suggest a Ruger.

[CB3]

Some of the feed problems with .22 semi-autos, both pistols and rifles relying on blowback action, come from underpowered ammo.

When I taught rifle marksmanship for the Appleseed Project we switched from centerfire rifles to .22 rim fires as the recommended rifle to bring. For the first year malfunctions along the line held up the progress of many shooters.

Eventually the recommendation for .22 ammo that functioned most reliably in semi-autos was the heavier 40 grn bullet weight pushed at least 1200 FPS but 1250 was better.

Following that advice since then I have had much better results with my semi-autos. My stash of 36 grn 1150 FPS ammo is now reserved for single shot actions, bolt-pump-and lever.

Keeping the gun clean and lubricated helps too. Because of this my Ruger Mark II gets shot less. It’s a pain to strip and reassemble.

[Goldstar225]

I bought the M&P 22 compact a few weeks ago specifically as an understudy gun and occasionally to carry while hunting and fishing. I knew going in that it wouldn't have the accuracy of a Ruger or Buckmark and it doesn't. It's similar to my Shield but the grip is bigger. Close enough. It is a dead ringer for my wife's 380 EZ and close enough in feel to my Glock 48 to serve for all three.

Only one range trip so far. It was completely reliable with a mix of Golden bullets, CCI mini-mags and Federal hollow points. The trigger was a bit gritty at first but had smoothed up after about 200 rounds. The light weight makes it more difficult to shoot groups but it does force you to really concentrate on the fundamentals.

I'm completely satisfied with my selection of the 22 compact. There's not a lot of listings for holsters for it but I bought a De Santis thumb break scabbard made for the Shield 45 that's a perfect fit.