A buddy of mine recently picked up a S&W model 622 target. I had never seen one before, and it was a nice gun, and shot well. After that, I went on gunbroker to see what they had available. I was looking at one of the 6" VR models, and noticed that above the trigger, it was stamped S&W, Houlton, Maine. I never realized that S&W made guns from places other than Springfield, MA.
Please educate me on this.

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Todd

I'm afraid I don't have any info on the Houlton, Maine manufacturing question.

That series of pistols includes the 622 and 422, both alloy frames, the 422 in a "blued" finish, and the 622 having a Stainless slide, and matching (more or less) anodized frame. There's also the 2206, which is completely stainless steel, and much heavier. Also a 2213 and 2214, more compact models, I'm afraid I forget the details of these models. And, I guess they all were more or less follow-ons to the original model 61.

I have a 2206, 2 x 422s (4 & 6 in.) and a 6 in. 622. I love them all, great shooters. I would love to add a 2213/2214 to the mix, also. The VR was, I believe, a rather limited production with the vent rib. Also, all models (eh...not sure about the 2213/2214) were built with fixed sights (well, drift adjustable rear sights, I believe) or with adjustable sights.

Good description by Bullzaye, with one minor observation: the 622 slides are a carbon steel with a coating, and they can display some freckling -- especially in the serrations -- if not kept properly cleaned. As far as the Houlton, Maine manufacturing, like Bullzaye I can't offer any particular details except to note that production of several Third Generation pistols was moved there. Others might be able to comment more on the reasons why.

I owned a 6" 622VR for a while. I thought it was a cool-looking pistol, even though the "vent rib" was purely cosmetic, in my opinion. It shot well, and it was very light. I opted to go with a 6" 2206 for my "forever" .22. It soaks up whatever recoil there is from the tiny cartridge and can peck the center out of any target with almost boring regularity. Also owned a 2206TGT, which was really sweet but was in such fine condition that I was always, in the back of my mind, aware that I needed to handle it carefully.

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

Well, I'm certainly not an expert...so it's very possible that I'm wrong. But...if the slide on the 622 isn't stainless (I *know* the frame is not), then...what is the purpose of the "6" in 622? If it were carbon steel that was merely coated to give a lighter finish...wouldn't it have still been a 422?

And, I'm fairly certain that I've read in the past that the slide on the 622 is stainless...was I misinformed? I really hate when I *know* something...and then I find out that I didn't know it at all!

The slide on all 622's is stainless.

See below, the slide from a 622, and from a 622VR, the 422 and 2214 do not have the "S" marked on the bottom of the slide.

I had noticed the difference in marking from Springfield to Houlton. I brought this up and someone contributed that they worked in Houlton in the timeframe, and never saw these pistols manufactured there. I've never been able to find any doc that indicates they were made there.

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I have owned two M422s. Both were very good shooters. Both got sold over the years when I needed cash for bills. Someday, I hope to get another.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

I love that series of guns, I have owned nine of them. I still have two 622's and one 2206, my son has a limited edition brushed nickel 2214. The finish of the 422 is fragile and will wear quickly but otherwise they are fine guns.

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I got my 422 when I was working at the Springfield plant. From what I know they were always made in Houlton. Mine came with the box with ammo, oil and targets, nice price too.

Maybe I had it mixed up, you might have been the person I was thinking of.