Which one? 22A or 2206

[Redcoat3340]

LGS has 22A for $295 (used). Doesn't have any 2206's.

Question is: should I take the 22A (is price right?) or wait 'till I find a 2206 (or 4 or 622) even if I have to spend a few more bucks?

I'm partial to older Smiths (have a bunch of 39 and 59's) and have read mixed reviews of the 22A (plus an older pole here), so I'm inclined to wait. But mostly I just want to plink, do some informal target shooting, and have a .22 in the house.

Comments, suggestions and advice welcome.

 

[Dr.um]

For me, personally, I found the grip on the 22a to be way too big for my hand. That said, I am sure they are fine guns if they do fit.

I find that the 422/622 fit my hand very well and I shoot them pretty well.

Good luck,
D

 

[Redcoat3340]

oops...should have been "poll."

 

[inspcalahan]

I say....

...wait...

 

[ColbyBruce]

The S&W 2206 is the way to go here. How desperate are you to own one? I could be talked out of mine, LOL!!

 

[WPWarhawk]

The 422/622/2206 series are very nice pistols.

You couldnt give me a 22A.

 

[Redcoat3340]

Seems to be consensus...I'll wait.

And, Colby, if I could simply "talk" you out of yours, wow, it's sure better than buying one. Would "Pretty please," be enough?

 

[ColbyBruce]

I had mine sold twice last year to forum members that backed out, both due to them insisting I pay to FedEx the pistol to Alaska and Washington. Duh, that was not about to happen. Be patient, a 2206 will turn up for sale every two or three years.

 

[bbqncigars]

A 22A is the only pistol I've gotten rid of. I already owned and operated my 2206, and just bought the 22A at the fun show for reasons that escape me now. Many people who have shot my 2206 now want one for themselves. Mine is NOT for sale. The only pistol that is more accurate is my pristine sixties model 41. Go figure.

 

[jackvs1]

If someone was to give you one, please take it and I'll pay you $100. Thanks

The 422/622/2206 series are very nice pistols.

You couldnt give me a 22A.

 

[Redcoat3340]

Thanks to everyone's advice, I waited....one day.

Went to local gun show today and found a LNwithoutBox 422 for $325. Figured that was a fair price so I took it. Came with instruction manual but I had to buy a second mag from the mag guy at the show ($35.00). It was private sale so no tax!

Pics tonight but there isn't a mark on it; bore looks pristine; and I couldn't find any grime on the internals.

One question: I never dry fire my Ruger .22 or .22 rifles, does the same hold true for striker fired .22's like this one? And if no dry firing, is it safe to fire with expended .22 shell? I like to practice but don't want to damage the gun. Suggestions. Do they even make snap caps for .22?

 

[MarkAlt]

I've recently seen the 22A new at the LGS for $299. Bought my stock 22A for $279 a year or 2 back, then the Talo...

I'm a revolver guy, but the low price sold me. It's actually a fine shooting gun. As others have mentioned, the all-in-one grips don't fit everyone. I have big hands and seen the grips on the 22A Talo. Had to have it, so now I own 2. It was low dollars too. I don't look on these as anything but fun plinkers. They both delivered. Neither is picky about feeding whatever I have on hand. With the red-dot, it's just pure fun.

Can't speak to the 2206, but I've already got my moneys worth of fun out of both 22As ...and still own them!

 

[Slidemuzik]

Do not dry fire the Smiths. They have been known to break firing pins.

Smith says in manual
(available here> http://stevespages.com/pdf/s&w_rimfire_pistols.pdf )
not to dry fire. Snap caps are available at the hardware store. Appropriately sized plastic wall anchors work well. Make sure to get the smooth sides without barbs.

Personally I don't like the idea of using expended shells for snap caps for two reasons;
1. Safety. too easy to pull the trigger on a round you don't expect to go bang.
2. No need to dump extra crud in the barrel from leftover burnt powder in the shell. In a pinch I have pulled the slide back just enough to allow the internal hammer to fall while leaving a slight gap. Thickness of a credit card approximately.

BTW, if you like that 422, you need to check out the all stainless 2206. The extra weight gives a different shooting experience. Really nice to have both.

 

[vigil617]

Pics or it didn't happen, Redcoat!

'Til then, you should share with us whether it is a:

4.5" or 6" barrel
Fixed or adjustable target sights
Wood grips or factory rubber
10 shot or 12 shot mag*(s)



In any event, $325 in excellent condition, even without the box, is a good price. You'll find these on GB for that price all day long, especially in the 422 models. The 622s and 2206s have been getting a bit more, depending.

Just a quick correction: these are hammer-fired pistols. The hammer is internal.

Also, if you didn't get a manual with it, be sure to check out one of the threads or videos on how to field-strip these. It's easy once you get used to it, but it can be slightly tricky if you've not done it before. There's also an outstanding sticky by Forum member skjos on how to fully disassemble the 422/622/2206 series if you want to see truly what those internals look like.

Be careful, though: these things are addicting! Welcome to the S&W rimfire club.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I am glad you found one, though the 422 finish is fragile. There may be others, but FIST is the only holster company I have found that shows a mold for this model gun. I can tell you from experience, a Bianchi X15 shoulder holster will strip the finish faster than a belt sander.

My brother made this belt holster for me.

 

[Slidemuzik]

ColbyBruce is right about the finish on the 422s. Exactly why I prefer the 622s to shoot. I have seen 422s with worn finishes, ceracoated that looked like it would hold up much better than the original finish. Not sure it helps the value though.

 

[TTSH]

Many people who have shot my 2206 now want one for themselves. Mine is NOT for sale. The only pistol that is more accurate is my pristine sixties model 41. Go figure.

BTW, if you like that 422, you need to check out the all stainless 2206. The extra weight gives a different shooting experience. Really nice to have both.

I totally love the look and feel of the 2206. I own two Model 41's but I still drool over a decent shape 2206 every time I come across one (which is not too often). I missed buying a LNIB one recently because of my own dang stubbornness and silliness over price. I wanted to have my head examined after that loss.

Next decent one I find I am buying no matter what!

 

[ironhead7544]

I have a 22S that works just fine. Didnt like the grip at first but after using it for a while found it is quite comfortable. The sights are excellent, even for my 65 year old eyes. The rib has a built in scope mount. Once added a 24x rifle scope and with the right ammo I could get 1 inch groups at 50 yards, from a bench rest. A red dot works great for general use. Take down is very easy once learned. You can switch uppers if you like. A number of barrel lengths were available. The trigger took a while to break in but is now light and very crisp.

I will admit the poor thing is butt ugly. The safety is too small but no problem with care. It is difficult to get a good holster. Different sized grips would be nice.

For the money, I think it is a bargain.

 

[Redcoat3340]

Finally got the pictures. 6" barrel, fixed sights, plastic grips, and I did get a manual and I checked out a couple of the youtube vids on disassembly.

I'd love to get the 2206, but I want a .38 snubbie next. On the lookout for a reasonably priced S&W, but would settle, for the time being, for a Taurus or Rossi, 'till I found the right 36.

If I can find some wood grips I'd probably put 'em on. Need to shoot it a bunch before I look for target sights.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I think Pachmayr or MMC actually made an adjustable sight for that model, I recall seeing a 622 VR that was wearing a set once.