Model 22 (45 ACP)

Having had this particular wheelgun for several years now, I decided to give you nice folks my impression of it.

Here is a stock picture of it from the IMFDb:



Mine differs only in the presence of plainclothes Magna stocks and a T-grip adapter.

It is an N-frame S&W in 45 Auto with a 4" barrel and loads with either moonclips or with the 45 Auto Rim (AR) cartridges. 45 AR is ballistically identical to the 45 Auto rounds but instead of being rimless, it has an ultra-thick rim allowing for proper headspacing. Personally, I use the moonclips. They are quite fast to reload with and also prevent the cases from scattering all over the place.

A fair description of it could be that it is a 4" version of the M1917 wheelgun from WWI. I have the 'new' 5 1/2" (Model of 1917) version of it as well. Both this handgun and the new '1917' version are +P-rated. Unfortunately, S&W dropped their new Model 22 from the production line several years back. I forget the exact date I acquired them but it was after 2005 and before 2008.

The other day, I took it out to my range and gave it a workout. About 70-80 rounds went downrange and the gun handled well. Most, in fact, almost all of them were close range hip shots and the paper man was killed as dead as could be. The DA pull on this gun was quite good coming from the factory which is unusual, as many, if not most of this particular model as well as the M-1917 already referred to, had totally crappy triggers. Mine is good in that regard but the M-1917 produced around the same time, was not and my gunsmith had to do quite a bit of work on it before it was good.

I had an interesting encounter on my way to the range. I stopped and looked at some construction work and one of the local police chiefs happened by. I took the opportunity to show him my setup and he seemed to be favorably impressed with what he saw but suggested that I add some height to the berm, saying that if someone shot there who did not shoot well, it could be a problem. He also showed me the method of close-range hip or point shooting that the police are being taught here. It is basically a version of what refer to as the old speed-rock where the gun is held quite close to the body. It is no doubt familiar to many of you.

Anyway, back to the Model 22--if someone likes wheelguns and wants to carry a 45 ACP, this would be a good selection. It is rugged, and shoots a good combat-proven cartridge. I love mine.

gerhard1 said:

Having had this particular wheelgun for several years now, I decided to give you nice folks my impression of it.

Here is a stock picture of it from the IMFDb:

Mine differs only in the presence of plainclothes Magna stocks and a T-grip adapter.

It is an N-frame S&W in 45 Auto with a 4" barrel and loads with either moonclips or with the 45 Auto Rim (AR) cartridges. 45 AR is ballistically identical to the 45 Auto rounds but instead of being rimless, it has an ultra-thick rim allowing for proper headspacing. Personally, I use the moonclips. They are quite fast to reload with and also prevent the cases from scattering all over the place.

A fair description of it could be that it is a 4" version of the M1917 wheelgun from WWI. I have the 'new' 5 1/2" (Model of 1917) version of it as well. Both this handgun and the new '1917' version are +P-rated. Unfortunately, S&W dropped their new Model 22 from the production line several years back. I forget the exact date I acquired them but it was after 2005 and before 2008.

The other day, I took it out to my range and gave it a workout. About 70-80 rounds went downrange and the gun handled well. Most, in fact, almost all of them were close range hip shots and the paper man was killed as dead as could be. The DA pull on this gun was quite good coming from the factory which is unusual, as many, if not most of this particular model as well as the M-1917 already referred to, had totally crappy triggers. Mine is good in that regard but the M-1917 produced around the same time, was not and my gunsmith had to do quite a bit of work on it before it was good.

I had an interesting encounter on my way to the range. I stopped and looked at some construction work and one of the local police chiefs happened by. I took the opportunity to show him my setup and he seemed to be favorably impressed with what he saw but suggested that I add some height to the berm, saying that if someone shot there who did not shoot well, it could be a problem. He also showed me the method of close-range hip or point shooting that the police are being taught here. It is basically a version of what refer to as the old speed-rock where the gun is held quite close to the body. It is no doubt familiar to many of you.

Anyway, back to the Model 22--if someone likes wheelguns and wants to carry a 45 ACP, this would be a good selection. It is rugged, and shoots a good combat-proven cartridge. I love mine.

Click to expand...

If you’ve had experience with the 625, which do you prefer?


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i have one of these as well. one detail ill add is that it is light for caliber especially compared to a full lug 625. heavy loads in the gun, even with target stocks, helps me realize this.

If a 4" Model 22 had been offered in 1964, there might never have been a Model 58 or a 41 Magnum. They are light enough to carry, fast to reload, and even 1960s 45 ACP would have been just fine for reliable stopping power.

I see a nickled version of yours on an auction site with a required 'bid' of $1350.

Here is my 22-4. Mine has the TRR serial number for Thunder Ranch but does not have the logo. I shoot mine with 230 grain FMJ in moon clips. I added some Pachmayrs instead of the magnas shown.

I have one of the Thunder Ranch guns. Shoots very well Single action/Double action is clean and very manageable. Right before the pandemic hit police supply shop near me took a bunch of 45 GAP Pistols from a department on trade along with all the ammo. There was quite a lot of lawman 230 grain FMJ.I bought two cases of GAP ammo for $160 a case. It shoots the GAP ammo very well and I was surprised how snappy it is. Good alternative for plinking ammo in a big bore caliber.

I have the one with the case hardened frame. I have not shot it very much. It did shoot well when I did shoot it several years ago.

gerhard1 said:

Having had this particular wheelgun for several years now, I decided to give you nice folks my impression of it.

Here is a stock picture of it from the IMFDb:

Mine differs only in the presence of plainclothes Magna stocks and a T-grip adapter.

It is an N-frame S&W in 45 Auto with a 4" barrel and loads with either moonclips or with the 45 Auto Rim (AR) cartridges. 45 AR is ballistically identical to the 45 Auto rounds but instead of being rimless, it has an ultra-thick rim allowing for proper headspacing. Personally, I use the moonclips. They are quite fast to reload with and also prevent the cases from scattering all over the place.

A fair description of it could be that it is a 4" version of the M1917 wheelgun from WWI. I have the 'new' 5 1/2" (Model of 1917) version of it as well. Both this handgun and the new '1917' version are +P-rated. Unfortunately, S&W dropped their new Model 22 from the production line several years back. I forget the exact date I acquired them but it was after 2005 and before 2008.

The other day, I took it out to my range and gave it a workout. About 70-80 rounds went downrange and the gun handled well. Most, in fact, almost all of them were close range hip shots and the paper man was killed as dead as could be. The DA pull on this gun was quite good coming from the factory which is unusual, as many, if not most of this particular model as well as the M-1917 already referred to, had totally crappy triggers. Mine is good in that regard but the M-1917 produced around the same time, was not and my gunsmith had to do quite a bit of work on it before it was good.

I had an interesting encounter on my way to the range. I stopped and looked at some construction work and one of the local police chiefs happened by. I took the opportunity to show him my setup and he seemed to be favorably impressed with what he saw but suggested that I add some height to the berm, saying that if someone shot there who did not shoot well, it could be a problem. He also showed me the method of close-range hip or point shooting that the police are being taught here. It is basically a version of what refer to as the old speed-rock where the gun is held quite close to the body. It is no doubt familiar to many of you.

Anyway, back to the Model 22--if someone likes wheelguns and wants to carry a 45 ACP, this would be a good selection. It is rugged, and shoots a good combat-proven cartridge. I love mine.

Click to expand...

A+ Awesome gun!!! Congratulations you have a very unusual .45ACP revolver!!!
I like this gun very much, it is sad to know that S&W is not manufacturing it any more!!!
Regards
RR

I converted a Model 28-2 to handle the 45 ACP cartridge back in the 80s. At that time, it was in my opinion, the best revolver a cop could carry. Unfortunately it was not offered by the factory. Fast forward to the 21st century and the Model 22-4 is offered with a 4” barrel, a reinforced extractor rod and fixed sights. Everything a cop needed and nothing else! A little fancier is the Model 625-6, 45 ACP Mountain Gun.

I have two of the 4”, Model 22-4s, one of the Mountain Guns, one of the 5 1/2” Model 22-4s and my old converted Model 28-2. Nothing wrong with any of them!

Kevin

One or another of the 4” revolvers is my EDC. My holster is styled after one offered by A W Brill.

Kevin

I bought a new 22-4 about fifteen years ago, not long after they became available, I think. I had already purchased new 625s (3" and 5") some years before that. All have been fired extensively and all are great cast bullet shooters. Other than barrel length (I prefer the 4" of the 22-4), I don't think any of the three really offer anything over the others.

I've used ACP rounds in all the guns, but much prefer Auto Rim brass. Far less trouble and you don't need the clutter and gadgetry of clips, loaders, and unloaders.

I got a nickel 22-4 in March of this year. It has become not only my favorite S&W, but probably my favorite double action revolver. I really never expected to like it as much as I do. I’ve probably put close to 1500 rounds through it in that time. Just can’t say enough good about the 22-4.

My best friend and brother showed me one at a gun show in February. He asked what I thought as he was already looking at a NIB M58. I told him I thought he’d shoot the 45 more. He bought the M22, after which I told him had he not grabbed it I would have. He made it his mission to find another for me. A few weeks later he sent me a link to one online for the same price as his. Now we both have one of these great guns and he feels the same way about his.

I’ve mentioned before, but adding the RIMZ moon clips made it much more fun to shoot. Wish I’d found them before buying a mooner/demooner tool and steel clips.

Smith would do well to bring these back.

Dan

The 22-4 I have was listed on Nevada Shooters and did not get much traffic. The seller lower the price to where I thought I better buy it and did.
Very nice shape and very clean.

Toyman said:

Here is my 22-4. Mine has the TRR serial number for Thunder Ranch but does not have the logo. I shoot mine with 230 grain FMJ in moon clips. I added some Pachmayrs instead of the magnas shown.

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Are those Keith Brown stock?

Keith Brown showed those grips on this forum several years ago. I contacted him about purchasing them he did them for his own use but would contact me if he wanted to sell them. Some time later he advised he would sell them and I purchased them. They are RedHeart with pre war style checking and post war medallions. They were crafted to fit post war N grip frame.

biku324 said:

If a 4" Model 22 had been offered in 1964, there might never have been a Model 58 or a 41 Magnum. They are light enough to carry, fast to reload, and even 1960s 45 ACP would have been just fine for reliable stopping power.

I see a nickled version of yours on an auction site with a required 'bid' of $1350.

Click to expand...

Some of the old school LEOs might shed some light, but I think back then .45ACP was just not done as a LE cartridge in most of America.

Or there were just too many cheap old 1917s to make a new, similar gun all that viable.

joespapa said:

If you’ve had experience with the 625, which do you prefer?


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Click to expand...

Sorry for the late reply.

It's actually a mixed bag. I qualified with and carried a 625 (among other guns) when I was a PI in Kansas, so I am familiar with it, and I liked the stainless steel, but the action on the 625, while it was good in mine, was not as good as the one in my 4" Model 22.

And that is strange because most of the actions of the 22's that came from the factory had abysmal trigger pulls. Mine was one of the relatively few exceptrions.

I also have another Model 22 with a 5 1/2" barrel that is a dead ringer for the 1917 of WWI fame. That one really gave me problems, as I could not count on it going 'bang' when I fired it. That one went to two gunsmihs one of whom finally mostly fixed the problem. It had a very rough action which was what I took it to the first smith for and all he seemed to have done was to lighten the trigger pull by bending the mainspring.

So, my experiences with S&W 45 ACP wheelguns has been a mixed bag.

gerhard, joespapa and others,

My experiences with S&W ACP revolvers is a bit different. I have them that span nearly 100 years of manufacturing but the question is about the late model, short actions so I will address those.

gerhard1 said:

... It's actually a mixed bag. I qualified with and carried a 625 (among other guns) when I was a PI in Kansas, so I am familiar with it, and I liked the stainless steel, but the action on the 625, while it was good in mine, was not as good as the one in my 4" Model 22...

Click to expand...

I agree, the action on the three Model 22-4s that I own and the probably 14-18 others that I have handled, is superior to the Model 625-6 Mountain Gun that I have and other 625s I have handled. I would add that the Model 22-4, as a class, has one of the best actions I have seen from S&W in a long time.

gerhard1 said:

... And that is strange because most of the actions of the 22's that came from the factory had abysmal trigger pulls. Mine was one of the relatively few exceptrions...

Click to expand...

As I mentioned above I have handled nearly two dozen Model 22-4s and they have all had better than average triggers from the factory.

gerhard1 said:

... I also have another Model 22 with a 5 1/2" barrel that is a dead ringer for the 1917 of WWI fame. That one really gave me problems, as I could not count on it going 'bang' when I fired it. That one went to two gunsmihs one of whom finally mostly fixed the problem. It had a very rough action which was what I took it to the first smith for and all he seemed to have done was to lighten the trigger pull by bending the mainspring...

Click to expand...

Sorry to hear that. Glad it was finally resolved to your satisfaction.

gerhard1 said:

... So, my experiences with S&W 45 ACP wheelguns has been a mixed bag.

Click to expand...

And mine, fortunately, have been pretty good. Everyone has different luck and expectations.

Kevin

Nowhere near Kevin’s experience here but the two 22-4’s I’ve handled have great actions and triggers.

Dan

Nice Gun OP.

Here is my pre-war commercial 1917 that someone cut the barrel down to 4".

Looks like someone was ahead of his times...