Help deciding on 622

[Slidemuzik]

I'd appreciate member's opinions on a deal for a 622.
It's a 4.5 " barrel with wood grips and adjustable sights. Two new style mags included.

Reportedly shoots well according to the seller. I did notice that something rattles internally when shaken and the mag release safety does not engage to prevent the trigger from firing with no mag. My guess is those two things are related. I am aware that disengaging that safety is a popular way to lighten the trigger pull, but the seller can not provide any info on that because he bought it at an estate sale. I am thinking the previous owner disconnected it. The seller insisted that he had only one FTF in 50 rounds, and attributed that to the Winchester bulk pack ammo. No feeding issues or FTE. Sounds reasonable to me.

Finish is OK. Some wear on the sharp edges and a couple of light marks on the finish. I'm LOUSY assigning condition, but I'd estimate 85-90% finish. Overall, not collector condition, but nothing that jumps out at you on initial inspection. No box. I'd describe it as nice shooters grade, which would be it's intended purpose.

Given that info what is everyone's opinion on a price for it?

Also is anyone here familiar with how that mag disconnect procedure works and what to look for in regards to parts missing, or is something like a spring likely to be disconnected and still there? That would explain the rattle when shook.

Thanks in advance for any guidance. I need to make a call on this before it gets away.

 

[Slidemuzik]

Anybody? Where's all the 622 guys?

 

[Falguy]

Maybe I'm cheap but i'd offer $300 tops

Disabled safety, shooter grade, possible other problems. It just doesn't sound like something you want to spend a lot of money on

If it gets away, it gets away. A better one will come along

 

[Bullzaye]

I'm far from an expert on this gun, or on the topic of assigning values in general. But I'd agree with $300, but that would be an absolute maximum for me, based on your description.

I'm thinking I'd prefer something closer to $200, maybe go to $250. I'd probably stick to the $200 price, unless or until you could ascertain the cause of the rattling/safety issues, and the cost of any repairs to address them.

Tim

 

[Slidemuzik]

Photos

I may have undersold the condition.

 

[inspcalahan]

I've got a couple of these and love them! That being said, I'd put maybe 200-225 out there tops. Who knows what's going on inside - most likely something simple and that would make the fix bring it up to what it's value is. If it's more than that, not likely a good deal. You can figure 45-60 in value for the mags, so you're looking at 165-180 for the actual gun. That makes it worth it.

 

[Slidemuzik]

Wow. Tough crowd. How about some of the 422,622,2206 owners that have posted on these before out there? I'd really appreciate hearing from you.
Thanks.

 

[Bullzaye]

I do own a 2206, and it's a great pistol, I love it!

The pistol does look to be in nice shape, and perhaps you did "undersell" the condition a bit. Still, it's hard for me to decipher just what this "rattle" may be. When I shake my 2206 around a bit, I hear a tiny rattle...all pistols are going to have something moving around inside. I can't determine the severity or seriousness of the rattle you describe...so I'm erring on the side of caution, for your benefit. I'd rather estimate a low-ball figure, and have you get a good deal, than a higher figure, and have you find out later that the fix is going to be costly, and then you're annoyed with the "helpful advice" that forum members gave you.

One thing I'm not knowledgeable on...I believe I have heard others say that the 4 in. bbls. with adjustable sights are less common? If that's true, that may raise the value of this piece a bit.

It sounds as though you've gotten a few replies, and they're not what you were hoping to hear. Why don't you just tell us the asking price, and we can comment on that, rather than waiting until someone comes up with the price you want to hear? Bottom line is, if you think we're not fully appreciating the condition, or fully understanding the situation, and you feel we're undervaluing the pistol...then you already have made a decision as to what it's worth. If you like the pistol, and want it, don't worry about what we say. Buy it, and enjoy it!

Tim

 

[sherwood49]

I have one in 6". Love it! Very accurate. I don't remember what I paid for it but I think it was around $300. Now around here I see them and their 422 brothers at the shows going for between $250 and $300. I would buy yours for between $200 to $250 since it possible has problems. Let us know what happens.

 

[Slidemuzik]

Ok I'm busted. I didn't want to influence opinions by mentioning a price. We have settled at 325. Gunbroker sales seem to support it. Had a chance to shoot it and it went through three mags with no issues. Seems like a keeper to me. These don't come up locally very often and I have developed a soft spot for these. I appreciate everyone taking the time to respond with your thoughts.

 

[t-bird]

Great deal on a great little 22, one of my favorites. Best of luck and enjoy your new toy.

 

[Slidemuzik]

Thanks t-bird. Now if .22 ever becomes available at a reasonable price again...

 

[smitholdtimer]

Non Model Specicic reply

Basically they are the same, specific parts are made from different material being the only difference. Have never had any experience with any of the 4.5" barreled pistols but am more impressed by the weight of the M-2206. Easier to hold on target and less susceptible to the slight recoil. This design has been so under appreciated for so long, you better get what you think you want for I predict their prices will escalate in the near future if not before. Just a personal opinion likely not worth much but you did ask.

 

[Slidemuzik]

Smitholdtimer, I could not agree with you more regarding these being very underappreciated. I have been studying and trading these for about two years now since I saw my first one when my LGS put a 6" 622 in my hand. I have been blessed to find some exceptional pieces at reasonable prices and even my wife has been onboard with my interest in them. She is still an angel after 32 years.

At some point soon I am going to get all the pistols together for a nice "family" photo. I've seen some nice collections on here, but I'm not sure I've seen a photo with all the rarest models together. Between my self and my buddy we have the bases covered including a 4.5 " 622VR fixed sight which is one of only slightly more than 300 made. I posted a 622VR rescue thread on it at the time I found it.

There really is not a well defined market for these. I generally believe that GB defines the market for most guns, but even GB prices are all over the place for these. It is obvious that some sellers have no idea what they are selling and others have highly inflated opinions on what they have. That's why I was soliciting opinions here on value. Most of the people here are like myself and don't want to invest more in a piece than you can get back out of it pretty easily. At least that's how I'd define a good deal.

I am not a collector per se. I am a shooter. Not really interested in safe queens. However, lol.... in the case of this series, I have studied them enough now that I know when I come across something that is undervalued and represents an opportunity. I have taken advantage of some of those situations with the intention of spinning them back off at some point and reinvesting. This was a piece that I would be keeping and shooting. I felt I was right on the line at 325 for being able to easily get that back out and wouldn't anticipate making much if I was to decide to sell in the near future. So I wanted to see what the folks here came up with as a number and I didn't want to influence things by naming the price.

In the world of .22 pistols, I can't think of any manufacturer that covered all the bases in regards to what task you want to do. Long barrel, short barrel. Lightweight frame or solid stainless. Adjustable sights or fixed. Plinking, hunting, or a serious target gun, they had a model all in the same family to suit. I think they made 18 variations over roughly a ten year period. It was a unique time that with the advent of polymers will likely not be repeated. The market has changed forever and building a gun like these is an uphill battle in terms of being profitable to the manufacturer. Getting to know this series has been very satisfying and for those unfamiliar, I highly recommend keeping your eyes open for these.

 

[Slidemuzik]

Good news! After removing the right grip, the mag safety lever and spring are easily accessible without any further disassembly. Well if the spring had been there it would have been visible. I noticed from another that the spring was about the same circumference as a spring from a ballpoint pen. I stole one from an old pen, put in in place and voila! No rattle and the mag safety works. A call to S&W customer service and the proper replacement is on it's way along with an extra tiny screw that holds the sight on and has a nasty habit of taking flight. The newer ones have a rivet in addition to the screw and S&W said they'd be happy to retrofit the rivet on warranty. He did inform me that S&W is switching things around between Holton and Springfield to increase production and work is stacking up while the reorganization is going on. The repair center in particular is moving from Houlton to Springfield.

 

[chuckfw]

Sounds like you got a decent buy on your 622. I saw a 6" at a gun show a couple of months ago and asking was 350.00. I can say it shoots as good as my 4" does and I didn't quibble over the price since they are hard to find....at least around here. Great plinker guns and also for new shooters to start out on.

 

[ESW]

I have a 622 but have not shot it in 6 months since 22 lr are unicorn rare. I love mine. light weight, I shoot double taps at 24 feet and generally shoot sub 2" 2.5 second 10 shoot groups. Fun. I bought brand new in 1988? for about $250.

 

[Old Navy]

Well I passed up one weekend before last and wish I hadn't but with two 2206's it's not a big deal. Anyway with 22lr ammo in such short to non existent supply, who needs another 22 pistol (I have 7) to feed.