M&P 22 for training pistol, how is the trigger?

[checkmyswag]

I'm considering buying a M&P 22 pistol. How does the trigger compare to the trigger in the full size 9/40 pistols?

Also, have you noticed your centerfire skills improving after shooting a 22 pistol for training?

 

[Bkreutz]

Shooting any caliber handgun correctly will improve your shooting. I don't think the trigger action is similar between the two. I don't have a M&P 22 but I have 2 Walther P22's which if I'm not mistaken are pretty much the same thing. (at least from the ones I've handled) But any shooting will improve your sight picture and muscle control.

 

[RV4driver]

My M&P22 has a VERY light trigger. Your best bet for good training, is one with a somewhat heavier trigger. That forces you to pay attention!

 

[johnnymg]

I'm considering buying a M&P 22 pistol. How does the trigger compare to the trigger in the full size 9/40 pistols?

Also, have you noticed your centerfire skills improving after shooting a 22 pistol for training?

JMO, but the 22 trigger isn't close enough to the real deal to make it a good "training tool". This gun has been a disappointment to me.

JohnG

 

[WBlacklidge]

How close are the triggers on a Ruger 22/45 and a Colt 1911?

Nowhere do I ever see claims that the triggers are designed to be similar on these training/plinker pistols. The training value comes in the grip shape, grip feel, magazine release location, slide release/stop location, etc.

The M&P 22 trigger is much lighter and not close to the compact or full size M&P pistols. Not sure about the Shield, but I doubt a carry pistol comes from the S&W factory with a light trigger.

 

[OKFC05]

The M&P 22 trigger is single action, which will never match exactly a striker fired pistol. However, the general feel on mine is sorta similar in feel to the much used M&P 9 Pro I shoot in competition (4# trigger). I use the M&P 22 as a trainer and loaner for students, especially those that are scared to death of shooting a handgun. For tht purpose, it is GREAT, and the basic ergonimics are enough similar to the M&P 9 to facilitate the transition to centrfire after they learn how to hold and fire the 22 with confidence.

 

[George9]

The M&P is close in size shape and feel to other FS M&P's and I feel it's a good training tool.. Trigger is more like one you would want on you other FS M&P's break is very clean and a bit lighter.. Maybe it would compare better to the other FS guns if they had a trigger job.. But handling is close too with just a lighter grip you can also assimilate recoil as far as muzzle flip goes with out the felt recoil.. I think it as close as you can get by most any maker for a training gun in a .22 cal. I always bring my CCW with me and after training with the M&P .22 I shoot a few mag with the gun I carry or use for home defence.. I use a FS M&P .45 And I like them togather!

 

[2tango2]

I've been interested in getting the 22 for training. Hard to gauge as opinions seem almost evenly split

 

[spad124]

i bought a M&P22 as a trainer to introduce my adult daughter to handguns. Generally I think the M&P22 is pretty good in that role. It's not too intimidating as far as blast and recoil. But, with the moving slide there is enough recoil to let a new shooter get an idea of what to expect with a full sized service pistol. Also, for a beginner who is just experiencing a trigger, the trigger is forgiving. However, I don't own another M&P so I can't compare triggers. I do know there is a world of difference between the M&P22 and the triggers on my S&W revolvers or my Norinco 1911 (which has an excellent trigger by the way).

That said, I use the M&P22 for my own training to concentrate on sight acquisition and follow up shots. While the M&P22 trigger has a lot of take up compared to my other handguns, I adjust in very short order. -- and you really can't beat 22lr as far as training round.

 

[agksimon]

My M&P9c came with a 6.5 lb trigger, which I reduced to just under 4 lbs, via a Burwell trigger job.
My M&P22 came with a 5 lb trigger, which I reduced to 3 lbs with a cleanup of the hammer to sear contact surfaces.
I shoot non-sanctioned IDPA and steel challenge with both and in the heat of the moment, you really don't notice any difference.
My Serpa holster fits both guns perfectly, so the dimensions on all of them must be very close.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

The best gun to train with is the gun you can afford to shoot a lot and will shoot a lot, especially if cost matters to you. The M&P 22 fits the bill.

 

[M&P Freak]

For me the trigger is close enough. As long as I don't think about it I cannot tell the difference. Front sight !

 

[RV4driver]

I also use the M&P22 in my handgun classes. It's fantastic for it's intended use in the class, to get first timers familiar with operation of a handgun, trigger contrtol, and sight picture and alignment. The transition to higher caliber guns has not been a problem so far, because they were not intimidated by the gun they started with. I personally don't train with it, but I do shoot it occasionally just for fun.

 

[RPeacock1128]

The current ammunition situation has forced most (if not all) police departments to change their firearms training. At one time I could go to my department's range and blow through a nearly unlimited supply of .40 caliber ---- no more. My department now limits shooting to only twice a year.

Any shooting when done correctly helps. It helps with proper grip, stance, trigger pull, breath control, sight alignment, etc....

Thanks to the S&W Forum I've been able to secure a steady supply of .22 at a reasonable price and continue to shoot (at my own expense).

You make the call -- do you think it's better to shoot twice a year or as often as possible?

The M&P 22 is not similar to my Sig but it allows me to shoot whenever I want and stay proficient.

RP.

 

[Flavorman]

I shoot my mp22 and mp9fs side by side at the range every time out. The 22 trigger is much lighter but the ergonomics are identical. I think it's a good enough trainer and it's perfect when my 10 year old comes along. I'd recommend the m&p22 to anyone.

 

[VMaxSplat]

I've been interested in getting the 22 for training. Hard to gauge as opinions seem almost evenly split

My recommendation would be to go for it. The M&P22 is a great trainer for shooters that carry the centerfire M&Ps. The 22 is accurate/reliable enough and the trigger is fine. The price is also right. The M&P 22 is a sweet little pistol.

 

[VMaxSplat]

For me the trigger is close enough. As long as I don't think about it I cannot tell the difference. Front sight !

This!

 

[Rgoodwin]

For you folks that have an M&P 22 and a FS center fire I noticed early on when I shot both if the I put several rounds down range with the 9 mm and then switched to the 22 I would catch myself flinching on the first shot. I smiled and realized my problems with accuracy were purely me. Now I just concentrate on the front sight and the trigger pull and shoot the 9 much better without anticipating recoil. For me the 22 has been a great trainer.

 

[Mumbleypeg1]

For me the 22 has been a great trainer.

Me too. And besides that it just plain fun to shoot.

 

[George9]

Guess I have too many years behind me now to be flinching.But good point.. We use to load the mag with a few snap caps for just the reason you mentioned.. Feel kind of foolish flinching when you just hear a click.. Use to load the revolvers with 3 or 4 rounds for the same reason.. Darn good training method!! George