On the verge of buying a 22A

[jim081523]

Hello Everyone,

This is my first post. I'm in the market for a new .22 pistol. This will be my first .22 semi-auto so I'm a total newb. I've looked at the Ruger MK III, Browning Buckmark, Beretta Neos and the S&W 22A. I like the looks and feel of the 22A. Also, I've heard nothing but great things about the S&W warranty and customer service. If you search the web most reviews of the 22A are good. There are a few poor reviews that mention failure to feed's, failure to fires and failure to ejects. From what I've read this could very well be because of the ammo being used. What have your first hand experiences been? How do you think the 22A stacks up against the Ruger, Browing and Beretta? How do you like your 22A's?

Thank you,

Jim

 

[scootergirl69]

Ruger Mach III

Can't believe I'm saying this on a S&W site, but....I have no first-hand knowledge with the 22A. I do have an older 422 which seems to eat just about anything I feed it. That said...the Ruger is a tremendous pistol. Tried and true. Had a Mark III for many, many years (and regret trading it now). Always performed well. Very accurate. Lots of bang for the buck. Just my 2 cents.

 

[au2183]

The 22A is a great pistol, especially for the price. I bought one at Cabela's when they were on sale for $199. I am very pleasantly surprised at how accurate it is.
I also have 2 model 41's, a model 46, a Buckmark, a Challenger, and several Ruger MKII and MKIII pistols.
The 22A holds it's own very well with this bunch.
I think the 22A is highly underrated. I'm sure you will be happy with yours. Just try all kinds of different ammo until you find what yours likes best. Mine seems to like CCI and Federal best. YMMV
Best of luck, and enjoy it!
Hope that helps.

 

[msauter]

The 22A is a great pistol. I have a Buckmark, and bought a 22A for my son. The 22A ran better right out of the box, the Buckmark has since smoothed out but was more finicky for the first 2000 rounds or so. The trigger on the Buckmark may be a little better but not much. The 22A breaks down much easier for thorough cleaning, also had a rail on top for optics which is nice.

 

[Joe1943]

22A Questions

I am also in the market for a 22A. I have a Sigma 40V and am extremely happy with it. The cost of 40 ammo, even at $14.97 at Walmart, is an issue.

My questions: What is the difference in the 22A's, other than barrel length, finish, and cost?
Thanks is advance.

 

[BE Mike]

If the trigger guard opening is big enough and you are going to use it for casual plinking, then the 22A might fit the bill. If you are thinking of getting into competition, I'd go with the Ruger, as it is easy to upgrade the trigger, etc. There is a cottage industry built around Ruger aftermarket parts. There are a bunch of well-known gunsmiths who work on the Ruger. The 22A, not so much.

 

[Bumbazine]

I've had a 22A-1 for a couple of years now, and have put thousands of rounds through it. It is very reliable and very accurate. The grip's a little big for my taste, but comfortable.
Fit and finish could be a little better.
You never want to dry fire this pistol. I have inadvertently dry fired mine when putting it back together after cleaning, and it has a little divot in the breech face where the firing pin hits it.
It still functions fine, but is a minor cause for concern. On the other hand, I can put a whole new barrel on it for a little over $100.00, so I'm not too broken up about it.

If you can find one in your area, you might also look at the CZ Kadet. I've heard very good things about them. I don't have one, but I do have a CZ85B, and it's the most accurate and reliable 9mm I've ever owned.

 

[mtgianni]

Mine is 10 years old and has run every kind of bulk ammo I have thrown at it. My best day was 8 out of 10 hits on a 12" gong @ 100 yards offhand. I like them.

 

[drd]

My 2 cents

My former Buckmark had a nice trigger and the black painted aluminum slide didn't get nicked up too badly, the plastic sight base was weak, and taking sight bar screws and barrel screws out to clean it seemed silly. So this time I was going to get a Ruger MKIII, a solid stainless fluted barrel at a good price of $530, plus the $105 trigger parts, and $40 grips then I would almost have a great gun. But for $675 I could get a used Model 41 and have a great gun. So I did.

My Advice get the 22A, enjoy, if you want a great gun save up for a 41.

 

[jim081523]

Thank u for the great advice everyone. The 22A sounds like a perfect fit for me and the warranty is second to none. I am getting my permit on wed and going to a gun show next saturday. Hopefully I can find a new 22A and take her home.


Jim

 

[Branned2010]

I am looking for the 22A in camo

 

[Vadermedic]

I just bought a model 22A for my son for Christmas. Looking forward to finding out how well it works after the holidays

 

[jerryg22]

I wish you the best, but let me share my experience. I purchased three S&W 22s over the past year. A 22-a, 22-a1, and a 22-S. All worked as they should, but never really satisfied me for one reason or other. I finally bought a used 41 and am happy as a pig in you-know-what. I now understand the term "buy once, cry once."

 

[drd]

SW 22

I'm with you Jerry, wished I would have bought the 41 40 years ago. Dick

 

[ab4ka]

I picked up a 22A last weekend. It was an impulse buy, and I'm glad I got it. I've had two before, both were great shooters but for one reason or another ended up getting traded. I think I'll hang on to this one. I put about 300 rounds through it Saturday and the only problem I had was an occasional FTE, about once every 50 rounds. I'll attribute it to the ammo at this point as I only shot one kind through it.

In comparison to the others...the grip on the Beretta is too small for me, the Rugers shoot well but I can just never grasp the reassembly process, and I've never had a Browning so I can't say there. But I'll tell anyone I think the 22A is the most under-rated .22 pistol on the market.

 

[CB54]

I love my 22A and it shot great right outta the box. And best of all it shoots the cheap federal brick ammo you buy at wally world.

CB