Opinions on the 21-4 and 22-4

[Landric]

OK, I'm a solid anti-lock (and to a lesser extent) anti-MIM guy. However, I have to confess that I am intrigued by both the 21-4 .44 Special and the 22-4 .45ACP, specifically the Thunder Ranch versions.

I like fixed sight revolvers and those that do not look like space guns (as so many new S&W revolvers do). So, despite the lock, the misplaced firing pin, and the MIM parts, I'm still thinking that I might give one of them a try.

If I do, it won't be for defense/carry. I shoot a fair amount of IDPA, and I would be looking at either SSR with the 21-4 or ESR with the 22-4. Despite the lack of life and death venue of use, I'd still be removing the infernal...internal lock, and hoping to find something to plug the hole with. I don't want my revolver locking up during competition either (and yes, I have personally experienced an IL failure in the past).

All that said, I'd like to hear some opinions on the 21-4 and 22-4 if anyone has them. I really want to like current production S&W revolvers, and perhaps slightly retro is the way I can do that.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Landric]

OK, I'm a solid anti-lock (and to a lesser extent) anti-MIM guy. However, I have to confess that I am intrigued by both the 21-4 .44 Special and the 22-4 .45ACP, specifically the Thunder Ranch versions.

I like fixed sight revolvers and those that do not look like space guns (as so many new S&W revolvers do). So, despite the lock, the misplaced firing pin, and the MIM parts, I'm still thinking that I might give one of them a try.

If I do, it won't be for defense/carry. I shoot a fair amount of IDPA, and I would be looking at either SSR with the 21-4 or ESR with the 22-4. Despite the lack of life and death venue of use, I'd still be removing the infernal...internal lock, and hoping to find something to plug the hole with. I don't want my revolver locking up during competition either (and yes, I have personally experienced an IL failure in the past).

All that said, I'd like to hear some opinions on the 21-4 and 22-4 if anyone has them. I really want to like current production S&W revolvers, and perhaps slightly retro is the way I can do that.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mule88]

I agree with everything you've stated above, however I have the .44 special and it is extremely accurate and smooth shooting. It hits to point of aim for me and so far no failures. Like you Its not my personal defense gun because of the lock. I like mine alot...if it didnt have the lock, Id love it. Hope this helps.

 

[ladder13]

I've stated many times before, if the M21 came without a lock, I'd be at my dealers asap. Until then, no way.

 

[18DAI]

CDNN had a bunch of those on clearance not to long ago. Must have been a "hot item" for Safety Wesson

I advise you to stick with your 681. Regards 18DAI.

 

[8emem]

I bought a barely used 21-4 for a good price last year. The accuracy is disappointing for a modern S&W. It is not as accurate as my 6 1/2" 624 from the 1980's. But it does point and balance good. The smaller smooth wood grips that come with it don't look like much but if you curl your little finger under the bottom of the grip, it sure feels perfect to me. Overall, I'm ho-hum about it, no reason to pay full price for one. I would pay $600 for an older (no-lock) 24 or 624 before I spent $500 on a 21-4. Maybe wishful thinking on both these prices, these days...

 

[bronco45]

I have 2 Model 22-4 TRs and I put a Modified S&W Post on the front sight and put the old half nickel sight in the handy green satchel. See Calaveras Slims photo thread my front sight is very similar to his.

Front sight had to be adjusted for POA/POI which was no big deal. Mostly elevation.

Left the factory grips but added a T Grip for extra purchase and better control of weapon.

Load i settled on is a 225TC Cast bullet from Oregon Trail over some 231 in an ACP case.

Accuracy: Gun shoots one hole at 15 yds double action, all day long. Range beyond that my 60 something eyes begin to fail for precision shooting.

Tactically/Practically: The 22 has it all over the 21 due to it being chambered in 45 ACP.

Full moon clips, half moon clips, RIMZ, 45 AutoRims, lots of options fast reloads and lots of ammo choices.

I'm keeping both of mine.

 

[dsf]

I'm in the same boat - really dislike the lock and don't care for the appearance of MIM. I could live with it OK if it took case hardening but it looks lousy. But, I did buy a non TR Model 21 about 2 years ago. Haven't shot the damn thing yet, but I like it's looks.

What I did to live with it was press fit a small dark grey plug into the lock hole - it looks like a post stud at 1st glance. Dumped the grips and replaced them with some old service diamond grips I got for $30.00, the seller figured they were just old grips, nothing special. A Tyler T Grip and fitting a small insert to make the round butt into a square butt and it looks very much unlike a new IL MIM gun.

 

[ladder13]

Originally posted by sailing1801:
I'm in the same boat - really dislike the lock and don't care for the appearance of MIM. I could live with it OK if it took case hardening but it looks lousy. But, I did buy a non TR Model 21 about 2 years ago. Haven't shot the damn thing yet, but I like it's looks.

What I did to live with it was press fit a small dark grey plug into the lock hole - it looks like a post stud at 1st glance. Dumped the grips and replaced them with some old service diamond grips I got for $30.00, the seller figured they were just old grips, nothing special. A Tyler T Grip and fitting a small insert to make the round butt into a square butt and it looks very much unlike a new IL MIM gun.

Interesting....got pics?

 

[buckeyeshooter]

I have one of each. They shoot fine and I have never had a problem with the lock.

 

[Evil One]

I have a M21-4 TR on my rack right now and a M22-4 TR at my gun pushers waiting for me to pick it up next week.
I have the 21 at the range yesterday, my handload in it is a perfect match for me and this pistol.
There were a couple of guys at the range with .22 pistols... heavy barrel adjustable sight target types.
They started a game of roll the can.
I joined in and was blowing the cans apart and flipping the parts up the hill.
One of the guys remarked "Damn thats a shooter!", I then showed him the pistol and remarked that it did OK for a gun without "real" sights.

I love my M21, I alternate it and my RIA 1911 for every day carry.
Oh yea... for some reason the lock doesnt seem to work.

Jim

 

[deanodog]

I also have one of each and like mine fine. The lock doesn't bother me at all since they are range and plinking guns

These are shooters and wear rubber grips when I shoot.

 

[Stophel]

I have one of each. The lock is long gone in the 22-4, and soon will be on the 21-4. The 21-4 seems to shoot real well (only fired it about a dozen times so far), even though neither of them have what I would call "smooth" bores.

The MIM doesn't bother me so much. It seems to be sufficiently strong (I have yet to hear of any failures of MIM parts, much less any that are recurring). They are not case hardened, but appear to be some type of through-hardening steel.

When I get all finished with the 21-4, I plan on it being my number one gun.

 

[Wyatt Earp]

Why do some of you object to carrying these for self defense even if you remove or disable the lock?

It defies logic.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by Landric:
OK, I'm a solid anti-lock (and to a lesser extent) anti-MIM guy. However, I have to confess that I am intrigued by both the 21-4 .44 Special and the 22-4 .45ACP, specifically the Thunder Ranch versions.

I like fixed sight revolvers and those that do not look like space guns (as so many new S&W revolvers do). So, despite the lock, the misplaced firing pin, and the MIM parts, I'm still thinking that I might give one of them a try.

If I do, it won't be for defense/carry. I shoot a fair amount of IDPA, and I would be looking at either SSR with the 21-4 or ESR with the 22-4. Despite the lack of life and death venue of use, I'd still be removing the infernal...internal lock, and hoping to find something to plug the hole with. I don't want my revolver locking up during competition either (and yes, I have personally experienced an IL failure in the past).

All that said, I'd like to hear some opinions on the 21-4 and 22-4 if anyone has them. I really want to like current production S&W revolvers, and perhaps slightly retro is the way I can do that.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

Get the 22 - ACP ammo is cheaper.

 

[Evil One]

Originally posted by shawn mccarver:
Get the 22 - ACP ammo is cheaper.

Roll your own... they are both cheaper then.

Jim

 

[Ace-3]

Check out the Sept/Oct 2008 of American Handgunner. Mike Venturino does a great write up on old vs new revolvers.

 

[Landric]

Thanks for the opinions folks, keep 'em coming!

I handload, so ammo prices are not as much of a concern, I have the set up to do .45ACP already. I'd have to get dies, bullets, and brass for .44 Special, so I'll probably end up with the ACP if I get one, but we will see.

I wouldn't object to carrying a removed lock S&W for defense, but the N-frame is bigger than I am looking for in that respect. I'd be buying it as a IDPA and plinking gun.

 

[Norton 750]

Don't disable a lock on a carry gun. You don't need to give them a reason. Get a pre lock 396 and be happy.

 

[Evil One]

The lock is a storage feature... wont make a damn for carry use.


Jim