S&W Model 422

[Riderfan]

Funny how things go , after getting a 27-2 and a model 41 an old boy mentioned he has a Model 422 collecting dust. I'm sure some members have one or have had experience with them. I did a bit of research and the magic box says production 1987 to 1996 ?
Would they be considered collectable or were there large amounts produced in there 10 year run...

 

[robvious]

I have no idea how collectible they are... but my 2 are fun plinkers... and they use the model 41 magazines too

 

[Model52guy]

I’m not sure how collectible they are either but I just bought my 10th 422 today. Been trying my best to corner the market in case they become collectible some day. Over the past 3 years I’ve seen the prices at least double. The other models are a little harder to come by: the 622, 2206, 2213 & 2214 although I also have at least one of each. As a M41 and M52 shooter for years I thought these little pistols were a cheap attempt to replace the M41 and never gave them a second look back in the 80’s. But after finally shooting one 4 years ago, I have become a big fan.

 

[Sevens]

They are alloy frame and odd looking, somewhat odd a design in that the chamber and barrel are low. If you have never handled one, you may do a double-take when you draw the slide back and don't see the chamber where you expect it.

Prices on them have climbed over the last few years, they are a decent suppressor host, which is a quirky coincidence considering that nobody was buying suppressors back when these were being made.

 

[misswired]

My first impression; wow what a soft shooter for a such a light pistol.... must be the design.

 

[rolandj]

Nice pistols and good buys.

 

[vigil617]

Welcome to the Forum, riderfan.

The search feature on here is pretty handy. Type in "422" and you'll get about 3,000 results that you can pare down by relevance, date, etc. I think you'll find just about anything you want to know about these.

They aren't collectable, at least for the time being, but you can sure pick one up for a decent price. They've stayed in the $250 to $350 range for quite a while. Even an almost new in box model with cleaning kit and the original pack of ammo isn't much more than $400 or so, which seems low for what it is, but again, these aren't collectable yet and prices reflect that.

They and their brother 622s are fun to shoot and darn accurate too. If that style of pistol appeals to you and you want to invest in something a bit more valuable and more collectable, I'd suggest the 622VR (vent rib), especially in the rare 4 1/2" barrel length. In a full stainless steel model, the 2206TGT ("target) is the high roller and commands $600 to $700 or more depending on condition.

 

[dla]

I paid $220 for my 622 back in 1992. One of the best 22lr pistols for the $ at the time. Funny to see people shelling out $300 for them now.

 

[Sevens]

I paid $220 for my 622 back in 1992. One of the best 22lr pistols for the $ at the time. Funny to see people shelling out $300 for them now.

I'm confused with your comment that it is funny...?

$220 in 1992 money for a new gun in box, unfired with a warranty is $389.07 in 2019 $dollars for a sought after gun that is desirable AND out of production, and won't ever be made ever again.

$300 is a damn good price for a 422 or 622 if it isn't beat up or broken. And a 30 year old high condition 422 or 622 is a far better handgun than most of the Tupperware rimfire junkers sold today. And the new S&W "Victory" is infamous in this forum for failing to establish itself as quality.

 

[Thin Man]

I paid $220 for my 622 back in 1992. One of the best 22lr pistols for the $ at the time. Funny to see people shelling out $300 for them now.

I would buy every one I could find for $300!
In my neck of the prairie they start at around $400 for "meh" condition examples. And that's in the extremely rare instances that they actually show up for sale.
There is a reason for the prices that they are commanding. In my opinion the 422 / 622 etc series was the last quality rimfire pistol that S&W made (aside from the model 41).
It's all been downhill since production of these guns ended. Next came the 22A, then the M&P 22s, then the Victory. None of which can hold a candle to the 422 / 622 series from a quality of manufacture standpoint.
But hey, what do I know.

 

[GeoJelly]

They are great pistols - I have two 622's and just picked up a 2214. I don't have 1000's of rounds thru mine but they've never hung up feeding anything for me. Just got the 2214 and I've only tried Stingers, but ditto. I'm still on the lookout for another 4-incher - either 422 or 622 ... and I don't have any of the elusive 12-rd mags ...

 

[BigBoy99]

I like them because of the threaded muzzle cap. I made an adapter to permit the attachment of a .22LR suppressor. Really a fun gun to shot and with the suppressor, the sound of the slide cycling is the noisiest part of the firing.

 

[kidcom]

I have to admit that they're a wee bit strange looking. However, having said that, I own two of them and they are a fine shooter for the price. Well worth the investment as back up shooting buddies for my 41.

 

[Coyote41]

New to this site, but finding lots of great info. I own one 422 which is not living up to expectations or the implied reliability in the above posts. It is accurate for a plinker, I admit that. I never expected M41 accuracy from the 422, but it is good. The problem is that it jams so often. Fails to feed, fails to properly eject, misfires, you name it, it has done it. I have tried a wide variety of ammo, including high grade target loads. Magazines are M41 (older M41 mags don't lock in, slot too short). I have 6 mags that fit the 422 and none are reliable in the 422. So, I've bashed it enough, but am I likely to get rid of it. NO! I currently have 3 M41's and have been using 41's since the early 1970's.

Firearm freedoms will end if we don't educate and train our children and grand children about the responsibilities of ownership.

 

[indigo22]

Coyote41,
I have a 422 and a 2214, both are finicky when using SV ammo (2214 seems to plain hate SV). CCI HV works flawlessly in both, Winchester is just fair at best, Federal AutoMatch will run with a lot of lube on warm days, on cold days due to being SV it is a no go. The 2214 doesn't like anything but stingers if the temps are below 30 degrees. I'd like to try CCI Velocitors if I could find them.
Don't give up on your 422 yet, when you come across its favorite ammo you will find that it really is a gem.