Talk me into a 22a. Let's hear the positive!

[leejack]

I want to put a new twist on this thread.

I am well aware of the Ruger Marks and the Brownings. I don't want to hear about them. The Smith 41 is not in the budget.

And yes, I've read all the threads posted by those who don't like the 22a.

I'd like to hear from those who do like it. The gun will be used for short range target practice and some fun plinking.

What has been your experience with it?

Thanks and best wishes,

Lee

 

[nutsforsmiths]

A friend of mine bought a 22a awhile ago, which I have shot often. They are quite accuate and fun to shoot. His is a bit fussy about ammo and I'm not quite sure which one he likes best. I think the trigger pull on the 22a is better then my Ruger Mk II.

I have shot a lot of different 22 semi-auto pistols and at the distances you are talking about, a 22a will do the job very well.

 

[gr7070]

High praise for them on The .22 forum.

Of course this thread is under the S&W sub-board. Some of the posts do come from owners of all/many of the usual suspects, though.

I considered the 22a when I bought years ago, but opted for the MkIII in the end.

The 22a sounds like a great gun.

 

[matsu]

If you have a 1911 a marvel top or kimber make a good 22

 

[leejack]

If you have a 1911 a marvel top or kimber make a good 22

Thank you for your input. I'm well aware of what's out there, but not seeking alternatives. Just trying to keep the thread on track.

I simply want to hear from those who have a positive experience and like the 22A.

Thanks,

Lee

 

[Yankees31]

Not to get crucified here but I was looking at the ATI 1911 .22 for $300

 

[rock doc]

I like mine. It's a great semi-auto. I bought it a few years ago from Gander Mt, along with a Tru Glo red dot. Had problems feeding any kind of ammo at first. About 10% of the rounds would get smashed instead of being fed. I bought extra mags & the same thing. I saw paint on the feed ramp & where the slide rode on the frame so I used a small wire wheel/brush & dremmeled off the paint at those locations. It'll feed and shoot anything now. Still using the original recoil spacer. Besides being dead-on accurate on paper targets, I've used it with headshots on feral cats, a racoon & a woodchuck.

 

[leejack]

Excellent!

Any more 22A owners? Please chime in.

thanks,

Lee

 

[CB54]

I have a 22a and it shot great right outta the box. At 15 yards, the grouping was with a 5 inch circle, without using a gun rest. I shoot the cheap wally world brick ammo and have never had a single problem with any shots.

It's a little tricky putting it back together after cleaning, but after the third time, it is much easier and it's no big deal.

It's a real fun gun to shoot. My friend also has one and has no problem with his either.

CB

 

[leejack]

Thanks!

How many rounds do you guys have through your 22a's?

Lee

 

[Maier Ruben]

22A

I just got a new 22A-1. I have a VERY old, perfect condition 41 which I decided I would keep as a collector piece and not have it deteriorate while I practiced, plinked (is that the correct past participle of plink? Plunk doesn't sound right.) and just had fun at the club. I did all the research and decided on the 22A based on price, weight (I'm used to heavier pistols) and features.
I've got 300 rounds through it without a single glitch. The first field-strip was an embarrassment, but I've improved with practice-(I'll probably find that recoil spacer when I sell the house. The very nice man a Smith sent me a new one). Since my 41 tolerates only CCI standards, that's all I stock and the 22A has been running fine on them.
The trigger is light and smooth, the balance and grip are comfortable, and I am happy with it.

 

[leejack]

Thank you for your input sir!

I think plinking is a good word; I certainly do plenty of it!

BTW: I have read several times that the gun includes 2 extra recoil spacers located in a little bag under the spongy lining in the case.

Check it out; you may have a couple of spares.

Thanks again,
Lee

 

[Maier Ruben]

Got 'em. Once you put a spare into service, its no longer a spare, so I called to ask where to buy a new "spare" (there are 2 for a reason - they wear out and may take flight) and was told he would just send it. Good customer service is another positive factor.

 

[leejack]

Great!

S&W CS is indeed top notch. This company is making a big comeback (IMHO), after losing some ground in the 90's.

I have been shooting S&W's (and Rugers too) for decades without a problem.

Best wishes,

Lee

 

[leejack]

along with a Tru Glo red dot.

If you don't mind me asking sir, how do you like that Tru Glo red dot?

Are they pricey, easy to install, reliable & accurate?

Thanks,
Lee

 

[Maier Ruben]

I forgot to mention that my only negative reaction on first shooting the 22A was the "black-on-black" sights (it was at an indoor range). Problem was solved when I passed a Rite-Aide on the way home, and for $1.99 bought a bottle of the most garish orangey nail polish you ever saw. A small dab on the front sight and all's fine. It has stood up to 3 cleanings so far.
With the MR upgrade, the sights are really quite good.

 

[leejack]

Thanks! I've painted a seight or two, myself.

What does MR stand for?

Lee

 

[Maier Ruben]

Maier Ruben

 

[CB54]

About 500 rounds and S&W sent me 4 extra recoil spacers free with just a phone call, so now I have 7, because those little suckers can spring off and dissappear real quick. The one I lost , I found later in the bottom of my gun cleaning case.

EDIT: I gotta try the orange nail polish on the front site. Good idea, thanks MR. The black on black is the only drawback.

 

[leejack]

Maier Ruben

Thanks my friend! I'm a little slow. LOL!

Lee