Smith & Wesson M&P22 Review

When it comes to plinking or sharpening your shooting skills without breaking the bank, the Smith & Wesson M&P22 often pops up in conversations. But does this rimfire version of the popular M&P series live up to the hype? Introduced as a training companion to its larger-caliber siblings, the M&P22 carries the weight of the Smith & Wesson legacy, which dates back to 1852. While the company is renowned for producing reliable and innovative firearms, not every release has been a slam dunk.

With the M&P22, Smith & Wesson aimed to blend affordability, ease of use, and a design that mimics its more powerful counterparts. But is it just a watered-down version of the real deal, or does it carve out a space of its own? Let’s find out.

Bottomline

The Smith & Wesson M&P22 is a reliable training companion that balances affordability with the essence of the M&P lineup.

What Customers Say

A little top heavy due to the one-piece barrel/slide but this is also the key to its excellent accuracy. The factory sights are fine for target shooting indoors or out and a red dot can be placed on the generous upper rail. Ours came with two magazines and the feed lips were too tight on one but this was easily corrected with needle-nose pliers.

Richmond

Smith & Wesson M&P22 Specs

Caliber	Capacity	OAL	BBL	Height	Width	Weight
.22 LR	12+1, 10+1	7.6″	4.1″	n/a	n/a	24 oz. unloaded

Smith & Wesson M&P22 First Impression

The first thing that stood out with this pistol is how smooth and easy it feels to shoot. The TEMPO gas-operated barrel system is a total game-changer. It tames recoil so much that it handles like a .22 LR, but with the satisfying power of a .22 Magnum. The trigger is surprisingly crisp and smooth, which immediately makes it more enjoyable compared to earlier M&P models I’ve tried. It’s lightweight too, which is perfect for quick handling without sacrificing control. Shooting it feels fun and engaging, and I can see how even newer shooters would feel confident with it. Overall, it’s off to a really strong start!

Smith & Wesson M&P22 Features

Ambidextrous Safety and Slide Stop

The ambidextrous safety and slide stop on the Smith & Wesson M&P22 immediately caught my attention—it’s designed for both right- and left-handed shooters, making it super user-friendly no matter your dominant hand. This thoughtful feature adds a ton of flexibility and ensures everyone can operate it comfortably. For lefties, it’s a game-changer in accessibility! That said, I can see how someone unfamiliar with ambidextrous controls might accidentally engage them during handling, but with a bit of practice, it’s not a big deal.

Reversible Magazine Release

The reversible magazine release is another standout feature on the Smith & Wesson M&P22, making it super versatile for both right- and left-handed shooters. Being able to customize the mag release to match your dominant hand is a huge plus, especially for lefties who often get overlooked. It’s a small detail that really improves the overall user experience. The only catch is switching it over might require a bit of mechanical know-how and some tools, which could be a hassle for newer users. Still, it’s a great feature that adds a lot of flexibility to the firearm.

TEMPO Gas-Operated Barrel System

The TEMPO gas-operated barrel system is one of the coolest features of the Smith & Wesson M&P22. It uses gas pressure to help cycle the action, with the barrel moving within a shroud for smoother operation and noticeably reduced recoil. The result is better control, even during rapid fire, and enhanced reliability since the chamber stays closed until the pressure is safe. It’s perfect for handling a variety of rimfire ammo.

That said, the system’s complexity means you’ll want to stay on top of maintenance, especially cleaning around the gas port to prevent buildup. And, sure, disassembly might feel a bit more involved compared to simpler blowback designs, but the performance payoff makes it totally worth it!

Further reading: Ultimate Gun Reviews

Final Thoughts

The Smith & Wesson M&P22 packs some impressive features. The TEMPO gas-operated barrel system tames recoil like a pro, making rapid fire smooth and reliable, even with .22 Magnum power. The ambidextrous controls and reversible mag release are a nice touch, especially for lefties, and give you plenty of flexibility. Sure, the advanced mechanics mean you’ll need to put in a little more effort with cleaning and maintenance, but that’s a fair trade-off for the performance you get. The controls might take a bit to get used to, but once you do, this pistol is all business. It’s a reliable, hard-hitting pistol whether you’re hitting the range or dialing in your skills.

More info: To see a listing of all Smith & Wesson’s  M&Ps, click here. To read an in-depth review of the S&W M&P45 Mid-Size, click here. To read an in-depth review of the S&W M&P40, click here.