Sidearms & Scatterguns M&P 22 Review

[DocGlenn]

With all the political gun crap that has been going on, I thought I wold get a new handgun. I was originally oing to get a Glock as well as a .22 conversion kit so I could practice and shoot for a lot less $. Went by the local shop and after talking with them, decided to get a M&P in 9mm and the M&P .22.
The cost of both wasn't much more than the Glock with the .22 conversion kit, and I got 2 complete pistols instead of one and a half. The size and controls are almost identical. The .22 is lighter, and there isn't any way to change grip size, but other than that, they are twins. The .22 is an exact fit for the Blackhawk holster I got.
I've really been impressed with the .22. I've probably put 150 rounds of cheap Federal bulk through it, and it has not had a single malfunction of any kind. I've enjoyed shooting it so much, I've yet to take the 9mm out of the box.
I think it is going to be a great "trainer" for its big brother, and it really is fun to shoot.

Glenn

 

[hrfunk]

Re: M&P 22 Review

Congratulations! I got an M&P 22 for Christmas, and I also think it's a GREAT trainer. My only complaint is that I haven't had more time to shoot it! I do wish S&W would have included a second magazine, but assuming they don't become illegal, I'll be buying another one soon.

HRF

 

[Izot]

Re: M&P 22 Review

Nice pick up. You made a fine choice. I have several M&Ps. Last winter I picked up an M&P .22 for the same reason, cheaper alternative to shoot with the same fit and feel. I now have thousands of rounds through the .22 and it functions awesome. I usually run 50 rounds through it when I get to the range just to get myself focused before switching over to the larger calibers. The bonus is that it fits in all my M&P specific holsters.
From what I understand the .22 magazines are made by Walther. That is why it only came with one. I have been unable to find any magazines locally, so you will most likely have to order extras.

 

[DocGlenn]

Re: M&P 22 Review

I was able to get one more 12 round mag, and 1 10 round (the shop didn't have any more 12 round mags) at the time of purchase. They all three work perfectly. I just hope the 9mm works as well!

 

[Baron85]

Re: M&P 22 Review

How is the trigger compared to the full-size m&ps? I have a 9mm and have been thinking about getting one.

 

[Stormshadow]

Re: M&P 22 Review


On the 10 rnd magazine, take off the base plate. You will see a small, silver colored plastic cap that the magazine spring rests on. Remove the cap, re-assemble the magazine. Your 10 rnd is now a 12 rnd. That silver cap is what S&W uses to make their mags compliant to non-high cap states.

 

[KTDLS7]

Re: M&P 22 Review

All ^ ^ ^ spot on. I have the 9 also. Great training pistol, at fraction of the feeding cost. Just as Stormshadow stated, 10 rounders are easily converted to 12 in a few minutes by removing the aluminum spacer. One caution: the manual safety has a plastic shaft - a friend broke his getting a little "heavy" with it. I leave the safety off during draw/shoot drills, but utilize it when I am working with a new shooter.

Kevin

 

[DocGlenn]

Re: M&P 22 Review

Thanks for the hint on mag conversion, definitely going to work on that!

 

[DocGlenn]

Re: M&P 22 Review

Thought I would post an update. I've fired another 150-200 rounds through my M&P 22,and still not a single malfunction of any kind. I've been really happy with this weapon.

Converting a 10 round mag to 12 round was stupid easy. Push in the pin on the bottom of the floorplate, slide off the floorplate, remove the metal spacer, and replace the floorplate. Took 2 mins max. Thanks for the info on that!

 

[John_in_WYO]

Re: M&P 22 Review

Only problem I've had is the .22 won't fit my duty holster. The slide is wider ahead of the ejection port than the .40.

So, it makes practicing drills from the holster a bit of a problem.

 

[hangingchads]

Re: M&P 22 Review

It fits holsters for m&p45 and glock 21. At least my varies Blackhawks holsters and safari land holsters fit.

 

[COLOSHOOTR]

Re: M&P 22 Review

Glad to hear good things about the M&P22. I've been thinking about picking one up as a cheap trainer since I have a ton of .22 LR laying around at home. I've just been waiting for some reviews before I pulling the trigger.

I'd also like to hear what you think about the trigger compared to other M&P's.