Smith & Wesson Model 422

Last updated
Smith & Wesson Model 422
Smith and Wesson Model 422.png
Type Semi-automatic pistol
Place of originUnited States
Production history
Manufacturer Smith & Wesson
Produced1987-1996
Specifications
Mass22 (4.5") and 23.5 oz (6")
Length7.5" overall with 4.5" bbl

Cartridge .22 Long Rifle
Caliber .22
Barrels4.5" and 6"
Action blowback
Effective firing range50 yds
Feed system10- or 12-round box magazine
Sightsfixed (field) or adjustable (target)

The Smith & Wesson Model 422, is a semi automatic .22 LR pistol manufactured by Smith & Wesson.

Contents

Production history

Produced from 1987 to 1996, the Model 422 was the company's entry into the lucrative mid-priced rimfire pistol market. This niche was, at the time, dominated by Sturm Ruger's highly successful Mk I and Mk II series of pistols. Smith & Wesson had previously left the market position after 1966, when the Model 46 was dropped from their catalog. The pistol retailed for roughly $250US before it was discontinued in 1996. [1]

Design details

Along with all the variants listed below, a unique design feature of the 422 was the fact that the barrel resided in a low position in the frame just above the trigger guard. The barrel is non-moving and fixed to the frame. It came threaded from the factory, but the "barrel nut" was used to affix the barrel to the frame. This made this pistol line perfect for use with a suppressor with an aftermarket adapter since the sights could still be utilized.

The bolt assembly, which comprised the top rearward portion of the pistol, moved behind as well as above the axis of the barrel and resembled an L shape. The recoil spring was contained in the portion above the bolt, which also housed the firing pin. Above the barrel was a large frame lug, which gave the gun a pleasing look of constant width and depth from the trigger guard forward to the muzzle, while also serving as a solid block for the bolt to hit against when the recoil spring returned the bolt to battery. The low bore axis served to greatly reduce muzzle jump, and served to allow the fitting of a suppressor without losing the use of the factory sights. [2] [3]

The Model 422 was introduced with a 12-round detachable box magazine, but was later shipped with a 10-round magazine, in answer to a 1992 high-capacity magazine ban in California, which outlawed selling magazines holding more than 10 rounds. [4]

Variants

See also

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References

  1. Fadala, Sam (2002). "Smith & Wesson's Model 41: collectibles, edibles, and a lesson in history". American Handgunner. 22 (6): 83.
  2. "Smith & Wesson Model 422 Field .22 LR Variant-1".
  3. http://vannuysgunshop.com/gun_manuals/smith_wesson/S&W%20422%20Rimfire%20Pistols.pdf [ bare URL PDF ]
  4. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-10-09. Retrieved 2014-08-12.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)