While enthusiasts often argue over 9mm versus .45 ACP, many other enjoyable calibers wait to be discovered. One caliber that stands out is the .22 WMR, a rimfire cartridge typically loaded with a 40-grain bullet. Smith & Wesson shares my enthusiasm for this caliber, offering the M&P 22 Magnum.

S&W M&P 22 Magnum – Modern Gun for a Classic Round

The M&P 22 Magnum is a full-size pistol that fits comfortably in my hands. Like most modern handguns, it features a molded polymer frame with a well-designed grip texture reminiscent of sandpaper or classic grip tape. Smith & Wesson crafted a substantial relief behind the trigger guard, paired with a high beavertail, making shooting both comfortable and precise. Additionally, a robust accessory rail sits in front of the trigger guard, featuring four cross slots perfect for mounting a light or laser.

I was pleasantly surprised to find excellent ambidextrous controls, including an ambi safety and a magazine catch. With just a narrow slot-head bit, I could easily swap the magazine catch from one side to the other. By rotating the screw head in the mag catch assembly 90 degrees, I could slide it out, reposition it on the opposite side, and then lock it in place.

Great Trigger

The stainless-steel slide boasts S&W’s durable Armornite black nitride coating. The trigger feels great, featuring a tab safety in the center of the trigger shoe. When I depress the tab, it allows me to take up .375 inches of slack. This specific pistol had a trigger weight of 4 pounds with a smooth, clean break and a sharp reset. Another significant advantage is the M&P’s impressive 30+1 capacity, enhancing the enjoyment of range time.

The gun comes equipped with a fixed rear sight and a green fiber-optic front sight, but it also offers optics-ready capabilities. S&W chose the Shield RMSc pattern, providing a range of options for mounting optics. A unique feature is that when I remove the cover plate, it exposes the firing pin mechanism and the internal safety block. While not the first time I’ve seen this design, it remains interesting to see internal components displayed this way. I attached a Vortex Defender red dot sight, which has performed well on other firearms.

Under The Hood

Under the hood, the gun becomes even more intriguing. At first glance, the trigger might lead you to believe it operates like a striker-fired gun, but it actually features an internal hammer that strikes the firing pin. Additionally, the gun uses S&W’s TEMPO barrel system. Unlike most pistols that rely on a blow-back design, the M&P 22 Magnum utilizes a gas-operated action. The barrel consists of two parts: an exterior sleeve and an inner barrel. A gas port near the muzzle allows gases to enter the space between the barrel and sleeve, pushing against gas checks and helping to cycle the action. This design delays the barrel’s rearward motion until chamber pressures decrease, and it allows for a lighter slide—contributing to the 22 Magnum’s portability.

When range day finally arrived, I felt excited, and the early drive proved worthwhile. Initially, choosing ammo was tricky since some .22 WMR pistols can be finicky. However, S&W conducted thorough in-house testing and provided a comprehensive list of compatible ammunition on their website. Armed with this information, I selected CCI Maxi Mag 40-grain HP ammo. After quickly zeroing the optic, I was ready to shoot. I quickly noticed the distinctive muzzle flash that accompanies this round—it wasn’t a massive fireball, but it was still visible in the bright morning light. Most importantly, I remembered how much fun this round is to shoot.

Versatile Round

Many people favor the .22 WMR as a trail gun caliber due to its effectiveness against snakes and small game. Some even champion it as a viable defensive round. Though it may not compare to classic self-defense calibers like 9mm, it still fires a 40-grain bullet at over 1,800 fps. While many may dismiss this round, I’ve yet to find anyone willing to test its effectiveness against them. In short, any firearm provides better personal protection than none.

Performance-wise, the M&P 22 Magnum excelled. I found recoil manageable, and the gun operated without hiccups or malfunctions. I enjoyed running it on steel targets, achieving reliable hits even at 50 yards. The large-capacity magazine enhanced the experience, allowing me to shoot extended strings without constant reloading. 

M&P 22 MAGNUM

While it is true that this pistol will probably not see the sales number other members of the M&P family will enjoy, it is still a great gun. It is a pistol we expect from Smith & Wesson both design and performance-wise, and I believe it would make a solid addition to your lineup.

For more information, visit https://www.smith-wesson.com/

SPECIFICATIONS: S&W 22 Magnum