S&W Model 22a

[ERock62]

I see Turners has the 22a 5.5" Bull Barrel on sale right now for $229.

I have read tons of mixed reviews on it. What do you guys think?

[kapache]

Don' use Blazer ammo use CCI or winchester HP ammo, otherwise it will jam none stop.

[ERock62]

I have about 3k or so of Federal Bulk 525 (copper jacket) at home. Will those be ok?

[djleisure]

I have about 3k or so of Federal Bulk 525 (copper jacket) at home. Will those be ok?

I use Federal bulk in mine and it works just fine. It has the occasional FTE, but I'd say that's about 1 in 300 or so... BUT keep in mind that pretty much all .22's are very picky and the rounds they like differ from gun to gun, even if it's the exact same make and model... as always YMMV.

[2DoorImpala]

Dont use Remington golden bullets, mine does not like them at all.

[BSlacker]

[317cmbtengr]

I've had mine a 4" barrel and have shot thousands of rounds through it. It did chew up the plastic buffer but S&W sent replacements for free. It broke the tab that grips the frame at the back recently and again S&W sent a replacement free. Awsome customer service. This is always the gun I shoot the most when at the range, great for the price, shoots cheap ammo and I can put it in the 10 ring at 20 yards all day long.

[ERock62]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

[paulo737]

Spend a little more and get a nice Ruger MK III or Browning Buckmark..not a fan of the SW 22a.

[ERock62]

Spend a little more and get a nice Ruger MK III or Browning Buckmark..not a fan of the SW 22a.

I would like a Buckmark or Ruger but they are a bit out of my price range.

What about the Beretta U22 Neos?

[BSlacker]

The 22A will equal the MKll/MKlll in most any parameter. I have had a MKl for over 40 years and it is no better than my 22A in reliable, accurate and safe shooting. I have all the tools to change barrels on the MK series, that includes a lathe and it is expensive to change barrels but if you want to have a MKll and change barrels that is what you do otherwise you buy an entire gun. On the 22A just push a button.
They each can have adjustable sights. They each mount optics easily. The MKll/MKlll has a big grip selection so it wins for grips today. The 22A will catch up in time and more grips will be offered. Factory triggers are about the same. The MK series offers aftermarket triggers so the MK wins the trigger contest but not by much. There are free mods for the 22A that will improve the trigger. The MKll cost more and offers not much more value. If you want to shoot today and cost is a factor give the 22A a chance.

[wildcard]

It shoots and shoots accurately. Customer service has been awesome when my frame cracked and also when I had a broken firing pin. I probably have just under 10K rounds through mine.

Keep the bolt clean to take care of the FTE problem.
Keep some extra buffers on hand (cheap).

[Ledbetter]

I am not a fan either. I don't think it is good practice to buy a gun on the basis of good customer service when the frame cracks. Mine was nothing but problems. I sent it to S&W for service and then sold it without shooting it again.

Buy a used Buck Mark or Ruger. If you can find a used S&W 422 or 622, buy it quick.

[hdhobbyist]

I own both a S&W 22A and a Beretta Neos and they both shoot very well. However the fit and finish on the Beretta is much better than the S&W which has many sharp edges; an oddly designed rail; and a difficult to retract slide. The lifetime warranty on the S&W was a selling point in addition to the ease of field stripping, which is also a major reason I bought the Beretta. I broke them both in with CCI Mini Mags and I now shoot mostly the Federal Value pack ammo without any problems.

Some people dislike the style of the Beretta Neos, it's definitely not another 1911 clone. If you look at the High Standard Duramatic and Colt 22 (also called the Cadet) there are similar design elements. It's not a Colt Woodsman; a High Standard; or an expensive target pistol, but it's a fine pistol for the price.

The price at Turner's seems fair and I noticed that last time I was there that their service has improved. Good luck on your purchase!