Introduction
Are you searching for an affordable and enjoyable pistol to shoot? Perhaps you’re seeking an excellent option for training, plinking, or even introducing someone to the world of firearms? The Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact has emerged as a popular choice in the rimfire pistol market. But does it live up to the hype? Is it the right firearm for you?
This review delves deep into the M&P 22 Compact, providing a comprehensive evaluation of its features, performance, and overall value. We’ll examine everything from its ergonomics and build quality to its accuracy and reliability on the range. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter looking for a fun plinker or a newcomer eager to learn, this M&P 22 Compact review aims to equip you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. We’ll explore whether this .22 LR pistol truly earns its place in your collection.
Overview of the M&P 22 Compact
Smith & Wesson, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the firearms industry, developed the M&P (Military and Police) series to cater to the needs of law enforcement and the civilian market alike. The M&P line is known for its reliability, durability, and user-friendly design. The M&P 22 Compact is a rimfire variant, offering an accessible and cost-effective entry point into the world of M&P pistols.
Let’s explore the specifications of the M&P 22 Compact to understand its fundamental characteristics. This pistol has a strong following because it mirrors many features of larger M&P centerfire pistols, enabling users to practice and train with a similar platform without the higher costs of ammunition.
This compact pistol typically chambers the standard .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) cartridge, making it an economical choice for target practice and recreational shooting. It boasts a magazine capacity that comfortably holds multiple rounds, providing ample time for uninterrupted firing before reloading. The barrel length contributes to the pistol’s overall balance and accuracy. Its manageable length allows for swift handling and effective target acquisition.
The dimensions of the M&P 22 Compact are specifically tailored for comfortable concealment and easy handling. Its weight is quite manageable, making it suitable for extended shooting sessions without causing undue fatigue. The sights, often featuring a three-dot configuration, provide a clear sight picture, allowing for quick and accurate target acquisition.
The frame of the M&P 22 Compact is typically constructed from a durable polymer, which helps keep the weight down and offers excellent resistance to wear and tear. The slide is often made from an alloy, ensuring robustness and longevity. The choice of materials reflects Smith & Wesson’s commitment to providing a reliable and long-lasting firearm.
The M&P 22 Compact is packed with notable features:
Trigger System: Typically features a single-action trigger, providing a crisp and predictable trigger pull. The pull weight is moderate, making it easy to control shots.
Safety Features: The pistol incorporates several safety mechanisms, including a manual thumb safety and a firing pin safety, which prevent accidental discharge and add a layer of security.
Ergonomics: The grip is designed to fit comfortably in the hand, with a textured surface for improved grip even in damp conditions.
Aesthetics: The M&P 22 Compact presents a sleek and modern appearance, consistent with the M&P family’s design language.
Detailed Analysis of Features
Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of the M&P 22 Compact to gain a more thorough understanding.
Frame and Build Quality
The frame of the M&P 22 Compact is usually constructed from a high-strength polymer. This material is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and capable of withstanding the stresses of regular shooting. The build quality is generally impressive, with a snug fit and finish. The polymer frame provides a solid foundation for the pistol’s operation, while the slide and barrel are made from more durable metals, further ensuring longevity and reliability. The overall impression is that the pistol is well-constructed and built to last. There are no rough edges, gaps, or play between the components, which speaks to Smith & Wesson’s attention to detail.
Ergonomics and Handling
The M&P 22 Compact excels in ergonomics. The grip is designed to fit comfortably in a wide variety of hand sizes. Its ergonomic design allows for a natural and intuitive point, which helps improve accuracy. The textured grip offers excellent control, even when hands are wet or sweaty. The magazine release and slide release are well-placed, allowing for easy manipulation and quick reloads. The overall handling is balanced, with the weight distribution of the M&P 22 Compact making it easy to maneuver and point.
Sights
The sights on the M&P 22 Compact, usually the three-dot configuration, offer a clear sight picture and are easy to acquire quickly. The dots are typically bright and easy to align, which facilitates accurate shooting, especially in various lighting conditions. The sights are usually fixed, offering a reliable and maintenance-free aiming system.
Trigger
The trigger on the M&P 22 Compact generally provides a smooth and predictable pull. The trigger weight is moderate, making it easy to control shots. The reset is clear and tactile, allowing for quick follow-up shots. The trigger action contributes to the overall shooting experience, making it a comfortable and accurate pistol to use.
Magazine and Reliability
The magazines of the M&P 22 Compact are usually well-designed and easy to load. The capacity offers enough rounds for enjoyable shooting without constant reloading. Reliability is a crucial factor in any firearm, and the M&P 22 Compact generally performs well in this regard. It typically cycles various .22 LR ammunition without issue. The pistol is designed to feed reliably, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable shooting experience.
Safety Features
The M&P 22 Compact incorporates several safety features, enhancing its safety profile. The manual safety allows the user to quickly and easily render the pistol safe. In addition to the manual safety, an internal firing pin safety further enhances the safety of the weapon.
Performance on the Range
Range performance is a crucial aspect of any firearm review. Let’s examine how the M&P 22 Compact performs in real-world shooting scenarios.
Accuracy
The M&P 22 Compact provides reasonable accuracy for a .22 LR pistol, particularly at typical handgun distances. Groupings can be quite tight, usually at distances suitable for recreational shooting. The accuracy can be enhanced by proper technique.
Recoil and Control
The recoil of the .22 LR cartridge is very manageable, and the M&P 22 Compact’s design contributes to ease of control. The low recoil and good ergonomics allow for quick follow-up shots, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced shooters.
Shooting Experience
The shooting experience with the M&P 22 Compact is generally enjoyable. The combination of the manageable recoil, comfortable ergonomics, and good accuracy makes it a fun pistol to shoot. It’s an excellent firearm for training, plinking, and introducing new shooters to firearms.
Ammunition Testing
During testing, the M&P 22 Compact has performed reliably with various .22 LR ammunition brands and bullet weights. The pistol usually functions smoothly with both high-velocity and standard-velocity rounds.
Pros and Cons
Let’s weigh the positives and negatives of the M&P 22 Compact.
Pros
Affordability: The M&P 22 Compact is generally available at a reasonable price, making it an accessible option for a wide range of shooters.
Reliability: The pistol is known for its reliable performance.
Ergonomics: The M&P 22 Compact offers excellent ergonomics, providing a comfortable and secure grip.
Accuracy: The pistol provides reasonable accuracy for its intended use.
Ease of Use: The design is very user-friendly, making it suitable for beginners.
Availability of Parts: The M&P 22 Compact, because of its popularity, usually has a good availability of parts, should you ever need them.
Cons
Trigger: The trigger is adequate, but it may not be as refined as some higher-end pistols.
Size: The compact size might not be ideal for shooters with very large hands.
Comparison with Competitors
The .22 LR pistol market includes several excellent options. The Ruger SR22 and the SIG Sauer P322 are the primary contenders.
The Ruger SR22 is another popular choice, known for its affordability, reliability, and ease of use. The SIG Sauer P322 provides a higher-capacity magazine.
The M&P 22 Compact offers a great balance of features, price, and quality, making it a competitive option within this segment of the firearms market.
Who is this Pistol For?
The M&P 22 Compact is a great fit for many different types of shooters. It’s an excellent choice for beginners seeking a safe and easy-to-handle pistol to learn on. Experienced shooters will appreciate it as a fun, low-cost plinker.
Potential Uses
The M&P 22 Compact is well-suited for many applications. It’s perfect for recreational shooting, target practice, and introducing new shooters to the sport of firearms.
Price and Value
The M&P 22 Compact generally represents excellent value. The price point, relative to the features and performance, makes it a very attractive option. The availability of aftermarket parts adds further value.
Final Verdict/Conclusion
After a thorough evaluation of the Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact, we can conclude that it’s a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, accurate, and enjoyable .22 LR pistol. The pistol balances price, ergonomics, and performance. It’s an ideal choice for beginners and experienced shooters alike.
The M&P 22 Compact offers a great shooting experience at an accessible price point. If you’re looking for a fun and affordable way to enjoy the shooting sports, the M&P 22 Compact is worth your consideration.
Images/Videos
While this is a text-based review, consider including high-quality images of the M&P 22 Compact, showing key features and shooting groups. A video review can further enhance the experience.
Call to Action
Do you have experience with the M&P 22 Compact? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below! If you are in the market for a great rimfire pistol, go to your local gun store and handle the M&P 22 Compact for yourself!
