Smith And Wesson 422 grips
Smith And Wesson 422 grips
The Smith & Wesson Model 422 is a lightweight, semi-automatic .22 LR target pistol that marked S&W's return to the mid-priced rimfire market after a long absence
S&W had exited the affordable .22 semi-auto segment in 1966 when the Model 46 (a budget version of the legendary Model 41) was discontinued. By the mid-1980s, demand for reliable, accurate rimfire pistols surged—driven by plinking, training, and competition—prompting S&W to develop a modern entry-level contender
The Model 422 debuted in 1987 as a blowback-operated design with an aluminum alloy frame, steel slide, low bore axis for minimal recoil and excellent sight picture, crisp single-action trigger, fixed or adjustable sights, and initial 12-round magazine (later reduced to 10-round due to California's 1992 high-capacity ban). Available in 4.5" and 6" barrel lengths (~22–23.5 oz), it emphasized ergonomics, accuracy rivaling pricier models, and affordability (~$250 MSRP)
A stainless-slide sibling, the Model 622, followed shortly after. Praised for reliability, shootability, and value, the 422 earned a cult following as a "poor man's Model 41."
Production ran 1987–1996, ending due to high manufacturing costs and low profit margins amid competition from Ruger and others. Discontinued after ~9 years, it remains a sought-after classic among collectors and rimfire enthusiasts—proof of S&W's innovative push into accessible precision .22 pistols during the late 1980s