When it comes to rimfire pistols, weโve all seen the usual suspectsโtrusty .22 Long Rifle handguns that get the job done for plinking and small-game hunting. But every so often, something comes along to shake up the scene, and Smith & Wessonโs newest addition to the Military & Police (M&P) lineup does just that. Chambered in .22 Magnum, this pistol isnโt just a noveltyโitโs a blend of innovation and good old-fashioned fun that delivers in more ways than one.
If youโve ever been frustrated by the quirks of .22 LR cartridges or longed for something a little more potent but still budget-friendly and low-recoil, the M&P .22 Magnum might be your new favorite range companion. But before we dive into the pistol itself, letโs talk about the cartridge that makes this gun such a standout.
First off, letโs clear the air: rimfire cartridges will never be as reliable as centerfire. Thatโs just the nature of the beast. But among rimfires, the .22 Magnum holds a special place as one of the most dependable options available. Unlike the .22 Long Rifle, which uses a heel-based bullet pressed into the case, the .22 Magnum features a jacketed bullet crimped securely into place. This small but significant design upgrade results in better cartridge integrity and more consistent performance.
Itโs not just about theoretical reliability, either. A few buddies and I recently put this to the test, firing 1,600 rounds of .22 Magnum through three different handguns. The result? Not a single misfire. Thatโs practically a rimfire miracle. Compared to the occasional dud in a box of .22 LR, the .22 Magnum is a clear winner for those who value consistent ignition and performance.
And letโs not forget versatility. With bullet weights ranging from 30 to 45 grains, the .22 Magnum delivers solid performance across the board, whether youโre plinking steel, hunting small game, or even considering it for self-defense. While Iโve always been partial to 40-grain loads, this test opened my eyes to the surprising accuracy and reliability of lighter 30-grain options as well.
Now, onto the main event: the Smith & Wesson M&P .22 Magnum. This pistol represents a significant leap forward for semi-auto .22 Magnum handguns, which have traditionally struggled with reliability issues due to the cartridgeโs length and narrow profile. Feeding follow-up rounds cleanly has been a common pain pointโuntil now.
Smith & Wesson addressed this challenge with a Tempo barrel system, a design borrowed from their 5.7x28mm pistol. The two-piece barrel includes a sleeve that locks the barrel until the bullet exits, using gas pressure to maintain reliability. This system not only reduces the chance of jams but also helps keep the action cleaner compared to older designs.
The Tempo system isnโt the only standout feature. The M&P .22 Magnum also incorporates a rotating barrel, which adds torque to the cartridge case during ejection. While itโs not as pronounced as the rotation found in a Beretta Storm, itโs a clever touch that contributes to the pistolโs smooth operation.
The M&P .22 Magnum is a polymer-framed handgun with all the bells and whistles youโd expect from a modern rimfire pistol. Its grip texture is just rightโgrippy enough for control but not so aggressive that it chews up your hands during extended shooting sessions. Thereโs also an accessory rail for mounting lights or lasers, which adds to the gunโs versatility.
Unlike most M&P models, this pistol is hammer-fired rather than striker-fired. The trigger features a safety lever, and the ambidextrous controls make it a great choice for both right- and left-handed shooters. At 22 ounces unloaded, the pistol strikes a nice balance between weight and portability. Itโs large enough to handle well but light enough for comfortable all-day carry.
The barrel measures 4.35 inches, providing a good balance between compactness and performance. Meanwhile, the slide is made of black-coated stainless steel, ensuring durability and corrosion resistance. Sights include a fiber-optic front and a notch rear, which are perfectly adequate for most shooting scenarios. If youโre a fan of optics, youโll be happy to know the pistol is red-dot ready.
Iโve always said that a good magazine can make or break a semi-auto pistol, and the M&P .22 Magnum doesnโt disappoint. The gun ships with two 30-round magazines that are surprisingly easy to loadโa blessing for anyone whoโs ever struggled with finicky rimfire mags.
On the range, the pistol proved to be an absolute blast. The trigger is clean and crisp, breaking at around 4 pounds, which is excellent for a rimfire. Recoil is minimal, and the 4.35-inch barrel provides enough weight to keep muzzle rise in check. Whether I was plinking steel plates or punching paper, the M&P .22 Magnum delivered consistent performance.
Out of 250 rounds fired during my initial test, I experienced only two short cycles, both within the first magazine. After that brief break-in period, the gun ran flawlessly. The only hiccups came from using dented cases from certain brands of ammunitionโa common issue with .22 Magnum rounds. For best results, I recommend sticking to high-quality loads like CCI MaxiMag.
For a gun designed primarily for fun and versatility, the M&P .22 Magnum is impressively accurate. Shooting from a rest, I managed to achieve 2-inch groups at 25 yards with standard 40-grain loads. When I switched to Federal Punch ammo, which is designed for personal defense, the groups tightened up to an impressive 1.8 inches.
While benchrest accuracy might not be the most practical measure for a self-defense gun, itโs a valuable metric for small-game hunters. Whether youโre targeting squirrels or dealing with varmints, the M&P .22 Magnum has the precision to get the job done.
The Smith & Wesson M&P .22 Magnum is a rimfire pistol that breaks the mold. With its innovative Tempo barrel system, solid ergonomics, and excellent reliability, itโs a standout in the crowded world of .22 handguns.
Yes, .22 Magnum ammunition is pricier than .22 LRโsometimes comparable to 9mmโbut the performance and reliability it offers make it worth the extra cost. And letโs not forget those 30-round magazines, which make plinking more fun than ever.
As for self-defense, opinions will vary. While the .22 Magnum isnโt the first choice for most concealed carriers, its low recoil, decent penetration, and high capacity make it a viable option for some scenarios. Ultimately, itโs up to each individual to weigh the trade-offs and decide if the .22 Magnum fits their needs.
Whether youโre a small-game hunter, a dedicated plinker, or just someone who appreciates a well-designed rimfire pistol, the M&P .22 Magnum is worth a closer look. Itโs a gun that combines old-school charm with modern innovation, proving once again that Smith & Wesson knows how to keep things interesting.
And if nothing else, itโs just plain fun to shootโwhich, letโs be honest, is what rimfire pistols are all about.
