Smith & Wesson Introduces New .22 LR Target Pistol
Smith & Wesson has introduced a new, affordable .22 LR (rimfire) target pistol, the SW22 Victory. The new SW22 Victory is a fixed barrel, enclosed hammer, blow-back semi-auto design. In profile it looks similar to a Ruger Mark III, but with a more vertical grip angle. Interestingly, the 5.5″-long “match-grade” bull barrel can be removed with a simple one-screw takedown system. S&W claims the new SW22 Victory is very accurate — we hope to test one soon and verify those claims.
See the Features of NEW SW22 Victory™ Pistol:
The SW22 Victory comes standard with a fiber optic front sight and an adjustable green fiber optic rear sight. Though not shown in the top photo, the SW22 ships with a Picatinny-style top rail for easy mounting of optics. (We commend S&W for providing a factory rail option). Fire controls on the pistol include alloy trigger with adjustable trigger stop, single-sided thumb safety, slide stop, and magazine release. The SW22 Victory’s unloaded weight is 37.4 ounces. OAL is 9.2 inches, and the pistol is fairly slim at 1.3 inches width. MSRP is $409.00 with two (2) 10-round mags.
“The SW22 Victory was designed to fill a need for a highly versatile, accurate and affordable .22 LR target pistol,” said Jan Mladek, General Manager of the Smith & Wesson brand. “Whether it is a new shooter learning the fundamentals of handgun marksmanship or the experienced target shooter who is trying to reach the next level of proficiency, the SW22 will deliver many personal victories along with years of shooting enjoyment.”
Looks like a design update on the 22A which I own unfortunately. Its accurate but build quality makes me never want to own a SW again.
That thing looks like it was made in the back of somebody’s garage.
I wouldn’t be too quick to dismiss these pistols. I have a Model 22A and a 22A-1, and both are accurate and reliable. No, they aren’t made as nicely as my Browning Buck Mark 4.5 Field, and are nowhere near a Model 41, but they cost much less, both purchased for under $300 new.
It looks like they relocated the mag release from the bottom of the grip frame, and replaced the plunger type barrel release with a screw. The worst feature I’ve found with mine are the grip panels; thin hollow plastic that feel very cheap, which I replaced with the S&W laminated wood target grips that cost $76.
I wouldn’t mind giving the Victory a try, and won’t pass judgement until I do.
LOOKS LIKE A RUGER TO ME…………..????
This is not the most attractive gun Smith has made. There are several .22Lr S&W guns I really like, Model 41 of course and the Escort series of guns are very reliable and fun: Starting with the model 61, 422/622, 2213/2214 etc are actually really good guns. As a bonus it’s super easy to put a suppressor on them.
Looks like the old ruger.
I like it.
Is there any chance this pistol will be sold in California?
Great gun I own one and a ruger 22/45 cleaning is a breeze so much easier than my ruger. I’ve looked everywhere for different grips has anybody found grips for sw22 victory yet