S&W MOD 422 (.22 Cal) SOLD

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Produced from 1987–1996, the Model 422 was the company's entry into the lucrative mid-priced rim fire pistol market. This niche was, at the time, dominated by Strum Ruger's highly successful Mk I and Mk II series of pistols. Smith & Wesson had previously left the market position after 1966, when the Model 46 was dropped from their catalog. The pistol was discontinued in 1996 (1300)

NOTE: Photographs taken today with the high mega-pixel camera show more than we sometimes can see with the human eye. Magnified close-ups show us tool marks and natural surface conditions that one normally doesn't see in the ordinary handling of the weapon.  Photographs are copyrighted, all rights reserved, any extraction, reproduction or display of gun pictures without the express consent of the Phoenix Investment Arms is strictly prohibited. Thank you for your cooperation.  Please visit Legal (tabbed) for Conditions of Sale.

 

 Smith & Wesson's series of rim fire pistols are ideal for competitive target shooting or recreational shooting. Known for their superior performance, the rim fire line was available in 4-inch, 5.5-inch or 6+-inch barrels. Whether a first handgun purchase or a tool to hone shooting skills, these extremely accurate target pistols are perfect for shooters at all skill levels.

 

A unique design feature of the 422, along with all the variants listed below, is the fact that the barrel, which is non-moving and is fixed to the frame, residing in a low position in the frame just above the trigger guard. The barrel comes threaded from the factory, with a protective "barrel nut" fitted. This made this pistol line perfect for use with a suppressor with an aftermarket adapter since the sights can still be utilized.

The bolt assembly, which comprised the top rearward portion of the pistol, moved behind as well as above the axis of the barrel and resembled an L shape. The recoil spring is contained in the portion above the bolt, which also houses the firing pin. Above the barrel is a large frame lug, which gives the gun a pleasing look of constant width and depth from the trigger guard forward to the muzzle, while also serving as a solid block for the bolt to hit against when the recoil spring returns the bolt to battery.
 
I bought my  first 422 back in the late '80's in order to train my sons how to shoot a handgun. It's light weight and easy trigger were perfect for that endeavor. They learned quickly and are good shots to this day. The low bore axis served to greatly reduce muzzle jump, and served to allow the fitting of a suppressor without losing the use of the factory sights.
The Model 422 was introduced with a 12-round detachable box magazine, but was later shipped with a 10-round magazine, in answer to a 1992 high-capacity magazine ban in California, which outlawed the sale of magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds. This M422 comes with one 12 round magazine and one ten round magazine so you're safe in both worlds.

 

 One of the things that you notice first when firing the M422 is that the trigger is crisp when pulled. There is not a long pull back but the immediate pressure and then 'click'.  Reset is just a hair back and you are ready to go again with rapid fire response.

 

Above the grip is the ejection port.  Just a bit of getting used to, especially if you are a lefty.  Because the barrel is located below it must eject to the side for the weight of the barrel to maintain the sight pictures while firing. This is a 6" barrel measured from the breach at the ejection port to the end of the barrel.
The low bore axis served to greatly reduce muzzle jump, and served to allow the fitting of a suppressor without losing the use of the factory sights. The gun has a magazine disconnect safety which disables the gun when the magazine is removed.  This is always a first line of defense for the shooter, never assume the gun is empty or disabled without a manual switch.
A nicely placed ramp front sight is easily acquired by the adjustable rear sight that are really target grade. Adjustable for elevation with the center screw and for windage with the right screw this system was designed with the shooter in mind.

 

 The Model 422 was designed for the middle of the shooter market, below the higher priced Model 41 and comparable to the Ruger Mark style of gun.  The problem lay in the fact that S&W did too good of a job on what was supposed to be a middle market gun placing such accuracy in the gun and the target sights it completed with the top-shelf Model 41.

 

The grip on the M422 is enhanced by design of the trigger guard.  Most firearms instructions seek you to wrap the finger of the weak hand around the front of the trigger guard to hold the muzzle down. The front end weight of the muzzle, the velocity of the round and the trigger guard rest all contribute to having rapid fire enhanced shooting; you can "X" ring a whole magazine in rapid fire.
Showing the slide in full recoil, it locks open when the last round is fire. These Model were offered initially with the full wooden grips, later the plastic grips were introduced.  Never as handsome as the wood grips.
(A) Trigger guard for the full week hand wrap; (B) magazine release; (C) slide stop/release; (D) thumb safety.

SILENCER The use of suppressors or silencers (cans in the vernacular) has grown geometrically in the past years. Hearing loss has propelled the movement to suppressor use and states are now recognizing their value.

Early on in the design of this gun two things added to the conversion to a 'can'.  (1) With a spanner wrench you can remove the barrel nut, the barrel and insert another longer threaded barrel (approximately $40) that will accommodate a silencer. [You still have to get an ATF Tax Stamp for any silencer.]

The second design contribution was the barrel "under" so that when most any silencer is applied it will not impede your vision of the top sight picture.

The second arrow points to the magazine release.  Although initially awkward once one remembers where it is this fast shoot .22 will let you eject and reload with minimal motion,


 

These Model came in both target and fixed sights; wood and plastic grips, various barrel lengths and both 12 and 10 round magazines, blued and aluminum finished, and magazines from the Model 41 also fit the M422.  During its short life it proved to be such a good target gun that it drew from the Model 41. 

 

We reserve the right to sell any internet offering to a direct sale and do not warrant the availability of any firearm that do not have a cash deposit. This very early Model 422 Smith & Wesson is just minty and offered with two magazines and the plastic gun case for $400.00 over the counter with the reservation that the gun may be sold before being posted as such on the internet.

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LAYAWAYS:  Sometimes our "significant other" doesn't understand the beauty, craftsmanship and investment potential of one of these investor grade weapons.  In these circumstances where discretion becomes the better part of valor we will accept layaways of up to one year with at least 20% down and some activity occurring monthly to insure that after one year the sale is completed.  Cancellations of layaways forfeit 33% if done within two months, otherwise 100%. You can transfer a layaway to a consignment sale at any time. See "Legal" for exact terms.

 

See Credits, Bibliography, Notices and Disclaimers.

3 Day Return Policy

We honor a three day return policy. We will answer any questions, send you any pictures, as detailed as you want, to insure that what we are showing you is what you want to see, before you buy it.  See Legal.

FIRING ANY WEAPON NEGATES ANY CHANCE OF RETURN!

WARNING: We do not represent these guns as safe to fire. They are not test fired before sale; they are sold as collectibles only. Prior to firing you should have it inspected by a qualified individual and abide by all safety requirements.

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