Smith and Wesson Model 422

Production history

Produced from 1987–1996, the Model 422 was the company's entry into the lucrative mid-priced rimfire pistol market. This niche was, at the time, dominated by Sturm 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 retailed for roughly $250US before it was discontinued in 1996.

Design Details

A unique design feature of the 422, along with all the variants listed below, was the fact that the barrel, which was non-moving and was fixed to the frame, resided in a low position in the frame just above the trigger guard. The barrel came 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 could 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 was contained in the portion above the bolt, which also housed the firing pin. Above the barrel was a large frame lug, which gave 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 returned the bolt to battery. 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.

Variants