A Closer Look: Introducing the M&P 22 Compact
The Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact is a scaled-down version of the company’s popular Military & Police (M&P) series of handguns. Designed to offer a similar feel and functionality to its larger counterparts, but chambered in the economical .22 LR caliber, the M&P 22 Compact is targeted at a wide audience. This includes new shooters looking for a gentle introduction to handguns, seasoned marksmen seeking an affordable training tool, and plinkers who simply enjoy a day at the range. The .22 LR cartridge provides a low-cost, low-recoil shooting experience, making it ideal for both practice and recreational shooting.
Exploring the Details: Features and Specifications
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the M&P 22 Compact tick. The pistol’s design philosophy centers around creating a compact, easy-to-handle platform that feels natural in the hand.
This handgun has a polymer frame and a high-strength alloy slide. This combination results in a durable yet lightweight package, contributing to the overall ease of handling. The M&P 22 Compact boasts a sleek, modern aesthetic, with a clean, uncluttered design. The grip features aggressive texturing, providing a secure hold, even in wet conditions. The pistol’s overall dimensions are deliberately compact, making it easy to conceal and carry (where legal).
The M&P 22 Compact is chambered in .22 Long Rifle, a ubiquitous and affordable ammunition choice. The magazine holds a decent number of rounds, providing ample shooting time between reloads.
The pistol is equipped with basic, yet effective sights. The front sight is a fixed blade, while the rear sight is adjustable for windage. These sights provide a clear sight picture, allowing for accurate target acquisition.
The action on the M&P 22 Compact is blowback-operated. This means that the recoil energy from the fired cartridge is used to cycle the slide, ejecting the spent casing and chambering a fresh round. This simple and reliable system contributes to the pistol’s overall dependability.
Safety is a key consideration in any firearm, and the M&P 22 Compact includes several important features. The pistol typically features a manual safety lever, offering an added layer of security. Furthermore, the M&P 22 Compact incorporates a loaded chamber indicator, providing a visual cue to confirm the presence of a round in the chamber.
The trigger mechanism is typically single-action, meaning that the hammer is cocked each time the slide is cycled. The trigger pull on the M&P 22 Compact is usually fairly light and crisp, facilitating accurate shooting.
The slide release and magazine release are conveniently positioned. The slide release enables users to quickly release the slide to chamber a round, while the magazine release allows for fast magazine changes.
In the Hand: Handling and Ergonomics
One of the most important aspects of any handgun is how it feels in the hand. The M&P 22 Compact excels in this area, with its ergonomic design making it a pleasure to shoot.
The grip is a standout feature. The aggressive texturing provides a secure and comfortable hold, even with sweaty hands. The grip’s size is well-suited for a wide range of hand sizes, making it comfortable for both smaller and larger shooters. The grip angle is also well-designed, promoting a natural point of aim.
The controls, including the slide release, magazine release, and manual safety (if equipped), are all easily accessible and intuitive to operate. Their placement contributes to the overall ease of use and allows for quick and efficient manipulation during shooting. The slide release is generally easy to actuate, facilitating rapid reloads, while the magazine release is easily reached with the thumb. The safety, when present, clicks into place with a satisfying feel.
The pistol’s overall balance and weight distribution contribute to its comfortable feel. The lightweight polymer frame helps to minimize fatigue during extended shooting sessions, and the weight distribution is well-balanced, preventing the pistol from feeling front-heavy or unwieldy.
Handling the M&P 22 Compact feels natural. It points instinctively, allowing for quick target acquisition. The comfortable grip and well-placed controls create a positive shooting experience, encouraging accurate and enjoyable shooting.
Putting it to the Test: Performance Assessment
The true test of any firearm lies in its performance. Let’s delve into the M&P 22 Compact’s accuracy, reliability, and overall handling characteristics.
Accuracy
During testing, the M&P 22 Compact proved to be a surprisingly accurate handgun. At distances of yards, the pistol consistently produced tight groupings. With proper technique, shooters can easily achieve impressive results. The sights are adequate, although some shooters might prefer aftermarket sights for enhanced precision.
Reliability
The M&P 22 Compact generally performs very reliably. Different types of .22 LR ammunition were tested. While some firearms can be picky about ammunition, the M&P 22 Compact exhibited good tolerance, experiencing minimal malfunctions. Failures to feed and failures to eject were rare, indicating a well-designed and robust operating system.
Recoil and Handling
The .22 LR cartridge is known for its low recoil, and the M&P 22 Compact capitalizes on this advantage. Recoil is virtually nonexistent, making it easy to stay on target after each shot. The pistol’s overall design further enhances its manageability. The well-balanced weight and comfortable grip contribute to a smooth and controlled shooting experience.
Trigger Performance
The trigger on the M&P 22 Compact is generally quite good for a pistol in this price range. The trigger pull is reasonably light, offering a crisp break. The reset is short and tactile, enabling quick follow-up shots. The trigger is an asset, contributing to accuracy and enjoyable shooting sessions.
The Upsides and Downsides: Pros and Cons
Every firearm has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a balanced look at the M&P 22 Compact’s pros and cons.
The Good
The ergonomics and handling of the M&P 22 Compact are exceptional. The comfortable grip, well-placed controls, and overall balance make it a joy to shoot. The pistol also delivers respectable accuracy, enabling shooters to consistently hit their targets. The reliability is also impressive. Finally, the price point of the M&P 22 Compact is very reasonable.
The Areas for Consideration
While the M&P 22 Compact is a great pistol, it is not without its shortcomings. Some shooters might prefer an improved trigger. The limitations of the .22 LR cartridge are another factor, as it is not suited for self-defense or hunting.
Matching Up: Comparison with Competitors
The M&P 22 Compact has a strong field of competitors, including other well-regarded .22 LR pistols.
One of the key competitors is the Glock 44. The Glock 44 offers the proven Glock platform with the .22 LR caliber, while the Sig Sauer P322 is another strong contender, providing a larger capacity and a variety of features. Another popular choice is the Ruger SR22.
The M&P 22 Compact differentiates itself through its ergonomic design, its overall feel, and its balance. It is often favored for its comfortable grip and easy handling.
Who Benefits Most: User Considerations
The M&P 22 Compact is a versatile handgun that appeals to a wide audience.
It’s an excellent choice for new shooters. The low recoil and manageable size make it an ideal platform for learning the fundamentals of handgun shooting. For those looking to refine their skills, the M&P 22 Compact makes a great training tool, allowing users to practice their technique at a fraction of the cost of larger caliber firearms. Finally, those who simply enjoy plinking at the range will also find the M&P 22 Compact to be a fun and affordable option.
While the M&P 22 Compact is a great choice for many, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Experienced shooters who are looking for a more powerful or specialized handgun will likely want to consider other options.
The overall value of the M&P 22 Compact is excellent. It offers a lot of features for the price, making it an accessible and appealing option for many shooters.
The Verdict: Final Thoughts
The Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact is a well-designed, reliable, and enjoyable pistol. It excels in its ergonomics and overall handling. The pistol is an accurate option, providing shooters with a satisfying experience at the range. While no firearm is perfect, the M&P 22 Compact has a lot to offer, making it a compelling choice for a variety of shooters.
It strikes a good balance between functionality, affordability, and the pure enjoyment of shooting. It’s a great choice for training, plinking, and introducing new shooters to the world of handguns.
Consider the M&P 22 Compact if you are seeking a compact, accurate, and easy-to-handle .22 LR pistol. It is a great option for honing skills and enjoying the shooting sports.
