Smith & Wesson Model 22

About the Smith & Wesson Model 22

The Smith & Wesson Model 22, also known as the Thunder Ranch Special .45 ACP, is a six-shot, double-action revolver built on the large N-frame and chambered for the rimless .45 ACP cartridge, developed in 2005 through collaboration between Smith & Wesson and firearms instructor Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch. Following the success of the Model 21-4 Thunder Ranch .44 Special revived in 2004, Clint Smith and Smith & Wesson created the Model 22-4 to offer the proven .45 ACP cartridge in a revolver platform optimized for training and tactical applications. The Model 22 features a 6.5-inch full-lug barrel with adjustable sights, round-butt grip frame, custom Thunder Ranch wooden grips, and the distinctive Thunder Ranch logo. Because the .45 ACP is a rimless cartridge originally designed for semi-automatic pistols, the Model 22 uses moon clips-thin metal discs that hold the cartridges by their extractor grooves-to facilitate loading, firing, and extraction in the revolver's cylinder. This allows for extremely fast reloads compared to traditional revolver loading methods, as all six rounds can be loaded or ejected simultaneously.

Clint Smith's Model 22 answered a question few had thought to ask: what if you could reload a revolver as fast as a semi-auto? Moon clips transformed the traditional slow revolver reload into a tactical advantage-dump six empties, slam in six loaded rounds, all in one motion. Combined with the revolver's legendary reliability and the ubiquity of .45 ACP ammunition, the Model 22 proved that the wheelgun still had tricks up its sleeve in the age of high-capacity semi-autos.

Smith & Wesson Model 22 specifications

The Model 22 was created as a follow-up to the successful Model 21 Thunder Ranch .44 Special, with Clint Smith seeking to offer the advantages of the .45 ACP cartridge in a revolver platform. The .45 ACP offers several advantages in a revolver: ammunition is widely available and relatively inexpensive due to its popularity in semi-automatic pistols, the rimless design allows slightly larger case capacity in the same cylinder diameter compared to rimmed cartridges, and moon clips enable dramatically faster reloading than traditional speedloaders. The 6.5-inch barrel provides excellent sight radius for accuracy and extracts maximum velocity from the .45 ACP cartridge. The N-frame construction easily handles the relatively mild pressures of .45 ACP, making the Model 22 pleasant to shoot with minimal recoil despite the large bore diameter. The adjustable rear sight allows precise zeroing for different loads. The Model 22 can also fire .45 Auto Rim cartridges, which feature a thick rim that allows extraction without moon clips, though most shooters prefer the speed and convenience of moon clips. The revolver has found a niche among competitive shooters and defensive shooters who appreciate the reliability of a revolver combined with the widespread availability of .45 ACP ammunition.