Smith & Wesson 2213 Sportsman

About the Smith & Wesson 2213 Sportsman

The Smith & Wesson Model 2213 Sportsman is a compact semi-automatic pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle, manufactured from 1990 to 1999 as part of the company's second-generation rimfire lineup. Built on a lightweight aluminum alloy frame with a stainless steel slide and barrel, the 2213 features an unusual fixed-barrel blowback design where the barrel is positioned below the recoil spring rather than above it-a distinctive engineering choice that sets it apart from conventional blowback pistols. Weighing just 18 ounces with a 3-inch barrel and 8-round single-stack magazine, the Sportsman was designed as an affordable, easy-to-carry plinker and training pistol for recreational shooters and new handgunners. The pistol features two-dot fixed sights, black polymer grips, a magazine disconnect safety, and a manual thumb safety. Part of the 422/622 series lineage from the mid-1980s through 1996, the 2213 was specifically marketed as a compact 'kit gun' for casual target shooting and informal plinking rather than serious competition use. The stainless steel construction offered corrosion resistance for outdoor use, while the lightweight alloy frame made it comfortable to carry during extended range sessions or outdoor recreation.

The 2213 Sportsman's barrel-below-recoil-spring design was unconventional even when introduced, representing Smith & Wesson's experimentation with compact blowback configurations during the late 20th century. This design quirk made the pistol instantly recognizable to rimfire enthusiasts and contributed to its cult following among collectors of unusual .22 LR handguns.

Smith & Wesson 2213 Sportsman specifications

The '22' designation indicates .22 LR chambering, while '13' indicates the compact stainless variant in Smith & Wesson's numbering system. The 2213 was manufactured alongside the blued 2214 variant, which featured a carbon steel slide with traditional blue finish instead of stainless. Production ceased in 1999 as Smith & Wesson transitioned to newer .22 LR designs, eventually leading to the SW22 Victory series in 2016. The unique barrel-below-recoil-spring configuration was a carryover from the larger 422/622 series. Reviews of the 2213/2214 vary regarding reliability, with performance typically being ammunition-specific-high-velocity .22 LR loads generally cycling more reliably than standard-velocity rounds. The compact size and fixed sights positioned these models as casual plinkers rather than dedicated target pistols.