Smith & Wesson 22S

About the Smith & Wesson 22S

The Smith & Wesson Model 22S is the stainless steel variant of the 22A target pistol, featuring a stainless steel slide and barrel with satin stainless finish instead of blued carbon steel. Produced from 1997 to 2017, the 22S shares all specifications and features with the 22A including the aluminum alloy frame, integrated Weaver-style rail machined into the top of the slide for optics mounting, Patridge-type adjustable target sights, frame-mounted ambidextrous magazine release, and tool-less takedown capability. Available in multiple barrel lengths-4 inches, 5.5 inches (standard and bull configurations), and 7 inches (bull)-the most common variant featured a 5.5-inch barrel weighing approximately 34.4 ounces. The stainless steel construction offered enhanced corrosion resistance for shooters in humid or coastal environments while maintaining the same accuracy potential and ergonomics as the blued 22A. The target version featured a 5.5-inch bull barrel with hi-viz orange dot front sight (versus green on the 22A) and Dymondwood grips. Like its blued counterpart, the 22S was designed as an affordable entry into the rimfire target pistol market, typically retailing slightly higher than the 22A due to the stainless steel construction. Both models were eventually replaced by the SW22 Victory series in 2016-2017, which offered improved trigger quality, better ergonomics, and enhanced accuracy.

The 22S's stainless steel construction made it a favorite among shooters in humid coastal regions where blued steel would rapidly corrode. Its integrated Weaver rail was particularly appreciated by competitive Steel Challenge shooters who wanted an affordable optics-ready platform for rimfire divisions without investing in high-end target pistols.

Smith & Wesson 22S specifications

The only difference between the 22A and 22S is the material and finish-the 22S features stainless steel slide and barrel with satin stainless finish while the 22A has blued carbon steel construction. The 22S target variant came with an orange dot front sight while the 22A target version featured a green dot. Both models shared the same aluminum alloy frame, integrated Weaver rail, and mechanical operation. The stainless variant typically commanded a $50-75 premium over the blued 22A. Available barrel configurations included 4-inch (discontinued in 2012), 5.5-inch standard, 5.5-inch bull, and 7-inch bull. The integrated Weaver-style rail eliminated the need for aftermarket scope mounts, making it popular among budget-conscious shooters who wanted to experiment with optics. Despite mixed reviews regarding trigger quality and reliability with certain ammunition types, both the 22A and 22S developed loyal followings due to their accuracy potential, value proposition, and ease of use.