Smith & Wesson Model 22

The Smith & Wesson Model 22 series of revolvers is a refined, commercial version of the M1917 revolver issued during World War I.

The Model 22 was built to directly chamber rimless pistol cartridges like the .45 ACP and the .45 GAP but allows for use with moon clips.^[1]

Description

The Model 22 is a large frame double-action revolver chambered in .45 ACP using half or full moon clips. It may also use .45 Auto Rim as they were designed for revolvers chambered in .45 ACP or .45 GAP using the half or full moon clips. Built around Smith & Wesson's large N frame, it was originally sold as the Model 1950 and is normally fitted with a 5½" barrel with no under lug and fixed combat sights. Target models are the models 25 and 26.^[1]

Current production

.45 ACP S&W Model 22-4 Heritage Series with case-hardened finish

The Model 22 was re-introduced as the second limited production Thunder Ranch revolver in 2007. This gun features a 4" match barrel with under lug, fixed sights, cocobolo grips, and an internal lock. The popularity of this revolver led S&W to continue its production in its classic line as the 22-4. It is quite an accurate revolver and has a smoother trigger pull than the original, most likely due to improvements in production. A limited production run of bright nickel-plated, non–Thunder Ranch models were made. Only select firearm dealers were considered to be allowed to sell this particular model. A certain number of Model 22s were made with a case-hardened (case color) finish by Turnbull Restorations. These came in both 4" and (limited) 5.5" Barrel lengths. The finish done by Turnbull is a true case-hardened finish and not the chemical wash finish found on firearms by other manufacturers.^[1]

References

Smith & Wesson
Revolvers	Top Hinge Model 1 Model 1 1/2 Top Break Model 2 Model 3 Safety Hammerless I-frame Model 30 Kit Gun J-frame Model 36 Bodyguard Model 60 Model 340PD Centennial Model 640 K-frame Model 10 Model 12 Model 13 Model 14 Model 15 Model 17 Model 19 Model 617 Model 64 Model 65 Model 66 Model 67 L-frame Model 581 Model 586 Model 619 Model 620 Model 646 Model 681 Model 686 M-frame Ladysmith N-frame Triple Lock .38/44 Model 22 Model 27 Model 28 Model 29 Model 57 Model 610 Model 625 Model 629 X-frame Model 460 Model 500 Z-frame Governor C-frame (experimental) Model 73
Semi-automatic pistols	Model 1006 Model 1913 Model 22A Model 39 Model 4006 Model 41 Model 410 Model 422 Model 4506 Model 457 Model 469 Model 52 Model 5906 Model 6904 Model 59 Model 61 Model 645 Model 910 Bodyguard 380 M&P M&P22 SD VE SW1911 SW99 Sigma
Long guns	Model 1940 M&P10 M&P15 M&P15-22 Model 320 Model 76 Assault Shotgun
Cartridges	.22 Short .32 S&W .32 S&W Long .35 S&W Auto .356 TSW .357 Magnum .38 S&W .38 Special .40 S&W .41 Magnum .44 Russian .44 Special .44 S&W American .44 Magnum .45 Schofield .460 S&W Magnum .500 S&W Special .500 S&W Magnum
Horace Smith Daniel B. Wesson