Smith & Wesson Model 422 - .22 Long Rifle

The Model 422 was introduced with a 12-round detachable box magazine, but was later shipped with a 10-round magazine, in answer to a 1992 high-capacity magazine ban in California, which outlawed selling magazines holding more than 10 rounds. A unique design feature of the 422 was the fact that the barrel resided in a low position in the frame just above the trigger guard. The barrel is non-moving and fixed to the frame. It came threaded from the factory, but the "barrel nut" was used to affix the barrel to the frame. This made this pistol line perfect for use with a suppressor with an aftermarket adapter since the sights could still be utilized. The bolt assembly, which comprised the top rearward portion of the pistol, moved behind as well as above the axis of the barrel and resembled an L shape. The recoil spring was contained in the portion above the bolt, which also housed the firing pin. Above the barrel was a large frame lug, which gave the gun a pleasing look of constant width and depth from the trigger guard forward to the muzzle, while also serving as a solid block for the bolt to hit against when the recoil spring returned the bolt to battery. The low bore axis served to greatly reduce muzzle jump, and served to allow the fitting of a suppressor without losing the use of the factory sights. The Model 422 listed here is in excellent shape. There is a little wear on the right upper edge of the recoil spring housing. The bore is spectacularly clean. Overall, I would rate this firearm a 90%. A truly beautiful target pistol.