Smith & Wesson Model 22

M1917 Revolver
A S&W Model 22 Thunder Ranch Revolver w/ a Tyler "T" Grip installed
Type	Revolver
Place of origin	United States
Production history
Designed	1917
Manufacturer	Smith & Wesson
Produced	1950 through 2007-
Specifications
Weight	2.5 lb (1.1 kg) (Colt) 2.25 lb (1.0 kg) (S&W)
Length	10.8 in (270 mm)
Barrel length	5.5 in (140 mm)
Cartridge	.45 ACP (11.43×23mm), .45 Auto Rim
Action	double action, solid frame with swing-out cylinder
Muzzle velocity	760 ft/s (231.7 m/s)
Feed system	six-round cylinder, loaded singly or with two three-round half-moon clips
Sights	blade front sight, notched rear sight

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

1. Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (2007). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. Iola, Wisconsin: F+W Media, Inc. pp. 168, 190. ISBN 0-89689-293-X.