Last summer, our intrepid Rimfire Report scribe got an exclusive peek at Smith & Wesson’s Maryville, TN facility, where he handled a prototype of the M&P 22X—a rough, 3D-printed beast that left him underwhelmed. Fast-forward to the official release, and the production model has undergone a stunning metamorphosis, earning high praise as one of the top .22LR pistols since SIG’s P322 dropped. After firing the first 1,000 rounds, the verdict is clear: this isn’t just a plinker; it’s a refined training tool with tack-driving accuracy, buttery-smooth controls, and suppressor-ready threading that screams buy me for the range and the safe.
What elevates the M&P 22X in a crowded .22LR market? Context matters—rimfire pistols are the gateway drug for new shooters, recoil-shy trainers, and budget-conscious 2A enthusiasts looking to hone fundamentals without burning through centerfire ammo cash. S&W took the M&P platform’s ergonomic gold standard, shrunk it flawlessly for .22LR, and fixed the prototype’s clunkiness with a crisp trigger, reliable 15+1 capacity, and optics-ready slide. Compared to the P322’s feeding quirks or the Ruger SR22’s dated vibes, the 22X feels like a modern evolution: cheaper per round than 9mm practice, perfect for dry-fire drills or steel-challenge prep. Implications for the community? In an era of ammo scarcity and FUD-driven restrictions, this pistol democratizes high-volume training, empowering civilians to stay sharp without government overlords dictating lead budgets.
For 2A stalwarts, the 22X is a subtle middle finger to anti-gunners who whine about gun violence while ignoring affordable marksmanship tools. It’s poised to flood ranges with newbies transitioning to centerfire carry guns, bolstering the armed citizenry one suppressed .22 pop at a time. If S&W keeps pricing it under $500, expect it to dominate shelves—grab one before the waitlists form, and celebrate another win for American innovation over imported mediocrity.
