S&W M&P 22 Or Ruger SR22

[dh2683]

My wife wants to target practice with a 22 pistol. Was wondering if anyone here has experience with BOTH pistols. I have a buddy who has a Ruger SR22 and is very happy with it. I Have shot it and it is very nice. Ruger is a lighter, smaller and slightly cheaper. I have several S&W Pistols and lean more that way.
Anybody have experience with both.
Again Its just a "fun practice gun" nothing more.

 

[KeithET]

Back before the frenzy I handled both the M&P22 and the SR22 at my LGS. They both handled great. Really liked the size of the SR22. Did not buy that day. A couple weeks later the frenzy was in full swing and no M&P22's or SR22's to be found. If I see one I will buy the SR22 over the M&P22. I liked the way the SR22 fit my hand better then the M&P22.

KeithET

 

[WYO]

It's been a while since I have shot a M&P 22, but I would take that one if the gun fits your wife's hand. The Ruger is more likely to work with people who have smaller hands, because it generally is has a smaller grip and also comes with two grip adapters.

The Ruger has a weird manual of arms with the DA/SA, and a frame mounted safety that you have to push up to disengage. The latter feature can be confusing to someone used to pushing frame mounted safeties down and slide mounted DA/SA safeties up. Then there is the DA/SA transition. The top 5 or so rounds stagger funny in the magazine and some care has to be taken when loading magazines. Also, the Ruger I have shot seems to prefer full power "box of 50" ammo to bulk pack, which could be problematic from a supply standpoint at least in the short run. The M&P ran fine with bulk pack.

One downside to the M&P is that the sights are more of a combat style, with a wide gap in the rear sight that leaves a lot of light when the front sight is centered. That should be ok for a plinker, though.

 

[tackleberry45]

Have the SR22 and many trouble free rounds through it

 

[LightningMan]

I have a M&P .22 simply because I have a M&P.40 and they have the same feel, so I can practice a lot more with the .22 (that was untill all the dam .22 ammo dryed up) I agree the M&P is less picky about ammo, but with the right ammo for the Ruger they both run fine. Get what you feel is best, either of them are good shooters. LM

 

[breakingcontact]

Have her handle and if possible, shoot both.

I like the M&P 22, someone with smaller hands (many women) may prefer the Ruger.

 

[GunTech]

I wanted to like the Ruger. It was very reliable compared to similar 22 autos like the P22. It was not at all accurate. IMO, this is a plinker and nothing more. Plus the backwards safety is annoying. I traded it for a lightly used Trailside.

 

[Brockak47]

it's basically a question of do you want the Sr22 , pretty much a P22 clone, but better IMO.
Or do you want a the MP22 which is in my book more of a tactical trainer.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1c4EhG7kwE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukOO6P0BdPI

 

[gilfo]

^^^^^
What he said.

 

[anothernewb]

the wife prefers the SR22 over the smith due to grip size. accuracy wise, in my hands - they are equal accuracy wise.

 

[ritepath]

Don't know about the M&P, but my SR will eat anything, no need to buy HV ammo some of the other 22 auto want in order to run properly. I've fed mine over 2000 rounds of various bulk packs and several different types of match ammo. Other than 2 duds and when I decided to get rid of some CCI 22 Longs it's never failed to function.

 

[dh2683]

Thanks All for your input. Finally found a M&P for her to try alongside my buddies SR22. I have other M&P's so I liked it better butttt the SR22 fit her hand much better so guess who just bought the Ruger . Dont think you can go wrong with either. Thanks for the help