Smith & Wesson has announced the release of their latest compact M&P 22lr pistol, the “M&P 22 Compact.” The new Compact is downscaled compared to the full-caliber 9mm and .40 Compact models. Overview video with suitably motivational music and intro from Julie Golob below. (Schadenfreude: if you pay attention to the shooting portion, she pulls a shot low and to the left).

The new Compact arrives with a pre-threaded barrel and uses 3/8 x 24 threads. The Compact is compatible with an adapter to bring it to 1/2 x 28 threads, giving shooters more suppressor options. The M&P 22 Compact includes the usual M&P reversible magazine release, picatinny accessory rail, and captured recoil spring. Some shooters may bemoan the magazine lock and external ambidextrous safety.

The Compact has a MSRP of $389 and includes two magazines. Kudos to Smith & Wesson on the release of the pistol. They shipped the models to distributors in mid July and I see models already for sale to dealers. Those who purchase prior to December 31 of this year will be eligible for a promotional coupon for 222 rounds of Winchester 22lr ammo.

Full Press Release Below:

Compact .22LR Pistol Delivers Popular M&P Features in a Smaller, Rimfire Package

Made in U.S.A. – Accessories Available – Ammo Rebate with Purchase

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (August 12, 2014) — Smith & Wesson Corp. announced today that it has added a new model to the company’s flagship line of M&P® polymer pistols with the introduction of the M&P22 Compact. Engineered to professional standards, the new tactical rimfire pistol incorporates a variety of features inherent to the design of the full size M&P centerfire pistol in a new, smaller scale version. Manufactured entirely in the United States by Smith & Wesson, the .22 LR pistol provides shooting enthusiasts with M&P accuracy and reliability in a new fun-to-shoot, compact profile. To round out the shooting experience, from now through December 31, 2014, Smith & Wesson will ship 222 rounds of Winchester .22LR ammunition to each M&P22 Compact consumer who redeems the promotional coupon.

James Debney, President and CEO of Smith & Wesson, said, “The new M&P22 Compact gives consumers the opportunity to own and experience a unique tactical sporting pistol engineered with premium features that have made the M&P line of handguns a leading standard in the shooting sports. Target shooters, recreational shooting enthusiasts or anyone looking to add more excitement to their shooting experience can now enjoy a compact .22 LR semi-automatic pistol with all the adaptability and versatility that are synonymous with the M&P brand.”

Designed to be 15% smaller than the full-size M&P 9/40, the new M&P22 Compact is lightweight, comfortable in the hand and conveniently carried. Like its centerfire sibling, the M&P22 Compact accommodates the needs of both left and right-handed shooters with its ambidextrous manual safety and reversible magazine release. Its Picatinny-style accessory rail underneath the barrel easily accommodates after-market lights and laser sights when using in various light conditions and sporting activities. This pistol is suppressor friendly and is standard with a 3/8 inch x 24 threaded barrel with muzzle cap for easy accessorizing. Shooters of all experience levels will appreciate the crisp, 5.8-pound trigger pull with reset which makes shooting the M&P22 Compact easy and fun.

The M&P22 Compact began shipping to select partners in mid-July and is available now for immediate shipment to dealers. In addition, a variety of high quality accessories are immediately available from the industry’s top holster, laser and after-market sight manufacturers. Buyers can instantly personalize their M&P22 Compact with high quality accessories from companies including Crimson Trace®, DeSantis®, Laserlyte®, LaserMax®, Streamlight®, Triple K®, and UM Tactical®.

The M&P22 Compact has an MSRP of $389 and ships complete with two 10-round capacity magazines. 

For more information on the new M&P22 Compact and its accessories, visit www.smith-wesson.com/mp22compact or http://www.youtube.com/user/SmithWessonCorp for exciting new videos on all of the latest products.

M&P22 Compact Specifications:

•  Barrel Length: 3.56″
•  Overall Length: 6.65″
•  Overall Width: 1.48″
•  Weight: 15.3 oz.
•  Barrel Material: Carbon Steel
•  Slide Material: Aluminum Alloy
•  Frame Material: Polymer
•  Front Sight: White Dot
•  Rear Sight: White 2-Dot – Screw Adjustable for Windage & Elevation
•  Capacity: 10+1