Smith Wesson M&P 22 Magnum 4 35 22 WMR Optic Ready

About this product

Smith & Wesson's M&P22 Magnum is a gas-operated, locked-breech semi-auto pistol chambered in .22 WMR (.22 Magnum), a rimfire cartridge that hits noticeably harder than standard .22 LR. This optics-ready configuration has a 4.35-inch stainless barrel and carries a manufacturer's reference price of $649, confirmed directly through Smith & Wesson's own product listing.

Why build a pistol around .22 WMR instead of .22 LR?

.22 WMR carries meaningfully more energy downrange than standard .22 LR while still costing far less per round than centerfire pistol calibers, which makes the M&P22 Magnum an unusual middle-ground option — more capable than a typical rimfire plinker, still cheap enough to shoot in volume. Smith & Wesson uses a locked-breech, gas-operated action rather than simple blowback specifically because .22 WMR runs at higher pressure than .22 LR, and this action handles that pressure more predictably than a basic blowback rimfire design would.

What does the factory 30-round magazine mean for capacity-restricted states?

Out of the box, the M&P22 Magnum ships with a 30-round detachable box magazine — well above California's 10-round magazine capacity limit for detachable-magazine firearms. Buyers in California need to source compliant 10-round magazines for this pistol and should confirm with their FFL what magazine configuration is required before completing an in-state transfer, since the factory-standard 30-round magazine cannot legally be possessed by a California resident without an applicable exemption.

What comes standard for sights and optics mounting?

This model ships optics-ready with a dovetailed, square-notch rear sight and a fiber-optic front post for fast target acquisition without a red dot mounted, plus the milled slide cut for adding an optic later. At 22 ounces unloaded and an overall length of 8.4 inches, it's sized similarly to a full-size centerfire pistol, which makes it a realistic dry-fire and skill-building trainer for shooters who carry a similarly sized 9mm or .45 duty gun.

Who is this pistol built for?

The combination of a full-size grip, optics-ready slide, and a harder-hitting rimfire cartridge than standard .22 LR makes this a strong fit for shooters who want low-cost practice ammunition without stepping down to a subcompact-size training gun, and for varmint or small-pest control at closer ranges where a rimfire handgun is a practical option.

What should California buyers verify before ordering?

Beyond the magazine capacity question, confirm with your FFL that this exact M&P22 Magnum configuration currently appears on California's approved handgun roster before ordering — rimfire pistols aren't automatically exempt from roster requirements just because they're chambered in a less powerful cartridge than a typical defensive handgun.

As a firearm, this pistol cannot ship to a home address. It transfers through your chosen licensed FFL dealer, where you'll complete the required background check and any state waiting period.

How does it compare to other .22 WMR pistols on the market?

The M&P22 Magnum enters a fairly small category — most .22 WMR semi-autos are niche products, and Smith & Wesson's decision to build this one on a full-size, optics-ready platform rather than a compact novelty frame sets it apart from older .22 Magnum pistol designs. That full-size approach is deliberate: it's aimed at shooters who want a serious rimfire trainer and small-game pistol, not a curiosity piece.

Recoil is naturally light given the cartridge, which combined with the pistol's full-size grip makes it an easy gun to shoot accurately for extended sessions — a real advantage if the goal is building trigger-control habits that carry over to a heavier-recoiling centerfire pistol. For small-game and pest control, .22 WMR's extra velocity over standard .22 LR also gives it more reliable stopping power at moderate handgun ranges.