First Look: Smith & Wesson Model 22 Classic Revolvers

Smith & Wesson is bringing back two iconic historical revolvers through the Model 22 of 1917 Classic and the Model 22 Classic.

Whether you’re passionate about historical revolvers or just want to LARP as Indiana Jones, Smith & Wesson’s latest releases should make you very happy: the Model 22 of 1917 Classic and the Model 22 Classic. These large-frame, DA/SA, 6-shot wheelguns have looks and features inspired by the company’s original models, but are now being manufactured with modern methods, technology, and quality. That gives you the best of both worlds: classic style and contemporary reliability standards.

Both the Model 22 of 1917 Classic and the Model 22 Classic are .45-caliber and built on blued N-Frames, but they have some major differences as well. The Model 22 of 1917 Classic is chambered for .45 ACP only and has a moon-clip-cut cylinder that works with both half- and full-moon clips. It also features a 5.5-inch barrel, a half-moon front sight, smooth walnut grips, and a lanyard loop.

Meanwhile, the Model 22 Classic is chambered for both .45 ACP using moon clips and .45 Colt by placing rounds directly in the cylinder. This gives it much more versatility than its Model 22 of 1917 counterpart, and it has some other practical upgrades as well. Namely, a shorter 4-inch barrel and a serrated ramp front sight. For classic looks, however, it also comes sporting smooth walnut grips and a lanyard loop.

These revolvers may be extremely handsome, but they seem like they’ll be supremely shootable as well, so if you buy one, don’t let it collect dust as a safe queen. Grab your hat, whip, and moon clips and hit the range!

For more information, visit smith-wesson.com.

More Classic Guns

• Ten Classic Guns You’ve Got To Own
• High Standard .22 Pistols
• Collecting The Colt Single Action Army
• The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Pistol
• A History Of The 1911

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