Smith & Wesson has added a new branch to its M&P handgun family with the M&P 22X, a rimfire pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle and purpose-built to pair with the company’s foldable FPC 22LR carbine.
While most .22 LR pistols lean toward compact, training-oriented designs, the M&P 22X takes a different approach, offering a full-size frame and optic-ready slide.
At 7¼ inches long and just more than 16 ounces, the M&P 22X finds a middle ground between serious training platform and casual plinker. Its internal hammer-fired action and crisp, lightweight trigger set it apart from its striker-fired rimfire counterparts. The pistol’s low recoil and polymer slim-grip frame also make it approachable for new shooters, as well as satisfying for experienced ones.
A standout feature is the optics-ready slide, pre-cut to accept red-dot sights without aftermarket modification. But even without a mounted optic, the factory fiber-optic front sight—a Hi-Viz LiteWave H3—combined with a blacked-out rear notch, provides a clean sight picture. Swappable light pipe inserts (including red, green and white) let shooters fine-tune their sighting system without tools or gunsmithing.
The threaded barrel (1/2x28) signals Smith & Wesson’s intent: suppressed shooting is more than an afterthought here. That’s increasingly relevant as rimfire suppressor use grows, especially among competition shooters, recreational shooters and varmint hunters.
Perhaps the most practical feature is the inclusion of two 20-round magazines, which are compatible with the FPC 22LR. This shared mag design means fewer spares to buy and manage for those who already own the carbine. In addition, a 10-round compliant model is also available for customers in restrictive states.
In short, the Smith & Wesson M&P 22X isn’t a rimfire afterthought; rather, it’s a well-executed entry into the growing field of precision .22 LR sidearms. Whether you’re training or just enjoying a day at the range, this new rimfire pistol aims to please.
MSRP is $499. Go to smith-wesson.com to learn more.
