Garand Thumb Tests the $1,299 Smith & Wesson Model 22 Classic Revolver

Garand Thumb put 120 rounds through Smith & Wesson's revived four-inch Model 22 Classic, a fixed-sight N-frame revolver that fires both .45 ACP and .45 Colt, to judge whether it earns its $1,299 suggested price.

Key points

• The gun: Announced Oct. 27, 2026, alongside the longer Model 22 of 1917 Classic, it holds six rounds, weighs 34.6 ounces, wears walnut grips and has no internal lock. The .45 ACP rounds load with the five included moon clips, while rimmed .45 Colt goes straight into the cylinder.
• .45 ACP results: Three supported six-shot groups at 15 yards averaged 2.9 inches, with a best of 2.4 inches. The reviewer said 230-grain loads felt like a wide shove instead of a sharp jolt.
• .45 Colt results: At 25 yards, the 250-grain load averaged 4.4 inches with a best of 3.8 inches, and it hit about three inches higher and slightly right of the .45 ACP load.
• Reliability: All 120 rounds fired without a misfire, sticky case or rotation failure, though the reviewer notes one session cannot prove long-term reliability for a new production run.
• Handling: The single-action trigger broke cleanly, and the longer, heavier double-action pull stayed consistent.

Quick take

The reviewer calls the Model 22 expensive for a fixed-sight revolver but says few current handguns offer a traditionally finished, lock-free N-frame in both cartridges. Because the sights cannot be adjusted, the review advises owners to test the exact ammunition they plan to use.

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