Jennings J-22
Jennings Firearms · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1978
Also known as: J-22, Jennings Firearms J-22
Overview
The Jennings J-22 is a small, inexpensive .22 LR semi-automatic pocket pistol designed by George Jennings and produced by Jennings Firearms beginning in 1978. With a 2.5-inch barrel, six-round magazine, and zinc-alloy (Zamak) construction, the J-22 became one of the archetypal Saturday Night Special pistols of late-20th-century America - cheap, light, easily concealed, and infamous for its modest reliability. The design and tooling were eventually inherited by Bryco Arms and later Jimenez Arms, which continued production as the JA-22.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 340 g (12.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 127 mm (5.00") |
| Barrel Length | 64 mm (2.52") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 7 m (8 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Zinc Alloy |
| Slide Material | Zinc Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Satin Nickel |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Magazine Disconnect
- Features: Fixed Sights, Exposed Hammer Strut, Zinc Alloy Construction, Pocket Carry
Variants
- Jimenez JA-22 — Successor
Production
Production years: 1978-1990s
Hundreds of thousands produced under Jennings, Bryco, and later Jimenez branding; exact totals not published
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: George Jennings
Notes
Often cited alongside Raven, Lorcin, and Bryco as quintessential Ring of Fire Saturday Night Special manufacturers based in Southern California. Production weight is commonly listed at 12-13 ounces.
Background
George Jennings was the patriarch of the so-called 'Ring of Fire' - a cluster of Southern California makers (Jennings, Raven, Bryco, Lorcin, Phoenix, Sundance) whose cheap zinc-alloy pocket pistols dominated the budget handgun market and gave rise to the very term 'Saturday Night Special'.