Smith & Wesson 2213 Sportsman
Smith & Wesson · Pistol · Discontinued · 1990
Also known as: Model 2213, 2213 Sportsman
Overview
The Smith & Wesson Model 2213 Sportsman is a compact semi-automatic pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle, manufactured from 1990 to 1999 as part of the company's second-generation rimfire lineup. Built on a lightweight aluminum alloy frame with a stainless steel slide and barrel, the 2213 features an unusual fixed-barrel blowback design where the barrel is positioned below the recoil spring rather than above it-a distinctive engineering choice that sets it apart from conventional blowback pistols. Weighing just 18 ounces with a 3-inch barrel and 8-round single-stack magazine, the Sportsman was designed as an affordable, easy-to-carry plinker and training pistol for recreational shooters and new handgunners. The pistol features two-dot fixed sights, black polymer grips, a magazine disconnect safety, and a manual thumb safety. Part of the 422/622 series lineage from the mid-1980s through 1996, the 2213 was specifically marketed as a compact 'kit gun' for casual target shooting and informal plinking rather than serious competition use. The stainless steel construction offered corrosion resistance for outdoor use, while the lightweight alloy frame made it comfortable to carry during extended range sessions or outdoor recreation.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 510 g (18.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 171 mm (6.73") |
| Barrel Length | 76 mm (2.99") |
| Height | 111 mm (4.37") |
| Width | 31 mm (1.22") |
| Sight Radius | 110 mm (4.33") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 24 N (5.4 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1200 m (1312 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Satin Stainless |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Magazine Disconnect, Manual Thumb Safety
- Features: Stainless Steel Slide, Aluminum Alloy Frame, Fixed Barrel Blowback, Barrel Below Recoil Spring, Two Dot Fixed Sights, Black Polymer Grips, Single Stack Magazine, Lightweight Construction
Variants
- Smith & Wesson 2214 Sportsman — Finish
Production
Production years: 1990-1999
Part of S&W's second-generation rimfire lineup; replaced by SW22 Victory series in 2016
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1999
Notes
The '22' designation indicates .22 LR chambering, while '13' indicates the compact stainless variant in Smith & Wesson's numbering system. The 2213 was manufactured alongside the blued 2214 variant, which featured a carbon steel slide with traditional blue finish instead of stainless. Production ceased in 1999 as Smith & Wesson transitioned to newer .22 LR designs, eventually leading to the SW22 Victory series in 2016. The unique barrel-below-recoil-spring configuration was a carryover from the larger 422/622 series. Reviews of the 2213/2214 vary regarding reliability, with performance typically being ammunition-specific-high-velocity .22 LR loads generally cycling more reliably than standard-velocity rounds. The compact size and fixed sights positioned these models as casual plinkers rather than dedicated target pistols.
Background
The 2213 Sportsman's barrel-below-recoil-spring design was unconventional even when introduced, representing Smith & Wesson's experimentation with compact blowback configurations during the late 20th century. This design quirk made the pistol instantly recognizable to rimfire enthusiasts and contributed to its cult following among collectors of unusual .22 LR handguns.