Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory

Smith & Wesson · Pistol · In Production · 2016

Also known as: SW22, Victory Target, SW22 Victory Target

Overview

The Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory is a semi-automatic target pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle, featuring a stainless steel frame and slide with an innovative interchangeable barrel system. Introduced in 2016, the Victory was designed as a modern replacement for Smith & Wesson's classic Model 41 target pistol, offering enhanced ergonomics, modular design, and easier maintenance at a more accessible price point. The pistol features a 5.5-inch stainless steel barrel as standard, adjustable rear sights, a fiber optic front sight, and a textured polymer grip with integrated Picatinny rail for accessory mounting. The Victory weighs 36 ounces (1021g) unloaded, providing stability for accurate target shooting. The blowback action is simple and reliable, operating with standard or high-velocity .22 LR ammunition. The single-action trigger breaks at approximately 3 pounds (13N) out of the box. The innovative one-screw takedown system allows for easy disassembly and cleaning without tools beyond the included hex key.

Specifications

Weight (empty)1021 g (36.0 oz)
Weight (loaded)1049 g (37.0 oz)
Overall Length234 mm (9.21")
Barrel Length140 mm (5.51")
Height142 mm (5.59")
Width33 mm (1.30")
Action TypeBlowback
Firing MechanismSingle Action Only
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Trigger Pull13 N (2.9 lbf)
Magazine Capacity10 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity330 m/s (1083 fps)
Muzzle Energy141 J (104 ft·lbf)
Effective Range50 m (55 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist406 mm (15.98")
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialStainless Steel
Slide MaterialStainless Steel
Barrel MaterialStainless Steel
FinishStainless

Calibers

Features

Service history

Operators

Production

Production years: 2016-present

Current production target pistol with multiple variants

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Notes

The SW22 Victory represents Smith & Wesson's modern approach to .22 LR target pistols, emphasizing modularity, ease of maintenance, and versatility. The interchangeable barrel system allows users to swap between different barrel lengths (including 4.5, 5.5, and 6-inch options) and configurations (standard or threaded for suppressors) with minimal effort. The barrels use a unique mounting system that ensures proper headspacing and alignment without requiring fitting or adjustment. The Picatinny rail integrated into the grip frame allows mounting of lights, lasers, or other accessories, though most target shooters leave it empty. Multiple variants are available including models with threaded barrels for suppressor use, optics-ready models with removable rear sight sections for mounting red dots, and models with carbon fiber barrels for reduced weight. The magazine disconnect safety prevents the pistol from firing when the magazine is removed, a feature appreciated by some users and disliked by others. The manual thumb safety is frame-mounted on the left side. The textured polymer grips provide excellent control but can be replaced with aftermarket options. The trigger is adjustable for overtravel. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and resistance to corrosion. The Victory has become popular in competitive .22 LR shooting sports including Steel Challenge and Rimfire Challenge. At an MSRP of approximately $429-$509 depending on configuration, the Victory offers excellent value compared to more expensive target .22s.

Background

The SW22 Victory was developed to bring modern design and manufacturing techniques to the .22 LR target pistol market, creating an affordable yet accurate platform suitable for both beginners learning marksmanship and experienced competitors.