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- Treat every gun as loaded
- Point the muzzle in a safe direction
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot
- Know your target and what’s beyond
S&W SW22 Victory Review: The Best Value .22 LR Target Pistol
Our Rating: 8.0/10
- RRP: $429
- Street Price: $340-$400 (Check our live pricing below)
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Single-action blowback semi-automatic
- Barrel Length: 5.5″
- Overall Length: 9.2″
- Weight: 36 oz (empty)
- Capacity: 10+1
- Frame: Stainless steel
- Sights: Adjustable fiber optic front, adjustable rear
- Barrel: Interchangeable (threaded barrel option)
- Made in: USA
Pros
- Excellent accuracy out of the box
- Modular design with interchangeable barrels
- Great trigger for the price point
- Stainless steel construction
- Affordable compared to Ruger Mark IV competition
- Threaded barrel option available
Cons
- Magazines can be finicky to load
- Plastic rear sight on base model
- Takedown is easier than older designs but still requires tools on some models
- Aftermarket not as deep as Ruger Mark IV
S&W SW22 Victory
Quick Take
The S&W SW22 Victory is the gun that proved Smith & Wesson could compete with Ruger in the .22 LR target pistol market. Since its 2015 launch, it’s become the default recommendation for anyone who wants a quality .22 pistol without paying Ruger Mark IV prices. At $340 to $400 street, it undercuts the Mark IV by $100 or more while delivering comparable accuracy and a genuinely good trigger.
The modular barrel system is the standout feature. You can swap barrels without tools, which means one gun can run a standard 5.5″ barrel for target shooting, a threaded barrel for suppressed shooting, or a longer 6″ Performance Center barrel for competition. That versatility is hard to beat at this price.
Is it as refined as the Ruger Mark IV? No. The fit and finish are slightly rougher, the aftermarket is smaller, and the magazines are pickier. But for the money saved, the SW22 Victory is a genuine best-in-class value that shoots better than it has any right to for under $400.
Best For: Target shooting, plinking, Steel Challenge and NRL22 competition, training new shooters on fundamentals, and small game hunting. Pair it with our best .22 LR ammo guide for maximum accuracy. Also see our best Ruger Mark IV guide for the primary competitor.
SW22 Victory vs Ruger Mark IV: The Real Comparison
This is the comparison everyone makes, so let’s address it directly. The Ruger Mark IV is the gold standard for .22 LR target pistols. It’s more refined, has a deeper aftermarket (Volquartsen, TandemKross, and others make extensive upgrade parts), and the one-button takedown is genuinely brilliant. The Mark IV 22/45 Lite starts around $430 to $500.
The SW22 Victory counters with a lower price ($340-$400), interchangeable barrels (the Mark IV requires a new complete upper), and a trigger that’s competitive right out of the box. The Victory’s stainless steel construction is heavier but more durable than the Mark IV Lite’s aluminum frame.
Bottom line: if you have the budget and want the most refined .22 pistol, get the Ruger Mark IV. If you want 90% of the Mark IV experience for $100 less, the SW22 Victory is the smart buy.
Ruger Mark IV (Competitor)
The Performance Center Models
S&W offers upgraded Performance Center versions of the SW22 Victory with enhanced features for competitive shooters. The Performance Center models include a 6″ fluted barrel, an adjustable target trigger with a 2.5 to 3 lb pull weight, and a full-length Picatinny rail for optic mounting. The carbon fiber barrel variant is the lightest option and pairs well with a red dot for Steel Challenge competition.
Performance Center pricing runs $500 to $650, which puts them in Ruger Mark IV competition territory. At that price, the comparison becomes closer, and your choice should come down to which gun feels better in your hand.
Known Issues
- Magazine loading: The 10-round magazines can be stiff and finicky to load, especially the last 2 rounds. A UpLULA .22 LR loader helps significantly.
- Ammo sensitivity: Like most .22 LR semi-autos, the Victory runs better with higher-velocity ammo. Bulk-pack 36gr ammo may cause cycling issues. CCI Standard Velocity and Mini-Mags run reliably.
- Rear sight quality: The base model rear sight is plastic and can feel cheap compared to the rest of the gun. The Performance Center models fix this with adjustable target sights, or you can mount a red dot on the Picatinny rail.
The Verdict
The S&W SW22 Victory is the best value .22 LR target pistol on the market. It’s not the absolute best .22 pistol (that’s still the Ruger Mark IV in most configurations), but it’s the best gun for the money. The interchangeable barrel system gives it flexibility that no other .22 at this price can match, the trigger is genuinely good, and the accuracy will surprise you.
If you’re a new shooter looking for an affordable training gun, a competitor wanting a Steel Challenge or NRL22 pistol, or just someone who wants to spend all day at the range without spending a fortune on ammo, the SW22 Victory earns a strong recommendation.
Final Score: 8.0/10
Best For: Target shooting, Steel Challenge, NRL22 competition, training new shooters, and high-volume plinking at minimal ammo cost.
SW22 Victory - Best Prices
FAQ: S&W SW22 Victory
SW22 Victory vs Ruger Mark IV: which is better?
The Ruger Mark IV is the more refined pistol with a deeper aftermarket and the brilliant one-button takedown. The SW22 Victory is 100 dollars cheaper, offers interchangeable barrels, and has a competitive trigger out of the box. If budget is the priority, the Victory is the better value. If you want the absolute best .22 LR pistol regardless of price, the Mark IV wins.
Is the SW22 Victory good for competition?
Yes. The SW22 Victory is an excellent pistol for Steel Challenge (rimfire division) and NRL22 competition. The Performance Center models with enhanced triggers and target sights are particularly competitive. The interchangeable barrel system lets you swap between standard and threaded configurations without buying a second gun.
What ammo works best in the SW22 Victory?
The SW22 Victory runs best with higher-velocity .22 LR ammunition. CCI Mini-Mags and CCI Standard Velocity are the most reliable choices. Federal AutoMatch and Aguila Super Extra also run well. Avoid bulk-pack 36-grain ammunition as it may cause cycling issues. For competition accuracy, CCI Standard Velocity and SK Standard Plus are popular choices.
Can you suppress the SW22 Victory?
Yes. The SW22 Victory is available with a threaded barrel option, and additional threaded barrels can be purchased and swapped onto the gun thanks to the interchangeable barrel system. Paired with a .22 LR suppressor and subsonic ammunition, the SW22 Victory is an excellent suppressed host with very low noise levels.
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