P22 serial number to manufacture date
1 - 20 of 37 Posts
P88,
You are correct. S&W doesn't have a date code on their weapons. In fact, there is no easy way to determine the date of manufacture. I have contacted S&W customer support and they said if I give them a serial #, they'll tell me the DoM.
You are correct. S&W doesn't have a date code on their weapons. In fact, there is no easy way to determine the date of manufacture. I have contacted S&W customer support and they said if I give them a serial #, they'll tell me the DoM.
Joined
·
821 Posts
I extensively researched the P22 on the internet when deciding on a purchase. From what I've read, the N serial numbers are for the target only version, yet were manufactured in 04. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
L serial numbers, I believe, are the combo packs with both standard and target barrels. I have seen L serial numbers with both AD = 03, and AE = 04 date codes.
![]()
If you look closely, you can see on the barrel hood that this is an 04 L serial number.
From what I've gathered, these N and L serials should be trouble free, as Hal pointed out. Hope all this helps.
-stunks
EDIT: sorry about the huge picture! There's a larger version here if you are having trouble seeing the AE
L serial numbers, I believe, are the combo packs with both standard and target barrels. I have seen L serial numbers with both AD = 03, and AE = 04 date codes.
If you look closely, you can see on the barrel hood that this is an 04 L serial number.
From what I've gathered, these N and L serials should be trouble free, as Hal pointed out. Hope all this helps.
-stunks
EDIT: sorry about the huge picture! There's a larger version here if you are having trouble seeing the AE
Joined
·
471 Posts
That's not entirely correct information... Mine is a "combo" set, a "limited edition" and it's an "N" series... They are the newer ones... Most improved... If you don't get the combo, get the shorter barrel, you can always add the longer (target) one later...
The "L" series are good guns, just not with the latest refinements...
The "L" series are good guns, just not with the latest refinements...
Joined
·
821 Posts
Hmm, my bad, sorry guys for the mixup.
-stunks
-stunks
Joined
·
471 Posts
Not a problem. I'm anxious to find out what you get and what you think of it... My family loves out little P22...
One thing I've learned. We have been shooting the elcheapo Federal's in the bulk pack from Wally World and they are a little under powered. If you shoot the gun with just a little bit of a limp wrist, it will eject the spend casing alright, but won't pick up the next bullet in the mag, and the gun will go click. All you have to do, is shuck another round in and it's good to go... But, a little firmer grip, and it doesn't happen... Better bullets would solve even that, but limp wristing is a good thing to conquer anyway...
One thing I've learned. We have been shooting the elcheapo Federal's in the bulk pack from Wally World and they are a little under powered. If you shoot the gun with just a little bit of a limp wrist, it will eject the spend casing alright, but won't pick up the next bullet in the mag, and the gun will go click. All you have to do, is shuck another round in and it's good to go... But, a little firmer grip, and it doesn't happen... Better bullets would solve even that, but limp wristing is a good thing to conquer anyway...
Joined
·
821 Posts
I've actually read something about leaving the slide open and locked for a day or two while the gun is new to loosen things up a little bit. From what I understand, the factory springs are a little tight (but aren't most)... I guess all this will do will help with the break-in. I also understand an extremely thorough cleaning is in order as there is loads of factory grease on the thing...
Anyways, I do think I'm getting an "L" if memory serves. I've read some people have problems with theirs and some don't. Nothing a short trip back to S&W won't fix if it's a major problem (though I'd rather not have to). I most dread the "walking" safety, and the infamous loose stove bolt and barrel nut, but maybe I'll get lucky.
Nonetheless, I'm extremely excited about this little gun, and most I talk with have high opinions of it, even older ones that had the bad magazines and so forth. They say its a blast to shoot! I can't wait. I'll let you guys know when it comes, and how it performed.
-stunks
Anyways, I do think I'm getting an "L" if memory serves. I've read some people have problems with theirs and some don't. Nothing a short trip back to S&W won't fix if it's a major problem (though I'd rather not have to). I most dread the "walking" safety, and the infamous loose stove bolt and barrel nut, but maybe I'll get lucky.
Nonetheless, I'm extremely excited about this little gun, and most I talk with have high opinions of it, even older ones that had the bad magazines and so forth. They say its a blast to shoot! I can't wait. I'll let you guys know when it comes, and how it performed.
-stunks
Joined
·
821 Posts
I'm buying a combo set, but I'm not sure which barrel to begin with. Lemme know, if you will, what you think of the 5" one.
I know they're probably really easy to swap out, but I can't decide if I want to start with the short or long barrel.
Now I just have to get the damn thing here...stupid USPS.
-stunks
...very slick looking pistola, by the way. Makes me want mine even more.....
I know they're probably really easy to swap out, but I can't decide if I want to start with the short or long barrel.
Now I just have to get the damn thing here...stupid USPS.
-stunks
...very slick looking pistola, by the way. Makes me want mine even more.....
Joined
·
821 Posts
I think I'm jealous! But I'm happy for you, and do look forward to your range report, happy and safe shooting!
-stunks
-stunks
Joined
·
471 Posts
To my understanding, leaving the slide locked open won’t weaken the spring at all… It sure won’t hurt it to try though. It’s work that weakens a spring, not a stationary position… At least that’s what I’ve been lead to believe…
The shorter barrel is much easier to clean… You’ve got to remove the fake compensator to effectively clean it… Really, its not that much harder… I think the hardest thing in changing from one to the other, is changing out the front sight on the slide. There is a blank (sight) to place there when using the longer barrel.
On the barrel lug, I placed one little drop of blue locktite on the threads and tightened it up snug. I’d rather use a little bit of that stuff than to have it unthread itself while shooting it. I’ve shot 2000 rounds through mine now, and it’s not tried to loosen up at all…
These are great little guns, you guys (and gals) are going to love them!
![]()
The shorter barrel is much easier to clean… You’ve got to remove the fake compensator to effectively clean it… Really, its not that much harder… I think the hardest thing in changing from one to the other, is changing out the front sight on the slide. There is a blank (sight) to place there when using the longer barrel.
On the barrel lug, I placed one little drop of blue locktite on the threads and tightened it up snug. I’d rather use a little bit of that stuff than to have it unthread itself while shooting it. I’ve shot 2000 rounds through mine now, and it’s not tried to loosen up at all…
These are great little guns, you guys (and gals) are going to love them!
Joined
·
821 Posts
Hal,
You seem to be knowledgeable concerning the little P22.
Can you tell me what "refinements" the N series has that the L series would not? I'm trying to get a feel for what I should be looking out for on mine.
Thanks for your time.
-stunks
You seem to be knowledgeable concerning the little P22.
Can you tell me what "refinements" the N series has that the L series would not? I'm trying to get a feel for what I should be looking out for on mine.
Thanks for your time.
-stunks
Joined
·
471 Posts
Dog gone it! I don’t recall the differences, if they were all made in the “N” model, or if they were made as it progressed… After my research, I had just decided to make sure the gun’s prefix was an “N”, and the magazines had a suffix of “A”…
Still, some of the problems I heard of sounded like very simple problems. Like cleaning, lubrication, proper ammo, correct hold, a little locktite might have solved most of them… I just held out for what I thought was the latest and greatest… It may all be hogwash…
The safety going on by itself bothered me more than the other things, but that, as I understand it was remedied by putting a small dimple in the retaining pin… S&W fixed that for nothing, if I remember correctly…
If the price was right, I would not hesitate in buying an older model…
I am no expert!... I just slept at a Holiday inn last night!
![]()
(I just own a P22)
![]()
Still, some of the problems I heard of sounded like very simple problems. Like cleaning, lubrication, proper ammo, correct hold, a little locktite might have solved most of them… I just held out for what I thought was the latest and greatest… It may all be hogwash…
The safety going on by itself bothered me more than the other things, but that, as I understand it was remedied by putting a small dimple in the retaining pin… S&W fixed that for nothing, if I remember correctly…
If the price was right, I would not hesitate in buying an older model…
I am no expert!... I just slept at a Holiday inn last night!
(I just own a P22)
1 - 20 of 37 Posts
