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If you’re shopping for a precision-focused .22 LR rimfire pistol that can pull double duty—serious target work one day, relaxed range time the next—the Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory is one of the most “easy to live with” options in its class. It’s accurate, modular, and designed around a refreshingly practical concept: make cleaning and customizing simple, so owners actually do it.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down what makes the SW22 Victory stand out, how it shoots, how it compares to other popular rimfire pistols, and which upgrades are worth your time (and which ones you can skip). Whether you’re chasing tighter groups, building a training companion for centerfire handguns, or just want a reliable rimfire pistol that feels “grown up,” this guide is written to help you decide.
Best for: target shooting, skill-building, steel/rimfire matches, and anyone who wants a “tinker-friendly” rimfire pistol.
Less ideal for: buyers who prefer ultra-light pistols or who want a classic, slim grip profile.
The SW22 Victory is a modern rimfire pistol built around a stainless steel construction and a modular upper that’s designed to be user-friendly. The standout feature is the platform’s simple takedown system and interchangeable barrel setup, which makes cleaning and configuration changes far less intimidating than many alternatives.
Smith & Wesson also offers multiple variants—threaded barrel models, target models, and Performance Center options—so you can start with a base setup and move in a more competition-oriented direction later (or simply buy the version that already matches your goals).
Specs vary slightly by model/variant. Always confirm details on the exact SKU you’re purchasing.
| Spec | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 LR |
| Capacity | 10-round magazines |
| Barrel length | Typically 5.5″ on threaded models |
| Overall length | About 9.2″ (5.5″ barrel configuration) |
| Weight | Varies by source/model; commonly listed around the mid-30 oz range for standard listings |
| Barrel threads | Commonly listed as 1/2×28 (threaded variants) |
| Action | Blowback-operated, single-action, enclosed hammer |
| Optics readiness | Many models include a top rail for optics mounting |
Product pages to compare models:
Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory lineup (official)
In the hand, the SW22 Victory feels more substantial than many polymer-framed rimfire pistols. That extra heft can be a real advantage for precision work because it reduces wobble and helps you stay consistent through your trigger press. The grip shape is comfortable for many shooters, and the controls are generally easy to reach without awkward hand gymnastics.
One reason the Victory platform works so well for long sessions is how it balances: it tends to feel stable out front, and that stability helps you track the sights and call your shots. If you’re used to lighter rimfire pistols, the Victory may feel “serious” in a good way—like a tool meant to shoot small groups, not just make noise.
Tip: If you want a more custom feel, consider aftermarket grips that better match your hand size and preferred angle. This is often the single most noticeable “comfort upgrade” before you change anything mechanical.
Let’s talk about what most buyers want to know: Does it shoot tight groups? The SW22 Victory has built a reputation as a very capable accuracy platform, especially for its price class. With quality ammo and a shooter doing their part, it’s absolutely realistic to see groups tighten as you move from casual plinking loads to more consistent target offerings.
What helps accuracy here is a combination of:
Ammo note: Rimfire accuracy can be surprisingly ammo-sensitive. If you want to “unlock” the Victory’s precision, test a few different .22 LR loads in the same session and track your results. It’s common for a rimfire pistol to “prefer” one load over another.
The factory trigger on many Victory pistols is often described as crisp and usable, especially for a rimfire pistol that isn’t priced like a custom competition build. Still, triggers are personal—some shooters want a cleaner wall, a more consistent break, or a different shoe shape for better finger placement.
If you’re chasing faster splits on steel or simply want a more refined press for paper targets, the SW22 Victory has a healthy upgrade ecosystem. One popular option is a flat-faced trigger upgrade designed specifically for this platform:
TANDEMKROSS Victory Trigger (aftermarket)
Practical advice: If your goal is precision, prioritize a trigger that helps you press straight to the rear without disturbing the sights. If your goal is speed on steel, prioritize a consistent reset and comfortable finger indexing.
Rimfire pistols can be picky—.22 LR is inherently dirtier than many centerfire cartridges, and the ammo itself varies widely. The SW22 Victory generally performs best when you follow a few basic rules:
The good news is the Victory’s design makes cleaning less of a chore—which tends to improve real-world reliability because owners actually maintain it.
One of the most owner-friendly features of the SW22 Victory is its straightforward takedown approach. Many shooters love rimfire pistols but hate the disassembly process—so maintenance becomes infrequent, and reliability suffers. The Victory flips that script by making takedown feel approachable.
If you like to learn by watching, here’s a helpful field-strip and cleaning video resource:
SW22 Victory field strip / clean / lube (YouTube)
Why it matters: When cleaning is easy, you’re more likely to keep your rimfire pistol running smoothly—especially after high round counts or when using dirtier ammo.
Many SW22 Victory variants ship with a top rail or are easily configured for optics. Adding a red dot can be one of the fastest ways to shrink groups and speed up target transitions—especially for shooters whose eyes struggle with a crisp front sight focus.
If your model includes a rail, optics setup can be very straightforward. If not, confirm what mounting solution is compatible with your exact variant before purchasing.
Optics tip: A rimfire pistol is a great place to learn dot fundamentals. The dot will reveal every flaw in your grip and trigger press—then reward you when you smooth them out.
Threaded models are popular because they expand what you can do with the platform—especially for training, balance tuning, or specialized range setups. Thread pitch is commonly listed as 1/2×28 on threaded variants, but always confirm the thread spec on the exact model you’re buying.
For shooters who want a muzzle device designed for rimfire use, you’ll find several purpose-built options. Here’s an example of a rimfire compensator product page:
TANDEMKROSS Game Changer PRO Compensator for .22LR
Balance note: Even when recoil is light, changing front-end weight can help you settle the dot/sights and track consistently between shots.
The SW22 Victory shines if you like to make a pistol your own. It’s a platform where simple upgrades can yield noticeable improvements in feel and performance. Popular modification categories include:
Browse platform-specific upgrades here:
SW22 Victory upgrades & accessories (aftermarket)
The Ruger Mark IV is a classic with a massive fan base, and it’s also known for improved takedown compared to older generations. The SW22 Victory competes strongly on modularity and “out of the box” feel, with a different grip geometry and customization style. Many shooters pick based on which platform feels better in the hand and which upgrade path they prefer.
The Buck Mark has a long reputation for accuracy and smooth shooting. The Victory tends to stand out for owners who prioritize easy maintenance and platform modularity. If you want a rimfire pistol you can quickly maintain and tinker with, the Victory is a strong contender.
Less expensive rimfire pistols can be fun, but they often sacrifice the “precision tool” vibe that makes the Victory satisfying. The SW22 Victory is commonly chosen by shooters who want a rimfire pistol that feels like a serious training and target platform rather than a casual toy.
The SW22 Victory is a great choice if you want:
You might pass if you want an ultra-light pistol for casual carry-style handling, or if you strongly prefer a different grip angle and geometry after handling both.
Yes. With quality ammo and good technique, the Victory is absolutely capable for serious target practice and skill development. Many shooters treat it as an affordable “precision rimfire” platform.
Many variants are optics-ready or include a rail. Always confirm your exact model and mounting compatibility before purchasing an optic.
That’s one of its biggest strengths. The design is known for owner-friendly disassembly, which makes regular cleaning much more likely.
Most owners see the biggest benefit from (1) grips that fit their hand, (2) an optic if precision is the goal, and (3) a trigger upgrade if they want a more refined press for speed or accuracy.
Official product lineup (reference photos and variants):
https://www.smith-wesson.com/products/sw22-victory
Optional upgrades:
SW22 Victory accessories & upgrades
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The Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory earns its popularity by combining real accuracy potential with practical ownership features. It’s the kind of rimfire pistol that makes you want to practice—because it’s comfortable to shoot, easy to maintain, and easy to evolve over time. If you want a dependable .22 LR platform you can grow with—stock today, customized tomorrow—the SW22 Victory is one of the most sensible picks on the market.
Next step: Decide your primary use (paper precision, steel speed, training, or all of the above), then choose the exact Victory variant that matches your goals—and budget for a small ammo test session to find what it shoots best.
