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S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 10:16 am
by SlartyBartFast
After a polite request for a review, I figured I'd throw my response up publicly. First question I really had was which forum to put the thread in.

Don't think it really matters. Except that putting it in one forum or the other means that people that stick to onl one forum might miss the review. I'm shooting ISSF slow fire targets at 20 yards, 5 rounds in a magazine at a time, sights as supplied with gun (meaning they're illegal for proper ISSF competition). I really don't care to make a distinction between the ISSF and Bullseye disciplines, until I'm shooting proficiently enough to be involved in something where the equipment rules finally have some bearing on me.
slofyr wrote:> _________________
> Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory - Kryptek Camouflage
> - Tandemkross Halo charging ring.
> - Tandemkross Victory trigger (to be installed).


Sometime, please consider doing a review of your Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory. There doesn't seem to be much comment around the net from the perspective of a precision shooter. It appears to be a potentially better platform than the Rugers.

Be well
My experience shooting is very limited. Precision shooting with a pistol even more so.

First comment: Two things you can do if you want mocked at a precision gun club, buy a camouflage gun and patch your first target with black dots outside the center black. The second you can correct right away, although might take longer to live down, the first is with you as long as you have the gun.

Also, buying something no one else has ever seen raises eyebrows. But since shooting at the club a few times some of the much more experienced members have surprised me with information they obviously got by watching the various tear-down videos after initially commenting I should have bought a Ruger or Buckmark.

I've put only about 300 rounds through the gun (If you notice the difference slofyr I did a recount my targets). 10 rounds at a time, 3 or four times a night, 2 or 3 nights every couple of weeks, sure goes slow compared to the online reviews that shoot 500 first time out.

I've gone from shooting a 41 with my first ever target (aiming centre of target) to shooting an 88 with my latest (aiming 6 o'clock and adjusting the sights down a few notches. All targets considered, I'm averaging low 70's now.

I find the fibre optic sights useless really. But that's probably only because the lighting in the range is quite poor. So for the conditions I shoot under it would be nice to have a good set of target iron sights available. I messaged Volquartsen to say they should make their SW22 metal picatinny rail compatible with some of the sights available for other guns.

The problems I've had are:
- Initially having to use high velicity CCI minimags to have the pistol cycle. Now it seems to like anything I've used. CCI SV LRN, S&B SV, Federal Target...
- The scary amount of torque I had to apply to remove the takedown screw (broke one Allen key in two).
- A tendency for the magazines to get jammed on the way out if I don't let the magazines fall freely into my hand.
- The ease with which the safety can be accidentally engaged when picking up the gun or changing my grip.

The first two are no longer a problem, and the last two I guess are just the kind of thing one has to get used to.

I expect it might not last as long as the Rugers, as the Rugers are all metal construction. But I'm certain I'll get a lot of use out of it. And while in the store the Ruger felt like something I could get used to, the S&W felt perfect in my hand when I first picked it up.

So far I'm very pleased with the pistol.

Re: S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 1:14 pm
by Chia
Thanks for the review. Problems one and four sound like things that can be worked out with a little bit of finessing of the gun. My Ruger had similar magazine problems until I changed the grips (and LOOSENED them), now there's no issue whatsoever. I can't find an exploded view of the Victory anywhere (including in the manual...odd...), so I don't know if the grips are similar in construction to the Ruger or not, but it appears so from a surface glance.

Problem 1 sounds like typical breaking in. Can you keep us appraised if it changes?

Re: S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 1:36 pm
by SlartyBartFast
Chia wrote:Thanks for the review. Problems one and four sound like things that can be worked out with a little bit of finessing of the gun. My Ruger had similar magazine problems until I changed the grips (and LOOSENED them), now there's no issue whatsoever. I can't find an exploded view of the Victory anywhere (including in the manual...odd...), so I don't know if the grips are similar in construction to the Ruger or not, but it appears so from a surface glance.

Problem 1 sounds like typical breaking in. Can you keep us appraised if it changes?
Problem one was surely just breaking in. After I managed to remove the takedown screw and clean the gun, next time at the range the same ammunition (Federal Target) that refused to eject worked fine.

Everything you need to know about disassembling a SW22 Victory:
Disassembly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLuRGiDC_dg
Reassembly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl6n-KRRuNs

The grip panels are held on with two screws each. Don't see how they could change anything for the magazine eject.

So I just have to let the magazines fall into my hand when removing them and remember to check the safety is off everytime I pickup the gun or change my grip.

Re: S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 3:18 pm
by Chia
Stop that first video at 7:27 and you'll see a spring attaching what I assuming is the magazine disconnect to the bottom. If that is the magazine disconnect (and ignore this post if it isn't), then yes, the tightness of the grips can affect it. If the grip screws are overtightened, like they were on my ruger, it can squeeze the magazine chamber, especially if the housing is made of a thinner material, making it more difficult for the magazine to drop out.

Re: S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 3:30 pm
by SlartyBartFast
Chia wrote:Stop that first video at 7:27 and you'll see a spring attaching what I assuming is the magazine disconnect to the bottom. If that is the magazine disconnect (and ignore this post if it isn't), then yes, the tightness of the grips can affect it. If the grip screws are overtightened, like they were on my ruger, it can squeeze the magazine chamber, especially if the housing is made of a thinner material, making it more difficult for the magazine to drop out.
Yes, that is the magazine disconnect. I'll see if playing with the tightness of the grip screws has any effect on my pistol.

Re: S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 11:42 pm
by Xman
FYI

This months NRA mags features the S & W Victory review

Re: S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2016 11:57 am
by Gregbenner
Nice review! I also have the Victory SW22, I have two barrels, the stock one, and the carbon fiber barrel from Volquartson. I also got the TandenKross trigger, but I am not so handy, so I asked my LGS, Jon Eulette to install it. He did, along with some other "magic". Super nice!

Using the included rail, I have installed a Burris FF3 dot sight.

I have not experienced any of the other issues you mentioned. The sticking takedown screw seems to affect a only a few, but an issue if it does. I have swapped barrels back and forth several times, never any issue at all.

When I originally purchased it, I shot CCI Mini Mags because thats what I had. No idea if it would have been required. Now it seem shoots CCI-SV fine.

The only "issues" I did have were the stock trigger and the grip.
Stock trigger had way too much take up, definitely OK as stock triggers go but,,,,now fixed!
The shape of the grips is different, seems too small (I normally get medium size grips), and flat at the front, hard for me to grip/shoot one handed. Much different than a Buckmark or Mark 3. Volquartson makes an orthopedic laminated grip for this gun, but it only is offered in one size, which is too large for me. However, they were nice enough to sell me a set "unfinished" (it is in the mail as I type this). I wanted them unfinished so I can dremel away to get them to my size without then having to try and match the original finish. Rather i will just use tung oil.

With the Volquartson carbon fiber barrel the gun is lighter by 2.5oz. Perhaps too light too light for bullseye shooting (for me anyway). My base gun is 35.8 oz, 37.5 with the FF3 installed, and 35.0 with the FF3 and the VC barrel.

Hard to comment on accuracy, all my pistols shoot better than me. It does shoot well.

Re: S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2016 2:47 pm
by SlartyBartFast
Gregbenner wrote:...
I also got the TandenKross trigger, but I am not so handy, so I asked my LGS, Jon Eulette to install it. He did, along with some other "magic". Super nice!
...
Volquartson makes an orthopedic laminated grip for this gun, but it only is offered in one size, which is too large for me.
...
Have any idea what the other "magic" preformed was? I've also wondered what is involved in the trigger job listed at http://www.maddmacsprecisiontactical.co ... ctory.html

I feel I'm plenty handy to install the TandemKross trigger myself. Just need to find the time. When I have it all apart I thought trying to duplicate the 25 cent Glock trigger job (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XJxltxvAo4).

Although I have no real complaint about the stock grips, it would be really nice to be able to try a set of the Volquartsons. I don't want to spend all that money to find I don't like the fit.

Re: S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2016 3:19 pm
by Gregbenner
SBF, Jon did comment on a thread you had on Bullseyse Forum. Other than that, I have no real idea, it's why I call it "Magic" (lol). Jon has worked on several of my pistols, including my Hammerli 208, Buckmark, 1911, Glock 34, etc. He is the best smith I have had the fortune to have work on my guns. My understanding is there is a lot more to a really good trigger job than merely dropping in new parts. Fitting the parts, polishing, smoothing, bending, maybe grinding (knowing what and where), are all included in the "art" of gunsmithing, which may not be something he could pass on in text ? PM him, he will respond.

Re: the Volquartson grips, they would let you return them if you didn't like them. You could also get then from Rimfire Sports, a little less$$, free shipping (at least in the US). I would always confirm the ability to return before ordering, but have never had an issue. Only net cost is shipping. One of the minor issues with the Victory is the lack of aftermarket choices, particularly compared to a Ruger or Buckmark. Since i shoot one handed, and prefer orthopedic grips, there aren'y many options.

Re: S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 1:32 pm
by SlartyBartFast
Gregbenner wrote:Other than that, I have no real idea, it's why I call it "Magic" (lol).
Thanks for the reply. I think I'll simply hold off on getting grips until I've found somewhere to see them for myself. Might try the order and return if I find the money really burning a hole in my pockets.

A replacement set of sights would really be nice. I'm really finding that the The holidays have been busy, the range has been closed for cleaning and painting, and I broke my glasses. So I haven't done anything shooting related in a while. Hope to get new glasses and do some shooting soon.

Re: S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 5:09 pm
by Rover
I examined one of these last Saturday. It seemed pretty nice, but it had a perfect aftermarket trigger installed. Front sight sucked. User had no alibis with CCI Standard.

Why are you messing around with the damned safety? Forget that!

Re: S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2017 5:59 pm
by SlartyBartFast
Rover wrote:I examined one of these last Saturday. It seemed pretty nice, but it had a perfect aftermarket trigger installed. Front sight sucked. User had no alibis with CCI Standard.
Know which aftermarket trigger? I only know of the TandemKross one.

I'm shooting S&B Standard now. No complaints, no problems.
Rover wrote:Why are you messing around with the damned safety? Forget that!
I'm not "messing" with the safety. I keep accidentally engaging it.

Re: S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2017 8:22 pm
by Rover
It was a TandemKross. I just couldn't remember it.

Re: S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2017 6:28 pm
by DesertRagWeed
I have an SW22 from shortly after it was available.

First mod was to put the Picatinny rail on an mount a TruGlo red dot on it.

Second mod was the Volquartsen laminated grips. They made a difference in the handling and what you want for bullseye shooting.

I waited for Volquartsen and Tandemkross to come out with a trigger kit. Finally, Tandemkross came out with their trigger replacement.
It made a remarkable difference in the trigger. It eliminated the long pull of the S&W trigger, changed the pull from 4-3/4# to 2#. The
texture on the trigger face helps me get my trigger finger in the right place every time. The Tandemkross trigger is a very cheap way
to make an okay trigger into a great trigger. And, it's an easier job than doing the Volquartsen Ruger trigger job.

So far, only Tandemkross is the only company to address the SW22 trigger.

The potential next mod might be the Volquartsen I-fluted SS barrel with the compensator, and I'd leave off the front sight since I always
use the red dot.

BTW, it was my SW22 that "rover" looked at last Saturday (12/31/16).

Re: S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2017 6:53 pm
by SlartyBartFast
DesertRagWeed wrote:I have an SW22 from shortly after it was available.

First mod was to put the Picatinny rail on an mount a TruGlo red dot on it.

Second mod was the Volquartsen laminated grips. They made a difference in the handling and what you want for bullseye shooting.

I waited for Volquartsen and Tandemkross to come out with a trigger kit.
As per my signature, I have the trigger sitting in my toolbox. And I'm getting the itch that maybe I should just throw the cash down for the grips.

My problem is with sights. I think I'm coming to hate the OEM sights. Need a replacement set or some solid colour filament.

If I was to get a red dot, I'll really like to get the mount made by madd macs precision tactical. http://www.maddmacsprecisiontactical.co ... e-iii.html

But like the fibre optic sights, not legal under ISSF and club rules. I need iron sights.

Re: S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2017 9:41 am
by SlartyBartFast
The trigger is now installed.

Quite frankly, I thought the disassembly and reassembly was very simple. Even though I didn't have the right tools.

A pic would have been handy to position the shim/washer. And the detent and spring did go ballistic on me twice. First time 6 feet up and a few feet over to come to rest on top of a china cabinet. Luckily it hit a metallic ornament and I clearly heard the ping so I knew where to look. Second time it went straight into the toolbox where I had it pointed.

The only thing I'd mention so no one has the same "oh crap I broke it" moment is that the gun might not fire if the adjustment screws are too far in. Panicked, took it apart but couldn't remove the cocked hammer, thought about it a bit, had an Ah HA! moment, reassembled, adjusted, and perfect.

I'll see how I like it tonight at the range.

Re: S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2017 4:16 pm
by Rover
At last a guy who knows how to hold his mouth right when working on a gun.

Re: S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2017 1:35 pm
by SlartyBartFast
So, now I've shot the pistol with the TandemKross trigger.

Not having much pistol experience, I have to say I like it. There is little take-up and I suppose pull feels lighter.

Shot my personal best (90/100 on an ISSF 20yd target) Sunday morning, so the trigger isn't hurting my performance.

One issue seems to be the trigger/sear mechanism doesn't always seem to reset after last round fired. On first round of a magazine sometimes the trigger seems soft as if the safety is on. Pulling fully a releasing I can feel the click of the reset and then everything works fine.

Might end up taking the pre-travel screw out entirely. I think the trigger is already eliminating much of the pretravel of the old trigger without additional adjustment.

Re: S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2017 10:38 am
by rmca
SlartyBartFast wrote:Shot my personal best (90/100 on an ISSF 20yd target)
There is no such target.

ISSF only has:

10 meter targets (air pistol; air rifle);
25 meter, pistol targets (standard target and rapid fire) and the;
50 meter, free pistol uses the same 25 meter standard target) and rifle target.

Plus the running target ones...

Hope this helps

Re: S&W SW22 Victory Review - Bullseye or Olympic?

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2017 10:49 am
by SlartyBartFast
rmca wrote:
SlartyBartFast wrote:Shot my personal best (90/100 on an ISSF 20yd target)
There is no such target.

...

Hope this helps
Funny, there is such a target. It's exactly what it says on my targets that I purchase from the club and the club purchases from the Shooting Federation of Canada who are the ISSF/IOC affiliate for Canada.

Targets can be scaled to be used at different distances. That being abundantly obvious, I'm not quite sure what help you're trying to provide. So no. Your post really didn't help.