Which of the Springfield 1922s is the best?

[Minnesota Joe]

I'm thinking of expanding my collection to include a Springfield 1922, 1922M1, or M2. I'm curious what the folks on this forum think of these various models. Which one is the "best?" I understand that the M2 represents the most "improved" version of the lineage, but I also know that in the manufacturing process you can screw up a good thing with "improvements." So, what's everyone's opinion? Thanks

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[Big Larry]

NRA M1. Big Larry

[MK111]

I aggree with Big Larry that the 1922 M1 NRA is a great one. I have one to. If you want a rare one go with the 1922 unaltered as there was only 2020 made. But they probaly won't shoot unless updated with a later barrel. My 1922 has a 1935 barrel.

[Albayo]

I have an M2 that has hardly been used. It took me about 5 years to track it down after I heard it was out there. There aren't many in Canada so I figure its a great addition to my Springfield collection.

[JimF in CT]

Here's my "take" on your question . . .

I have the M1 version in a "sales" stock.

Naturally, it jams when you try to feed from the magazine, so . . .

I purchased a M2 bolt and magazine, and can now switch from M1 to M2 configuration any time.
The best of both worlds, in my opinion!
M2 versions also have a much faster "lock-time".

A friend has the M2 version in the "issue" M2 stock . . .

It has such an "abbreviated" pistol grip, that even with my small hand, I cannot get my pinky finger on it . . . it hangs out in space!!

I have an "issue" M1 stock that was SA converted to the M2 "issue", and it has a much better/larger PG. I recommend it over the "purpose-built" M2 "issue" stock.


As you can probably tell, there's a lot to the M1922 "family" and though I think the M2 in a "sales" stock is the "top-of-the-heap", I wouldn't frown on ANY of the variations! --Jim

[Big Larry]

Yes, a very low production M2 NRA is probably the top of the heap, but rare and very expensive. I sold mine for $2,500 10 years ago. In comparison, the M2 is the ugly stepchild of the original M1922. The faster lock time and tighter chamber of the M2 would make for a bit more accuracy maybe, in the hands of a Distinguished rifle shot maybe, but on paper with an average shooter? All are very fine specimans of a US Property 22, but if you want real accuracy in a US Property 22, seek out a M52-C or M52-D. The only US Property 22 in that league would be the very rare M1922 Outdoorsman Springfield. Big Larry
BTW, any 40X or 40XB is a collectors prize in addition to a very accurate rifle. In the past, I saw 2 99% USMC 40X's go for $2,500 each when the economy was a little better.

[Tom Jackson]

I recently purchased a M1922MI NRA Sales rifle that was upgraded by DCM with M2 Bolt and magazine. The receiver is marked "M1922MII" and the serial number is "20144B", the barrel is dated "8-31". It was sold in 1936 by DCM. The sales letter describes it as "Rifle, U.S.Caliber .22, M1922 MII, NRA, Browned". Campbell indicates that the DCM sold 114 of the M1922MII NRA Sales rifles which makes them a little more common than the 77 M2 NRA Sales rifles but still fairly scarce. The M1922MII is probaly the best of both worlds: NRA stock, blue finish , M2 bolt and magazine. I shoot my M2 Sales Rifle occasionally - it is a very accurate rifle.

[Big Larry]

Hey Tom. I used to shoot all my 1922 series and then came the Winchester M52. BTW Tom, I finally managed to find a 100% correct 98%+++ papered Style "T". I only have 2 M1903's left. Sold them all. Still have my documented Marine 1903 and the "T". Big Larry

[Publius]

I recently purchased a M1922MI NRA Sales rifle that was upgraded by DCM with M2 Bolt and magazine. The receiver is marked "M1922MII" and the serial number is "20144B", the barrel is dated "8-31". It was sold in 1936 by DCM. The sales letter describes it as "Rifle, U.S.Caliber .22, M1922 MII, NRA, Browned".

This is the same kind that I have with the NRA stock. Do you have the original receipt or did you get some kind of research letter? I would like to have a letter for mine. I thought there would have been more than 114.

[Tom Jackson]

I have a Springfield Research Service (SRS) letter. Most of the M1922MI amd M2 NRA Sales rifles will letter. There were very few National Match or M1922MI rifles sold in the 1930s. The rfiles were very expensive - $59.61 for a M922MII and $59.60 for an M2. The Depression was still in full force and the M1922MI and M2 rifles were target rifles with limited appeal.