Click to learn more

Maryville, TN Job Opportunities

GUN FINDER

collection-pistol.jpg

revolvers-icon.jpg

long-guns-icon.jpg

specialtyservice.png

merchandise.jpg

MERCHANDISE

FAQs

CATALOGS

INVENTORS

OWNER'S MANUALS

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

REBATES

GUNSMARTS

SAFETY

AMERICAN GUARDIANS

THE S&W BENCH™

NEWS

OUR STORY

location-dot-solid.svg

Dealer Locator

Since 1852 we’ve been an industry leading manufacturer of pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shooting accessories. We continue to bring innovative firearms to market that meet the needs of every shooter and deliver on exceptional quality with a brand you’ve learned to trust.

All consumer products display on /products/. It is necessary to put items in this category for proper data compliance. A product may be a part of both Consumer and LE/Military, or only one. If a product is not a part of one of these categories, it will not show on the frontend website.

Consumer

sw-logo-bm.png

sw-logo-txt.png

Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson (Consumer)

The Metal and Competitor models of the M&amp;P®9 M2.0™ offer different features and cater to different preferences and use cases. Let's summarize the key points to help you decide which one is right for you:<img asset_uid="blt293053e052fd733d" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt293053e052fd733d/64f7423c0433c0b7fd251998/header.png" height="auto"/>Metal:<ul><li>Standard production model.</li><li>Aluminum framed pistol with a weight of 30 ounces.</li><li>4.25-inch barrel length.</li><li>Comes with two 17-round magazines.</li><li>No extended magazine release or magwell, making it easier to conceal.</li><li>Suitable for practical use, home or self-defense, target shooting, and casual competitive shooting.</li><li>Can be customized with aftermarket accessories for specific needs.</li></ul>Competitor:<ul><li>Performance Center model.</li><li>Aluminum frame with a weight of 29 ounces.</li><li>Long-slide pistol with a 5-inch barrel for a longer sight radius.</li><li>Comes with 4 17-round magazines.</li><li>Extended magazine release button and magwell for faster reloads.</li><li>Slide cuts and fiber optic front sight with blacked out rear.</li><li>Enhanced sear for a lighter and crisp trigger.</li><li>Designed for fast-paced competition shooting.</li><li>Offers common upgrades out of the box.</li><li>Can be customized for specific competition or shooting sports divisions.</li></ul><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt3c44494242622e0a/64f742c71c72d8c3c18ae48a/metal_1.png" height="auto"/>Consider the following factors when making your decision between the Metal and Competitor:<ol><li>Intended Use: If you prioritize practical use, home or self-defense, or casual competitive shooting, the Metal's all-around versatility makes it a better option. If you're primarily focused on competition shooting and want a purpose-built race-ready pistol, the Competitor is designed for that purpose.</li><li>Barrel Length and Sight Radius: The Metal's 4.25-inch barrel is suitable for various shooting scenarios, while the Competitor's longer 5-inch barrel provides a longer sight radius, enhancing accuracy when shooting with iron sights.</li><li>Weight and Balance: The weights of the Metal and Competitor are similar, making them similar out of the holster. However, the Competitor's longer and lightened slide, along with slide cuts, may affect the balance and perceived recoil, potentially allowing for faster shot-to-shot splits.</li><li>Magazine Release and Magwell: The Competitor has an extended magazine release and flared magwell, facilitating faster reloads but making the grip less concealable. The Metal has a standard magazine release and no flared magwell, making it a better option for concealed carry.</li><li>Customization: While the Competitor offers common upgrades out of the box, the Metal can be customized with aftermarket accessories to suit your specific shooting game or preferences.</li></ol>Ultimately, it's important to consider the features that matter most to you based on your intended use of the handgun. Whether you value versatility, concealability, competition performance, or customization options, carefully evaluate these factors to determine which model, the Metal or Competitor, aligns better with your needs and preferences.

The Metal and Competitor models of the M&P®9 M2.0™ offer different features and cater to different preferences and use cases. Let's summarize the key points to help you decide which one is right for you.

header.png

Metal Vs. Competitor: Which is Right for You?

Not your average .22…When you think of 22 caliber cartridges, you’re sure to think of the one you’re most familiar with; for most firearm enthusiasts, it’s the 22 Long Rifle (22 LR). What you may not realize is that 22 LR, while the most common, is far from the only 22 caliber cartridge. Invented 70+ years after 22 LR, Winchester® introduced the higher powered, flatter shooting big brother, the 22 Winchester Magnum (22 WMR), more commonly known as 22 Mag.Though they share similar grain weights, the 22&nbsp;Mag offers greater&nbsp;performance in speed, power, and&nbsp;trajectory thanks to&nbsp;its longer case length. The longer case length affords the Magnum loads to pack more powder into the case making this small cartridge more powerful than its 22 LR counterpart.&nbsp;You can also expect better performance at a distance with less bullet drop.&nbsp;The bullet velocity is much faster in 22&nbsp;Magnum over the 22 LR making it&nbsp;preferred&nbsp;for heavier varieties of small game and, for some individuals, a low recoil option for self-defense.&nbsp;<img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltb555d72b635602b2/64ac2f07ce1ee55dbb8fcc73/Blog_3.png"/>Smith &amp; Wesson’s history with 22 WMR dates back to the cartridge’s introduction in 1959. The Model 48 came out of the factory just months after 22 WMR’s introduction from Winchester. That history continues today with the new auto-loading M&amp;P®22 MAGNUM, our first semi-automatic chambered for the 22 WMR cartridge.Building off the M&amp;P®5.7 system, this slim frame, full-sized M&amp;P is tailor-made for your new favorite caliber. The<del> </del>proprietary Tempo™ barrel system plays a key role in the operation of the M&amp;P 22 Mag. The gas-operated and locked breach design allows for the high powered 22 Mag rimfire cartridge bullet to leave the muzzle of the pistol before feeding another round into the chamber, meaning uninterrupted and repeatable cycling.<img asset_uid="bltbe3ba70335100717" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltbe3ba70335100717/64ac2f08bd5d8af30b7220e9/Blog_1.png"/>When it comes to controls, the M&amp;P 22 Magnum features many of the favorites from the M&amp;P line. With the left-handed shooter in mind, the M&amp;P 22 Magnum is fully ambidextrous. It hosts integrated thumb safeties and slide stops on both sides of the frame and a reversible magazine release. The flat-face trigger is light and crisp, with an audible break and reset. The 4.35” barrel balances the recoil of the cartridge for manageable recoil and minimizes muzzle rise for easy follow-up shots. Speaking of follow-up shots… How’s a 30 + 1 capacity sound? Sounds like music to our ears!Keeping up with M&amp;P best practices, the slide comes Optics Ready with a footprint cut for direct mount RMSc optics. If you prefer to run iron sights on your pistols, the M&amp;P 22 Magnum comes with a blacked-out rear serrated sight and a front fiber optic sight post for ultra-fast front sight acquisition. And when it comes to equipping this pistol with your favorite accessories, the frame’s integrated Picatinny-style rail is set to accommodate your go-tos.<img asset_uid="blta15551e3cc844d0f" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blta15551e3cc844d0f/64ac2f07873fa3cbc102fb99/Blog_2.png"/>Learn more about the new M&amp;P®22 MAGNUM: <a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/mp-22-mag" target="_self">https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/mp-22-mag</a>

Our newest addition to the M&P® lineup, the semi-automatic M&P®22 MAGNUM

Blog_1.png

The New M&amp;P 22 MAGNUM will light up the range and quicken your pulse.
Get a staggering 30+1 capacity. This means less time reloading and more time shooting. A front gas port keeps everything locked up until the round exits the barrel. This gives you a more consistent, more reliable, and more accurate platform. Direct mount most of the popular micro red dots on the market for an easier-to-see sight picture.
<ul>
<li>Internal hammer-fired, gas-operated, locked-breech TEMPO&trade; barrel system (barrel doesn&rsquo;t cam open until bullet passes gas port).</li>
<li>Fiber optic (green) front sight with black notched rear sight</li>
<li>Slim, textured grip.</li>
<li>Ambidextrous Slide Stop and Manual Thumb Safety</li>
<li>Flat-face trigger for consistent finger placement allows for more accurate and repeatable shooting.</li>
<li>Picatinny-style rails</li>
<li>Made in U.S.A</li>
</ul>

M&P® 22 MAGNUM WITH THUMB SAFETY

NEW: M&P®22 MAGNUM

5.7 is having a moment,&nbsp;and I'm here for it. Looking back on the 90s, I think of the Matrix, hair scrunchies, plaid flannels, and the launch of a new cartridge - the 5.7x28mm. This era is enjoying a&nbsp;comeback and as with the case of fashion, interest in the 5.7 cartridge is growing too. This year, Smith &amp; Wesson added a pistol into the mix with the M&amp;P&nbsp;5.7 and I’m excited about it.<figure style = "float: none;width: auto;max-width:auto;"><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt242c5d010d34a262/648880ab0b7fca1ae262ce4a/Blog_3.png" alt="First photo is a M&P 5.7 outside on a wooden fence. Second photo is of a M&P lying on a plaid shirt with a VCR tape, clip and scrunchy beside it." /></figure>Originally designed as a cartridge for a specific personal defense weapon (PDW), offerings for the 5.7x28mm have expanded into the pistol realm.&nbsp;Where it&nbsp;used to be limited to a few models, the increased interest, lower cost of ammo, and better availability make guns like the M&amp;P 5.7 a nice addition to the&nbsp;collection. Before I received my 5.7 I bought a few boxes of ammo at my local dealer. Federal’s American Eagle uses a 40-grain bullet, traveling over 1500 fps at 25&nbsp;yards. It’s a slim cartridge with a necked-down case and pointed projectile. When turned over, the centerfire primer looks proportionally enormous when&nbsp;comparing it to a .223 rifle or 9mm handgun round. Even in a handgun, the cartridge is designed to shoot fast and flat with less trajectory drop than other&nbsp;handgun calibers. According to Federal, even at 100 yards, the velocity is still well over 1100 fps. These kinds of stats impress me, especially as someone&nbsp;who enjoys testing handgun accuracy beyond 25 yards.<figure style = "float: none;width: auto;max-width:auto;"><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blta9f52d48b1021d07/648881428b23a5f289052e12/Blog_2.png" alt="First photo is a man's hand holding ammunition. Second photo is a M&P 5.7 lying on wood with two clips and a box of ammunition." /></figure>With a capacity of 22+1, and as a lightweight, full-size pistol, it’s easy to see the appeal of the M&amp;P 5.7 for concealed carry, field use, and most of all fun. With&nbsp;the capability to add a suppressor and optic, it’s a firearm that can fit many interests. For me, it’s the perfect pistol to shoot after 4 months of recovery from&nbsp;rotator cuff repair surgery.&nbsp; Coming in at 26.7 ounces, the pistol is light, even when loaded to capacity, and adding a Trijicon RMRcc with a mounting plate. Despite having a bigger grip&nbsp;from the front strap to the back strap due to the length of the 5.7x28mm round, the grip is slim enough for me to reach the trigger easily with my small hands.&nbsp;The weight and thin grip are features I especially appreciate right now. The real joy happens when you shoot M&amp;P 5.7. With the smartly-designed&nbsp;TEMPO™ barrel&nbsp;system and lightning cuts on the slide, the slide movement and&nbsp;barrel rotation are extremely fast. Even in the smaller window of the RMRcc, the dot barely moves. The combination of slide speed and the reliability afforded&nbsp;by the gas-operated system make it a really fun gun to shoot. It’s also the kind of pistol you can put to the test for accuracy at greater ranges. As someone who competes in Action Pistol competitions, shooting targets at&nbsp;50 yards with a handgun, I had to see how it would shoot beyond typical handgun range. Using a full-size IPSC target, I shot offhand at 25, 50, 75, and 100&nbsp;yards with no issues. When I’m fully recovered, shooting groups at these distances is on the to do list.&nbsp;<figure style = "float: none;width: 740px;max-width:auto;"><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt4ef86d72a9da9a40/648881761fb2d33511495238/Blog_1.png" alt="First photo is of Julie Golob holding a firearm next to a target. Second photo is Julie shooting the firearm" height="370" style="height: 370;" /></figure>Whether you’re interested in the M&amp;P 5.7 for concealed carry, a handgun you take with you in the field for varmints, or if you are interested in owning a pistol&nbsp;in this small but mighty cartridge, the 5.7 moment is far from over.

5.7 is having a moment, and I'm here for it. This year, Smith & Wesson added a pistol into the mix with the M&P 5.7 and I’m excited about it.

Julie_Golob_M&P_5.7_group_shooting.JPG

5.7 is Having a Moment

Big things come in small packages. A working name with heart, known internally by our engineers as the Snapping Turtle, meet the new M&amp;P® FPC™. Like the snapping turtle, the M&amp;P FPC snaps back. Not your average folding pistol caliber carbine, the M&amp;P FPC is a 9mm carbine with a host of its own unique M&amp;P DNA.<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jJ0FEh7FfDc" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe> The FPC is a carbine platform packaged into a fast-shooting lightweight folder. Equipped to be tricked out with your favorite accessories, it’s the perfect addition to your next range day. Ultra-light recoiling, the FPC is easy to keep on target for quick follow-up shots. True to the M&amp;P name, the FPC has four interchangeable palmswells, a crisp breaking flat-face trigger, and a reversible magazine catch. All packaged in its own discreet carry bag.Not only does the FPC come standard with two 23-round magazines and a 17-round magazine, but its M&amp;P Compact size grip allows you to utilize both first generation and M2.0® compact and full-size magazines with or without grip spacers. The folding stock is unlike any other, with storage for two magazines for quick and easy reloads without the need for belt-mounted magazine pouches. <figure style="float: none;width: auto;text-align: none;"><figure style="float: none;width: auto;text-align: none;"><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt44b000e9ea16c283/63f926a54fd99f36ebe21be8/Image2.png" alt="1 picture of a man holding a FPC and 1 picture of a man holding a FPC"/></figure></figure> When unfolded, the full carbine is just a hair over 30” long. When folded, this sub-6lb carbine comes in at only 16-3/8” long. The FPC utilizes a unique locking mechanism where a portion of the charging handle locks into an M-LOK slot to secure the stock safely to the side of the barrel. To unlock, simply disengage the locked components and unfold. When folded, the FPC’s chamber is open, and the firearm is safe.Unfold the possibilities to mix and match your favorite double-stack M&amp;P magazines with the M&amp;P FPC for the ultimate range day. Let the FPC challenge your extended range 9mm capabilities.To check out the M&amp;P FPC and its specifications, visit <a href="/product/fpc" target="_self">the product page.</a> <figure style = "float: none;width: auto;max-width:auto;"><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt022cc00a6b6c4e0c/63f926eaec12cd34d005f313/Image3.png" alt="FPC lying across wood poles" /></figure>

Known internally by our engineers as the Snapping Turtle, meet the new M&P® FPC™.

HEADER-0162.jpg

Code Name: Snapping Turtle

As a firearm instructor, people most frequently ask me “What gun should I buy for concealed carry?” I always tell my students that the “perfect” gun is determined by personal preference and if possible, to try different firearms to see what works best for them before they buy. With that said, I of course still have a few favorite Concealed Carry firearms I recommend new gun owners try: 1. <a href="/products/mp2-compact" target="_self">M&amp;P®9 M2.0 Compact</a> 2. <a href="/product/performance-center-m-p-9-shield-plus-crimson-trace-ported" target="_self">Performance Center® M&amp;P®9 M&amp;P Shield Plus</a> 3. <a href="/products/equalizer" target="_self">S&amp;W® Equalizer</a> <figure style="float: none;width: auto;text-align: none;"><figure style = "float: none;width: auto;max-width:auto;"><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltb9a095afb6f61269/63e521a1d6b15b22437be1a2/Artboard_2.png" alt="1 picture of a gun with bullets and 1 picture of 3 guns in a circle" /></figure></figure> <h5>Great features they all have in common:</h5><ul><li>They’re all 9mm. It’s generally believed that 9mm is the best caliber for self-defense, it’s inexpensive, easy to find, and doesn’t produce the unnecessary recoil of larger calibers like .40 S&amp;W or .45 ACP. The 9mm caliber has been extensively tested and proven that shot placement is more important than overall caliber size.</li><li>These three firearms have the ability to accommodate a 15-round magazine. The chances of you needing 15 rounds for a self-defense scenario is unlikely but as the saying goes, “It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.” I’ve always been of the mindset that I’d rather have 15 rounds and use 6 than have 6 rounds and need 10. With the Shield Plus and the Equalizer, the added bonus is that the magazines are fully interchangeable.</li><li>They’re all optic-ready. While red dots are a great addition to concealed carry handguns, it’s not a necessary addition to your first firearm. All new gun owners should learn how to use their iron sights before they move on to a red dot optic. With that said, the benefit of purchasing an optic-ready firearm allows you to upgrade in the future without having to spend the extra money to alter your slide to accept an optic - an expense that could easily cost upwards of $200.</li></ul> <figure style="float: none;width: auto;text-align: none;"><figure style = "float: none;width: auto;max-width:auto;"><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blteb0916c4ec3407e5/63e521f9e4af4f6d405ac90c/Artboard_1.png" alt="1 picture of a man's hand pointing a firearm and 1 picture of a gun sitting on a wood table" /></figure></figure> <h5>What I like about each firearm</h5>M&amp;P9 M2.0 - I can appreciate the versatility of the M2.0. This firearm could easily suffice as either a concealed carry firearm or a home defense weapon. The M2.0 has all the bells and whistles, including a flat-faced trigger, Picatinny-style rail for a light mount, and interchangeable palmswell inserts to fit different hand sizes. The biggest benefit of a larger, heavier frame is the ability to manage recoil. Larger firearms have less felt recoil than smaller firearms making it easier to maintain accuracy. This firearm is wider than the others in this list so it may require having to put more thought into concealment. I recommend wearing busy patterns and loose-fitting tops to conceal the firearm better.Performance Center M&amp;P Shield Plus 4”- I love that this Shield Plus model comes with stock fiber optic sights and a 5 MOA Crimson Trace Red Dot. When you’re ready to transition from iron sights to a red dot, you’ll already have a great starter option to try out. This firearm also comes with a cleaning kit and PC tuned flat faced trigger. If you prefer firearms with no external safeties, the PC Shield Plus is striker-fired so no need for an additional grip or thumb safety. The one thing that this firearm does not come with is a rail mount for a light. However, the red dot is highly visible in low/no light. You may want to consider purchasing a hand-held flashlight.Equalizer – For new gun owners, I think the Equalizer is the best overall concealed carry firearm. The Equalizer comes with a 10, 13, and 15-round magazine plus a speed loader for magazine loading efficiency. The Equalizer also has that Picatinny-style rail for a light mount I mentioned, which I tend to prefer for all concealed carry firearms. You may have to illuminate your target in a low-light or no-light scenario, and without a flashlight that can be very difficult. My favorite features are the easy-to-rack slide and the deep slide serrations which really help you get a great grip. If you have hand strength issues, you’ll find yourself liking this even more and if you don’t, it’s certainly nice if you have to reload or clear a malfunction with injured, wet, or sweaty hands. <figure style="float: none;width: auto;text-align: none;"><figure style = "float: none;width: auto;max-width:auto;"><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltb80e37bee483c02a/63e52229068e8578073c57c8/Artboard_3.png" alt="1 picture of a man's hand pointing a firearm and 1 picture of a gun sitting on a stone table" /></figure></figure> <h5>Final Thoughts</h5>When buying your first concealed carry pistol, keep in mind that you may decide to purchase multiple firearms in the future, so you don’t worry about committing to just one. Consider accuracy, price, accessories, and ease of carry when making your purchase. Also, think about where on your body you plan to carry and price out different holster options. Lastly, don’t forget to take concealed carry classes after you make your purchase. You need to make sure you’re proficient drawing from your holster and maintaining accuracy on target. Overall, you can’t go wrong with any of these concealed-carry firearm options!

“What gun should I buy for concealed carry?”

Header.png

Top 3 Concealed Carry Firearms For New Gun Owners

When many of us think the term “rimfire” we think of it as synonymous with .22 LR, but there are many other rimfire cartridges still used today. The easiest way to remember the difference between rimfire and centerfire is how the cartridge is ignited. For a centerfire cartridge, the firing pin must hit the primer in the center to ignite the powder charge while rimfire requires the outer rim of the casing to be struck for ignition. You can quickly tell the difference by looking at the bottom of the casing on a cartridge. If there’s a circle centered in the bottom of the casing, it’s a centerfire cartridge. If the surface is smooth and one solid piece, you can assume the cartridge is rimfire. <figure style = "float: none;width: 715px;max-width:auto;"><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt466891772af81409/63727d24b71d091081d0a69e/rimfire-origins-blog-001.jpg" alt="rimfire origins" /></figure>Common Rimfire Cartridges Popular rimfire cartridges used today in addition to .22 LR are <a href="https://www.federalpremium.com/search?q=22wmr&search-button=&lang=default" target="_self">.22 Magnum also known as WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire)</a> and <a href="https://www.federalpremium.com/search?q=17+hmr&search-button=&lang=default" target="_self">17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire)</a>. .22 WMR or 22 Mag as it’s commonly known, has more than twice the muzzle energy of .22 LR with 314ft-lbs. The .22 WMR cartridge is extremely popular for varmint hunting since it has more energy at longer range than .22 LR. The .17 HMR was born from this arena by necking down the .22 WMR to .17 caliber and using a 17-grain bullet instead of a 40-grain. In standard loads, this develops 2550 feet per second (fps). That’s 600 fps more than a .22 WMR and 1300 fps more than a .22 LR. <figure style = "float: none;width: 775px;max-width:auto;"><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blta8fa2a5fbd820fa2/63727d4a11407d1056d5ba23/rimfire-origins-blog-003.jpg" alt="rimfire origins" /></figure>How it’s Produced Rimfire cases and bullets are made similarly to centerfire ammunition. Daniel Compton, Product Manager of Rimfire and Shotgun ammunition at Federal Premium® was kind enough to offer his time to tell me a bit about the production process. He said,“Bullets are typically pressed from lead wire into either round nose or hollow point variants. The bullets can be lead, copper, nickel, or even polymer coated. Cases start as rolls of metal sheeting and are then punched out, drawn longer and then finally given a distinct rim on the head. Rimfire differs from centerfire as the priming compound is placed directly in the bottom of the case rather than in a separate primer cup. Priming is done with the priming compound wet to prevent any chance of detonation during the priming process as it is a very sensitive compound. The rimfire case is then “spun” in a centrifuge to move the priming compound evenly around the rim of the case. This is important as the priming compound needs to be in contact with the case rim so it can detonate at any point on the rim where the firing pin could strike. After drying, the primed cases are then charged with powder and the bullet is inserted. The final step is to dip the bullets in a coating material to prevent an excess of lead build up in barrels.” <figure style = "float: none;width: auto;max-width:auto;"><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt832fd026f04e4582/63727d6fe07e1711051cd84d/rimfire-origins-blog-002.jpg" alt="rimfire origins" /></figure> Bullet Design Traditional cast lead centerfire cartridges have a constant bullet diameter after the taper from the nose that extends to the base of the bullet case. They also have grooves for lubrication closer to the base that are covered by the case wall when fully seated. Most modern rounds utilize copper or other jacket materials without the need for lubrication, but they still have the same constant bullet diameter. In contrast, the bullets of most rimfire cartridges do not have a constant diameter. The external portion of the bullet has a larger diameter and the portion inside is tapered to fit in the cartridge. This bullet design was created to provide the lubrication on the outside. The exterior portion of a .22 LR bullet is coated in wax, copper, or other materials to provide the necessary lubrication. Cartridge Variations Rimfire, especially .22 LR, has a wide variety of loads and bullet types. There are standard round-nose or hollow-points, but there are also many other options since .22 LR is arguably the most popular caliber in the world. Standard velocity cartridges are just barely under the sound barrier, they’re extremely popular because they are highly accurate and suppress well. After that, there’s subsonic rounds which are most ideal for shooting suppressed. Beyond that, there’s even .22 LR shotshells for short range varmint control. For personal defense, there are higher pressure cartridges producing more velocity, including hollow-point bullets for controlled expansion. Federal Premium® recently launched the <a href="https://www.federalpremium.com/rimfire/personal-defense-punch-rimfire/11-PD22L1.html" target="_self">Personal Defense®Punch™</a>, for self-defense. Unlike most self-defense bullets, which are hollow points, these are flat nosed to achieve penetration requirements out of short barrel handguns. While hollow points make a larger hole from the expansion, they dissipate energy too quickly to achieve penetration depth. As the affection for the caliber grows, manufacturers continue to increase variations. It’s safe to say the .22 LR isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.