Smith & Wesson Model 622 VR .22 LR, 6 inch Vent Rib, 1996 Short-Run, Fixed Barrel, Threaded Muzzle Nut, Excellent, Case & Manual
This Smith & Wesson Model 622 VR is a scarce, short-run variant cataloged only in 1996 and marked with the Houlton, Maine rollmark. It features a 6 inch fixed barrel with an integral ventilated rib that has elongated lightening slots and a serrated top. The design uses a low bore-axis, straight blowback system with an L-shaped reciprocating bolt and right-side ejection. Its two-tone silver appearance combines a stainless bolt/slide with an aluminum alloy frame, and it comes with its factory case and manual.
Condition
Overall Condition: Excellent condition, showing only faint signs of any prior use or handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This example shows minimal signs of prior use or handling.
What’s Included
- Factory Smith & Wesson blue hard case with matching label (Model 622, 6 inch barrel, Vent Rib)
- Smith & Wesson "Sporting Pistols .22 Semi-Automatic Pistols" instruction manual
- One factory Smith & Wesson 10-round .22 LR single-stack steel magazine
The VR submodel was cataloged only in 1996, making this configuration a notable short-run offering with strong collector interest. It carries the Houlton, Maine rollmark and the factory product code 102846, tying it directly to that brief production window.
The 6 inch barrel is fixed and supports an integral ventilated rib with elongated lightening slots and a serrated top. Sight alignment is straightforward thanks to the fixed front blade that is integrated into the rib and a fully adjustable rear sight.
Built on a low bore-axis, straight blowback system, the Model 622 uses an L-shaped reciprocating bolt/upper with a right-side ejection port. A manual safety is provided, and the pistol feeds from a 10-round magazine for a 10+1 capacity.
Construction includes an aluminum alloy frame in silver paired with a stainless bolt/slide, creating a clean two-tone silver appearance. Black checkered synthetic grips with S&W medallions provide a secure hold and classic S&W styling.
The barrel is retained by a threaded muzzle nut, enabling adapter use when desired. This muzzle system complements the fixed-barrel design and keeps the bore axis low.