Thinking of Purchasing a Walther P22

[Biohazard Monk]

Hey guys,

I am thinking about buying a p22 as a plinker, any pros or cons I should be aware of.  Anyone know of any good deals on them as well.  I am still up in the air between the 3.4" and the 5" barrels.  I do like all the accessories available for them.  I am also debating on the buckmark pistols as well.  Thanks everyone!

[Smilin' Jack]

I'm big on  Walthers and have several- including a Model P5, P88-C, & P99.

I have had two Walther P22 pistols. I bought one when I first saw one, the shorter barrel version- and found it to be a perfect companion, fun, and even an accurate little shooter.  A friends sister (a non-firearms person), saw it, fell in love with it, and wanted to buy it ... but, I declined.

Soon later, I saw the longer barrel version Walther P22, coveted it, sold my smaller P22 to the little blonde, and got myself the long barrel P22. I liked that  pistol also. It functioned dependably, and accurately ... ... but NOT any better than the "little" version I previously owned.  So, I sold the longer barrel P22 to another friend who badly wanted it ... with the intention of getting another short barrel model of the Walther P22 which I decided I liked much better- as it fit so comfortably in any pants or jacket pocket.

It has probably been ... maybe 3 years now since I last had a P22, but ... I still want one, and I sure do recommend them. Also, both of the pistols I once owned and then sold, are STILL in very happy hands.

As far as the Walther P22  vs. the Buckmark ... to me that's like "apples and oranges". If I was in the market for a Browning Buckmark type pistol ... I'd buy a Ruger Mk III.

(Just my opinion ... only.)

[Biohazard Monk]

Thanks for the great info.  I think I will start out with the shorter barrel, and maybe down the road just buy the longer barrel.

[Biohazard Monk]

Well,

I broke down and picked a military green/black 3.4" barrel P22 today.  I am looking forward to getting it out to the range this weekend hopefully!

[Smilin' Jack]

Your last post struck me as quite a coincidence. I stopped at Sportsman's Warehouse Friday (same as you) and saw that Walther P22's were on sale and was thinking of your post.

I asked to see the 3.4" barrel P22 model that was olive-drab receiver/black frame- which really appealed to me.

I asked if this model was included in the sale price ... but was told, NO. Only the all black model was on sale, which was $40 less.

I still may spring for the military green model while I still have my Christmas bonus ... but I think I'll check all the other gun-stores first.

Hope you enjoy the "Walther".

[Biohazard Monk]

That was the same issue that I had with Gander Mountain.  I was about ready to settle for the all black model, but Cabela's was about half way in between the Gander Mountain that still had the pistol in stock(on sale for $299.99 with a $50 MIR).  Needless to say cabela's had the OD green model for $300 new...I sacrificed the extra $50 to make sure I really liked what I got! It looks real sharp with the green and black. I am hoping to take it out to the range for a few minutes this weekend and see how she shoots. 

[dbriannelson]

Glowing reviews, all.  I've never owned one because I heard they had serious reliability problems.  There were a couple of very new used P22s at the shop, as folks had returned them after the first range visits.

I like the packaging and fondly remember a couple of PPKs I had a long time back, and if the reliability thing isn't true, I'd jump right in.

Is there really no reliability problem?  Does it work with all ammo, or does that have to be carefully chosen?

-Don

[Smilin' Jack]

I went back to Sportsman'sWarehouse- and now, none of the P22's were on sale.  I went to all the other gun places in town and could not find another P22 in OD/BLK.  I did find some in digital pink ... (puke).

As to reliability issues ... when I purchased my 1st P22, I went on line searching reviews and Forums, and found there WERE some reports of the then NEW P22's having some cycling problems and jamming, although my pistol experienced NO problems. I followed the reviews and reports for some time and it seemed that most of the problems applied to the earliest manufactured pistols. There were reports that Walther soon rectified the problem. Most of the reports and reviews I read later were mostly very positive.

I just Googled "Walther P22 reviews" and clicked on a few of the offerings; and found the reviews to be very good as to function, accuracy, satisfaction, and shooting most ammunition. There were a few buyers who had some problems, as there will be regarding any firearm. A few did warn against the real "cheapo" ammo, and advised "cleaning" after shooting.  Many of the testimonmials suprised me by the bragging of the accuracy, and thousands of rounds fired with no mal-function, and how much they esteemed this pistol.

I won't be afraid to get another.

[Biohazard Monk]

Don,

Unfortunately, I have had problems with Winchester Wildcats.  Out of full mag of ten, I will have around 2-4 misfires.  The next round just doesn't feed into the chamber.  I have three mags, it appears that one out of the three is worse than the others.  I am going to go out and buy a bunch of different brands hopefully this weekend.  I have always heard that the CCI mini-mags work the best and/or after a good 1000 rounds have been shot, the problems lessen.  Just for plinking I don't mind the misfires yet.  The gun shoots straight for a 22, and has many different accessories available.  

   I am fairly satisfied with my purchase thus far (250 rounds through).  If purchasing, make sure the gun has been recently made, the older models from what I hear are far worse.  There are two letters on the gun where the case ejects out to indicate year of production,  A=0, B=1, C=2...  (Mine is AI=2008).  

I will keep this forum updated with future postings as I take it out to the range.  On a sidenote, my wife really enjoys shooting it.  The only thing she doesn't like is that sometimes the shells eject straight up or somewhat backwards, occasionally hitting her.  So make sure safety glasses are worn when shooting it.  

[Biohazard Monk]

I'm real glad that you passed on the digital pink!!!

I just got done typing about the cycling problems I have had in two trips out to the range, but I do have to say that the pistol is darn accurate out of the box!! I have been shooting at 25 yds. and putting 1-2in groups up in 10 rounds!  The wildcats that I have been firing have enough power to knock down the bowling pins and the plates as well.  For being fairly new to pistols, I have to say I am real happy with the accuracy, and hopefully the cycling problems will resolve otherwise I will send it into Walther and from what I have read they are real good about taking care of you!

[darrell8937]

I got one of the early models and was plagued with problems. It would ony feed high velocity premium ammo. But got a little better over time. The safety would also engauge as the slide traved back and forth. The inertia vrs the ball detent that holds it on safe favored the inertia over the ball detent. I spoke to Walther and they said they have never heard of such a thing, They spoke down to me. I told them to do a google search on the matter. Alot of people had the same unheard of problem. The fix was simple. I took off the safety. it came apart in two pieces. I removed a small amount of metal! so the overall width, assembled was a couple thousands less. I also took a dremel and depened the hole's the ball detent went into.. Perfection!!!! Gun now works great. The barrell nut would come loose. All is needed is some locktite(222) low strength only. Can eaisly be removed! If for some reason you use way to much locktite or the wrong stuff and you cant get it apart.. Just rapid fire to heat it up and the bond will lessen! I perfer my ruger but the p22 is ok. Though their Ignorance and attitude gave me pause! I hear the guns is much improved in later models. If you have the cash and willing to pay the tax stamp and let the ATF touch your Colon.. Than it is the best and eaisest pistol for a silencer! My Colon is untouched, thoug I am getting to that age! Ewwww

[Troyboy]

I have both and comparing this to a buckmark is a non comparison. The buckmark is a much better pistol. Wear your saftey glasses when you shoot this one. This is a fun little gun and i wouldn't hesitate to buy another

[Mikey]

I picked mine up Friday, brought it home and immediately took it down for cleaning, inspection and familiarization with handling, assembly and disassembly procedures.  What a sweetie.  Absolute Walther quality.  I also brought home 2 additional mags, for a total of four. 

Set up a target on a snowbank, loaded everything up from a new 'milk' carton of Rem Goldens and proceeded to have a absolute ball.  Not one hiccough (hiccup to ya'll) in any regard, great trigger and grip on single action, fun on da, appeared sighted right in from the factory with high speed 22s, great sights and really good accuracy from a 3.4" bbl.  I is happier'n a pig in stuff, lemme tellya. 

If you have any questions about how much fun these things are, just ask.  Mikey.

[Biohazard Monk]

I bought mine about a month ago now, I have put close to 1000 rounds through it so far.  The only ammo I am still having problems with is the Winchester Wildcats, but most others (CCI Mini Mags, Rem Goldens, Federals).  I had to adjust my sights a little bit but other than that it's a blast to shoot.  I am still thinking about putting a laser on it for giggles, let me know your thoughts on the Walther brand laser.

[Mikey]

Monk:  The Walther brand Laser is as good or better than any other, and these are made to fit the P22. 

I generally do not favor Lasers - tough to see during the day and you become dependent on their technology at night rather than depending on your own senses.  However, that being said I feel they are still a lot of fun if you can lay the dot on a soda can at 25-50m and then make the can move you can have a ball..... 

These things are a blast.  I'm having a lot of fun with mine.  Mikey.

[woodchukhntr]

I've had mine for a few years and have had no reliability problems with it.  I take it when I just want to prowl the woods and fields.  The only thing that I would change is the sights.  I don't feel real comfortable with the removable front sight.  I would prefer a rear sight that was also adjustable for elevation.

[Biohazard Monk]

Yeah,  The only reason I want the laser is just for plinking pop cans and stuff. I just like the idea the bullet is going to go where the laser is pointing.  I refuse to put them on my carry guns just for the fact that if it gets bumped or misaligned when I need it, then I am SOL.