Hello people. It is time I bought myself 22 pistol. I have 1911 in 45ACP but I think 22 will be great addition. I know GSP is expensive, but I just can't think of anything else. Questions - is there something I should know about them that will prevent me from buying one? Who sells GSP's in Canada? New or used, I'd rather buy used one if its any cheaper. Does anybody have GSP in 32 caliber as well? How good is it in 32 caliber? Genlemen, please talk to me.
Walther GSP - worth the money?
- Thread starter 22lr
- Start date
If you're plinking, it's a waste of money. If you are doing competitive ISSF-style shooting, it's top of the line and will serve you well. If you just like owning nice stuff, you can't go wrong. The modern version is the GSP Expert.
Google Illingworth Imports Inc for a Canadian distributor. Also, your local gun shop should be able to order one.
Google Illingworth Imports Inc for a Canadian distributor. Also, your local gun shop should be able to order one.
MauserMike
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- SW Ontario
Trade-ex has a bunch of .22 target pistols for sale right now, including Walthers and Hammerlis.
I don't think I'm allowed to hotlink, pm me if you can't find the website.
I don't think I'm allowed to hotlink, pm me if you can't find the website.
Whether you should buy a GSP depends on how well of a shooter you are. If this is your first ever .22, I'd suggest buying something like a Ruger. I liken a GSP to a Formula 1 race car: if you know what you're doing you can win an Olympic medal. If you don't, you'll end up putting shots all over the target. A Ruger is more forgiving: it won't be as accurate, but it won't jerk shots out to the 6 ring either if you're not concentrating. I have one in .32 as well, and it shoots really well too.
Walther GSP
If you are buying used, avoid the .22 model manufactured circa 1975 or earlier. A stress-raiser in the machining results in cracks developing at the end of the cocking-ear slot in the bolt housing. BTDT
Walther changed the machining to eliminate the stress-raiser, so later models are OK.
M.T.
If you are buying used, avoid the .22 model manufactured circa 1975 or earlier. A stress-raiser in the machining results in cracks developing at the end of the cocking-ear slot in the bolt housing. BTDT
Walther changed the machining to eliminate the stress-raiser, so later models are OK.
M.T.
There were a lot of guys shooting GSP's at the range I used to shoot at and the only problem I ever saw with them was when the owner tryed to super tune the trigger and then cause the gun to double. Not really the gun's fault but it did get you disqualified from the match.
I don't see how that works as I shot them many times and really it is just another 22 pistol with a precise trigger. As far as accuracy Rugers are very close to the Walthers, at our range we put a Walther GSP and a Ruger MKII in a Ransom Rest bolted to a steel plate bolted to the cement wall and there was little difference in accuracy, the main advantage the Walther has when fired by a shooter again is the trigger and the grip.
I don't see how that works as I shot them many times and really it is just another 22 pistol with a precise trigger. As far as accuracy Rugers are very close to the Walthers, at our range we put a Walther GSP and a Ruger MKII in a Ransom Rest bolted to a steel plate bolted to the cement wall and there was little difference in accuracy, the main advantage the Walther has when fired by a shooter again is the trigger and the grip.
I will make a few suggestions to you
You can Purchase a Ruger II for example and put anatomical grips on them (i.e. adjustable one).
Here are some links to grip makers - a grip will cost between $125-225 CDN.
http://www.marschalgrips.com/index.php?content=Match_grips-models
http://www.formgriffe.de/english/
Currently internationally Walther are still used, but the Pardini 22lr is King. The Russian IZH is very popular as well. Check out Targetshooting.ca - they have a firearms database (you are looking at a STD pistol)
Hammerli's are not common as Hammerli's SP20 has had problems
Matchguns MG2 - great pistol but has suffered from quality control problem
The Morini CM22 is not common, but used. You need a small or Medium size hand to use it.
The quality of a Walther GSP Expert is not the same as the GSP make 15 years ago. I would not be scared to buy a used GSP as they are built like tanks!
A really good value Standard Pistol is the MCM, aka Margolin. For a plinking gun than you can compete with its a great value.
If you let me know where you live I can try to put you in touch with someone locally to let you try some guns.
Brian
You can Purchase a Ruger II for example and put anatomical grips on them (i.e. adjustable one).
Here are some links to grip makers - a grip will cost between $125-225 CDN.
http://www.marschalgrips.com/index.php?content=Match_grips-models
http://www.formgriffe.de/english/
Currently internationally Walther are still used, but the Pardini 22lr is King. The Russian IZH is very popular as well. Check out Targetshooting.ca - they have a firearms database (you are looking at a STD pistol)
Hammerli's are not common as Hammerli's SP20 has had problems
Matchguns MG2 - great pistol but has suffered from quality control problem
The Morini CM22 is not common, but used. You need a small or Medium size hand to use it.
The quality of a Walther GSP Expert is not the same as the GSP make 15 years ago. I would not be scared to buy a used GSP as they are built like tanks!
A really good value Standard Pistol is the MCM, aka Margolin. For a plinking gun than you can compete with its a great value.
If you let me know where you live I can try to put you in touch with someone locally to let you try some guns.
Brian
In terms of .32, the GSP is generally considered to be better (even more competitive) as a .32 target pistol than it is as a .22 target pistol. No worries there. It is a tried and proven design. Although the mechanical accuracy of guns like the Ruger will be the same as high-end guns like the GSP (all .22's of any decent quality are capable of excellent accuracy from a rest), it can be a very different story when shooting from the hand.
BrianJames, thanx for links to grips. I used to shoot Margolins competitively when I was 12-14 yo back in Margolin's hoomeland. I didn't know they are available here in Canada.
Back to original question, if I marry together Ruger II and custom grips - would it be all I need for now? I promise that was my last question.
Back to original question, if I marry together Ruger II and custom grips - would it be all I need for now? I promise that was my last question.
