Walther P22: good pistol or junk?

j-man

j-man

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
150   0   0
Location
YWG
I saw one of these at the range the other night and while it was eye catching, I know nothing about them. Anyone here own or shoot one? Good, bad, indifferent? I was thinking I might look for a used one as it might be a good little pistol for cheap plinking and maybe as a starter for the kids someday. I'll admit, I like the appearance (looks comfy) but if it shoots like crap, I'll pass.

Thoughts?
 
Early releases of the P22 were plagued with all kinds of problems. Many owners had a terrible time getting them fixed. However, my understanding is that any relatively new P22's work fine. They are a fun little gun, very suitable for newbie shooters/wife/people with small hands.
 
As a beginner pistol for kids, the P22 is great. Personally I wouldn't spend the money on it but I understand people that do.
I think all folks new to shooting should start with a rimfire pistol.

However, I think they're in the $400-500 price range which is a little too expensive for what you get. If you're going to spend the money, look at a Ruger or a Browning.

My two cents.

JY
 
the grip is built for a kid, a woman or a midget...

For the money..get Ruger Mark3 22/45 its great accuracy, legendary quality, has all needed features..is cheaper and offers better resale down the road..

how can you go wrong?

The Walther is like the new Sig Mosquito... overpriced crap.
 
I have one, I've never had a problem with it. A friend of mine also has one that's been problem free, but if you do a search there are people who have had nothing but trouble.
 
Two people I know have them and they seem reasonably happy with their P22's with no real complaints. The only real pet peeve that one guy mentioned about his P22 was the way his ejected the brass towards his head. I've shot them and they are okay but I prefer my MkII over the P22.
 
misfire said:
Two people I know have them and they seem reasonably happy with their P22's with no real complaints. The only real pet peeve that one guy mentioned about his P22 was the way his ejected the brass towards his head. I've shot them and they are okay but I prefer my MkII over the P22.
Click to expand...
From what I was reading at Rimfire Central...if the ejector spring is taken out and stretched a bit the brass won't go towards your head anymore.

4. If the gun ejects brass toward your face, remove the extractor and stretch the small spring to increase tension on the round. If this doesn't fix it to your satisfaction and you are handy at such things, peen the extractor tip by hammering lightly to create a sharp hawks beak. Now it will eject to the right reliably. Careful on those licks though as the extractor can shatter.
Click to expand...
http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116958

edit to add....supposedly only dry lubes should be used on this gun and not oil based ones. One guy claims to have something like 40,000 or 50,000 rounds through his.
 
Last edited:
I have one and really like it. The only initial problem I had was feeding problems. Evidently this was common with earlier mags. After a couple of hundred rounds using the same ammo, the problem has disappeared. Also at first there wasn't much available in the way of accessories. Not so any longer. Have a great scope mount (no smithing) and put a holo site on it. Tremendous accuracy. Great little target pistol.
 
I purchased one here the other day after reading both the pros and the cons where ever I could. Time will tell if it was a good buy or not. The Walther laser look pretty nice on the shorter barelled versions.

waltherp22.jpg
 
KDX said:
From what I was reading at Rimfire Central...if the ejector spring is taken out and stretched a bit the brass won't go towards your head anymore.


http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116958

edit to add....supposedly only dry lubes should be used on this gun and not oil based ones. One guy claims to have something like 40,000 or 50,000 rounds through his.
Click to expand...

I passed the information along to my friend. Thanks! :)
 
Had tons of problems with mine (slide not locking back, FTF, FTE, and so on) - gun went to the Walther repair center in Germany for a 13 month vacation. A friend of mine promptly bought the gun when it returned and he is quite happy with it; whatever they did in Germany should have been done before I bought the gun !! They are neat little things and for certain people (kids, those with small hands), the gun is easier to shoot than a Ruger but if you have one plagued with troubles, it is a dangerous paperweight that will likely spend more time at warranty centers than in your safe.

That said, mine was an early model and the newer ones seem to be getting MUCH better reviews.
 
Holy crap gorky that sucks. I bought mine in 09/2002 and since then no probs at all except for FTF off the bat. When I first had the feed problems Walther told me to take it to my retailer. From the US boards, I was led to believe that Walther knew of the problems with mags and would replace them. NOT. In any event after the FTF sorted itself out with the CCI loads I was using, I am happy with it. Will add a pic tomorrow after my grandson opens his presents. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Years to all that read this post. Stay safe....don't drink and drive:cool: Better yet. You drive, I'll drink:p
 
I'm looking for a cheap like new p22, don't care if it works well or not?
Let me know if you have one to get rid of ?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom