Walther p22?

Question

Pros cons?

Answer 1

They originally had some problems when they first came out, newer models should be ok . They do look cool , but most people prefer the Ruger or Browning Buckmark . They will be more accurate and generally very reliable.

Answer 2

It's main attraction is that it looks cool. A Ruger Mark III will do the same thing, is significantly cheaper, has 60 years of engineering behind it, you can buy the parts anywhere, and it is easier to service.

If you a buying a .22 to get used to a double action 9mm or .40 caliber, then a p22 is the way to go. If however you want a cheap, reliable, .22 to learn how to shoot then get a Ruger. Walthers are good guns. My Dad has let me shoot his P-1 (Modern alloy frame P-38, used by German Army in the 1970's) P-5 (Euro Police Pistol, this was Dutch Police Surplus) PPK (James Bond Gun, actually bought new, made in Maine, under license by Smith and Wesson) and PP ( A former Swedish Police .32 Automatic, sold surplus). I have never had a Walter jam. That is very unusual. Of course, I fire only one box of ammo (50 rounds) I don't get the guns dirty, and clean the gun as soon as I am done. But I have had Colt .45's (my Dad's, he was in the Marines and fell in love witht the .45) jam, Smith and Wesson Revolvers jam (My step brother is a sheriff's deputy, and had a Model 65 that didn't work) , Ruger MK II's and Mk III's jam. I have never seen a Walther jam. But the main thing that makes an automatic jam is the clip (magazine) and I guess when you pay $45 for a clip, it should work pretty well.

Answer 3

I own it and though some would say that it is not a defensive weapon, I disagree. If I broke into someone's house and they pointed it at me, I would run the other way. The point of defensive weapons is to HAVE one more than to be able to blow a 6 inch hole in someone. The fact that you have a gun is enough to scare away the large majority of perps.

It's fun to shoot, though you need quality ammo and a firm grip to get the blowback to work correctly. Try CCI Stingers.

One of the big pros is that it's a great concealed carry gun because it's rather small but still fits most hands.

The other big pro is that it's affordable to shoot. A 1911 is a great gun for self-defense but it's very expensive to do your target practice. A .22 is much cheaper to run the amount of ammo you should be running to be GOOD with your gun.

I haven't had mine that long and it's not totally broken in yet, but mine does tend to not blow back correctly (not spit out the shell or not chamber another bullet) with the Winchester Super X rounds that I have. I read some stuff online that suggested getting the Stingers so I will probably try to find some of those soon and shoot a brick to break things in properly.

Also, others have said this but you need to get a NEWER one. There are some older ones out there that have quality issues. If you do the reading online you can find out how to tell which ones are the new ones and which are the old ones.

I give it a 4 star recommend - it's not too expensive, but it's quality and worth the 275 I paid for mine (new).

Answer 4

Be sure to check out the full trigger travel. I have larger hands and when I pull the trigger, my index finger is stopped by my thumb. The only solution is to grip with a strange hold. I tried using the different sized backstraps that came with the P22, but still the same problem. The Ruger MKII is a perfect fit though.

Answer 5

Fine little pistol for punching paper and dispatching small vermin. Several available finishes and competitively priced. A couple of nice options like the fitted Laser sight and the optional (extra) 5" barrel. I like that the grips are adjustable. That about covers the pros. The cons... Well, it is not useful for much else except as a last resort defensive weapon of opportunity. And mine will only work flawlessly with the hottest .22 Long Rifle ammo I can find.

Best.

H

Answer 6

Pros: good "learner" pistol, well-made, fairly reliable - a quality pistol. The ammunition is CHEAP. One of my "close friends" owns one because I bought it for them!

Cons: small, no real "stopping power", and rather limited range, but to say it is useless as a defensive weapon is misleading - just showing it might stop some people, and if you empty a full clip into an assailants head I guarantee they are going down - nobody has ever survived more than six .22 rounds to the head and lived... nobody.

Answer 7

No cons from me. You may want to check the Sig Mosquito as well. Also a nice firearm.

That is if it is for range time and plinking.

Self defense weapon should be no lower than a 9mm for a semi-auto and .357 for revolver.

For range time and stuff, very cheap to shoot. I suggest CCI .22s though. Do not use the cheapy stuff at walmart by Remington.

Answer 8

As others have said, it's a great plinking gun.

I will disagree with the personal defense use of it though. Though it does not have any stopping power, a .22 is one of the most lethal personal defense weapons available.

Where my 1911 will likely penetrate and clear the attacker (knocking them down and leaving them there most likely) a .22 will penetrate but not exit, expending ALL of it's energy inside the attacker.

Answer 9

Pros:
One of the more reliable 22 pistols available.
Ammunition is inexpensive.
Easy to shoot, low recoil.

Cons:
Not as reliable as the P99, or most centerfire pistols.
Certain .22 ammunition won't function, some will wear out the pistol prematurely.
Inadequate for anything other than paper.

Answer 10

Great weapon for beginners in the sport to start with. Great for plinking.

Don't try to use it for personal protection or you may be sorry. No defensive value.

So great for target shooting and small game hunting & plinking(also ammo is very cheap!) But if you're looking for something with defensive caliber go with something like a .380