The article in brief
The Walther P22 is a compact pistol in .22 LR for leisure shooting and training. Here are the key points:
- Compact and lightweight Ideal for easy handling
- Satisfactory accuracy : Particularly at close range
- Correct reliability : Requires initial running-in
- Good value for money : A good choice for beginners
- Easy maintenance Easy to dismantle for cleaning
Hi friends! Today we're going to be talking about a little gem that I recently had the pleasure of testing in my armoury: the Walther P22. This compact .22 LR pistol has been in the news quite a bit, so I thought I'd give you my professional opinion and tell you about my impressions after handling it. Hang on, this is going to be fun!
Technical specifications and ergonomics of the Walther P22
Let's start with the basics. The Walther P22 is a semi-automatic pistol in .22 Long Rifle calibre. Its frame is made of polymer, which makes it super-light (around 480g), while its breech is made of alloy. The standard model has a 3.42-inch (87 mm) barrel, but there is also a version with a 5-inch (127 mm) barrel for precision enthusiasts.
What immediately appealed to me was its compactness. With an overall length of 154 mm for the standard version, it slips easily into a holster or even a pocket (but be careful!). The magazine holds 10 shots, which is pretty decent for this type of weapon.
In terms of ergonomics, Walther has done a good job. The grips are interchangeable to suit different hand sizes. Personally, I have lumberjack palms and I found the grip rather pleasant, even if some customers with large hands may find it a little small.
Functionality and security
The P22 has an adjustable rear sight with drift adjustment, making it easy to adjust your aim. A Picatinny rail under the barrel lets you add accessories such as a laser or flashlight. The manual safety is ambidextrous, a good point for left-handers.
Nice little extras :
- A loading indicator to show whether a cartridge is loaded
- A threaded barrel to fit a silencer (with the necessary authorisations, of course)
Precision and reliability
I took this little guy to the shooting range to see what he could do. At 10 metres, the accuracy is really good. At 25 metres, it gets a bit more complicated, but it's still pretty decent for a gun of this size.
As far as reliability is concerned, I've noticed that it particularly likes high-velocity ammunition. With that, no worries. However, like many new guns, there can be a few incidents at the beginning. A good break-in and regular maintenance usually solve the problem.
Shooting experience and user feedback
Now, let's talk about feel! The first time I shot the P22, I was pleasantly surprised by its low recoil. It's a real pleasure to use, especially for beginners or for practising without spending a lot of money on ammunition.
The double-action/single-action mechanism offers great versatility. In double action, the trigger is a bit heavy, but in single action, it's a real joy. I spent a whole afternoon shooting with it, and never got bored of it for a second!
Dismantling and maintenance
One of the big advantages of the P22 is that it's easy to dismantle. Even if you're not a mechanical wizard, you'll have no trouble cleaning it. And believe me, that's important! A well-maintained gun is a gun that lasts.
Here are the basic steps for dismantling:
- Check that the weapon is unloaded
- Remove the charger
- Pull the breech back and lock it.
- Turn the removal lever
- Slide the breech forward
Value for money
Let's talk big money! The Walther P22 is generally available for around €400-450 when new. For that price, you get a versatile and fairly well finished leisure gun. Admittedly, the finish isn't up to the level of a top-of-the-range pistol, but for beginners or training purposes, it's more than good enough.
If you want to spice up your P22, there are a number of accessories available:
- Additional chargers
- Lasers
- Silencer (with authorisation)
- Conversion kits with 5-inch barrel
| Criteria | Score /5 | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Ergonomics | 4 | Compact and handy, but can be small for some hands |
| Precision | 3.5 | Very good at 10m, correct at 25m |
| Reliability | 3.5 | Requires running in, but then few problems |
| Value for money | 4 | A good choice for beginners or for training |
The final word on the Walther P22
Having spent some time with the Walther P22, I can say that it's an excellent gun for beginners or for training without breaking the bank. Its compactness and manoeuvrability make it an interesting choice for leisure shooting or even for introducing young shooters (under supervision, of course!).
Of course, it has its little faults. The finish could be better, and there are doubts about its long-term durability. But for the price, it really is good value for money.
If you're looking for alternatives in the same range, take a look at the Bersa Thunder 22 or the Ruger SR22. They each have their own particularities, but remain in the same spirit.
Don't forget that the Walther P22 is classified as category B in France, and is therefore subject to authorisation. Make sure you have all your papers in order before you go ahead!
That's it, folks, I hope this review has helped you get a clearer picture of the Walther P22. Don't hesitate to drop by the gun shop if you want to see it in real life. Above all, be careful and always follow the safety rules!
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