Walther P22 any good?

[bk23103]

Been looking at these things for years and my LGS has them for $360 OTD. My mother in law wants to shoot and has thought about buying her first gun but I don't have any good .22LR pistols to teach her with.

[SkyHawk]

They have a mixed reputation IIRC.

[223556]

Plenty of reviews and threads on the P22. As mentioned above its hit or miss.
Always looked like a fun cheap .22 to have.
I don't own one though.

[stormvet]

Like said hit and miss, lots of misses. My buddy had one, my Ruger SR-22 ran circles around it as far as reliability went.

[Skip_Dog]

I have shot 1000's of rounds through the two that I own. Only jams when very dirty. They eat all brands of ammo. Wipe it down after a long range session and call it a day. Very fun to shoot.

[Blue]

Mine was a big miss. Total POS. Went to the factory like three times for repairs before I gave up on it. I pulled it out of the safe a week ago and somehow since the last time I saw it the front sight has disappeared. I’ll probably never shoot it again in my life.

[Mtndewking]

I hate mine

[crufflers]

AFAIK, they can be really reliable out of the box or suck it. If they suck it, you can get them to run doing things to the RSA, mags, etc... mine was not great and I forget all the things I did to it, but it runs really well now with a couple different ammos... even when it runs it is not anywhere near as fun or useful as a Advantage Arms Glock conversion or a Ruger MK2, or Buckmark, or GSG 1911/922 CA, .22 revolver, etc... IMHO

Good if you want to get a DA/SA with a heavy stacking DA pull for training.

[Blue]

Originally Posted by Sequencer60

I bought one last year, but still haven't fired it. I too have heard the love/hate stories. Hope I got a good one.

Most of the reports I’ve read, the newer ones honestly seem to be more reliable. Mines an older model, just after the threaded barrel fiasco and it’s the biggest POS I own.

[Sequencer60]

I bought one last year, but still haven't fired it. I too have heard the love/hate stories. Hope I got a good one.

[Sequencer60]

Downloaded this, might help.

http://chris.backyardmarksman.com/im...22%20Bible.pdf

[M76]

Feels great in the hand, very ergonomic; other than that, buy a buck mark

[Blue]

Originally Posted by M76

Feels great in the hand, very ergonomic; other than that, buy a buck mark

100% Buckmark is where it’s at for basic reliable target pistoleering. P22 does have a good purpose though. For clearing jams and experiencing the unexpected lol.

[aca72]

Originally Posted by Blue

100% Buckmark is where it’s at for basic reliable target pistoleering. P22 does have a good purpose though. For clearing jams and experiencing the unexpected lol.

Add the niche Browning 1911-22 FS or Compact to the list. They’re super reliable too.

[crufflers]

I shoot my range buddie's Buckmark lite gray URX sometimes and it is fun, but I do like my MKII a lot more for some reason.

[mikeyr]

I don't think my daughters 22 has successfully shot a entire magazine without some failure, its even been back to Walther and still jams and mis-feeds. Some people say they never have a failure of anykind. Like its already been said, very mixed reviews.

[crufflers]

Originally Posted by Blue

after the threaded barrel fiasco and it’s the biggest POS I own.

Mine was before the threaded barrel fiasco, hahah. But I'm a good boy and sent it to S&W so it doesn't assault anyone.

[crufflers]

Originally Posted by mikeyr

I don't think my daughters 22 has successfully shot a entire magazine without some failure, its even been back to Walther and still jams and mis-feeds. Some people say they never have a failure of anykind. Like its already been said, very mixed reviews.

If you can't shoot CCI Mini-mag round nosed, you might have to crack open that 87 page "Bible"... the only damn gun with a "Bible" to get it working, hahah. Sad.

[JC2020]

I really wish the ruger mk IV were on the roster.

[newbie1234]

I did not like mine, I traded mine to my friend for a dinner for two.

[newbie1234]

Originally Posted by JC2020

I really wish the ruger mk IV were on the roster.

If mark IV on the Roster, I will get the Target model and the Hunter model one each. Will retired my Mark II Target model, shoot the Hunter model weekly and save the Target Mark II and IV to my heir.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

I had one for quite a while. The only problem I can remember was the safety's habit of walking to the "Safe" position, resulting in "click" instead of "bang". Still, you can do better, especially if your MIL is a new or inexperienced shooter.

[bk23103]

So I gather the GSG 1911-22 is a better pick? I already have a million 1911 holsters so that'd be nice.

[alpha_romeo_XV]

I think Walther has made some changes to the P22 since 1st introduced, but not obvious by name like gen.1 v gen.2 I have a 1st gen and was unhappy with it until I found a cheap HV ammo that works in it. Most complaints are about ammo FTF and FTE. On the plus side, it is small and light and loud.

But for a training pistol there several things to consider IMO.
Sight radius on the P22 with its 3½” barrel is short means harder to aim accurately. A 5” barrel like the GSG better, and better yet the 7” barrel Ruger MkIV target as much easier to build confidence for a new shooter.
Sights – P22 has 3 dot. OK for fast aim but not best for accuracy.
Rail? built in - no need to remove rear sight for a red dot. How is MIL's eye sight? I need a red dot now since I wear progressive lens glasses. My S&W-22A with red dot was cheap, but reliable and no problem hitting target at 50 yards. Easy to take red dot on/off if want to shoot iron sights. I think S&W let it drop off CA roster but most people were happy with theirs.

[crufflers]

Originally Posted by newbie1234

If mark IV on the Roster, I will get the Target model and the Hunter model one each. Will retired my Mark II Target model, shoot the Hunter model weekly and save the Target Mark II and IV to my heir.

I have that MK678G or Government Target Model 6 7/8" bull barrel... buddy has a 7.25" Buckmark lite so it isn't front heavy like the MKII, but the MKII shoots noticeably better IMHO. Maybe it is me, but it is harder to hit small shotshell hulls etc... with the Browning. Both have red dots that are sighted in well.

[stormvet]

Originally Posted by crufflers

I shoot my range buddie's Buckmark lite gray URX sometimes and it is fun, but I do like my MKII a lot more for some reason.

I have them both, Target MII I bought new in 94 or 96 and UDX slab side Buckmark I got four or five years ago. Very similar and both extremely reliable, I do like the Buckmark a little more. Just more modern with FO sight and I have a rail with a green dot optic.

Both have spoiled me when it comes to 22 SA handguns, the accuracy and reliability makes shooting other 22 SA handguns really disappointing. I had a SR-22 for a while, good reliable little 22 but not in the same class as the MII and UDX, ended up selling it. Just not as fun to shoot.

[SharedShots]

Originally Posted by Blue

Mine was a big miss. Total POS. Went to the factory like three times for repairs before I gave up on it. I pulled it out of the safe a week ago and somehow since the last time I saw it the front sight has disappeared. I’ll probably never shoot it again in my life.

Originally Posted by Mtndewking

I hate mine

Originally Posted by Blue

Most of the reports I’ve read, the newer ones honestly seem to be more reliable. Mines an older model, just after the threaded barrel fiasco and it’s the biggest POS I own.

No worries. $25 each and you'll never have to be bothered with owning them again.

Caveat, so long as other parts don't disappear by being in a safe and not getting fired.

Offer is good for anyone else who can't stand to own theirs. Limit of 10. No one should own a POS, your Walther for $25. Seems fair to me.











.

[crufflers]

Originally Posted by stormvet

I have them both, Target MII I bought new in 94 or 96 and UDX slab side Buckmark I got four or five years ago. Very similar and both extremely reliable, I do like the Buckmark a little more.

I'm sure it is the weight and trigger of the MKII I like more... mine isn't stock with VQ trigger parts. If I picked up a Buckmark I'd get a steel one with 5.5" barrel not the lite 725 after shooting it quite a bit.

[crufflers]

Originally Posted by SharedShots

Offer is good for anyone else who can't stand to own theirs. Limit of 10. No one should own a POS, your Walther for $25. Seems fair to me..

I think I have only ever sold one gun (Russian SKS - that was dumb), but if I let another go it would probably be the P22 or a Taurus hahahah. I'll let you know. I feel like people who love the P22 even if they got a reliable one or Bibled it haven't shot many great .22 pistols to compare. If you want a cheaper ZAMAK slide gun (like a P22), the GSG 922 CA is a lot more fun with a LOT better trigger, reliability, mags, and quality overall IMHO.

[M76]

Originally Posted by aca72

Add the niche Browning 1911-22 FS or Compact to the list. They’re super reliable too.

They are great, but a novelty; buck marks are sturdier

[DanGunner]

Originally Posted by alpha_romeo_XV

I think Walther has made some changes to the P22 since 1st introduced, but not obvious by name like gen.1 v gen.2 I have a 1st gen and was unhappy with it until I found a cheap HV ammo that works in it. Most complaints are about ammo FTF and FTE. On the plus side, it is small and light and loud.

But for a training pistol there several things to consider IMO.
Sight radius on the P22 with its 3½” barrel is short means harder to aim accurately. A 5” barrel like the GSG better, and better yet the 7” barrel Ruger MkIV target as much easier to build confidence for a new shooter.
Sights – P22 has 3 dot. OK for fast aim but not best for accuracy.
Rail? built in - no need to remove rear sight for a red dot. How is MIL's eye sight? I need a red dot now since I wear progressive lens glasses. My S&W-22A with red dot was cheap, but reliable and no problem hitting target at 50 yards. Easy to take red dot on/off if want to shoot iron sights. I think S&W let it drop off CA roster but most people were happy with theirs.

I have both S&W 22a and 22s, the latter same gun in stainless steel, and they are deadly accurate and bargains if you can find one. I also have a P22 and its rival, the Ruger SR22, and the latter is better all around plinker, if you can find one because it's not on roster. But P22 ergonomics are wonderful and it works well enough if you keep it relatively clean and find HV ammo that it likes. CCI Mini-mags always work and I've had success with others.

[SharedShots]

Originally Posted by crufflers

I think I have only ever sold one gun (Russian SKS - that was dumb), but if I let another go it would probably be the P22 or a Taurus hahahah. I'll let you know. I feel like people who love the P22 even if they got a reliable one or Bibled it haven't shot many great .22 pistols to compare. If you want a cheaper ZAMAK slide gun (like a P22), the GSG 922 CA is a lot more fun with a LOT better trigger, reliability, mags, and quality overall IMHO.

All thats true but I suspect it also applies to those who cross over to zealot land on liking some guns too, they don't shoot them enough to find otherwise.

I like them all, like motorcycles -the good , bad and ugly are still nice to have.

There are three things I'll never have enough of: safes, garages (and what goes in both) and time to use them. Maybe thats more than 3 things?

[stormvet]

Originally Posted by crufflers

I'm sure it is the weight and trigger of the MKII I like more... mine isn't stock with VQ trigger parts. If I picked up a Buckmark I'd get a steel one with 5.5" barrel not the lite 725 after shooting it quite a bit.

Agree I like the 5.5 barrel on mine the 7 is just too long. I have the same green rubber grips on my MII, they are really nice.

[Sanderhawk]

I had one and sold it. It was to fussy. Only would shoot CCI mini mags. It would jam with anything else.

[Tom-ADC]

Sold mine the new owner is happy also, my favorite 22pistol is my S&W 22a just fun to shoot handgun.

[deckhandmike]

P22 was the biggest piece of crap I’ve ever owned.

[middleofnowhere]

My newer P22 has been pretty good so far. Fun to shoot and no jams…

[Angrysnarf]

Hates dust but a fun gun. Get the captive guide rod

[crufflers]

Originally Posted by deckhandmike

P22 was the biggest piece of crap I’ve ever owned.

Pulling that slide back and using that safety lever with the screw head... feels worse than a Nerf gun.

[Blue]

Originally Posted by SharedShots

No worries. $25 each and you'll never have to be bothered with owning them again.

Caveat, so long as other parts don't disappear by being in a safe and not getting fired.

Offer is good for anyone else who can't stand to own theirs. Limit of 10. No one should own a POS, your Walther for $25. Seems fair to me.







.

If I ever need $5 (after gas driving to PPT) I’ll let you know LOL