Walther P22, 20+ Year Review & Range Report

[xounlistedxox]

I just dropped a new video reviewing the Walther P22 after 20+ years of ownership.


I bought mine shortly after they first came out in the early 2000s, and I’ve easily put 10k+ rounds through it.

TLDR for those that would rather read about it than watch the video:


Highlights:


One of the first polymer-frame .22 pistols, basically a mini P99.


Ahead of its time with ambi controls, accessory rail, and interchangeable backstraps.


Accuracy is good for a plinker, though not on par with a Ruger Mark series.


More ammo-sensitive than Rugers, but the newer magazines dramatically improve reliability in addition to polishing the feed ramp.


Still tons of fun to shoot, durable after decades, and in my opinion still worth buying in 2025. There are a lot more color and feature options now as well, so you can pick the one that you like best.


Who else loves their P22?

[DanGunner]

I’ve had several P22s and have not had anything but reliability since Walther did a 2.0:version and I installed captured recoil spring. It and Ruger SR22 are my favorite .22 fun guns. I don’t expect tack-driving accuracy from either. If I want to get serious about bullseye shooting I have Buck Mark, S&W Victory, S&W Model 41, Colt Match Target, etc for that.

[xounlistedxox]

I’ve had several P22s and have not had anything but reliability since Walther did a 2.0:version and I installed captured recoil spring. It and Ruger SR22 are my favorite .22 fun guns. I don’t expect tack-driving accuracy from either. If I want to get serious about bullseye shooting I have Buck Mark, S&W Victory, S&W Model 41, Colt Match Target, etc for that.

Is the captured recoil spring an OEM thing? Mine is not captured and kind of a pain to put it back together even with the little plastic dowel they provided.

[xounlistedxox]

Duplicate post

[mitch1]

The loose spring is only for California, just get the non California spring assembly

[DanGunner]

Is the captured recoil spring an OEM thing? Mine is not captured and kind of a pain to put it back together even with the little plastic dowel they provided.

not OEM, but readily available on eBay and very inexpensive. I got it to make field strip easier and it works perfectly I did the same with my Ruger SR22

[k1dude]

My P22 sucks. I've even tried the captured recoil spring and Qmags and it still sucks.

[xounlistedxox]

My P22 sucks. I've even tried the captured recoil spring and Qmags and it still sucks.

Have you tried polishing the feed ramp? That made a huge difference for me!

[k1dude]

Have you tried polishing the feed ramp? That made a huge difference for me!

No I haven't. I guess I should give it a try.

[xounlistedxox]

No I haven't. I guess I should give it a try.

Took like 3 minutes, nothing fancy. Dremel on medium speed with flitz.