| Author | Message | ||
     Jesserk Message Board Member Username: Jesserk Post Number: 15 Registered: 06-2011  |
Thoughts on the Walther P22? Anyone own one? What's your experience with them (Good or Bad)? I remember when they first came out that they were ammo finicky. Has this issue been resolved? Thanks in advance. | ||
| Wiseguy Message Board Member Username: Wiseguy Post Number: 71 Registered: 07-2010  |
Bought mine new in 2007, the only problem I ever had with it was when I used any standard velocity or slower ammo. Any high or hyper velocity is the way to go. 100% reliable and great fun to shoot. | ||
| Jesserk Message Board Member Username: Jesserk Post Number: 16 Registered: 06-2011 |
Thanks for the review Wiseguy. What ammo do you prefer with this gun? | ||
| Westerly1965 Message Board Member Username: Westerly1965 Post Number: 2012 Registered: 09-2010  |
Don't have one but got to play with my Uncles when I was back home the last time. Great little gun put alot of rounds through it and never had a problem. I do believe we were running all CCI ammo though and that stuff is hotter then most. | ||
| Chopprs Message Board Member Username: Chopprs Post Number: 5104 Registered: 09-2009  |
Two budz have them. They both went crazy trying to find ammo that would work. We spent many, many days at the range and in my field shooting (or trying to) hundreds and hundreds of rounds. I shot them both with many different types of ammo and they both consistently jammed. Just when you think you have it running good it would stop working all together. very much reminded me of my Jennings J-22. One of them sold his and the other chucked it in the safe in frustration and has not played with it since spring time. They were both new about a year ago. I also saw a younger chap at the range with one having serious difficulties making it work. The Range Master asked him to leave as he kept inadvertently pointing it in the wrong direction whilst loaded, trying to get it to fire. Not my idea of fun.....too bad because I really liked the way the gun fit my hand. There are some that have them and love them. There is one guy on here that has one with a supressor and swears by it but that has not been my experience. I would look at something else..... | ||
| Naa_collector Message Board Member Username: Naa_collector Post Number: 4629 Registered: 06-2009  |
I've got one. It's not my favorite gun. I like the looks fine, but it hasn't been the most reliable or most accurate gun I have. I much more prefer a Smith & Wesson 22A. I've considered selling the Walther, but it just hasn't seen the chopping block yet. I don't hate it, but I don't love it, either. | ||
| Jesserk Message Board Member Username: Jesserk Post Number: 17 Registered: 06-2011 |
Thanks, NAA. How about the S&W M&P22? | ||
| Naa_collector Message Board Member Username: Naa_collector Post Number: 4641 Registered: 06-2009 |
Hmm. Just looked it up. I have no experience with that one. I'll have to check it out. I have two S&W 22A's, though, one of them in standard blue and a Talo model in stainless. I'm always looking for another great .22, though! | ||
| Wiseguy Message Board Member Username: Wiseguy Post Number: 74 Registered: 07-2010 |
Jesserk, CCI. stingers are pricey but worth it. If not those then the CCI mini mags work great too. | ||
| Blitzkrieger Message Board Member Username: Blitzkrieger Post Number: 191 Registered: 05-2011 |
I have one and absolutely love it, the wife loved it too so she had to ger her own. At first when new and under 500 rounds, Rem. yellow jackets didnt like to feed correctly. Maybe just a break in period or something but have had no problems other than that. It does tend to get a little picky when dirty and under-lubed, but what gun doesnt. | ||
| Adsinger Message Board Member Username: Adsinger Post Number: 36 Registered: 02-2011 |
I have one as do two of my shooting buddies. Fun for plinking. All eat CCIs with no issues. The red dot sight is cool to play with. I actually have a cased two barrel set but have used only the short barrel to date. They are OK guns. The wife likes it because it's light and fits her hand. Doesn't hold a candle to the Ruger Mk.II w/5" bull barrel. Alan. | ||
| Lauraslookout Message Board Member Username: Lauraslookout Post Number: 926 Registered: 02-2009  |
I've had 2 of them in the past. "HAD" being the key word. They weren't reliable. Sent one back to the factory, still ejected empty hulls (when not jamming) right between my eyes where they would lodge behind the bridge of my eye-glasses. Not a pleasant experience. Jim | ||
| Grayelky Message Board Member Username: Grayelky Post Number: 2012 Registered: 10-2009 |
Mine is a little over 7 years old, and I have no problems with it. The newer ones seem to have a problem finding ammo they like, but once they get broken in, they seem to work a little better. Go for the Ruger Mark III, unless you just want a smaller pistol. | ||
| Argleargle Message Board Member Username: Argleargle Post Number: 50 Registered: 02-2010 |
Walther P22 here, bought it new. Lurking forums taught me that you must use "B" series or later magazines. Avoid "A" series and magazines numbers starting with no letter. The short barrel is the one with the cycling issues, while the longer barrel "works better." Ignore failures to cycle until the pistol has a few hundred through it. Use hyper velocity for break-in and "high velocity" after that. Federal "Automatch" bulk .22lr cycles my P22 just fine (after break-in, it didn't want to cycle the first three rounds out of a full magazine at first.) Also, I have read that if you buy a current production model that you AVOID ALL OF THE PROBLEMS people complain about with a P22. Mine's pretty new. There is an online document called "The P22 Bible" that details all of the mods to bring a "first edition" p22 up to current standards. Mine had an outstanding single action trigger out of the box. (double action smooths up only if you fire double action.) Good luck. I enjoy the crap out of my P22. | ||
| Naa_collector Message Board Member Username: Naa_collector Post Number: 4696 Registered: 06-2009 |
I bought mine used a number of years ago, so mine's probably an early model. I got both the normal barrel and the extended barrel. Another thing that has prevented me from selling it is that my wife got me a laser sight for it for my birthday a few years ago. I could probably use it on something else, though. Maybe I need to see if I can "upgrade" it to reliability. LOL. Guess I should go back and re-examine it. | ||
| Argleargle Message Board Member Username: Argleargle Post Number: 51 Registered: 02-2010 |
Naa_Coll; I have the Walther accessory laser as well. It's "right handed only," you switch it on and off with the tip of your right index finger while holding it. I like it a lot and think it adds to the pistol. If you're interested in P22 "toys," consider this: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/GNS057-1.html It's an adaptor to take the factory threads (don't forget your barrel is threaded with a thread protector unless you got in in California) This adaptor takes the barrel to "standard" 1/2"x28tpi. Now you can take a flash suppressor intended for say... an AR-15/5.56 and install in on your P22. This is also for suppressors with that thread pitch. Last thing: My favorite P22 ammos: 1. CCI Stinger 2. Remington Yellow Jacket 3. Winchester SuperX (silver box) High velocity round nose. 4. Federal Automatch (it's cheap, bulk pack, and doesn't seem to FTF on me.) I, personally, have not had hollow point feed issues (AFTER THE BREAK IN), but your mileage may vary. | ||
| Naa_collector Message Board Member Username: Naa_collector Post Number: 4698 Registered: 06-2009 |
My wife didn't get me the Walther laser. It's a much more generic brand. Just a standard lower-rail mounted laser. Yup, my barrel is threaded. Don't wanna mess with that Kommie stuff. LOL. Got some friends who've been working on me to get a suppressor. :-) Thanks for the info. Maybe my P22 just needs more love. | ||
| Argleargle Message Board Member Username: Argleargle Post Number: 55 Registered: 02-2010 |
naa_coll; No problem, glad to help. Most folks I've talked to who complain about the P22 sold/gotridof theirs before getting a few hundred rounds through it. Early versions DID have lots of problems, and I think the consumers have been incredibly slow to forgive... even if the old problems are currently fixed. At least, they seemed to be in mine. | ||
| Argleargle Message Board Member Username: Argleargle Post Number: 56 Registered: 02-2010 |
Crap, meant to add that adding a flash suppressor can increase cycling reliability when using the short barrel. Ah well. HERE YA GO!  | ||
| Blitzkrieger Message Board Member Username: Blitzkrieger Post Number: 206 Registered: 05-2011 |
I want to get the silencerco sparrow for mine but again, gotta get past the wife first. lol | ||
| Naa_collector Message Board Member Username: Naa_collector Post Number: 4699 Registered: 06-2009 |
Silence is the key, Blitz. ;) | ||
| Blitzkrieger Message Board Member Username: Blitzkrieger Post Number: 207 Registered: 05-2011 |
Yes it is. And that is how I am going to covertly buy myself a Beretta 85fs that she said no to. Only problem is when I take her out to make a little music, she'll notice the addition to my/our arsenal. | ||
| Naa_collector Message Board Member Username: Naa_collector Post Number: 4702 Registered: 06-2009 |
Concealed is also key. LOL. | ||
| Grayelky Message Board Member Username: Grayelky Post Number: 2027 Registered: 10-2009 |
I have had a couple of customers tell me if you have accuracy issues, tighten the barrel nut just a little at a time. They claim it helps a lot. | ||
| Argleargle Message Board Member Username: Argleargle Post Number: 76 Registered: 02-2010 |
Don't forget to blue loctite the thread protector on a P22 if you ever remove it. | ||
| Zippovarga Message Board Member Username: Zippovarga Post Number: 466 Registered: 05-2009  |
Okey dokey.....Had this.......  Upgraded it to this.......  Mine was POST problematic. They had "corrected" most of the problems associated with previous models, BUT....The mfg still suggested a 500 round "break in period." This was not a joke...it took every bit of 400 rounds by the time it became reliable enough that I trusted it to carry. With that.....I ran into a guy who was DYING for a Walther P22 because of a friend who had one who said it is an awesome firearm. Now, that said....I happily traded it for a NIB Ruger Mark III Hunter. If you are wanting reliability right out of the box, my recommendation is to go with the time tested Mark series Ruger. A 22/45 has a Zytel polymer frame to keep the weight down and in MY personal opinion, you would be much happier going this route than with the Walther. Not knocking the Walther......once I had mine broken in, it was very reliable, but it never would cycle CCI Stingers. Although I have the Mark III Hunter in all stainless, the mechanics are nearly identical to the 20/45 and this format has been around since 1949. Yes, I said 1949!!! If that isn't reliability and popularity defined, I don't know what is. This is ALL of course, in MY opinion. Albeit somewhat biased due to a lifetime of experience with Rugers. The current Mark in the family.....And, thanks to Louie once again for the awesome Hogue Grips!!!  | ||
| Coinchop Message Board Member Username: Coinchop Post Number: 1920 Registered: 02-2009 |
Zippo... "Lifetime of experience with Rugers" Been there, done that. First gun show,1962. Bought a Ruger Target Mark 1 with a factory muzzle brake, used. Still have it. That was just the begining.../ That Ruger cost me $45, and I got 3 boxes of shells with it. Don't remember for sure, but that was probably a half a weeks wages back then. | ||
| Blitzkrieger Message Board Member Username: Blitzkrieger Post Number: 234 Registered: 05-2011 |
Was out shooting in the middle of winter a few years back when I fired a round and the front sight bead popped out and landed in the snow somewhere never to be seen again so I modified both front and rear sights with some fiber optic color.  | ||
| Zippovarga Message Board Member Username: Zippovarga Post Number: 479 Registered: 05-2009 |
There it is! Looks great Blitz! Coin.....I would go out into the Kentucky Country side with my 10/22 and Mark I along with enough returnable pop bottles to buy 100 or 200 rounds, depending on how many bottles I had collected and I wouldn't come home until I was out of ammo! Good times for sure. Is the Mark I the only Mark you have? One of the upgrades I DO like on the Mark III is the relocated mag release. The magazine disconnect is long gone (which would hang up the mag and force you to get up in the well of the grip and ick the mag out) Now, the mag falls out like on the 1911. At any rate.....Those times of high quality Remington ammo are long gone along with the $1.00 to $1.25 you would pay for a box of 100 plated round nose. But I digress...as least we still have pieces that either remind us of our past firearms or ARE those gems bought in a different era. Cheers Coin and Blitz! Oh hey Coin....you still plinking with the old Colt?? Later! | ||
| Coinchop Message Board Member Username: Coinchop Post Number: 1936 Registered: 02-2009 |
Zippo... Picking up pop bottles was most of my income when I was a kid. After school I would go where my dad worked and beg for a nickle for a pop, drink the pop and go across the street, get 2 cents for the bottle and buy 2 jawbreakers. I have and have had a lifetime supply of Ruger Marks, but never a Mark III. I have ran tens of thousands of rounds through a couple of Mark II's with 10 in. barrels. I havn't shot the Colt Scout much since that first day I got it out, but I will. It won't be going back into that dark place for a long time. I picked up a 3rd issue Colt Woodsman 6 in. a couple of weeks ago and have been playing with that lately. Most of my shooting lately is double action 22 shooting with some S&W s but I branch out a lot. Plinking is good=life is good. Gone.../ | ||
| Flyinbiker2001 Message Board Member Username: Flyinbiker2001 Post Number: 207 Registered: 09-2010  |
Mine works like a swiss watch with a can on it firing anything but will only fire good ammo without and it dont like being dirty-however Ruger has come out with one that from all accounts is much better then the P-22 or Sig | ||
| Plinker631 Message Board Member Username: Plinker631 Post Number: 17 Registered: 05-2012  |
Walther's web site recommends CCI Mini MAgs for the P-22, so does the owners manual... | ||
| Adsinger Message Board Member Username: Adsinger Post Number: 51 Registered: 02-2011 |
I've got the two-barrel kit version of the P22. Two shooting buddies also have P22s. They all run fine on CCI Mini Mags but none as accurately as my Ruger Mk. II. alan. | ||
| Naa_collector Message Board Member Username: Naa_collector Post Number: 6880 Registered: 06-2009 |
Guess I need to try CCI's then. I also have the dual-barrel set. And, it's one of my "off the books" guns--which is my favorite type! | ||
| Blitzkrieger Message Board Member Username: Blitzkrieger Post Number: 361 Registered: 05-2011 |
Question for you folks that have the 5" barrel. Does it really improve accuracy say compared to a Mark I, II or III? I have been thinking about buying one for mine but am unsure if it would be worth it since the P22 is really a fun POS that is great for 100 rounds before a serious douching is needed. | ||
| Blitzkrieger Message Board Member Username: Blitzkrieger Post Number: 362 Registered: 05-2011 |
Anybody done any modifications to their P22? I removed the trigger lock, cut the extractor back, as shown above modified the sights with fiber optic pipe on both mine and my wifes (hers being yellow front, red rears...her pick of colors), on both I used epoxy to ensure the crappy plastic front sight does not wiggle out of place..... | ||
| Louiethelump Message Board Member Username: Louiethelump Post Number: 3539 Registered: 12-2010  |
I modified all three of the ones I had. I modified them from "my P22" to "someone else's P22 and headache". Best modification of that gun I can imagine.  | ||
| Blitzkrieger Message Board Member Username: Blitzkrieger Post Number: 363 Registered: 05-2011 |
Ha ha! I dont blame ya one bit. Have thought about taking a loss on mine and trading it in for something more reliable but I keep thinking there is just something that I can do to it to make it NOT be that "epic fail" piece in my collection. lol | ||
| Leafhopper Message Board Member Username: Leafhopper Post Number: 15 Registered: 04-2011 |
My brother-in-law has a P22 and he was at my place a couple of weeks ago so we did some shooting. He had two ejected cases go down the back neck of his T shirt...He was hopping around trying to get them out. I was shooting my Ruger SR22 (same exact size as the Walther) and my wife was shooting her SR22. While my brother-in-law had a few feeding problems, my wife and I had none...we were all shooting Winchester bulk ammo. I liked his P22 for the extended barrel option...nice! But I won't trade my Ruger SR 22 for it. |
