S+W 22A/22S vs. Walther P22. Your thoughts?

[fish2xs]

HighRoaders,

I'm mulling a purchase of a low-cost plinker. I am looking at either
a P22 or a S+W 22A (or 22S). I realize this is to some extent an
apples/oranges comparison, but I would appreciate the collective
wisdom of this board to aid my thought process.

I would probably see myself using this gun as:

- cheap plinker @ indoor range
- inexpensive tool to better my form with other pistols
- possibly concealed carry until MA allows a small enough
.380 to be sold here
- fun gun for guy's weekend @ camp
- other?

I am sure the S+W would be more accurate, but I like the P22 form
and the fact I can get it w/ a 3.5" and 5" barrel. I don't think
I'm too interested in getting a scope.

My rusty brain-wheels are spinning. What are your thoughts?

(PS. for those of you in unoccupied lands, MA restricts the selection
of handguns. So a "have you thought of another gun" reply probably
won't be an option for me...)

 

[Johnpl]

Fellow Massachusetts resident so I feel your pain...

I just got the P-22 and love it...was skeptical after reading about various reliability problems but have had zero failures after 500 rounds. I got it for woods-walking and plinking. It really fits my hand and I like the looks, and this is from a traditional steel and wood guy, not one to be enamored of polymers and plastics. I was told to use only high velocity ammo, as it could be finicky, and so far so good.

 

[zougou]

I have a 22a. I got to try the Walther once. It was nice, but I can't say too much about it since I shot a few rounds only once.

The 22a seems accurate enough for me. The finish around the breech and slide (not sure what that area is called) has worn off quickly leaving bare metal.

Mine seems to prefer mini mags. Other rounds work, but it starts to jam and not extract after maybe 40 rounds.

Maybe you can try both before you purchase one or the other.

 

[JohnKSa]

My wife just traded her 22AS for a P22.

So far she's pretty happy with the trade.

 

[the scot]

I've been wanting a P-22 ever since I wrapped my hand around that wonderful grip. I've also been a bit concerned about the P-22's reputation.

Check out the Walther forum at rimfirecentral.com. Lots of P22 owners over there.
It seems the problems mostly involve older guns. Newer ones seem to be doing just fine. At least this is the general concensus. I'll be waiting a few months before I purchase one to see if this all rings true.

the scot

 

[arinvolvo]

Does MA have any regulations against the ruger 22 pistol line???

If not, i personally would prefer a ruger 22 to either of your choices...even though both pistols you mentioned are an excellent choice.

The p22 however has had some ammo pickiness issues, from what i have read, and experienced first hand. Although, i understand that once you find an ammo that it likes, all is well.

I have personally had no ammo issues with my ruger, and it doesnt like to be cleaned often either,,,which is always a plus!!

 

[Hal]

Both are really just toys and not built for extended use.

As you can see, the 22a/22s comes with interchangable barrels. Usually I have the scope on the 7 1/2 and a Red Dot on the 5 1/2 standard and open sights on the 5 1/2 Bull. I'd thought of picking up a 22a with the 4 inch barrel also to have somewhat of a complete set.

On the downside - if you add up the $$ in that picture, it totals up to a real nice High Standard or a Smith Model 41. - Both of which are in every way superior.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy both the 22s and the P22. Thing is, I knew going in they were both somewhat overpriced as well as inferior in quality. I bought them cause I liked them.

I should add,,,as far as accurate - that scoped 22s will outshoot most rifles @ 50 yards from a casual rest. Dime sized 50 shot holes are very doable at that range using just about any ammo it likes, and God willing the wind is calm. IIRC, I've managed that more than a couple of times. Typical groups would be about 2 to 3 times the size of a dime under poor conditions.

Sorry I can't tell you how the P22 shoots since I haven't had it out yet. Also, I can't add how the 22s shoots off hand w/open sights since I've never fired it that way. (the Bull barrel is unfired IIRC)

 

[Hal]

Followup:

Honestly, I looked 2 the P22 also w/3" barrel as a possible carry gun. I't small enough to slip in a pocket. Then I read a number of posts concerning both the quality and the reliability of the P22 and decided against it. For less money, a NAA would be a better option - or even a Makarov. (if you can buy them in Ma.)

I can think of several better pistols for the money than either:
Buckmark ( I have 3)
Ruger (ditto- I have 3)
CZ Kadet upper for a CZ75b
1911 Conversion (Marvel- I have a Ciener and while it's OK - it isn't up to what the Marvel is reputed to be)

Not sure what your feeling on revolvers is. For the money though, there's no comparison. Most of the guns listed here are in the $200 - $300 range. for just a little more, say between $25 and $100 depending on condition, you could pick up a Smith model 17 or a Smith Model 18. Either of those will give you target level accuracy and stone cold reliability as well as lasting several generations.

 

[cratz2]

I have a 22A that I haven't shot in probably 4 years. If could trade even for a P22 of any variety, I'd do it. I've shot two or three P22s and I think they're neat little guns. I prefer larger 22s for target play so I'm not in a hurry to go get one, but between the 22A and the P22, I'd definately lean heavily towards the P22.

As for my feelings on 22s in general, a used Smith K22 or a Dan Wesson 22 would be at the top of my reasonable price 22 choices... I've seen K22s for $300 but usually closer to $325 or $350 and I paid $150 or $165 for my beloved Dan Wesson. After that, the Rugers start looking pretty nice and with a little trigger work, they can be outstanding. I've seen used 22/45s for very little coin.