Walther P22 - I finally understand

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Wedge

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I've had my P22 for 2 years.

I have gone back and forth with the gun. I like it for cheap plinking but always found its accuracy lacking.

Then I shot my first IDPA match.

Then I took my P22 to the range again after said IDPA match. Now it makes sense. Realistic controls, a whole slide, locks back on last shot, combat style sights.

Yeah it still isn't that accurate, but I was able to shoot 100 rounds, practice two shots on a target and engaging multiple targets, reloads, etc. for a few bucks. I also was able to work on my shooting with both eyes open.

Turns out there IS a very significant purpose for that gun. And shooting slow isn't it.

I have done everything mentioned in the P22 bible and only shoot high velocity ammo and have no problems. RGB are too dirty, but CCI minimags, Federal Automatch (325 round pack at WM if you can find it), Federal game shock are all great.

So for those looking for a .22 pistol, know that the P22 is NOT a target gun but it does make a great trainer especially with centerfire hard to find.
 
I love mine for all the reasons you have listed.. people have a misconception that they are supposed to compete with a mark II or III.. they are not... they are a cheap alternative to real shooting... sure one can shoot a mark II and hit a dime at 30 yards all day, but the gun is not practical and other than breathing and squeezing is not helping with real self defense type training...
 
PT1911 said:
I love mine for all the reasons you have listed.. people have a misconception that they are supposed to compete with a mark II or III.. they are not... they are a cheap alternative to real shooting... sure one can shoot a mark II and hit a dime at 30 yards all day, but the gun is not practical and other than breathing and squeezing is not helping with real self defense type training...
Click to expand...

Precisely. It took me a while and a few 1000 rounds to really "get" the gun.

Now that I "get" it I most certainly will not be getting rid of it.
 
That's precisely why I bought mine. Trying to shoot groups and small targets with it is just frustrating. I can easily outshoot that gun. But, as warm-up for shooting bigger guns, or as cheap training, I wouldn't trade it for any other .22 pistol.
 
Thanks for hitting the right point about Walther P22. It's a crossover of functions between small caliber, self defense and real semi-auto functions.
 
The P22 isn't any less accurate than any other .22: it has a fixed barrel of decent quality, and decent sights. The problem is only that its trigger is very mushy. This can be overcome with good trigger technique.
 
Rocky mine dislikes Remington ammo but doesn't mind federal Bulk for some strange reason. It just seems the Remington powder is dirtier????

I also think they are a great training gun. But aren't as accurate or reliable as the Mark II.
 
Remington Golden Bullet is super dirty, can only get through 100 rounds before it becomes a single action. "bulk" federal automatch works well in mine. Federal bulk works as well. CCI Minimags work the best.

My walther, with all P22 bible mods, is significantly less accurate than my other firearms. For what it is it is great. But a target gun it is not.
 
I finally understood the P22 when I saw all the photos of the broken pot metal slides. :D

Doesn't take a metallurgy degree.
 
It'd be perfect for the purpose you describe except the safety rotates the wrong way.

Other than that it is a good analog for cheap practice in lieu of your actual CCW.

Mine must be a freak as its been very reliable with all the cheap ammo (the only thing I've ever shot in it), although the dud rate with Remington bulk pack was about double what I get with my Ruger.

--wally.
 
p22

I own multiple 22 pistols. The P22 while being fun is not the quality gun like Ruger, browning and especially the M41. It does not shoot as accurately as the Ruger or the M41. Trigger slop, sights and smallest size are a few factors. Plus it needs quite a bit of work, trigger ears, hammer, extractor, trigger. It is picky on ammunition, CCI mini mags seem to be universally accepted as the ammo of choice. I have not had a mishap when shooting CCI"s The slide gets beat if you do not smooth the trigger ears. While most 22 pistols cannot be shot out. But even Walther recognizes the limited life of this pistol. I like mine for play but when it comes to anything else the Ruger or the M41 comes out.
 
To: "Mikengracie"
<<"But even Walther recognizes the limited life of this pistol.">>

Just curious, what has Walther done or said that indicates it "recognizes the limited life" of the P22?
I like the size, weight, and looks of the Walther P22. There doesn't seem to be a similar 22 pistol built by any other company, except maybe the Phoenix HP22 which is an even more cheaply made pistol. The zinc slide is what has made me hesitate on buying the Walther P22.
 
Walther doesn't even make the P22...they just put their name on it.

I have one and it is a GREAT training tool (for reasons already mentioned)...but it really is just a cheap made pistol.
 
My issue with the gun isn't it's accuracy. I agree with you that it isnt' a target gun. My issue is with the fact that they break and break often. You can't use cheap metal in a gun and expect it to work.
 
To: Ridgerunner665:
<<"Walther doesn't even make the P22...they just put their name on it.">>

Do you know who does make the Walther P22?
 
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