Walther P22 - New or used? ($255 or $215)

[weaselchew]

I've been looking around for a Walther P22 (3.4", all black) for a while. Prices around here range from $255 to $330 new.

I found a used one (AG code, made in 2006) at a local shop for $215. It's the gun and 1 magazine (the one without the finger rest extension) It appears to be all but new. It's missing the accessories (I'm not actually sure what all comes with a new P22) but I know there's a wrench for the barrel and a trigger lock key as well as the missing magazine. I've seen mags for ~$20-25.

Should I get the used for $215? A new mag would bring it up to ~$235. Or should I just go buy a brand new one for $255-$260?

 

[gravis86]

For that nominal difference, I would buy the new one.

 

[greener]

The two accessories you need are the spanner wrench for tightening the barrel nut and the plastic rod for holding the recoil spring in place when you reassemble the pistol. It is an absolute bear to reassemble without the rod. You can probably get both from customer service or some other parts site.

Have the shop remove the slide from the used pistol. Check it for wear. Some P22's have a nasty habit of galling the slide. If the wear is not bad, the pistol is probably ok.

If you you can find a new one for $255 and would buy a mag for the used one and the two parts I mentioned, there is probably no difference in price. I'd go with the new one. At least you get one under warranty.

 

[jsebens]

I have a P22, and have noticed (and heard of) some reliability problems in certain pistols. Respectfully suggest:

Shoot the used one. If it's reliable, buy it. If it's not reliable, try a new magazine in it. If it's now reliable, buy it and junk the old magazines.

Instead of the included plastic rod, you can use a cleaning rod for reassembly. Also, you can use any wrench or pair of pliers with a rag to cover the teeth instead of the included wrench. These tools should not be a deal-breaker.

 

[evan price]

If the used one is a 2006 production one, should be no problem with it in terms of reliability. However, mags are going for over $25 a piece.

Small parts pack includes: The spanner wrench, the recoil spring helper (plastic pin), the spare grip insert (There are two, one in the pistol, one in the bag, of different sizes), 2 extra front sights (Ships with three, one installed, plus two more of different elevations to help you sight it in to your preferences), and the key for the internal lock should all be there in a little ziplok bag. Alslo there should be a Walther labelled Master cable gunlock with two keys, a blue Chamber Empty doohickey that goes in the action when it is unloaded, and the manual, hard case, 2-mags, etc. are all that comes with a new one.

Honestly, I would get the new one just because it's nice to have all the stuff that comes with it. The 5" model gains you nothing extra in terms of accuracy honestly, and the faux compensator is a PITA the deal with for cleaning. So get a 3.42" one.

I made myself a spare recoil spring tool from brass rod stock for spare. I never use the internal lock. I tried out all the other stuff.

 

[FieroCDSP]

go with the new. That's 40 bucks you might end up spending on repairs, not to mention the mag and accessories. Whenever a price is that close, it's better to bite the bullet and go NIB than used.

 

[weaselchew]

Thanks for the comments. A new one is sort of what I was thinking. When I first saw it in the case my thoughts were "Ooh, only $215!", but as soon as I found out what it had with it, I started adding the price up. The same shop has new P22s for $279 (they actually may have gone up to $299, but I'm not sure about that), so $215 - 279 isn't too bad of a discount, but since the other shop across town is doing $259 NIB, it's starting to seem like less of a deal.

 

[PX15]

JMOFO:

First, I'm a Walther fan, big time... I've owned a PP/P1/P5, and still have a P99c/AS, and P99/AS.

Having said that I have personally passed on the P22 because of it's history of problems, and even when they function the accuracy is apparently just average..

The P22 "looks" like my P99's so I really wanted one, but I'm afraid that the P22 simply is lacking in the quality most Walther firearms are known for.

Now, if you are determined to buy a P22, buy NEW. It is my understanding that S&W does the warranty repair work for Walther on this firearm, and they have a great reputation for super work and quality service.

So even if your P22 doesn't perform for you as you hope, S&W will probably get it right for you, sooner or later. You definitely want a warranty, so don't let a few bucks dissuade you from considering that.

My all time favorite plinker/trail pistol is the Firestorm FS22. But it seems the only folks who care for Bersa/Firestorms are those who actually own them, and know from personal experience what excellent firearms they are, and a bargain at the same time.

Best Wishes,

J. Pomeroy

 

[Anna's Dad]

Since there have been reliability issues reported with some P22s in the past and you probably wouldn't have a warranty with the used one, I'd go with the new.

Factor in the small difference in price and the cost of buying the additional mag and it really seems like a "no brainer".

 

[phaed]

for that small of a price difference, i'd go new. that's a really good price too.

 

[weaselchew]

I've been keeping my eyes open for an FS22 for awhile, they are hard to find! I'd pick one of those up for a good price. Where'd you get yours?

I'm partially looking for the P22 for the wife to use and also it's threaded barrel.

 

[aaronrkelly]

I have a great P22 that has had ZERO issues......that aside I still would buy the new ones based on the possibility of having troubles and the small price difference.

If we were talking $150 used then I would risk it after a test fire.

 

[evan price]

Mine was $229 NIB... so prices have gone up in 12 months.