Walther SP22

[SteelManCM]

Got bit by the .22 bug lately. Picked up a Ruger SR22p for plinking fun, and a Beretta U22 Neos with a 6" Barrel that I LOVE.

However, I am intrigued by the elephant man that is the Walther SP22. I would most likely go for the 6" variation.

What do you think? What are your thoughts?

I am of the camp that prefers the feel of the grip of the Walther P22 to the Ruger, but had a great opportunity on the Ruger so I went with it.

Ant Pros or Cons are welcome and desired.

 

[barneyrw]

I had the Walther and didn't really like the grip, although it shot well. I sold it and got the Ruger. I like the grip and feel of the Ruger way better and it's also American made.

 

[skt239]

I had a the P22 and if it wasn't for its lack luster durability, I'd still have it. The P22 was accurate, fun to shoot and for the most part, reliable. However, after about 2 or 3 thousand rounds, the rails on frame and slide were rough and gouged. The ware caused all types of failures and eventually the gun wouldn't cycle at all. I sent it back to S&W who promptly sent me a new gun, which I promptly sold. I recently picked up a MKIII 22/45 and find it to be far superior to the P22. If you are after something similar to the P22 you might consider the SR22. If I recall correctly it's not made out of the same type of soft (pot) metal as the P22 and is built to last. Unless you don't plan on shooting it much (what .22 doesn't get shot much?) I'd skip the P22.

 

[SteelManCM]

Thank you.

However, the question was not of the P22, but the SP22.

 

[Kiln]

Thank you.

However, the question was not of the P22, but the SP22.

Yeah I noticed that before I posted, I was about to go into great detail about the PITA that was my Walther P22 but I don't know anything about the SP22 personally.

 

[Fishbed77]

FYI - the SP22 is not made by Walther. It's made by Umarex (who is better known for airsoft toys, starting pistols, and potmetal guns). Umarex also manufactures the "Walther" P22.

Personally, I think you'd be happier with a Ruger Mark III (or 22/45 if you don't like the Luger-style grip) or the Browning Buck Mark. Either is a much higher-quality pistol for about the same price as the SP22.

 

[Roadking Rider]

Ruger does make one heck of a 22 with that 22/45. I have the 22/45 RP bull barrel target model. So far after a couple thousand rounds I can't say a bad thing about it. It's not as bad to break down as some make it out to be, and seems to get easier with usage. IMO the Ruger MK series of pistols are hard to beat if your looking for accuracy and reliability. There is a good reason they've been around so long and are so popular. Like there 10/20 rifle, many have been past down from generation to generation. Produced from 1949 to present in different variations and will shoot just about anything.
I'm not crazy about all Ruger pistols but they do make some nice 22's, and I like most Walthers but not there 22's.

 

[SteelManCM]

So nobody has hands-on experience with the SP22?

 

[Kiln]

So nobody has hands-on experience with the SP22?

Doesn't look like it. The SP22 is one of the more obscure guns that falls into the range of "almost cheap enough to compete" with the other target guns.

They're just barely marked up above guns like the Ruger MK3, Beretta Neos, and Browning Buckmark. With so many guns with reputations etched into stone, lots of people aren't willing to pay the extra for the SP22.

 

[SteelManCM]

CDNN has the 6" on sale for $200 and I figured if I could get a good review, then I might give it a shot.

But I don't like being the guinea pig, either. I see them for sale everywhere, but nobody walking out with them. At this point, I'll pass.

Thanks, everyone!

 

[Fishbed77]

So nobody has hands-on experience with the SP22?

Do a Google search. There are plenty of reviews out there. Most of them are not terribly positive. It's a potmetal gun, but at $200, you don't have much to lose.

But for $100 more, you can have a nice pistol (Ruger or Browning Buck Mark) that will last a lifetime.

 

[Kiln]

Fishbed: The SP22 is normally much higher, they're not a cheap junk gun like the Walther P22. It is also obvious that you have no idea what you're talking about because the grip is polymer, the housing is aluminum, and the internals are steel.

 

[Fishbed77]

Fishbed: The SP22 is normally much higher, they're not a cheap junk gun like the Walther P22. It is also obvious that you have no idea what you're talking about because the grip is polymer, the housing is aluminum, and the internals are steel.

Kiln,

Unfortunately, sir, it is you who apparently does not know what he is talking about.

While the housing of the SP22 is made of aluminum, the bolt is indeed made of zamak, which is better known as potmetal. Honestly, potmetal has no place on a quality firearm, especially on a part as critical as the bolt. In fact, Walther (well, actually Umarex) has discontinued the SP22, largely because of reliability and performance issues, which explains why CDNN is clearancing them out at such low prices.

But you don't have to take my word for it (since you've already questioned my intelligence). Head on over to waltherforums.com, where a lot of folks more knowledgable than either you or I can tell you the exact same thing.

 

[Kiln]

Kiln,

Unfortunately, sir, it is you who apparently does not know what he is talking about.

While the housing of the SP22 is made of aluminum, the bolt is indeed made of zamak, which is better known as potmetal. Honestly, potmetal has no place on a quality firearm, especially on a part as critical as the bolt. In fact, Walther (well, actually Umarex) has discontinued the SP22, largely because of reliability and performance issues, which explains why CDNN is clearancing them out at such low prices.

But you don't have to take my word for it (since you've already questioned my intelligence). Head on over to waltherforums.com, where a lot of folks more knowledgable than either you or I can tell you the exact same thing.

I have read in several places that the internals are steel on the SP22. Wikipedia seems to agree with me, although it can be edited by anybody.

Still though I'm reading all over the place that the insides are steel. Got a link to a reputable source?