I recently tested the Walther P22, a polymer-framed, 10-shot pistol chambered in .22 LR. This is a hammer-fired pistol with traditional DA/SA operation. It has a slide-mounted safety on both sides that blocks the firing pin so the hammer can be manually lowered safely. It also has a magazine disconnect safety so the gun won’t fire without the magazine inserted and a paddle-style magazine release that can be used by right- or left-handed shooters. There is also an accessory rail at the front for installing a light or laser.
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I was lucky enough to fire the gun with a suppressor, which made the gun very quiet and easy to shoot with no hearing protection. The gun has a threaded barrel, but it is covered by a simple thread protector, and it looks completely unthreaded with it on. An adapter is included for suppressor use. With the suppressor, the extra weight helped reduce the recoil.
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The P22’s small size and low recoil make it easy for anyone to shoot. The pistol’s accuracy was very good for my informal testing against a small army of plastic bottles. You really have to focus on your fundamentals to get good hits, and with the Walther P22, this is both fun and cheap.
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Specifications: Walther P22
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- Caliber: .22 LR
- Barrel: 3.42 inches
- OA Length: 6.3 inches
- Weight: 17.6 ounces (empty)
- Grips: Polymer
- Sights: Three-dot
- Action: DA/SA
- Finish: Matte black
- Capacity: 10+1
- MSRP: N/A
For more information, visit http://www.waltherarms.com
