Walther P22 20+ Year Review & Range Report

[Brandon Breeze]

I just dropped a new video reviewing the Walther P22 after 20+ years of ownership.

I bought mine shortly after they first came out in the early 2000s, and I’ve easily put 10k+ rounds through it.

TLDR for those that would rather read about it than watch the video:

Highlights:

One of the first polymer-frame .22 pistols, basically a mini P99.

Ahead of its time with ambi controls, accessory rail, and interchangeable backstraps.

Accuracy is good for a plinker, though not on par with a Ruger Mark series.

More ammo-sensitive than Rugers, but the newer magazines dramatically improve reliability in addition to polishing the feed ramp.

Still tons of fun to shoot, durable after decades, and in my opinion still worth buying in 2025. There are a lot more color and feature options now as well, so you can pick the one that you like best.

Who else loves their P22?

 

[Joker67]

I'm surprised, because it's written off as a generally awful pistol. I borrowed one from a friend, upgraded the terrible recoil assembly as a thank you, then gave it back. I thought about buying one for my wife, but after reading about it and shooting it decided not to. , it's thought of as the worst Walther. I'm glad you enjoy it. Nice to read a different perspective. I went with a Browning Buckmark.

 

[Brandon Breeze]

I'm surprised, because it's written off as a generally awful pistol. I borrowed one from a friend, upgraded the terrible recoil assembly as a thank you, then gave it back. I thought about buying one for my wife, but after reading about it and shooting it decided not to. , it's thought of as the worst Walther. I'm glad you enjoy it. Nice to read a different perspective. I went with a Browning Buckmark.

Oh believe me, it used to totally suck. It was an absolute jam-o-matic when I first bought it. Polished the feed ramp and that made it substantially more reliable! Added the newer magazine and now it's very reliable and you can shoot a bulk pack of .22 very quickly. I have a couple Ruger Marks and those are obviously more accurate and more reliable, but also a good bit more expensive in most cases.

I would certainly hope that by now, Walther has figured out how to make the new ones reliable like mine.

 

[admcn]

I would certainly hope that by now, Walther has figured out how to make the new ones reliable like mine.

The unfortanate issue is that walther does not make them - at least not any more. the only ones I see around are manufactured by umarex and that is what has curtailed my interest.

 

[Moondog]

The unfortanate issue is that walther does not make them - at least not any more. the only ones I see around are manufactured by umarex and that is what has curtailed my interest.

Umarex always made this pistol because Umarex owns Walther (has for a long time). Umarex is primarily known for making airguns but they make a number of rimfire guns for other European brands like H&K.