Introduction
The Walther P22 is a compact semi-automatic pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle, designed for leisure shooting, training and personal defense in certain legal contexts. Introduced in the early 2000s by German manufacturer Carl Walther GmbH, it takes up the modern lines of the P99 while adopting a lightweight, economical and unintimidating caliber. Its meticulous ergonomics, modularity and ease of use make it a popular choice with beginners and experienced shooters alike.
History and positioning of P22
Creation context
At the end of the 1990s, Walther wanted to offer a compact, affordable weapon to meet the growing demand from the civilian and recreational markets. The .22 LR, renowned for its low power, low cost and low noise level, naturally emerged as the caliber of choice for a new generation of handguns dedicated to sport shooting or learning to shoot.
The Walther P22, launched in 2002, became one of the first .22 LR pistols to adopt a resolutely modern aesthetic, inspired by the P99, with a polymer frame, ambidextrous controls and customization options.
Sales success and development
The P22 quickly met with great success in the USA and Europe. It is available in several versions (barrel length, finishes, variants with or without silencer threads), and benefits from an update in 2013 with the P22Q, which improves the shape of the trigger and the texture of the grip.
To this day, it remains one of the world’s best-selling .22 LR pistols.
Technical data
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Walther P22 |
| Caliber | .22 Long Rifle |
| Weight (loaded) | Approx. 510 g |
| Overall length | 159 mm (standard barrel 87 mm) |
| Capacity | 10 shots (single-row magazine) |
| Mechanism | Single / double action |
| Materials | Polymer (frame), steel (cylinder head) |
| Special features | Silencer thread, Picatinny rail |
Ergonomics and design
The P22 is designed to be comfortable and intuitive to use, especially for novice shooters or those looking for a quality small-calibre pistol:
Ergonomic handle: interchangeable with handle backs of different sizes.
Ambidextrous controls: safety catch and loader lever accessible to left-handers.
Compact design: easy to carry, ideal for plinking or discreet wear.
Accessory rail: for adding a laser or tactical light.
Barrel thread: compatible with sound moderator, especially in export versions.
Comparison with other .22 LR pistols
| Model | Capacity | Main use |
|---|---|---|
| Walther P22 | 10 | Leisure, training |
| Ruger Mark IV | 10 | Precision, competition |
| Browning Buckmark | 10 | Sport shooting |
The P22 stands out for its compactness, handling and modern design. Unlike the Mark IV or Buckmark, which are more geared to precision shooting in the stand, it is more versatile, particularly as a training weapon or for light dynamic shooting.
Civil use and legislation
The Walther P22 is widely distributed in recreational and sporting shooting circles. Because of its modest caliber, it is sometimes authorized for concealed carry in some US states, and is often used as a transitional weapon for new shooters.
It’s also popular for low-cost training, particularly among professionals who want to preserve their .9 mm service weapon while retaining their gestural automatisms.
Conclusion
The Walther P22 is much more than just a .22 LR pistol. It’s an educational tool, a reliable range companion and a gateway to the world of shooting. Thanks to its modern design, modularity and ease of use, it remains one of the must-have models for anyone looking for an accessible, enjoyable and technically well-engineered handgun.
