Walther P-22 Question and Buying Advice Please

[perpster]

IIRC there's some connection between Walther & S&W, so I hope this isn't out of place. I have the opportunity to buy a Walther P-22, serial # L193xxx. I don't know what date that means it was born on, but I remember hearing somewhere that they had jamming problems before a certain date of manufacture (mid 1980's?). Price is $300 firm, supposedly fired 200 times and doesn't jam. It's got a nickel or stainless(?) slide and black frame. I haven't seen it myself; just a photo.

Is this a worthwhile purchase? Would it be pre or post jam issues?

Thanks in advance.

 

[perpster]

IIRC there's some connection between Walther & S&W, so I hope this isn't out of place. I have the opportunity to buy a Walther P-22, serial # L193xxx. I don't know what date that means it was born on, but I remember hearing somewhere that they had jamming problems before a certain date of manufacture (mid 1980's?). Price is $300 firm, supposedly fired 200 times and doesn't jam. It's got a nickel or stainless(?) slide and black frame. I haven't seen it myself; just a photo.

Is this a worthwhile purchase? Would it be pre or post jam issues?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Muddobber]

I just bought a new P-22 for nearly $500.00 otd. Great little 22 pistol...Have a SIG Mosquito 22 and it has been terrible with jams.Walther is owned by S&W...Walther America.

 

[perpster]

Originally posted by Muddobber:
I just bought a new P-22 for nearly $500.00 otd. Great little 22 pistol...Have a SIG Mosquito 22 and it has been terrible with jams.Walther is owned by S&W...Walther America.

I think there's a Walter Mitty -- Walther Smithy joke in there somewhere.

 

[10mm Sonny]

Early produced magazines had jamming problems. As for the pistols themselves, verious owners have reported it has more to do with the type of ammo used. Not specifically the ammo, but what that particular P-22 likes or doen't like.

Mine likes Winchester, but jams on CCI Blazer.

 

[powerkicker]

I've seen alot of P22 with cracked slide stories...

 

[cmm]

The price you quote is a bit high for a used gun. Get a newer one with a warranty.

I bought mine used for $175, and for that price it was a fair deal. I have put 3000 rounds at least through it without any problems, and it always works great. It was made in 2005, so not one for the problematic early batches released (in 2002-2003 I think).

It is a very fun gun, ladies love it due to its light weight. It is a great trainer for the P99 also. I brought my brother shooting today (he is over from Europe, and never shot a pistol before). After a couple of hundred rounds in the P22 and learning how to aim and control his fire, he moved on to the P99 9mm and was shooting very well.

 

[KAZ]

Look for the series,not the serial number. It is a letter code. AH=2007 very good AI=2008 I wouldn't go lower than 2007 production. There were early mag problems, they are marked "A" you want the improved "B" marked mags which should come 2 each with a 2007 2008 production. Regards

 

[gmchenry]

Originally posted by Muddobber:
Walther is owned by S&W...Walther America.

Nope. S&W is the exclusive importer of Carl Walther products and makes PPK pistols under license from Walther. Walther is part of the UMAREX Group of companies.

http://www.waltheramerica.com/

In 1999, Smith & Wesson and Walther announced a joint plan to distribute Walther branded firearms and accessories in the United States.

 

[rbert0005]

If it were me, I would take than 300 bucks and buy a real 22. ie., a Buckmark, Ruger, a 22A,or the likes. If you are going to buy cute then go for the P 22, if you want a shooter then go for something else.

There's my .02,
Bob

 

[cmm]

Agreed with Bob above, if you want a target quality gun, get something else. A 22A, Ruger Mk II or III, or a Buckmark are all great.

If you want a really fun gun that ladies like to shoot (due to light weight), that serves as a good trainer for a 'real' gun, the P22 is pretty good.

 

[smithfan4152]

I agree, the P-22 is not that accurate, and mag release is a real pain in comparison to other designs. The Ruger and Buckmark would be a better choice in my opinion.

 

[perpster]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to pass on the gun based on the friendly advice here.

 

[customizedcreationz]

I picked up a P22 in trade and I havent personally shot it yet. But I let my son and his friend shoot about 500 rounds through it first outing. They had a blast with it. Now I have two mosquitos also, and would rather shoot those. But we had no issues with it. No jams, not misfires, nothing. Shot Federal Red Box cheapie !!

Its just small tiny little gun in my opinion. Other then that, no bad marks from me. Seemed accurate enough for hitting cans at 50 feet.

Todd

 

[Lenshappy]

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