Walther P22 — .22 Long Rifle, 3.42″ Barrel, 10+1 Rounds

Overview — modern rimfire design with tactical styling

The Walther P22 brings contemporary centerfire styling and practical performance to the rimfire world. Built to blend the look and ergonomics of modern duty pistols with the economy and ease of .22 Long Rifle, the P22 is a versatile platform for range fun, training, and recreational shooting. With a compact 3.42″ barrel, slim profile, and a 10+1 capacity, this model balances concealability, control, and reliability while remaining light on recoil and ammunition costs. The P22’s durable black finish, changeable backstrap grips, and low-profile 3-dot sights make it comfortable to shoot and easy to personalize for different hand sizes.

Key features & benefits

• Contemporary ergonomics: Grip geometry and an interchangeable backstrap let you tailor the feel to your hand for improved control and natural point-of-aim.
• Range-friendly design: Lightweight, low-recoil .22 LR operation makes the P22 ideal for high-volume practice, new shooters, and training sessions that reinforce fundamentals.
• Practical sighting: Low-profile three-dot sights provide a fast, familiar sight picture while minimizing snag during presentation.
• Durable finish: Black corrosion-resistant finish holds up to frequent range use and environmental exposure.
• Compliance-ready: Available in California, New York, Colorado, and Washington-compliant configurations for purchasers in those states.
• Lifetime warranty: Backed by Walther’s support, giving buyers confidence in long-term ownership.

Performance and handling

At about 17 oz and 6.5″ overall length, the P22 is light and easy to carry on the range or in the field. The rimfire cartridge produces minimal recoil and muzzle rise, so follow-up shots are fast and forgiving — making this pistol excellent for skill-building, precision drills, and casual plinking. The 3.42″ barrel provides a comfortable sight radius for accurate shot placement without adding unnecessary length for carry or transport. For those who value shooter comfort, the P22’s grip texture and changeable backstrap system let you achieve a secure, repeatable hold for consistent results.

Who this pistol is for (buyer intent)

The P22 is a strong match for a range of buyers and use cases:

• Beginners seeking an approachable and low-recoil pistol to learn fundamentals.
• Experienced shooters wanting a low-cost training tool to practice trigger control and reloads.
• Campers and outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable rimfire for pest control or recreational shooting.
• Collectors and style-focused buyers who appreciate modern design applied to an affordable rimfire platform.
• Owners in states requiring specific compliance configurations.

Practical tips for ownership

Ammunition selection: The P22 will run best when fed consistent, quality .22 LR ammunition. Test a handful of brands to identify the load that feeds reliably in your pistol. For regular practice, use economical target rounds; for hunting or defense-of-property scenarios, choose reputable hollow-point or specialized rimfire loads suited to the task.

Maintenance: Rimfires are more sensitive to fouling than centerfires. Clean the bore and action regularly, and keep the slide rails and feed ramp free of heavy dirt or debris. Use light lubrication on contact points; excessive oil in the action can attract lead and powder residues that affect reliability.

Holster & carry: While not primarily designed as a primary defensive handgun, the P22 can be used for light carry or as a training gun. Choose a holster that fully covers the trigger guard and provides secure retention. The low-profile sights reduce snag, which helps when drawing from a holster designed for compact pistols.

Accessories & customization

The P22’s modern styling accepts a variety of aftermarket accessories and upgrades. Consider different backstraps to tune grip fit, enhanced sight options for low-light performance, or a threaded barrel variant if you plan to use a rimfire suppressor where legal. Spare magazines and quality holsters make range days more convenient and increase training efficiency.

Specifications

Specification	Details
Action	Pistol
Cartridge / Caliber	.22 Long Rifle
Capacity	10 + 1 rounds
Barrel Length	3.42 in
Overall Length	6.5 in
Weight	Approx. 17 oz
Finish	Black
Grips	Black Polymer with changeable backstrap
Sights	Low-profile 3-dot
Hand	Right
State Compliance	California Compliant; New York Compliant; Colorado Compliant; Washington Compliant
Type	Rimfire pistol

Final thoughts

The Walther P22 is an attractive, capable rimfire pistol that translates modern centerfire ergonomics into a forgiving and affordable platform. Whether you’re training, plinking, or enjoying time on the range, the P22 is easy to shoot, comfortable to hold, and adaptable to a variety of users and tasks. Backed by Walther’s lifetime warranty, it represents a solid value for shooters who want a contemporary rimfire that performs well across everyday use cases.

Read more product reviews and official Walther Arms information here: Walther Arms product reviews