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The Carryconcealed.net team enlists a Vet to check out the Walther P22 .22 LR

We have stated many times that it is best to carry the largest caliber handgun that you can safely control.  This still holds true, however we have been getting questions from lots of women and folks with arthritis that would like to have a semi-automatic pistol for home defense or as a CCW handgun.

We ran across the Walther P22 and asked one of our Vet contributors to test this handgun out. We were warned by the store owner that CCI Velocity .22LR rounds should be used during the break in period. We have heard of this with other .22LR handguns and did not doubt the dealer.  The retail price is $330.00 but we found it for $260.00 as tested.

The P22 tested had the following specifications.

• Interchangeable frame back straps create an ideal fit to the shooter's hand
• Compact design and light-weight are achieved by a modern polymer frame (just 480 grams, including the magazine)
• Traditional double-action operation
• Ambidextrous controls for both left and right hand shooters
• Integrated trigger lock, loaded chamber indicator
• Magazine disconnect, hammer safety and firing pin safety for safe and reliable operation. (We found this feature a good safety feature as the handgun will not fire when the magazine is removed.)
• Fixed barrel for incredible accuracy
• Windage adjustable rear sight and elevation adjustment with interchangeable front sights for variations in shooter operation
• Interchangeable barrel (sold separately) can convert the P22 from the standard configuration to the target version in minutes
• Military OD Green
• (Side Note - We have tested the P22 with our 1911 holsters and it fits several very nicely. This will help folks that have a few extra holsters around and want to use a older holster rather than buy a new one.)

One of the most important parts of our test was to see how this handgun fit in several different hand sizes and if different people could pull the slide or “action” back to load a round into the chamber. We found that the Walther P22 was one of the few handguns that small hands as well as large hands could feel comfortable using this handgun. We even had several women test the handgun for comfort and if they could work all of the features on the P22. Their reaction was very positive. Some of the testers have not been able to use any other semi-automatic. This was the first semi-automatic that they were able to use and feel comfortable.

While this is a .22LR pistol and we do not normally recommend the .22LR as a defense round, it is better to have well placed shots from a .22LR than not having anything at all. The P22 is one of the most accurate .22LR handguns that we have tested as a team. We were able to place tight groups at 25 feet with several testers. The team also practiced quick draw and fast target acquisition. All of the testers agreed that this was one of the most accurate .22LR handguns that could be used for CCW. Pictured on the right shows the tight groups with two magazines from 25 feet.

For manufacturing and design on the gun all of the testers gave the Walther P22 5 out of 5 stars. For an accurate and well featured gun it also received 5 out of 5 stars. Because it is a .22LR handgun we could only give this a 3out of 5 stars. The total score for this would be 4.3 out of 5 stars. This is a very high score for a CCW handgun and anyone that has a hard time working the “action” on other semi-automatics should consider this offering from Walther.  We also recommend using the more expensive .22LR CCI rounds as they are more dependable. When your life is on the line, it is not worth saving a few pennies.  

Happy trails and keep the lead down range. Clark - Carryconcealed.net

For more information on Walther click on the link.

* Editors note: We have tested the optional laser and found that it is worth the $90 bucks and really is a good investment. While I do not believe that you should rely on lasers they can be a big help in a pinch if you practice with them. Check out the information in the CCW section of the Articles.

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