Walter P22 Compact for my wife

[TeacherMan]

I got a 40 M&P couple years back and my wife doesn't like shooting it. I've looked at 38s and other little guns but I'm really thinking of just a 22 pistol for her. There is no snap and she would feel comfortable shooting it. Thought?

[coriantonk]

My wife loves her P22.  I have two other friends that have them and love them as well.  Contrary to popular opinion none of these has ever had a problem cycling cheap ammo.

[Special T]

I would have to disagree with Coriantonk on this one. I have shot 2 different guns that had problems with Bulk Remington gold hollow points. My brother still has a short barreled one. It is an awesome gun to soot for sure, but he keeps it loaded with minmags. It has shot ok with some other factory ammo but hated the Gold Rem ammo. My wife's grandfather had a long barrel P22. It too was a fun great shooting gun. It also had problems with the Rem Gold ammo, My cheap 22lr of choice. When fed other ammo it was not a particular as my brothers short barrel. I wouldn't worry too much about the cheaper ammo if it is just a plinking gun. if i kept it loaded for any kind of "defense" i would load it with Mini Mags.      Fun Nice shooting gun tho...

[oldleclercrd]

I just got my wife a Walther p22 and its a nice gun except for the fact that it jams up all the time. Ive tried a few different ammos through it, same result.

[Heredoggydoggy]

I have a Walther p-22 compact and it has worked fine for me.  My buddy's 10 year old son shot it quite a bit when we were Ground Squirrel shooting, and he had feed problems.  I think being small, he was "limp-wristing" it and causing it to malfunction.  Any semi-auto pistol can be made to malfunction by not gripping it firmly.  Some 22 pistols are picky about what you feed them, and some will shoot anything.

[TeacherMan]

Any other .22 semi auto that you would recomment for my wife? One it gets her out shooting with me more and longer, second in a sticky situation a .22 works really well in self defense.

[runamuk]

I love my ruger its beautiful...which I know doesnt mean crap....it also shoots nice, only time I ever had issues with a stovepipe was shooting cheap lead bullets....I feed it lots and lots of federal blue box ....it is fun to shoot...even the couple guys I have let shoot it like it....its a bit heavy but I find its well balanced.  Browning makes another gorgeous 22 that also shoots sweet I shot one of those at a pistol class.  I drooled all over a little sig mosquito such a cute little gun.....so many pistols so little money.....

Have her look at some online see if any appeal to her aesthetics I know I know pretty doesnt equal good but lifes too short to shoot an ugly gun, and besides we are girls sometimes we need eye appeal .... I just dont think you can wrong with the 22 for getting her hooked on shooting.....

oh the s&w version that thing jammed bad...I know of 2 bought brand new and both suffered jams....werent mine so didnt try different ammos just was witness to the jamming.

[Huntbear]

Ruger or Browning for just accuracy and plinking, and durability.   this is not a carry gun correct??? 

[TeacherMan]

Ruger or Browning for just accuracy and plinking, and durability.   this is not a carry gun correct???

mostly plinking but with that said both.

[runamuk]

Ruger or Browning for just accuracy and plinking, and durability.   this is not a carry gun correct???

mostly plinking but with that said both.

I have stuffed my ruger in my carhart inside pocket, not perfect but worked, also have carried in my purse....its got a 4 5/8 barrel so not tiny...that sig mosquito is tiney pocket gun and I think those walthers are similar..... however I shoot my ruger well enough and can operate it blindfolded I would not hesitate to carry it when I feel I need to.  In case you cant tell I love my 22 and no one will convince me ever that a 22 cant kill .... I dont like 45acp so wouldnt ever shoot one enough to be confident.... wish you were down here I'd let her try mine out......

[400out]

Ruger or Browning for just accuracy and plinking, and durability.   this is not a carry gun correct???

mostly plinking but with that said both.

I have stuffed my ruger in my carhart inside pocket, not perfect but worked, also have carried in my purse....its got a 4 5/8 barrel so not tiny...that sig mosquito is tiney pocket gun and I think those walthers are similar..... however I shoot my ruger well enough and can operate it blindfolded I would not hesitate to carry it when I feel I need to.  In case you cant tell I love my 22 and no one will convince me ever that a 22 cant kill .... I dont like 45acp so wouldnt ever shoot one enough to be confident.... wish you were down here I'd let her try mine out......

[dscubame]

Some one has to say it.....   A .22 is a really really bad idea for self defense and will give a false sense of security.

[Huntbear]

Some one has to say it.....   A .22 is a really really bad idea for self defense and will give a false sense of security.

Bet you would not stand in front of one and take a round or two...   

[TeacherMan]

Some one has to say it.....   A .22 is a really really bad idea for self defense and will give a false sense of security.

I've killed 1,200 cows with them with one shot to the head. If a person feels confident with it that's what's going to show in a defensive situation and make an attacker think twice. I wouldn't take one in the chest.

[dscubame]

Some one has to say it.....   A .22 is a really really bad idea for self defense and will give a false sense of security.

Bet you would not stand in front of one and take a round or two...

You bet right!!

[Huntbear]

Some one has to say it.....   A .22 is a really really bad idea for self defense and will give a false sense of security.

I've killed 1,200 cows with them with one shot to the head. If a person feels confident with it that's what's going to show in a defensive situation and make an attacker think twice. I wouldn't take one in the chest.

 

It is all about being comfortable and capable.  I would rather someone shoot a .308 than a .338 for elk, if the .308 is the gun they shoot all the time.. 

I would rather a lady shoot what they can shoot comfortably and accurately than something they are afraid of, and a woman will practice all day long with a .22.  They will stop at 20 rounds if the recoil or the bang scares them....  and we all know.. practice makes perfect.   

[dscubame]

Yep..... But still a bad idea and hard to argue otherwise but have at it.

[Huntbear]

Yep..... But still a bad idea and hard to argue otherwise but have at it.

Maybe by you.. but I have seen runamuk and other women shoot a .22.  They are damn good.  Could double tap 2 to the brain cavity with no problem...   Oh. you say it may not penetrate???  WHO CARES!  Bet they do not get up for a long long time, and may never think a coherent thought again...  Since when did women have to carry a damn magnum pistol or shoot +P loads to protect themselves??  she shoots someone 10 times with a lowly .22 they are not gonna be in a real hurry to mess with her.

I will always take accuracy and knowledge of a gun over horsepower any day.  ESPECIALLY for women!  Obviously you have not taught many women to shoot.  I have taught over 25 women, from never having touched a gun to shooting the bullseye out at 20 yards with a 22 pistol.   I would prefer them to shoot that over a .25 acp or a .32 acp... any day of the week.

Example... I will take my .44 mag into big bear country, and be comfortable with that...  Do not need a .460 or .454 or 500.  Why?  I shoot my 44 mag a lot, and that is what I am comfortable with, and know I can make a bear decide that eating me is not a good option.   

[jrebel]

Ruger makes the LCR in an eight round .22 LR version.  I bet that is an awsome little gun to shoot and will never jam beings it is a revolver.  Also very light and easy to conceal.

[BullMagnet76]

Great Gun, I would really reccomend it, she will love it.

[Huntbear]

Taurus also makes an 8 shot Double Action revolver.. not a light weight but is a good gun.

[dscubame]

Yep..... But still a bad idea and hard to argue otherwise but have at it.

Maybe by you.. but I have seen runamuk and other women shoot a .22.  They are damn good.  Could double tap 2 to the brain cavity with no problem...   Oh. you say it may not penetrate???  WHO CARES!  Bet they do not get up for a long long time, and may never think a coherent thought again...  Since when did women have to carry a damn magnum pistol or shoot +P loads to protect themselves??  she shoots someone 10 times with a lowly .22 they are not gonna be in a real hurry to mess with her.

I will always take accuracy and knowledge of a gun over horsepower any day.  ESPECIALLY for women!  Obviously you have not taught many women to shoot.  I have taught over 25 women, from never having touched a gun to shooting the bullseye out at 20 yards with a 22 pistol.   I would prefer them to shoot that over a .25 acp or a .32 acp... any day of the week.

Example... I will take my .44 mag into big bear country, and be comfortable with that...   Do not need a .460 or .454 or 500.  Why?  I shoot my 44 mag a lot, and that is what I am comfortable with, and know I can make a bear decide that eating me is not a good option.

Good for you huntbear.  I will not personally attack you as i do not know you.  Dan.

[Huntbear]

Yep..... But still a bad idea and hard to argue otherwise but have at it.

Maybe by you.. but I have seen runamuk and other women shoot a .22.  They are damn good.  Could double tap 2 to the brain cavity with no problem...   Oh. you say it may not penetrate???  WHO CARES!  Bet they do not get up for a long long time, and may never think a coherent thought again...  Since when did women have to carry a damn magnum pistol or shoot +P loads to protect themselves??  she shoots someone 10 times with a lowly .22 they are not gonna be in a real hurry to mess with her.

I will always take accuracy and knowledge of a gun over horsepower any day.  ESPECIALLY for women!  Obviously you have not taught many women to shoot.  I have taught over 25 women, from never having touched a gun to shooting the bullseye out at 20 yards with a 22 pistol.   I would prefer them to shoot that over a .25 acp or a .32 acp... any day of the week.

Example... I will take my .44 mag into big bear country, and be comfortable with that...   Do not need a .460 or .454 or 500.  Why?  I shoot my 44 mag a lot, and that is what I am comfortable with, and know I can make a bear decide that eating me is not a good option.

Good for you huntbear.  I will not personally attack you as i do not know you.  Dan.

Trained gunsmith, NRA instructor specializing in training women to shoot for over 5 years  97 - 2002, been a hunter and shooter since I was 8.  Shot defensive combat matches for 3 years... Shot competitive trap for 8 years.    Now, you know me, as far as firearms go.. 

[dscubame]

Your beliefs do not make you a GOOD PERSON your behavior does.

[Huntbear]

Your beliefs do not make you a GOOD PERSON your behavior does.

Why thank you.. I think I am a good person too... and all my friends and family do as well...   

[dscubame]

 :tup:I

[Caseyd]

I have target length barrel in mine which helps out with the accuracy and I prefer the balance with it. It's easy to take off the extension and swap out barrels though.

Great little gun and fun to shoot. Mines is not to picky on ammo, only times I've had cycling problems is after a couple hundred rounds. Prefer to run mini mags but also shoot a lot of federal block ammo.

[SemperFidelis97]

The P22 is a great little gun, but as has been said you cannot shoot cheap 22LR through them they don't produce enough energy to cycle the action properly causing repeated jams.  Also you may look into the P22, P380 matched pairs they sell.  Both guns are very similar in frames, and the .380 has a little more bark for personal carry.

[coriantonk]

As a rule we shoot the cheapest .22 ammo I can find, most often it is loose pack Remington's.  Three weeks ago I was at the range with 3  P22s.  About 500 rounds fired and no failures to function.  I am always surprised to hear people talk down on these pistols.  My wife LOVES hers and I would not hesitate to buy another. 

[SemperFidelis97]

As a rule we shoot the cheapest .22 ammo I can find, most often it is loose pack Remington's.  Three weeks ago I was at the range with 3  P22s.  About 500 rounds fired and no failures to function.  I am always surprised to hear people talk down on these pistols.  My wife LOVES hers and I would not hesitate to buy another. 

I don't think anyone is talking them down it is just the experience of most people including mysefl who own these gun that they jam like crazy with cheap 22LR fired through them.  I love mine, I just understand I need to spend a few pennies more for each round to get some that cycle properly.

[coriantonk]

As a rule we shoot the cheapest .22 ammo I can find, most often it is loose pack Remington's.  Three weeks ago I was at the range with 3  P22s.  About 500 rounds fired and no failures to function.  I am always surprised to hear people talk down on these pistols.  My wife LOVES hers and I would not hesitate to buy another. 

I don't think anyone is talking them down it is just the experience of most people including mysefl who own these gun that they jam like crazy with cheap 22LR fired through them.  I love mine, I just understand I need to spend a few pennies more for each round to get some that cycle properly.

I am sorry you got a bad one.  I just have a hard time understanding how so many people report this problem but all the P22s I have shot cycled the cheap stuff just fine.  Maybe I am just really lucky.

[Special T]

I think your just lucky. I'd buy a lotto ticket!  Really they are nice Shooting guns and i loved they way the felt and handled.

[chuck270]

I think the P22 would be fine for your wife. It happens to be my wifes and all her freinds favorite pistol to shoot.  We have ran 500+ rounds of the cheap Rem. ammo through it in one day and it cycled every round.  With that said my Ruger Mark II stuggled on the same ammo that day but never did before and hasn't sense and there could be any number of factors as to why... Our solar sytems planetary alignment, Moon phase, relative humidity, dirty fingers, dirty gun, weak mag spring, or etc. etc. etc...  So, ammo quality matters for most firearms and for personal defense it is paramount to use the highest quality ammo possible. 

I personaly can not wait to get my hands on the Kel Tec 30rd. 22 mag pistol.  I can't figure out why no one didn't think of that before now...

Remember the more she shoots, the better she shoots and the nicer you you will have to be to her.

[Snopczynski]

If it is a target pistol, then P22 all the way. If it is a self defense pistol then glock 19 all the way. The .22 are not effective enough in the hands of your average female shooters.

[superdown]

How about that new ruger sr22? kinda like the p22 but with ruger quality.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

[TeacherMan]

one of the other pistols I've been looking at is a .22 mag with a 2" barrel (revolver)

I think the P22 would be fine for your wife. It happens to be my wifes and all her freinds favorite pistol to shoot.  We have ran 500+ rounds of the cheap Rem. ammo through it in one day and it cycled every round.  With that said my Ruger Mark II stuggled on the same ammo that day but never did before and hasn't sense and there could be any number of factors as to why... Our solar sytems planetary alignment, Moon phase, relative humidity, dirty fingers, dirty gun, weak mag spring, or etc. etc. etc...  So, ammo quality matters for most firearms and for personal defense it is paramount to use the highest quality ammo possible. 

I personaly can not wait to get my hands on the Kel Tec 30rd. 22 mag pistol.  I can't figure out why no one didn't think of that before now...

Remember the more she shoots, the better she shoots and the nicer you you will have to be to her.

[runamuk]

ohhhh that sounds good too  bet its fun

one of the other pistols I've been looking at is a .22 mag with a 2" barrel (revolver)

I think the P22 would be fine for your wife. It happens to be my wifes and all her freinds favorite pistol to shoot.  We have ran 500+ rounds of the cheap Rem. ammo through it in one day and it cycled every round.  With that said my Ruger Mark II stuggled on the same ammo that day but never did before and hasn't sense and there could be any number of factors as to why... Our solar sytems planetary alignment, Moon phase, relative humidity, dirty fingers, dirty gun, weak mag spring, or etc. etc. etc...  So, ammo quality matters for most firearms and for personal defense it is paramount to use the highest quality ammo possible. 

I personaly can not wait to get my hands on the Kel Tec 30rd. 22 mag pistol.  I can't figure out why no one didn't think of that before now...

Remember the more she shoots, the better she shoots and the nicer you you will have to be to her.

[JuryRig]

My wife has one, and it will only shoot stingers reliably.  Everything else will FTF, or FTE about 2-4 rounds per magazine.  And shooting stingers out of a 3 inch barrel is loud.

[Rgrady35]

My wife just got the Ruger LCR 8 shot .22 revolver. She loves it, she can leave it in her purse, it has no hammer to catch on things, no slide or safety to manipulate, and no recoil. It's a very simple system. She has a designated pocket in her purse that only it goes into. I like it because she is not intimidated by recoil now, and doesn't have to remember to do any process before it will fire. It will "cycle" any .22 ammo.