Walther p22 for CCW. I kno i kno just her me out

Wacko · February 27, 2009, 11:27 PM

you guys think it will be cool for my first ccw just to get a feel for it to carry a Walther p22? 10 rounds of cci mini mags will def stop some one. so please hold back the negative comments the first rule to a gun fight is having one, plus i dont live in iraq . i just want a fun gun that i can learn to shoot with and carry on me to get a feel for what its like to carry. plus i am not experienced enough for a larger caliber. so .22 cal : only looking for a semi-auto

Gazpacho · February 28, 2009, 05:47 AM

Simply put, the P22 is not robust enough for serious consideration.

Firepower! · February 28, 2009, 06:23 AM

It is sufficient for SD unless you are living in troublesome neighourhood.

mrt949 · February 28, 2009, 07:05 AM

It is better to have it and need it and need it not have it .

I carry a beretta 21a.22lr .sometimes .my edc is a seecamp 32.some say it is not enough. but i always have it

Chris_B · February 28, 2009, 10:06 AM

Quote:

you guys think it will be cool for my first ccw just to get a feel for it to carry a Walther p22? 10 rounds of cci mini mags will def stop some one. so please hold back the negative comments the first rule to a gun fight is having one, plus i dont live in iraq . i just want a fun gun that i can learn to shoot with and carry on me to get a feel for what its like to carry. plus i am not experienced enough for a larger caliber. so .22 cal : only looking for a semi-auto

10 rounds of minimags will "definitely stop someone". This is an assumption you will stake your life on

You are making a lot of assumptions, in fact...like about the first rule of a gun fight, you don't live in Iraq so you don't need this but you do need that...are you willing to listen to some advice and an opinion, or is your heart set of packing the P22 for self defense?

I own a P22. I love it. Even with the 3.4" barrel I can 10-ring 8 of 10 at 33 feet. It's a lot more accurate than people give it credit for with that short barrel. Here's why you should not carry a .22 for a CCW:

Rimfire cartridges. Not dependable enough, and shooting in self defense is not the same as shooting at the range. I had 3 failure to fire .22s last week out of 200. By comparison my .45 automatic centerfire pistol has never, ever failed to fire a round, and has had 2 misfeeds in about 800 rounds, both from magazine isues. Don't be lulled by "the P22 is double action so I can pull the trigger again without racking the slide". This is not a gaurantee. Rimfire is not dependable enough

You are banking on double tapping a BG in the forehead ten times, maybe? You'll miss 7 of those ten in the stress situation, and you'll be shooting center mass. A nice winter coat might save the BG's life. .40 rounds have deflected off an assailant's ribs and not stopped him

Automatic .22 Pistols have feed problems sometimes. My P22 has never failed to feed, which astounds me. In addition, a lot of .22s are ammo-picky, and I have not found the ammo to be a superior quality, from Winchester to CCI and whatnot...I've had half-bullets of .22 in the box, loose bullets...these things do not instill confidence.

Fun does not equal good self defense. The P22 is loads of fun. Some SD pistols are fun to shoot, but that doesn't mean every fun to shoot pistol is good SD or CCW.

A .22 pistol is still a deadly weapon even if it is not as suitable as a galaxy of other pistols, but you don't feel you're "experienced enough" for a larger caliber? In my opinion this means you're not experienced enough to be carrying. has nothing to do with the caliber- it's your mindset. Carrying doesn't just mean a gun on your hip, it means knowing how to safely reliably and effectively use it

My advice for your purchase?

If you like the P22 so much, wait a little while, and buy a Walther PK380. It fires a capable self defense round, the .380. It is almost exactly the same size and nearly identical to the P22. It is a carry gun, it doesn't have things that can catch on clothes like the P22- and it is a centerfire pistol.

Chui · February 28, 2009, 10:09 AM

A .22LR for primary self defense is utterly ludicrous.

dtandy · February 28, 2009, 10:25 AM

I have a Walther P22 and through 800 rounds I've had probably 4 failures to feed and a couple of instances when the round simply didn't go bang. All of those failures occurred with Federal bulk .22lr. I've never had any failures of any kind when shooting CCI Stingers.

Since you state that you are inexperienced, why not use the P22 as a range gun to learn the fundamentals of safe gun handling, sight alignment, trigger control, grip, stance, tap/rack/bang, etc? Once you have a few thousand rounds under your belt (cheap shooting with a .22lr) and have confidence in yourself and how to handle a gun, then trade up to a more suitable defense caliber. Or, better yet, keep the P22 (since it is so much fun and inexpensive to shoot) and buy a carry gun with a bit more punch.

Good luck with your decision!

richinct · February 28, 2009, 10:43 AM

You don't say whether you already have the 22 or are going to buy it. If you are going to buy it I would say it is a bad idea. 22s are fun at the range and ammo is cheap but they can get boring after a while. I would say go to the range and rent some different larger caliber guns to get yourself familiar with them before you make a purchase.

Que · February 28, 2009, 10:56 AM

If you are carrying a gun with no intention of using it, if need be, you are a prime candidate for a Darwin Award.

I have this parachute, and I'm just wearing it just to see what it feels like when I fall from the sky...

Seriously, all kidding aside, don't carry the .22 unless it is that or nothing else. Look at it this way, what is the probability that you will be able to prevent return fire with one shot rather than just hitting and ticking him off some?

Brian Pfleuger · February 28, 2009, 11:24 AM

Any gun is better than no gun. Very few BGs are going to ask you what caliber that thing is that you're pointing at them.

Most SD incidents involving firearms end with ZERO shots fired.

A significant number of incidents involving shots fired were ended in 1 or 2 shots, regardless of caliber.

Bottom Line:

A 22 Derringer would cover you for the majority of events. Get a 22 if that's what you think is best for you, practice, get some instruction and get a larger caliber as soon as possible. In the mean time, don't worry about it.

David the Gnome · February 28, 2009, 11:32 AM

I can't say it any better than Chris_B.

Also, do you have a CCW permit already?

sserdlihc · February 28, 2009, 11:32 AM

I have a P22 and I have not had the FTF & FTE problems that other members have had. I personally would not carry a P22 as a first choice CW. But in your case it is better that nothing. IMHO, I would take that P22 and get to the range and practice as much as possible. When you have improved your groupings, step up to a 9mm.

Quote:

plus i am not experienced enough for a larger caliber

The only way to get experienced with larger calibers is to shoot larger calibers. Go to a range and rent you a 9mm once your confidence and groupings with your P22 have improved.

orchidhunter · February 28, 2009, 11:38 AM

There is 30 post in Wacko's other thread on 22lr for CCW. orchidhunter

Microgunner · February 28, 2009, 11:45 AM

Quote:

It is sufficient for SD unless you are living in troublesome neighourhood.

Sorry, this makes no sense to me. Getting shot in a good neighborhood hurts just as bad as being shot in a crummy neighborhood. If someone is shooting at you it doesn't matter what part of town you're in, your piece still must work the same.

Creature · February 28, 2009, 11:47 AM

why a second thread?...not getting the responses you wanted to hear in the first one?

I wouldnt carry a P22 simply because of reliability and feed issues. The possibility of a FTF or FTE is a chance I am not willing to take. The P22 is a pistol I could not stake my life upon.

Besides, carrying a 22 isnt going to make getting used to carrying a CCW any quicker than a "full-power" pistol.

Que · February 28, 2009, 12:19 PM

Quote:

In the mean time, don't worry about it.

Yeah, no sweat, if you're dead you're dead.

The majority of us will never even draw a gun to protect ourselves so we may as not even load the danged things....right? Wrong. We plan for worst case scenarios, and if we don't we may find ourselves woefully unprepared in a case where it is one of those engagements that doesn't fall neatly or conveniently into the majority of gunfights.

Something isn't always better than nothing if that something lulls you into the false confidence of drawing a gun only to find yourself in way over your head.

APD221 · February 28, 2009, 12:29 PM

If presented with a choice, I don't know of any intelligent person that would choose a .22 as a CCW. If anything, carrying it would give you a false sense of safety and if the SHTF, you may find yourself standing and trading rounds, out of instinct mind you. When you realized you didn't hit the threat at all or that the rounds you did land did not terminate the threat, you'd be in real trouble. Do it right or don't do it at all.

APD221 · February 28, 2009, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Most SD incidents involving firearms end with ZERO shots fired.

A significant number of incidents involving shots fired were ended in 1 or 2 shots, regardless of caliber.

Out of all the statistics I have read, I have never heard this and would be interested in reading the source of this info, if that info is available.

Ssgt Savage · February 28, 2009, 01:29 PM

Buy some modeling clay and compare what .22 will do to a brick sized block versus say anything .357 and up... P22 is a target and plinking gun not a SD weapon unless your attackers are small and furry.

David the Gnome · February 28, 2009, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ssgt Savage

P22 is a target and plinking gun not a SD weapon unless your attackers are small and furry.

And willing to stand still while you clear a jam.

Ssgt Savage · February 28, 2009, 05:41 PM

Freeze Wabbit! :d

Duke505 · February 28, 2009, 06:21 PM

"It is better to have it and need it and need it not have it . I carry a beretta 21a.22lr .sometimes .my edc is a seecamp 32.some say it is not enough. but i always have it"

Exactly!

Ssgt Savage · February 28, 2009, 11:39 PM

It is better to have something other than nothing but for the price a better CCW could be obtained that's what the poster was asking.
I think I could slow someone down with one of my plinksters to give me enough time to make a move. If that someone is wearing layers and leather, perhaps a motorcycle helmet, ducks or pulls a Matrix bullet dodge on me I'm screwed.
I have quite a few Walthers. Two P22's the shortie and the longest in green and love them but I wouldn't want to unload on someone penetrating with the equivalent of 5 or 6 rose thorns per round depending on distance using JHP rounds at anything less than PB range.
I prefer a .45 carry but will go as small as .357 SIG only. That's just my opinion.

Isn't the .22LR supposed to be the assassins weapon of choice? I think those types tend to use a silenced rifle or close range pistol though, don't they? Any assassins or mercenaries in the forum?

Stan200 · March 1, 2009, 01:13 AM

I would much rather have a P22 in my hand than nothing. If you would too, then don't listen to anyone else....really.

That being said, the P22 wasn't meant for that purpose, so there are better choices. If I was to pick a "step-up" carry weapon, I would choose a Ruger LCP, ~$280, or about the same price. Not as much fun at the range, but much easier to carry and much better for the purpose.

I should mention that my P22 performs flawlessly and I would trust it. Others have not been so lucky. My LCP is flawless as well.

johnwilliamson062 · March 1, 2009, 01:53 AM

I also started with a P22. I was not expecting to use it and never did. It is a decent gun to learn to shoot with.
I would recommend getting a Ruger instead.
I have long since passed upp the P22 and it now basically has no purpose since my MK II hunters are so much more accurate.

Not a great idea, but a whole lot better than nothing and it will get you started and to the range where you can try out some other things.

February 27, 2009, 11:27 PM	#1
Wacko Member Join Date: February 23, 2009 Posts: 52	Walther p22 for CCW. I kno i kno just her me out you guys think it will be cool for my first ccw just to get a feel for it to carry a Walther p22? 10 rounds of cci mini mags will def stop some one. so please hold back the negative comments the first rule to a gun fight is having one, plus i dont live in iraq . i just want a fun gun that i can learn to shoot with and carry on me to get a feel for what its like to carry. plus i am not experienced enough for a larger caliber. so .22 cal : only looking for a semi-auto Last edited by Wacko; February 28, 2009 at 01:00 AM.

February 28, 2009, 07:05 AM	#4
mrt949 Senior Member Join Date: November 16, 2008 Posts: 1,692	It is better to have it and need it and need it not have it . I carry a beretta 21a.22lr .sometimes .my edc is a seecamp 32.some say it is not enough. but i always have it __________________ No Gun Big Or Small Does It All

February 28, 2009, 10:09 AM	#6
Chui Senior Member Join Date: June 28, 2004 Posts: 1,784	A .22LR for primary self defense is utterly ludicrous. __________________ "Necessity is the plea of every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants, it is the creed of slaves." ~ William Pitt, 1783

February 28, 2009, 10:56 AM	#9
Que Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 912	If you are carrying a gun with no intention of using it, if need be, you are a prime candidate for a Darwin Award. I have this parachute, and I'm just wearing it just to see what it feels like when I fall from the sky... Seriously, all kidding aside, don't carry the .22 unless it is that or nothing else. Look at it this way, what is the probability that you will be able to prevent return fire with one shot rather than just hitting and ticking him off some? Last edited by Que; February 28, 2009 at 11:25 AM.

February 28, 2009, 11:24 AM	#10
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,694	Any gun is better than no gun. Very few BGs are going to ask you what caliber that thing is that you're pointing at them. Most SD incidents involving firearms end with ZERO shots fired. A significant number of incidents involving shots fired were ended in 1 or 2 shots, regardless of caliber. Bottom Line: A 22 Derringer would cover you for the majority of events. Get a 22 if that's what you think is best for you, practice, get some instruction and get a larger caliber as soon as possible. In the mean time, don't worry about it. __________________ https://ecommercearms.com I am the owner/operator! Ask me for custom prices! No sales tax outside CO!

February 28, 2009, 05:47 AM	#2
Gazpacho Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2004 Posts: 592	Simply put, the P22 is not robust enough for serious consideration.

February 28, 2009, 06:23 AM	#3
Firepower! Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2008 Posts: 2,109	It is sufficient for SD unless you are living in troublesome neighourhood.

February 28, 2009, 10:25 AM	#7
dtandy Junior Member Join Date: December 14, 2008 Posts: 4	I have a Walther P22 and through 800 rounds I've had probably 4 failures to feed and a couple of instances when the round simply didn't go bang. All of those failures occurred with Federal bulk .22lr. I've never had any failures of any kind when shooting CCI Stingers. Since you state that you are inexperienced, why not use the P22 as a range gun to learn the fundamentals of safe gun handling, sight alignment, trigger control, grip, stance, tap/rack/bang, etc? Once you have a few thousand rounds under your belt (cheap shooting with a .22lr) and have confidence in yourself and how to handle a gun, then trade up to a more suitable defense caliber. Or, better yet, keep the P22 (since it is so much fun and inexpensive to shoot) and buy a carry gun with a bit more punch. Good luck with your decision!

February 28, 2009, 10:43 AM	#8
richinct Junior Member Join Date: January 19, 2009 Posts: 6	You don't say whether you already have the 22 or are going to buy it. If you are going to buy it I would say it is a bad idea. 22s are fun at the range and ammo is cheap but they can get boring after a while. I would say go to the range and rent some different larger caliber guns to get yourself familiar with them before you make a purchase.

February 28, 2009, 11:32 AM	#11
David the Gnome Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2007 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 3,092	I can't say it any better than Chris_B. Also, do you have a CCW permit already?

February 28, 2009, 11:38 AM	#13
orchidhunter Junior member Join Date: December 1, 2008 Posts: 320	There is 30 post in Wacko's other thread on 22lr for CCW. orchidhunter

February 28, 2009, 11:47 AM	#15
Creature Junior member Join Date: April 8, 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,769	why a second thread?...not getting the responses you wanted to hear in the first one? I wouldnt carry a P22 simply because of reliability and feed issues. The possibility of a FTF or FTE is a chance I am not willing to take. The P22 is a pistol I could not stake my life upon. Besides, carrying a 22 isnt going to make getting used to carrying a CCW any quicker than a "full-power" pistol.

February 28, 2009, 12:29 PM	#17
APD221 Junior member Join Date: February 26, 2009 Posts: 42	If presented with a choice, I don't know of any intelligent person that would choose a .22 as a CCW. If anything, carrying it would give you a false sense of safety and if the SHTF, you may find yourself standing and trading rounds, out of instinct mind you. When you realized you didn't hit the threat at all or that the rounds you did land did not terminate the threat, you'd be in real trouble. Do it right or don't do it at all.

February 28, 2009, 01:29 PM	#19
Ssgt Savage Member Join Date: March 19, 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 96	Buy some modeling clay and compare what .22 will do to a brick sized block versus say anything .357 and up... P22 is a target and plinking gun not a SD weapon unless your attackers are small and furry.

February 28, 2009, 05:41 PM	#21
Ssgt Savage Member Join Date: March 19, 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 96	Freeze Wabbit! :d

February 28, 2009, 06:21 PM	#22
Duke505 Member Join Date: January 26, 2009 Posts: 43	"It is better to have it and need it and need it not have it . I carry a beretta 21a.22lr .sometimes .my edc is a seecamp 32.some say it is not enough. but i always have it" Exactly!

February 28, 2009, 11:39 PM	#23
Ssgt Savage Member Join Date: March 19, 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 96	It is better to have something other than nothing but for the price a better CCW could be obtained that's what the poster was asking. I think I could slow someone down with one of my plinksters to give me enough time to make a move. If that someone is wearing layers and leather, perhaps a motorcycle helmet, ducks or pulls a Matrix bullet dodge on me I'm screwed. I have quite a few Walthers. Two P22's the shortie and the longest in green and love them but I wouldn't want to unload on someone penetrating with the equivalent of 5 or 6 rose thorns per round depending on distance using JHP rounds at anything less than PB range. I prefer a .45 carry but will go as small as .357 SIG only. That's just my opinion. Isn't the .22LR supposed to be the assassins weapon of choice? I think those types tend to use a silenced rifle or close range pistol though, don't they? Any assassins or mercenaries in the forum?

March 1, 2009, 01:13 AM	#24
Stan200 Member Join Date: July 5, 2008 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 85	I would much rather have a P22 in my hand than nothing. If you would too, then don't listen to anyone else....really. That being said, the P22 wasn't meant for that purpose, so there are better choices. If I was to pick a "step-up" carry weapon, I would choose a Ruger LCP, ~$280, or about the same price. Not as much fun at the range, but much easier to carry and much better for the purpose. I should mention that my P22 performs flawlessly and I would trust it. Others have not been so lucky. My LCP is flawless as well.

March 1, 2009, 01:53 AM	#25
johnwilliamson062 Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2008 Posts: 9,994	I also started with a P22. I was not expecting to use it and never did. It is a decent gun to learn to shoot with. I would recommend getting a Ruger instead. I have long since passed upp the P22 and it now basically has no purpose since my MK II hunters are so much more accurate. Not a great idea, but a whole lot better than nothing and it will get you started and to the range where you can try out some other things.