Considering a Walther P22 (vs a Taurus 94)

Adizzle19 · April 2, 2016, 01:37 PM

I've been looking for a .22 for plinking and recently came across a p22. 4 mags included and there's a Chance I could get it for about 200$. I've read about it online but I'm hoping for a few more opinions on the gun. There is the possibility someone with low tolerance for recoil could be carrying it. So, I'm asking the TFL brain trust, what say you?

Also, for about the same price, I found a Taurus 94 which would be for the same purposes. Again, read a little bit hoping for more.

Not sure which way I'm leaning, I like auto loaders better but I like the reliability in a .22 from the revolver.

Help!

Cheapshooter · April 2, 2016, 04:17 PM

I've had a P22 for some time. They are a lot of fun, but like many rimfire semi-autos can be quite ammo sensitive. For lower cost range shooting, Remington Golden Bullet works great. But being a bulk pack "value" ammo, the incidence of duds is more often. On the other hand, CCI MiniMags run great, are accurate, and much more reliable. Can't say for sure hiw nany rounds I have down the pipe in my P22, but I'm certain it is in multiple thousands, and I have never had a mechanical failure, or stoppage tgat wasn't ammo related.
Now, get ready to hear about the "potmetal" slides, and how they arejust waiting to crack, and fall apart. Mostly based on a few problems on early models, and in particular the ones with a longer barrel, and fake compensator attached with a set screw that when not installed correctly was hammered by the front of the slide causing the failure.
New prices on Wikiarms start around $195. With free shipping, and a transfer fee from a FFL, you would be around $215-$230 NEW. The mags can be found on ebay in the $17-$25 range, so add another $35-$40 for a similar, new package price of $250-$270.
Check the Walther forum here for a lot more information.
http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums...splay.php?f=48

caleb90 · April 2, 2016, 04:28 PM

Sr22 and be done

gbclarkson · April 2, 2016, 05:17 PM

I have had a Taurus 94 for about 15 years with ~3000 rounds through it. No reliability issues. It is the most accurate (for me) handgun I own and, oddly, also the cheapest. I can routinely hit a 1 foot by 1 foot steel plate at 50 yrds. while shooting with a basic Weaver-ish stance. That is firing SA, though. Its DA pull is AWFUL!!!

When I do get a chance to go to the range it is the gun that always goes with because it is the least likely to lead to accuracy-related frustration.

Adizzle19 · April 2, 2016, 06:05 PM

Seems pretty split so far, ugh!!! Tentatively decided on the p22 since all my other handguns are semis. But I could see if I could get both...

Been considering a .22 for some time and had planned to get an sr22, but if a p22 works and only costs me 200$ with extra mags I'll probably take it.

amd6547 · April 2, 2016, 06:16 PM

I'd never try to talk you out of an easy perceived deal, but I have to say that my Ruger SR22 is one of the only guns I ever ran out and bought as soon as it hit the market.
And, it has been great! It's been reliable enough in a few thousand rounds of plinking that I do sometimes carry it.

Ibmikey · April 2, 2016, 06:34 PM

Go for your choice on the "good deal" I had a Walther and did not care for it, never had a Taurus but have several S&W kit guns and love them. My favorite of the current semi autos is the S&W M&P compact .22 a real winner in the plinking world.

Onward Allusion · April 2, 2016, 10:26 PM

I'm guessing the P22 is used? If that's the case be very wary. Do some research on it yourself.

The Taurus 94 (I have), is ok. Accuracy ok. Finish, just ok. Function . . .after a couple of hundred rounds, the cylinder starts sticking. I'm thinking tolerances are too tight and the heat expands the metal.

Personally, I'd get the SR22. It's a good small plinker.

**JohnKSa** · April 2, 2016, 10:59 PM

For carry, I would recommend the Ruger SR22 over the Walther P22. I have both and the SR22 has been significantly more reliable than the Walther. The Walther is a lot of fun, but it's not a gun I would ever consider for self-defense use. In fact, I would probably have never purchased it had the SR22 been available at the time. It hasn't been shot much since the SR22 was bought.

In either case, you need to carry only the best quality ammo (CCI is usually a good choice) and make sure you've put at least 100 rounds downrange to insure that the gun likes it. High velocity ammo usually offers a little better reliability because it cycles the gun more "emphatically".

April 2, 2016, 01:37 PM	#1
Adizzle19 Member Join Date: September 6, 2014 Posts: 75	Considering a Walther P22 (vs a Taurus 94) I've been looking for a .22 for plinking and recently came across a p22. 4 mags included and there's a Chance I could get it for about 200$. I've read about it online but I'm hoping for a few more opinions on the gun. There is the possibility someone with low tolerance for recoil could be carrying it. So, I'm asking the TFL brain trust, what say you? Also, for about the same price, I found a Taurus 94 which would be for the same purposes. Again, read a little bit hoping for more. Not sure which way I'm leaning, I like auto loaders better but I like the reliability in a .22 from the revolver. Help!

April 2, 2016, 04:17 PM	#2
Cheapshooter Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 8,306	I've had a P22 for some time. They are a lot of fun, but like many rimfire semi-autos can be quite ammo sensitive. For lower cost range shooting, Remington Golden Bullet works great. But being a bulk pack "value" ammo, the incidence of duds is more often. On the other hand, CCI MiniMags run great, are accurate, and much more reliable. Can't say for sure hiw nany rounds I have down the pipe in my P22, but I'm certain it is in multiple thousands, and I have never had a mechanical failure, or stoppage tgat wasn't ammo related. Now, get ready to hear about the "potmetal" slides, and how they arejust waiting to crack, and fall apart. Mostly based on a few problems on early models, and in particular the ones with a longer barrel, and fake compensator attached with a set screw that when not installed correctly was hammered by the front of the slide causing the failure. New prices on Wikiarms start around $195. With free shipping, and a transfer fee from a FFL, you would be around $215-$230 NEW. The mags can be found on ebay in the $17-$25 range, so add another $35-$40 for a similar, new package price of $250-$270. Check the Walther forum here for a lot more information. http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums...splay.php?f=48 __________________ Cheapshooter's rules of gun ownership #1: NEVER SELL OR TRADE ANYTHING!

April 2, 2016, 06:16 PM	#6
amd6547 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2006 Posts: 2,313	I'd never try to talk you out of an easy perceived deal, but I have to say that my Ruger SR22 is one of the only guns I ever ran out and bought as soon as it hit the market. And, it has been great! It's been reliable enough in a few thousand rounds of plinking that I do sometimes carry it. __________________ The past is gone...the future may never happen. Be Here Now.

April 2, 2016, 10:26 PM	#8
Onward Allusion Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2009 Location: Back in a Non-Free State Posts: 3,133	I'm guessing the P22 is used? If that's the case be very wary. Do some research on it yourself. The Taurus 94 (I have), is ok. Accuracy ok. Finish, just ok. Function . . .after a couple of hundred rounds, the cylinder starts sticking. I'm thinking tolerances are too tight and the heat expands the metal. Personally, I'd get the SR22. It's a good small plinker. __________________ Simple as ABC . . . Always Be Carrying

April 2, 2016, 10:59 PM	#9
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 24,972	For carry, I would recommend the Ruger SR22 over the Walther P22. I have both and the SR22 has been significantly more reliable than the Walther. The Walther is a lot of fun, but it's not a gun I would ever consider for self-defense use. In fact, I would probably have never purchased it had the SR22 been available at the time. It hasn't been shot much since the SR22 was bought. In either case, you need to carry only the best quality ammo (CCI is usually a good choice) and make sure you've put at least 100 rounds downrange to insure that the gun likes it. High velocity ammo usually offers a little better reliability because it cycles the gun more "emphatically". __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

April 2, 2016, 04:28 PM	#3
caleb90 Member Join Date: February 18, 2016 Posts: 16	Sr22 and be done

April 2, 2016, 05:17 PM	#4
gbclarkson Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2014 Location: None of yer business, sonny Posts: 440	I have had a Taurus 94 for about 15 years with ~3000 rounds through it. No reliability issues. It is the most accurate (for me) handgun I own and, oddly, also the cheapest. I can routinely hit a 1 foot by 1 foot steel plate at 50 yrds. while shooting with a basic Weaver-ish stance. That is firing SA, though. Its DA pull is AWFUL!!! When I do get a chance to go to the range it is the gun that always goes with because it is the least likely to lead to accuracy-related frustration.

April 2, 2016, 06:05 PM	#5
Adizzle19 Member Join Date: September 6, 2014 Posts: 75	Seems pretty split so far, ugh!!! Tentatively decided on the p22 since all my other handguns are semis. But I could see if I could get both... Been considering a .22 for some time and had planned to get an sr22, but if a p22 works and only costs me 200$ with extra mags I'll probably take it.

April 2, 2016, 06:34 PM	#7
Ibmikey Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Location: Now relocated to Texas Posts: 2,943	Go for your choice on the "good deal" I had a Walther and did not care for it, never had a Taurus but have several S&W kit guns and love them. My favorite of the current semi autos is the S&W M&P compact .22 a real winner in the plinking world.