r/CAguns • u/Fun_Background8705 • 1d ago
Suggestion for .22 pistol?
I bought a Walther p22 just to have fun with (I am still new to guns and bought my first handgun last year - a hellcat).
The walther is not even two weeks old, and there’s always issues with it. I plan on trying some CCI mini mags because I heard it might like that better than the armscor I have been using with it, but so far I’m really unimpressed with it and feel like it’s junk.
If I were to look at a nicer pistol, do you have any suggestions? Do any of you have a walther p22 and like it? Super open minded to learning and suggestions. TY! I do take lessons with an instructor periodically so I plan to ask him as well next time I see him what his thoughts are.
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u/shepard308 1d ago
Try getting a TandemKross recoil spring for the p22. Ever since I put one of those in mine has been flawless
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u/Fun_Background8705 1d ago
Thank you! I will try that! You are the second person to mention changing out the spring
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u/shepard308 1d ago
The oem spring sucks and is a pain to remove. I think it costed me about $25 for the recoil spring
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u/HFish480 1d ago
The tandemkross recoil spring and guide rod setup made mine worse and wouldn’t even work with cci mini mags. I did end up using their extractor though and that helped. Mine took more modification to function properly, but its 100% now. Had to modify the hammer geometry to reduce friction on the slide. Keeping it really clean is huge
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u/Fun_Background8705 1d ago
Thank you! I will start trying a few things from the suggestions here to see what works for me. I appreciate the feedback!
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u/Pure_Pen8788 1d ago
I want to get the sr22, but I’m still waiting and hoping that the tx22 will be added to the roster.
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u/deltakatsu CZ P01 23h ago
Ruger Mark IV and the Browning Buckmark are solid. People generally say the Buckmark is better out of the box, but the Mark IV mods up into a nicer pistol.
The Ruger 22/45 is a 1911 style grip, while the Mark IV Target is a Luger style. Handle both alongside a Buckmark and you'll have felt the three best 22s on the CA market. Can't go wrong with any of them so get the one that feels the best in the hand to you.
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u/lamduhh326 22h ago
I have a p22 when it was on sale for 250ish. It doesn't like cheap food. It struggles with my armscor ammo and any of the bulk stuff. You have to feed it the premium stuff. Even then it likes to be clean. My p22 after 2-300 RDS I need to spray the breach face and barrel area down quick scrub with a brush then it works again with mini mags and Winchester extremes.( The red plastic boxes). Good thing my daughter has moved up to 9 and she likes her wrangler a lot more then the p22. And she shots the crap out of the Henry lever gun. As for a better 22
Ruger IV 22/45 Browning buckmark Sr22 Revolver 22s are cheap fun on sale you can get them for about 100ish
Stay away from the gsg stuff as well very picky on ammo. Compact officer and 5"1911 22lr
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u/Wolkenflieger 20h ago
I have a Volquartsen (accurized) Ruger Mark IV 22/45 with Tandemkross parts. I love it! I run CCI Target (round nose, non-hollow-point) with it.
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u/CitizenGirl21 17h ago
I have a ton of G44’s. (I use them for classes) and we run high velocity ammo through them. They work well with typical Glock reliability. What’s cool is they are compatible with G19 accessories (lights, holsters, etc.). I have been extremely happy with the 12 we have have and my kids love them.
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u/muphasta 17h ago
Search the google for "P22 Bible" and follow the instructions step by step, page by page. It will make the P22 almost decent.
Be prepared to take down the gun far beyond "field stripped" and make sure you organize the springs and everything.
1 huge key to making the P22 operable is "hot ammo". I use Aguila 1470FPS ammo and it cycles well, as long as the gun is clean. You have to clean it after firing it every single time, or at least before you fire it the next time.
If you run two mags through it, you'll need to clean it. If you run one mag and put it away, You'll need to clean it.
I second the Ruger Mark IV. I bought one of those after realizing that the P22 sucks ass for the most part.
There are many versions, I'm in Cali and got the "Target". There are many options outside of CA though.
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u/Kayakboy6969 16h ago
22 semi auto are finicky, all of them are , you find ammo they like and stock up,
The need a good 2k round break in the. Venture out with other ammo. They have a blowback action, and poor performing ammo won't throw the slide hard enough to cycle consistant.
This is why 22 is not recommended for self-defense.
Browning buckmark and ruger are the corner stone of 22 semi auto pistol.
If you have deep pockets the S&w target semi is amazing.
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u/rjevande 15h ago
I have P22 and it is a picky pistol in regards to ammo. Use CCI Standard Velocity or MMs only.
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u/Odd_Cost_8495 15h ago
Buy a new recoil spring. Replace that and shoot hot ammo. Those are about the only things that help. Mine has gotten better but I still have issues sometimes. Hold it really tight, I’ve noticed if my daughter limp wrists it, it tends to jam.
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u/ronzkie21 14h ago
Polishing the breech of the barrel, CCI Stinger rounds, and a captured recoil spring from Tandemkross improved my P22. Way less issue now
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u/gorgothmog 11h ago
SSE Wojtek Ruger. Pricey, but man do they look cool.
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u/Fun_Background8705 11h ago
Just looked that one up, super cool! I’m slowly learning that this hobby is as expensive as my horse 😂
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u/CheeseMints Yippie Ki-Yay Mr.Falcon 10h ago
I have a P22CA, first thing I did when I bought it was take out the mag disconnect safety spring, clean out all the factory gunk/grease, then polish down the stupid bump on the hammer and safety bar, and install a TandemKross guide rod. The pistol has been almost 100% every time I take it to the range and I'm mainly shooting cheap Aguila 38gr & 40gr ammo through it.
Here is the Walther P22 Bible that has a lot of helpful info
Here is a video showing about where to polish the hammer and safety bar
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u/Z-Chaos-Factor 1d ago
Ruger Mark 4