Walther P22

Last updated
Walther P22
Walther P22 Corrected.jpg
Type Semi-automatic pistol
Place of originFlag of Germany.svg  Germany
Production history
Manufacturer Carl Walther GmbH
Produced2002–present
Specifications
Length159 mm
Barrel  length87 mm
Width29 mm
Height114 mm

Cartridge .22 Long Rifle
Caliber 5.59 mm
Action Blowback
Muzzle velocity 290 m/s
Effective firing range30-50 meters
Feed system10-round detachable box magazine
SightsAdjustable open sights

The Walther P22 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered for .22 Long Rifle (5.59 mm Caliber) rimfire ammunition. Manufactured by Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen, it was introduced in 2002 and has become very popular among shooting sports. It is distributed by the American gun company Walther America, associated with Smith & Wesson.

Contents

Operation

The P22 with a Gemtech suppressor Gemteck.jpg
The P22 with a Gemtech suppressor

The P22 may be fired double action at about 11 pounds-force (49 N), and operates as a single action with slightly more than 4 pounds-force (18 N). [1] The P22 operates by blowback energy from the motion of the cartridge case as it is pushed to the rear by expanding gas created by the ignition of the propellant charge. [2] The action will not open until the projectile has left the barrel and the pressures have dropped to safe levels. The gun will not cycle efficiently unless high velocity .22 (5.59 mm) rounds are used.

Users

Criminal use

The Walther P22 was one of two semi-automatic weapons used in the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting, [3] with the other being a Glock 19. The P22 was also the selected weapon used in the 2008 Kauhajoki school shooting. [4]

See also

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References

  1. "Walther P22". Guns & Ammo . 2008. Archived from the original on 15 April 2003.
  2. Chinn 1955 , p. 3
  3. Williams, Reed; Morrison, Shawna (26 April 2007). "Police: No motive found". The Roanoke Times. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012.
  4. "Keskustelupalstoilla arvaillaan jo Kauhajoen ampujaa" (in Finnish). Iltalehti.fi. 23 September 2008. Retrieved 16 January 2009.

Sources