9+ Common Walther P22 Problems: Troubleshooting and Fixes

Walther P22 Problems: The Walther P22 is an automatic handgun that uses .22 LR (5.6 mm) rimfire ammunition. It was manufactured by Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen and was introduced in 2002.

When firing the P22 you can. Use the action mode which requires, about 11 pounds of force (49 N), or the single action mode which requires slightly over 4 pounds of force (18 N). The P22 utilizes a blowback mechanism where the pressure from a fired cartridge is counteracted by the weight of the slide assembly and the recoil spring.

To ensure safety the action of the gun will not open until after the bullet has exited from the barrel and when pressure has dropped to levels. For performance, it is recommended to use velocity .22 (5.6 mm) rounds as velocity rounds may not cycle efficiently.

However, despite its performance and established design as a firearm from Walther Arms, there are certain considerations that potential users should keep in mind.

In this article, we will delve into issues that users might come across when using the Walther P22. We won’t just point out these problems; we’ll also present solutions for each of them.

To give you an understanding of how this pistol performs in real-world situations we will include reviews, from actual users. Make sure you read them thoroughly before making any decisions.

Features & Specifications of Walther P22

Feature	Specifications
Type	Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin	Germany
Manufacturer	Carl Walther GmbH
Designed	2001
Produced	2002-present
Cartridge	.22 LR (5.6 mm)
BARREL LENGTH	3.42″
TRIGGER PULL	11 LBS
TRIGGER TRAVEL	0.04/.2″
CAPACITY	10 RDS
OVERALL LENGTH	6.5″
HEIGHT	4.5″
SAFETY	1 MANUAL + 1 AUTO
WIDTH	1.1″
WEIGHT EMPTY	16 OZ
Action	Blowback
Feed system	10-round detachable box magazine
Sights	Adjustable open sights

Common Walther P22 Problems with Solutions

The Walther P22 made quite an impact when it was introduced as the automatic rimfire pistol, with a polymer frame. This firearm has a design that combines reliability and affordability.

Users have shared their experiences. Mentioned some challenges they encountered while using this particular model. These issues include:

1. Feeding Failure: Sometimes, the bullets don’t go into the gun the right way.
2. Firing Pin Problems: The part that hits the bullet to make it go off can have issues.
3. Magazine Issue: The part that holds the bullets might not work right.
4. Pistol Locks Up & Hammer Gets Stuck: The gun can stop working, and the part that hits the bullet might get stuck.
5. Cycling Problem: The gun doesn’t work as smoothly as it should.
6. Failure to Eject (FTE) Problem: After the shooting, the empty bullet casing doesn’t come out as it should.
7. Slide Failure: The sliding part of the gun might not work properly.
8. Misfire Issue: Sometimes, the gun doesn’t shoot when you want it to.
9. Constant Jamming: The bullets get stuck in the gun often.
10. Barrel Loosening: The part where the bullet comes out can become loose.

Now that you know about the difficulties users face when using the Walther P22 handgun let’s explore each problem in detail along, with potential solutions.

Problem #1: Feeding Failure

Sometimes, Walther P22 users notice that the gun doesn’t load bullets correctly. One user shared that this problem mainly happens with the second or third bullet. Even though the empty brass casing comes out fine, no new bullet goes into the gun’s chamber.

This issue can occur due to loose barrel nuts or specific types of ammunition.

Solution:

1. First, check the barrel nut to see if it’s loose or properly tightened. If it’s loose, it might be causing the feeding problem.
2. If the barrel nut isn’t the issue, try using different ammunition, such as CCI mini mag, CCI Blazers, or CCI Standard, as it may help resolve the problem.

Problem #2: Firing Pin Problems

Firing pin issues often arise from improper cleaning and maintenance. Dirt, debris, or insufficient lubrication can cause the firing pin to get stuck or hit the bullet weakly. Using low-quality ammunition can also lead to excessive wear and tear on the firing pin over time.

Solution:

1. Begin by thoroughly cleaning and inspecting the firing pin and its surrounding area to ensure there’s no dirt or debris.
2. Make sure you’re using high-quality ammunition that’s compatible with your firearm.
3. Consider replacing or upgrading your firing pin to a higher-quality one if needed.
4. If these steps don’t fix the problem, it’s a good idea to seek help from a professional gunsmith who can inspect and repair the firing pin.

Problem #3: Magazine Issue

Some Walther P22 users encounter problems with the magazine not fitting properly. The magazine may not be inserted correctly due to issues like the magazine’s safety getting in the way.

This can happen if the gun’s slide has been used extensively or if the barrel nut is loose. Additionally, problems with the threaded barrel, front blade, hammer, or trigger bar ears can contribute to this issue.

Solution:

1. Disassemble the gun and inspect it to identify any faulty parts (source).
2. Repair or replace the problematic part before reassembling the gun.

Problem #4: Pistol Locks Up & Hammer Gets Stuck

Users may experience situations where the gun locks up, and the hammer becomes stuck in the cocked position. They may find that they can’t pull the trigger or use the key to unlock it. This typically occurs when someone leaves the trigger lock in the “On” position and then operates the slide.

Solution:

1. Remove the gun slide.
2. Look for a small silver bar on the right side of the hammer.
3. Push this bar down to release the hammer and make it move forward.
4. Use the gun key to unlock the trigger lock.
5. Reattach the slide before testing your gun.

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Problem #5: Cycling Problem

Several Walther P22 users have reported issues when reassembling the gun after cleaning it. They find that the slide doesn’t move forward when they try to put everything back together, even when they flip down the release.

This problem often occurs with new users who don’t use the supplied pin to reassemble the gun and may damage the recoil spring. Weak ammunition can also lead to cycling failures.

Solution:

1. Inspect the gun thoroughly. If the recoil spring is the problem, you have two options: replace the recoil spring (source) or skip installing the guide bar and the recoil spring while reassembling the gun.
2. If the problem persists, contact your nearest dealer or workshop for assistance.
3. If the recoil spring isn’t the issue, clean the gun thoroughly and apply lubrication before reassembling it following the instructions provided in your operation manual.

Problem #6: Failure to Eject (FTE) Problem

Sometimes, Walther P22 users experience a problem called Failure to Eject (FTE). This means that about half of the rounds don’t eject properly when using Winchester ammo, and around 10 to 20% of rounds have trouble with CCI Mini mag knock-offs from the range. When inspecting further, users might notice that the spent casing gets stuck in place.

This issue can occur because of two main reasons: the gun needing a good cleaning or the type of ammo being used. It’s a good idea to check the cases for any signs of scratches.

Solution:

1. To resolve stuck cases, thoroughly clean the gun’s chamber using a brass or wire brush (source).
2. Examine the cases, and if you see any scratches, it’s a good practice to replace them.
3. Consider changing the type of ammunition you’re using if it’s causing the problem.
4. If none of these steps help, reach out to your dealer or a professional for assistance.

Problem #7: Slide Failure

Slide failure can occur for various reasons, including improper product size, excessive moisture, worn-out equipment, or external factors. One common cause is insufficient lubrication between the slide and the hopper or between the slide and the discharge chute. This lack of lubrication can lead to friction-related issues, causing the material to stop flowing through the production line.

Additionally, if the material size is inappropriate or hasn’t been processed correctly, it could lead to blockages in the slide or hopper, preventing the product from moving through the system.

Solution:

1. When facing slide failure, it’s crucial to stop the production line and carefully examine the entire slide system, including the slide, hopper, discharge chute, and other components involved in the feeding process.
2. Apply a suitable lubricant to reduce friction and improve material flow.
3. If the material size is the issue, consider modifying the feeding method or screening process to prevent larger pieces from entering the slide or hopper.
4. If excessive moisture is a problem, ensure that the product is adequately dried before feeding it into the system.
5. In cases of worn-out equipment components, consider replacing or modifying them to ensure proper functionality.

Problem #8: Misfire Issue

Misfires can result from a faulty or weakened firing pin, which is responsible for striking the primer of a cartridge to ignite the gunpowder. Over time, firing pins can become worn or bent, leading to failure to ignite the primer and causing a misfire.

Another potential cause is a clogged or dirty firing pin channel, preventing the firing pin from making proper contact with the primer. A worn or damaged extractor can also lead to misfire issues by failing to properly eject spent cartridges, preventing a new round from chambering.

Solution:

1. Regularly clean the firing pin channel to prevent misfires caused by dirt and debris buildup.
2. If the firing pin or extractor is worn or damaged, consider replacing the part to resolve the issue.
3. Seek the assistance of a trained gunsmith if misfires persist, as they may indicate larger firearm issues.

Problem #9: Constant Jamming

Constant jamming is often caused by a dirty firearm. Residue from gunpowder accumulates in the barrel and chamber during shooting, leading to buildup that can cause misfires and failures to eject. Using low-quality ammunition can also contribute to feeding and extraction problems.

Solution:

1. Regularly clean your firearm by disassembling it and cleaning the barrel, chamber, and other parts using a cleaning kit.
2. Apply a quality lubricant to keep surfaces smooth and functioning correctly.
3. Consider using high-quality ammunition to minimize potential defects. Ensure compatibility with your firearm, as using the wrong ammunition can also lead to problems.

Problem #10: Barrel Loosening

The barrel of the Walther P22 can loosen over time, mainly due to frequent and extended shooting sessions. Recoil vibrations can cause the barrel to unscrew from the frame, especially for those who use the P22 frequently for target practice or training.

Solution:

1. Regularly inspect and tighten the barrel after shooting sessions to prevent it from loosening.
2. Use a thread locker like Loctite on the barrel threads to provide extra security and prevent unscrewing.

Consistent maintenance and care are essential to avoid the issue of a loose barrel.

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User Reviews for Walther P22

Review 1: SteyrSpartan

“Got mine for $225 NEW (no laser, black) with the barrel that lets you screw in a thread attachment. Works great with a .22 suppressor. Otherwise, its just a .22 like all the rest.”

Review 2: LesMiz

“People crap all over the p22 but it’s a fine pistol for what it is. If you intend to use it for plinking and target practice it’s a really fun little gun. I ran a few hundred rounds of CCI mini mags at first to break it in and it’s been very reliable ever since.”

Review 3: Trueg50

“If you want it as a P99/PPQ trainer, then sure it might be.”

“The Walther p22 had a few minor design changes through the years, but some minor tweaks still haven’t been done by Walther. Ruger’s SR22 has a lot of the fixes that Walther should have done to their design.”

“There is a P22 bible, with fixes if you need it, but other than smoothing out the hammer surface there isn’t much that is needed for P22 unless it is an older model.”

“I’ve had fun with mine, its reliable enough for a plinking pistol, and would be a good trainer for when I get a P99.”

“My recommendation? Put the $279 back in your pocket and save up another hundred or so and buy a Walther P1 (post World War 2 P38). If you need a 22 pistol that doesn’t have to have the p99 layout, consider the SR22.”

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