It is distributed by Walther America, which is a joint entity with the Smith and Wesson Company. The exterior of the P22 largely resembles the Walther P99 although it is only about 75% of the P99’s size and its action chambers the rimfire .22 LR cartridge. What is most noticeable about the P22 when compared to the P99 is that it is slide mounted, thumb operated and has ambidextrous safely and its external hammer is different.
The P22 also features a cast polymer grip frame. Its slide frame receiver inserts are made from Metal Injection Molding cast zinc alloy and its barrel features a rifled steel insert with a steel barrel sleeve. The internal lockwork and fire control elements are a combination of metal injection molding cast steel and steel stampings.
There are some options where the P22 is concerned. It can be purchased with a 3.4 inch short barrel or a five inch barrel that comes with a barrel mounted weight compensator which mimics the profile of the slide. The P22 is also offered in a few different color choices. The colors most commonly offered are black, olive drab, grey, carbon fiber and three different shades of pink. There is a newer option that looks like Damascus steel; with the slide assembly being either black-blue or it may have a nickel or stainless look.
The P22 is a blowback action pistol that has a 10 round detachable box magazine feed system. It has adjustable open sights and weighs in at about 15.2 ounces. It also measures about 6.3 inches in length and has the two different barrel lengths, as was previously mentioned.
