The Walther G22 is a semi-automatic rifle chambered in the popular .22 LR cartridge. It is of bullpup design and constructed of polymer and steel.
Like most Bullpup designs, it cannot be fired from the left hand due to the proximity of the ejection port and bolt handle to the shooter's face. However, the stock is designed so that the ejection port and cocking handle can be relocated to the other side for left-handed shooters. A spare magazine, held by friction, is stored inside the polymer stock behind the magazine well.
Usage[]
With the right ammunition, the G-22 can achieve shot groups as small as 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) at 55 yards (50 meters). In places where legal, the G22 is equipped with a threaded barrel, provisioning it for various muzzle devices such as flash hiders and suppressors. From 500 feet away it is still possible to fire accurately (especially when using a telescopic sight). Recoil is minimal, and rate of fire is very quick. Its bullpup design allows the gun to be very short while still maintaining a long barrel in order to maintain muzzle velocity. This makes the gun unevenly weighted towards the stock. However its long front grip allows users of differing body types to become quickly adjusted.
Experience has shown that the G22 typically encounters feeding problems with high velocity ammunition, because the bolt assembly is not quite heavy enough, and is thrown back too vigorously, often rebounding into the casing still being ejected from the narrow ejection port. A new version of the G-22 has been released which has solved the aforementioned problems and can fire high velocity rounds without malfunction.
Proper cleanliness and care of the weapon is necessary for dependable, fast rate of fire; excessive firing without cleaning (300-500 rounds) will foul loading and result in bent cases and jams.
The G-22 is generally used for civilian informal practice, and it comes with a black or olive drab stock. The G-22 has also been released with Realtree camouflage, and carbon-fiber-print finishes.
Walther also makes a variable power 3-9 x 40 mil-dot scope which can be used to make longer-range shots. Three Weaver rail mounts are present on the G-22: the top handle scope mount (which also has an integrated movable 6 setting rear sight,) a small mount just below the muzzle intended for a Walther-produced laser sight, and a longer mount under the forend for bipods, flashlights, etc.