When it comes to .22 Magnum pistols in semi-autos, for the longest time, manufacturers could not figure out how to get them to run properly. It is a long cartridge with a very steep bullet profile which lends itself to having all sorts of feeding issues. In recent years though, it appears that firearm companies have begun to crack the code. The Kel-Tec PMR-30 has been reliable and around for years; although, they do specifically outline in their owner’s manual what ammunition it can and cannot reliably cycle. More recently, we’ve had new players on the scene like Smith & Wesson with their M&P 22 Magnum, and the Walther WMP (Walther Magnum Pistol). So, today we are going to see if one of those new contenders is, in fact, a contender or pretender. In this AllOutdoor Review, we are going to take a look at the Walther WMP .22 Magnum (Walther Magnum Pistol) to see how it performs out in the field. Let’s dive in!
Walther Arms Coverage on AllOutdoor
- Celebrate Mother’s and Father’s Days with Walther Arms & Federal Ammo
- TFBTV Show Time – NEW Walther WMP: Walther Magnum Pistol
- Walther’s New PDP 9mm: All It’s Cracked Up to Be?
- Walther Rolls Out New Performance Duty Pistol (PDP) Line
Specifications – Walther WMP .22 Magnum (Walther Magnum Pistol)
One thing that the Walther WMP has over its predecessors is its optics ready nature. The Walther WMP includes optic plates for RMR and Shield/Doctor style optics which are two of the most common footprints for those who enjoy shooting with red dots. For this review, I did the bulk of my shooting with iron sights, but I did also deploy one of the new Vortex Optics Defender-CCW red dots as well (Shield/Doctor footprint). The rest of the essential specs that you will want to know about the Walther WMP can be read below as presented by Walther Arms:
- Model: 5220300
- Cartridge: .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) / .22 Magnum
- Slide: Aluminum
- Frame: Polymer
- Overall Length: 8.2″
- Slide Length: 8.2″
- Width: 1.48″
- Height: 5.66″
- Barrel Length: 4.5″
- Sights: Fiber Optic Front & Serrated Rear
- Weight (with Empty Magazine): 27.8 Ounces
- Magazine Capacity: 15 Rounds (2 Magazines included)
- Safeties: 3 – Automatically Engagd
- Trigger Pull: 4.5 Lb
- MSRP: $549
One of the more interesting features of the Walther WMP is what they call their “Quad Magazine Release.” If you are familiar with Walther handguns which have predominantly hailed from Germany over the years, in Europe they utilize an ambidextrous trigger guard magazine release. By having two magazine release blades – one on each side of the frame – both right-hand and left-hand shooters can easily release the magazine with their trigger finger or middle finger (whatever they prefer depending on their hand size). Then, Walther has taken that European magazine release style and coupled it with our “American” ambidextrous button magazine release style for a quad feature – 2 European trigger guard blades with 2 American buttons.
- OPTICS READY – If you plan on putting an optic on your pistol then you are READY to go, and if you want to keep that factory look then you are covered with the included cover plate. The pistol includes optic plates for RMR and Shield/Doctor style optics.
- MAGAZINE CAPACITY – For outdoor enthusiasts who value preparedness and reliability, the Walther WMP stands as the ultimate companion. With its 15 round magazine capacity, this firearm ensures that every outdoor adventure is met with unparalleled firepower. Whether you’re navigating through the wilderness or camping under the stars, the extended magazine capacity of the Walther WMP means fewer reloads and more time focused on your surroundings.
- QUAD MAGAZINE RELEASE – Tailored for the rugged demands of the outdoors, the Walther WMP takes functionality to the next level with its quad magazine release feature. Featuring a combination paddle and push button ambidextrous release with four points of contact, this is the most versatile magazine release ever created.
As always, in the rare event that you should ever need service for your firearm, Walther Arms has a Lifetime Warranty that stands behind all of their firearms. One final snapshot into what the new Walther WMP .22 Magnum (Walther Magnum Pistol) is all about can be read below in Walther’s Press Release statement:
In life, sometimes the unexpected can happen. Whether it’s an opportunity for fun and recreation or maybe even a life-threatening situation, it’s your duty to be READY. So, when it’s time to hit the outdoors and you need a reliable firearm at your side, the unique Walther Magnum Pistol (WMP ), 22 magnum semi-automatic, is the only choice. This isn’t just another target practice plinker, Walther has developed a high quality, lightweight, easy-to-shoot, and affordable pistol for shooters who want to stay READY as part of their active outdoor lifestyle.
Field Use – Walther WMP .22 Magnum (Walther Magnum Pistol)
When we discuss field use for this pistol, we authentically mean use out in the field. If I were to ever own a .22 Magnum handgun, it would be for varmint hunting or defense of my livestock (egg-laying chickens, pigs, honeybees, etc). While some people use .22 Magnum handguns for self-defense and everyday carry (and the .22 Magnum cartridge has merits in use for self-defense), I would entertain being an owner of this handgun simply for its use in hunting and ranch work.
All of the ammunition used in this review I obtained either from my family’s gun shop – The Guns And Gear Store of Waite Park, MN – or my generous father-in-law, Paul (he is an avid lover of rimfire firearms). I attempted to have a gamut of grain weights for this review knowing full well that .22 Magnum handguns can be quite fickle in nature. So, we deployed ammo varying from 30 – 45 Grains.
- CCI Maxi-Mag .22 WMR 40 Grain
- Federal Personal Defense Punch .22 WMR 45 Grain
- CCI Maxi-Mag TNT .22 WMR 30 Grain
The accuracy of this pistol was perfectly on-point while utilizing iron sights or my choice in a micro red dot with the Vortex Optics Defender-CCW. The only issue that arose while testing this pistol was its reliability with different grain weight ammunition which is common for .22 Magnum semi-auto pistols. I even made sure to read through the Owner’s Manual to check whether or not Walther suggests specific ammunition types to ensure reliability, and they do not. So, testing all different kinds of ammunition was on the table.
The CCI Maxi-Mag TNT .22 WMR 30 Grain was the most problematic. Either because of the short yet steep profile of 30 grain ammunition and/or the lesser powder charge. Regardless, the gun jammed a lot with this ammo. The Federal Personal Defense Punch .22 WMR 45 Grain ammo was also hit-or-miss, but more reliable than the lighter 30 grain variety. The CCI Maxi-Mag .22 WMR 40 Grain ammunition, conversely, ran flawlessly. I have seen this before in other .22 Magnum semi-autos where 40 grain ammo apparently is the secret sauce to these pistols running perfectly.
As far as optic mounting, Walther does include a lot of plates to get you up and running should you so choose to add a red dot to your Walther WMP. You get 3 sets of screws, a Cover Plate, and various adapter plates. I appreciated that this pistol not only has the slide milled from the factory for optics mounting, but also that Walther includes all of the necessary parts to bridge the gap from pistol to optic. It honestly sucks when you are a new handgun owner, are excited to add an optic, and you need to purchase additional components to get everything to play together appropriately.
Other elements that I liked about this pistol were the stippling or grip texture. It looks like an odd pattern of swirls or geometric curls, but it is a raised texture and grips your hand really well. Although the grip circumference is large, the tactile feel is great and I always felt like I had great command of the pistol and could engage all of the pistol functions really well. Even the stippling forward of the takedown lever – the “gas pedal” area for your thumb – has that same distinct texturing for positive dexterity.
I also like the front and rear slide serrations that Walther incorporates into the WMP. Then, whether you like to press check your pistol from the front, rear, or whatever way makes you happy, you have these large scalloped areas for positive weapon manipulations. Moreover, these aren’t cheese grater areas that’ll slowly carve up your hands. They’re simply spots that catch your hand well and allow you to do what you need to do.
Final Thoughts – Walther WMP .22 Magnum (Walther Magnum Pistol)
So, what are my final thoughts on the Walther WMP .22 Magnum (Walther Magnum Pistol)?… Overall, it was an enjoyable pistol to shoot, supremely accurate when it was cycling reliably, I appreciate it being optics ready, and it has great dexterity throughout. As along as you shoot 40 Grain ammunition and this pistol fits your hands (regarding the grip circumference), this could be a great little farm pistol, range handgun, or defense sidearm. It all depends on your given use-case. Also, the MSRP of $549 should be attainable for most prospective buyers.
In closing, I want to say thank you to Walther Arms for allowing AllOutdoor and myself the opportunity to try out their Walther WMP .22 Magnum (Walther Magnum Pistol). That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that the Walther WMP .22 Magnum (Walther Magnum Pistol) is something worth spending your money on? Would you deploy one for hunting? Take it with you camping or hiking? Shoot a league with it? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Walther Arms and the Walther WMP .22 Magnum (Walther Magnum Pistol) in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
Walther Arms Social Media Channels
The post AllOutdoor Review – Walther WMP .22 Magnum (Walther Magnum Pistol) appeared first on AllOutdoor.com.
