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.

[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.