The Walther G22 is a semi-automatic rifle chambered in the popular .22 Long Rifle cartridge. It is of bullpup design and constructed of polymer and steel.
Walther G22 | |
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Type | Semi-automatic rifle |
Place of origin | Germany |
Production history | |
Designer | Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen |
Manufacturer | Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen |
Specifications | |
Mass | 2.7 kg |
Length | 720-750 mm |
Barrel length | 508 mm |
Width | 55 mm |
Height | 220 mm |
Cartridge | .22 Long Rifle |
Action | Blowback |
Muzzle velocity | 1070ft/s - 1670ft/s |
Maximum firing range | 1 mile |
Feed system | 10-round detachable box magazine |
Sights | Adjustable iron sights |
It features a reversible bolt to enable cartridge ejection from either side of the receiver, similar to the Beretta Cx4 Storm carbine. 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), and the rifle allows for a sound suppressor to be attached. 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 for accuracy, but this makes the gun very unevenly weighted towards the stock. However it has a long front grip which allows many different (short, tall) users 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 above problems and can fire high velocity rounds without malfunction. [citation needed] 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 in many colors, Black, Green, BlauGrau (German for slate blue, only distributed by RSR). The G-22 has also been released with camouflage, 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 a 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.
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