Outside of revolvers and maybe two semi-auto options that I can think of off the top of my head, there really isn’t a great variety of .22WMR handguns currently on the market. However, today we’re seeing one more option with the introduction of the WMP or Walther Magnum Pistol chambered in the spicy .22WMR rimfire cartridge. The WMP will hit the market as an optics-ready, ambidextrous, polymer-framed, and 15-round capable .22WMR pistol that should be worth taking a look at for any rimfire enthusiast.
More from Walther Arms @ TFB:
- TFB Review: Walther PDP Pistol
- New Flagship Handgun from Walther Arms: Performance Duty Pistol (PDP)
- Walther Partners with the Gravel Agency for Canadian Customers
Introducing the WMP – Walther Magnum Pistol in .22 WMR
Specifications:
- Model Number: 5220300
- Caliber: .22 WMR
- Color: Black
- Slide Material: Aluminum
- Frame Material: Polymer
- Overall Length: 8.2″
- Slide Length: 8.2″
- Width: 1.48″
- Height: 5.66″
- Barrel Length: 4.5″
- Sights: Front: Fiber Optic | Rear: Serrated
- Weight (With Empty Magazine) 27.8 oz
- Magazine Capacity; 15 Rounds (10 also avaialbe as Item Number 5220302)
- Mags Included: 2 Magazines
- Safties 3-Auto
- Optics Read: Yes
- Trigger Pull: 4.5 LBS
- MSRP: $549
The WMP follows many of the same design cues as the rest of Walther’s self-loading polymer-framed pistols but has added lightening cuts towards the front part of the frame presumably to aid in cycling the slide with the added weight of an optic. Those who like the Walther or HK style paddle mag releases will be happy as they’ve been incorporated into the design, but button mag release individuals will also be satisfied as these are also included as part of the standard design.
Walther is presenting the WMP to the firearms market as not just another plinker but a high-quality and lightweight pistol meant for the outdoor lifestyle. With .22WMR being quite a popular cartridge for varmint hunters, the WMP gives pest controllers and rimfire hunters a completely new polymer-framed .22WMR option for their chosen task. The WMP is available for an MSRP of $549 which is about the same as the standard MSRP on the KelTec PMR30.
At the time of writing, no information is published about the optics cut of the WMP but I think we can assume based on the video below that it will use a Docter/Noblex footprint as the video showcases what appears to be a Vortex Viper red dot mounted on the pistol.
I’d like to hear your thoughts on this new .22WMR offering. Does the new WMP present a more attractive offering for you .22WMR shooters over currently available options or does another gun already on the market do what you think the WMP does but better? Let us know down in the comments! Personally, I’m looking forward to testing one of these out on The Rimfire Report. Keep tabs on TFB for when that review comes out.
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