I've seen a few places people asking for a comparison between the Ruger SR22 and Walther P22. Since I'm fortunate enough to own both I though I'd give a quick comparison. My P22Q has been extremely reliable through over 3000 rounds and seems to be holding up very well. Just got the Ruger last week and have put nearly 500 rounds through it with no problems. Both pistols have a similar feel and I would say are very similar in terms of accuracy. My particular Walther has been so far a great reliable range plinker but if I could buy only one I would have to choose the Ruger.
1) The Ruger was $310 and came with two mags. The Walther was $360 plus another $30 for an extra mag.
2) Primarlily due to its aluminum slide, I suspect the Ruger will be more durable in the long run as well. The slide on the Walther is made of ZAMAK (zinc). Not a material typically associated with quality firearms or longevity.
3) The sights on the SR22 seem more solid. The front sight is actually dove tailed opposed to the plastic sight on the P22 which is only pressed in and has been reported to pop out from time to time (though this has never happened to me personally yet). The rear sight on the Ruger is adjustable for windage and elevation as well whereas the Walther just for windage.
4) Take down and reassembly on the Ruger is easier and faster than the Walther. The takedown lever is easier to manipulate and the guide rod/spring are much easier to reinstall.
5) The SR-22 is made here in the US. With current economic realities in our country I would prefer to employ a fellow American worker as opposed to one overseas.
I read someone post somewhere that the Ruger is the pistol the Walther should have been. I don't mean to dog my P22Q because its been a real gem so far but the SR22 just seems like a better built pistol at a better price.
I'm glad the SR22 came along when it did, because the Walther was in the running as the one I was probably going to go with. I hope the SR22 is worth the wait I will have before mine comes in. I'm sure it will be from what I've been reading as I scour the net constantly for reviews and range reports.