Part of the Walther P22 family See all 12 California versions →
Representative photo of the Walther P22 family. The California model may differ in finish and details. Product photo courtesy of Guns.com.
Walther P22 CA (FDE)
Walther P22 CA (FDE) Overview & Reviews
Overview
The Walther P22 CA is manufactured by Walther, a German firearms company with over a century of pistol-making heritage. This .22 LR rimfire pistol is a scaled-down, California-compliant version of Walther's popular P22 design, engineered specifically for the state's strict handgun roster requirements. It serves as an excellent introductory pistol for shooters seeking low recoil, minimal noise, and affordable practice ammunition.
Key Features
- Single-action/double-action (SA/DA) trigger mechanism with decocker safety
- Interchangeable backstrap and grip panels for ergonomic customization
- Flat Dark Earth (FDE) finish for aesthetic appeal and corrosion resistance
- Picatinny rail for mounting accessories like lights or red dots
- Manual safety lever and magazine disconnect safety
- 10-round magazine capacity (California compliant)
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Extremely low recoil and muzzle rise—ideal for new shooters and practice
- ✅ Affordable ammunition costs with .22 LR rounds
- ✅ Lightweight, compact design with proven German engineering
- ✅ Roster-certified, eliminating legal complexity for California buyers
- ❌ .22 LR lacks stopping power for self-defense applications
- ❌ Rimfire ammunition can be less reliable than centerfire cartridges
- ❌ Limited aftermarket support compared to mainstream calibers
Best For: Target shooting, plinking, training new shooters, competition practice, and affordable range days. Not recommended for self-defense purposes.
🏪 Where to Buy the Walther P22 CA (FDE) in California
You can buy the Walther P22 CA (FDE) online and have it shipped to a California-licensed FFL dealer, or buy it at a local gun store. Every handgun purchase in California requires a Firearm Safety Certificate, a DROS background check and a 10-day waiting period. Find a California FFL near you →
Online dealers ship to a California FFL. You pick up at your local gun store after the 10-day waiting period.
GUNS.COM®PURVEYORS OF FREEDOM™CA Compliant · Ships to your FFL · Price MatchShop CA-compliant →Searching retailers for Walther P22. Prices and stock vary; confirm the exact California-compliant model before you buy. Some links are affiliate links that help support this site.