Walther Releases New WMP Handgun—A Semi-Auto Handgun Chambered in 22 Magnum
Walther followed up its new PDP-F Series semi-auto handgun, designed specifically for females, with another new release, the WMP or Walther Magnum Pistol. As the name implies, this handgun uses a .22 magnum cartridge.

Photo courtesy of Walther
Walther P22 vs WMP Specs —
Walther already has a pretty decent rimfire, plinking pistol chambered in .22LR called the P22. However, the WMP may appeal to shooters with needs than the P22 can't fill.
First, the WMP is larger than the P22.
Walther P22 vs WMP
Specification | P22 | WMP |
---|---|---|
Caliber | .22 LR | .22 Mag |
Barrel Length | 3.42" | 4.5" |
Overall Length | 6.5" | 8.2" |
Weight | 16 oz | 27.8 oz |
Trigger pull weight | 11 lbs | 4.5 lbs |
Mag capacity | 10 | 15 |
Not only is it larger than the P22, it's larger than other recently released .22 semi-auto handguns, such as the Sig Sauer P322, Taurus TX22, and Glock 44. Granted, those are chambered in the smaller .22LR so not exactly apples to apples comparison.

Photo courtesy of Walther
Walther WMP vs PMR 30 Specs —
Both Rock Island and KelTec make semi-auto handguns in .22 magnum. These are the XT22 (not to be confused with Taurus' TX22) and PMR30, respectively.
Walther P22 vs PMR30
Specification | WMR | PMR30 |
---|---|---|
Caliber | .22 Mag | .22 Mag |
Barrel Length | 4.5 " | 4.3 " |
Overall Length | 8.2 " | 7.9 " |
Weight | 27.8 oz | 14 oz |
Trigger pull weight | 4.5 lbs | 3-5 lbs |
Mag capacity | 15 | 30 |
WMP Features—
The WMR is like the P22 because it is a hammer-fired semi-auto, but does not have a manual external decocking safety lever. Unlike the P22, the WMR doesn't have the annoying magazine disconnect.

Photo courtesy of Walther
The WMR comes optic ready using an adapter plate system and has an interesting “hybrid” magazine release mechanism. The pistol uses both a paddle and button-style magazine release. This is a nice feature, as people either love or hate the paddle mag release on the P22. The slide stop on the WMR is longer, ambidextrous, and looks much more intuitive for the shooter to operate.

Photo courtesy of Walther
Who is the WMP For?
The .22 Mag is not a popular self-defense cartridge, but is far more capable compared to the .22LR round. Additionally, the .22 Mag produces less recoil, and is quieter than popular center-fire, self-defense cartridges. It may be a little larger than some would prefer for an everyday carry (EDC) handgun, but certainly not too large. The WMR may appeal to you for EDC or as Walther has marketed the gun, an option as a sidearm whilst hunting or in the outdoors.
I haven't shot the gun or even got my hands on it, so I can't speak to its reliability, availability or ergonomics. If you want to learn more about the Walther WMP semi-auto pistol in .22 Mag, click here.

Photo courtesy of Walther
Good job.
Good to know you and I both are in the family of God.
I am a low grade Life Member of the NRA.
At the his time in my life at 81 years I stand for Jesus, and I stand for the NRA..
I am not an active shooter any more, but can still shoot pretty good. Just recently fired 3 rounds at 3 still targets, with open iron sights,22 lR , Winchester hit all 3 dead center standing up.
What is meant by moderate. The only thing I left out was the shot was 100 yards, and my NRA
151779269 Life Member.
I am also a Veteran of the Air Force, and a member of USCCA # 334810 Platinum since 4/242013. Name on card is W J White and Freenra.
“The WMR is like the P22 because it is a hammer-fired semi-auto with a manual external decocking safety lever. ”
Where is that manual safety? I can’t seem to find it.
Thank you for catching that. It should have read “but does not have” the external safety. I updated the post. Thanks again.
What holster do you recommend for the Walther WMP?
Hi Bill, the answer really depends on many more factors other than the model of gun you use. We have many posts about holster selection on our website. If you use the search bar on our website, just type in holster selection or something similar and you should find lots of great info.
It should be an easy answer, not a generic non answer. Holster(s) for WMP? DO THEY EXIST?
Yes Mark, while rare, holsters for the Walther WMP exist.
Do they make a laser for the Walther WMP Magnum?
I was very excited when I read that Walther was coming out with the WMP .22mag semi auto. Me, my wife and our son love the.22mag/wmr caliber and have pretty much all you can buy in this caliber. What came as a very disappointing characteristic of the WMP was the overall size of the grip. The vast majority of the target market for this frame is going to be women, junior shooters and people with smaller hands who like this style of semi auto frame but don’t feel as comfortable with larger calibers that experience significantly more recoil yet seek more punch than the 22lr. Walther missed the boat by offering a highly sought after caliber and style in a user “unfriendly” package. Recent articles in NRA magazine echo this sentiment.