The Walther P22 has many unique characteristics that set it apart from other pistols - especially other .22 caliber pistols. Aside from its rails, small size and unique appearance, the P22 has a feature that contributes to its diversity - interchangeable grips.
The P22 has long been hailed as a great pistol for beginners and experienced shooters alike because of the pistol's small caliber round and its ease of operation. Perhaps one of its most prominent positive attributes is the P22's ability to fit comfortably in small and large hands alike.
One of the secrets to the P22's universal comfort is that the pistol has built-in interchangeable grips. The P22's grips aren't like other pistols where a rubber sleeve is pushed on over a pistol's existing frame. Instead, the backside of the P22's frame, the part that contacts a shooter's hand, is removable and interchangeable.
The P22 has two factory pieces that fit the back of the grip. They're held on by a small over/under clip at the top and a pin at the bottom that creates a sort of hinge. The pin is held in place by friction and while in place keeps the clip at the top securely fastened.
You can make the P22's grip larger or smaller depending on which plastic piece you attach to the rear of the P22's frame. One piece is flatter than the other and when affixed causes the P22's grip to be straighter from the top of the pistol's fame to the butt of the grip. The other piece has a rounded back that makes the grip wider. When this piece is used the grip sits deeper in a shooter's palm. Someone with smaller hands will often prefer the smaller plastic grip attachment, while someone with larger hands will prefer the larger attachment.
Switching the grips in the field is an easy process. Simply remove the pin from the P22's frame using a punch or other small rod. The grip can be altered in a matter of seconds making switching it for different shooters at the range an easy and realistic procedure.
