Walther P22 Field Strip And Cleaning

Pull down the take down lever. This might be hard to do at first. Try using your thumbs fingernails and slowly and gently pry down from each side simultaneously. Alternatively try using a flat head screw driver and carefully pry one side first, then the other until it disengages downward. (Ignore the magazine in the pictures. I took the pictures before I removed it.)

Pull it back until it locks in the back position.

Continue to pull the slide backwards until it won’t go any further, then pull the back end of it upward until it clears the top of the receiver then gently ride it forward while controlling the recoil spring tension.

Field stripped Walther P22 showing (from top down) the slide, recoil spring, recoil spring rod, receiver and magazine. Clean all components. I use Break Free CLP for cleaning all my guns.

Spring and rod.

Top view of the receiver.

Spring and rod shown with plastic rod used for re-assembly.

Grab the slide in your other hand and insert the plastic rod into the corresponding hole in the slide.

Align the barrel and plastic rod with the corresponding holes on the slide and carefully insert. Pushing slowly against the recoil spring move the slide backward while keeping it slightly tilted as show until it runs the length of the barrel and cannot move back any further. Then lower the back of the slide flush against the receiver to lock in place.

The slide should be configured as shown but will not be able to move forward.

Tap on the rear of the slide with a downward motion with your free hand. The slide should snap forward.

Push the take down lever upward and perform a functional test of the gun. Insert the magazine.