I've been looking for a .22 pistol for awhile now. I've pretty much narrowed it down to a Ruger 22/45 (bb, either 5 1/2 or 4 in) or a Walther P22 (5in). Which one would be better suited for target practicing and rarely varmint hunting?

Ruger, by an OVERWHELMING margin. Everything I've read shows the P22 is a nice plinker at best, and prone to problems more often than they should be.

Why limit yourself to the shorter barrels? Ruger makes a nice target model with a 6 7/8 in heavy tapered barrel. Same length as the govt. model with less weight and adj. sites.
For plinking or small game hunting the extra length is great. But is 2 or 3 inches going to matter in the holster?

There are other .22's on the market too, you know. =)

http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=9225

Since you mentioned (rarely) varmint hunting, I think you'd do much better with the Ruger. That's why I chose the 22/45 over the P22.

I've been looking for a .22 pistol for awhile now. I've pretty much narrowed it down to a Ruger 22/45 (bb, either 5 1/2 or 4 in) or a Walther P22 (5in). Which one would be better suited for target practicing and rarely varmint hunting?

If you have other handguns (centerfire) getting a RF to match the general type.shape.feel of the centerfire usually pays off. IF you've no centerfires and no urge to get any in the immediate future, the please get to a gun shop and ask (nicely) to see what they have in stock.

Rugers are nearly indestructable. Not slamming the Browning Buckmark or other .22's, they can be good guns as well...but it's hard to beat buying a Ruger now that could well still be being used by one of you grand children.
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Somewhere along the line, ended up with four full-sized .22 semi-autos and two revolvers (not counting the little ones). A Ruger "Standard", Beretta 76, Browning Buckmark, S&W 22A for the semi-autos....S&W Mod. 17 and a Ruger ingle Six.

Of them, the only one that I'd flag NOT to buy is the S&W 22A (and the old Beretta 76 isn't made anymore).

Thanks everybody. I have pretty much made up my mind for a 22/45 (6 7/8- thanks bamajohn). I will get a centerfire probably in the next couple years (no idea on time frame) but have not an idea on what make. Thanks again everyone.

Excellent choice, as the mags are easier to load that on the MKII series.

here's a site for ya now: http://www.MarkII.org these guys have lotsa knowledge to share.
another site with tech on the MKII/22/45 http://www.1bad69.com
the latter site is good to help with the first stripping/reassembly.
monty