Are 22LR small pistols a good self-defense carry?

Question

RSav4013 · Accepted Answer

Depending on the magazine size, it can be. It'll take more rounds to put down a bigger assailant that is wearing a lot of thick clothing. I think the most practical is probably a 9mm but I carry a compact.45 because it's what I get the most consistent grouping with and I like the stopping power of a. 45 round. I probably only need to land 1 or 2 rounds to stop an assailant even if they're wearing the thickest clothing because the concussive force packs a big wallop. Whereas with the.22, you'll do damage with enough rounds but the force of a single bullet isn't very powerful.

Pterodon · Accepted Answer

Not really. Upgrade to a.32 if you want small but a little more potent

TheorionMage · Answer

'Self defense' implies "under extreme threat/stress" and the need for SERIOUS precision shot placement. "IF it come out to be seen, no bluffing to frighten... you're GOING TO shoot (and you ARE legally liable for WHERE ever bullet ends up) hence the fewer shots fired and the greater physical harm inflected you'll need to justify later legally... YOUR 'precision' under stress is the trade-off for smaller caliber and lesser recoil.

AT CLOSE RANGE (20 ft or less) your typical choices are.22cal LR, .25 cal and.380 / 9mm / .32 and.38 Spl. and.44 Spl. definitely 'hollow point' because penetration will be 'moderate' at best and expansion in wound minimal.
Concealable short barrels make loud noise, much muzzle flash (from unburnt gunpowder) and limit velocity. Often a knife is a better choice but greater personal risk and again, 'precision'. Suggested reading: Massad Ayoub's "In Gravest Extreme"... POST shooting actions are next most critical!

HighValue · Answer

Yes. Your accuracy and familiarity with it matters the most. 22lr can go through metal car doors so anyone that claims that they aren't effective don't know what they are talking about.

For concealed carry, if you want something that has a low cost, is small to conceal, and actually works, and is legal in every state, try a Phoenix arms 22lr. They are manufactured in CA and cost $200 or less. Get a few extra magazines at $15 to $20 each or at least 1 extra magazine, and Aguila 40grain ammo. Don't bother with the good supermaximum ammo with high fps unless you are using it with a rifle. Same goes for hollow point. It is small and meant for close range which is usually what works well for concealed carry. One box of 500 rounds is often $33 at Sportsman's Warehouse. Oh, paint the sights bright orange for easier aiming.

Staximus · Answer

Only in a revolver and if you hit a vital organ like the heart or brain. They might die but it could take an hour or 2. They could kill you before they die from a 22. I've shot a lot of different 22's, and most of the semi auto magazine-fed ones always jam. It's either shitty magazines or the fact that the 22 isn't a "rebated rim" cartridge, which prevents the shells from stacking flat and feeding smoothly in most guns. Stick with a cartridge designed for auto loading. Also one designed for stopping humans, not squirrels.

shortster · Answer

.22s aren't considered good for stopping people. Though I imagine they are good at being concealed. So if you want a concealed carry gun it might be the best option. However, you could probably find a decent 9mm that is also good for concealing. Really it all depends on what characteristics you want most out of a gun. When I bought my first gun I went to a gun shop that offers a course on an introduction to handguns. It was a one on one with a firearm instructor; he went over the different sizes and calibers, then over how to hold the guns and how to stand, aiming and firing (this was with a mock gun that used a lazor pointer in place of bullets), then we went to the range with a selection of guns and tried them out. It was very helpful on choosing a firearm and I am happy with my selection. If you have a gun store nearby that offers the same thing I highly recommend you take it up.

Surely · Answer

Most guns are good for close range. Providing you can make well placed shots and recover from the recoil for a follow up. If you can’t make accurate shots. You shouldn’t be carrying a weapon in the first place!

michael3478 · Answer

It may be but why cheap out on self-defense and your life? Spend a little more and get a high-quality pistol from a trusted brand.

msc545 · Answer

Bad idea. You ar unlikely to stop anyone with this small round, and not being able to do that is more dangerous than no gun at all.

Kelley1 · Answer

No! they don't stop anyone. That is why the military went to the 45.

BCA6010 · Answer

No. Nothing smaller than.380 for self defense pistols.

Abbycado · Answer

Probably if you got a conceal carry license. I only have a hunting rifle.

Danny_dan92 · Answer

You would need FMJ, high grain rounds and be very accurate… if you catch my drift

jshm2 · Answer

No. You are more likely to shoot yourself in the foot or dick, than any assailant.  It's a training pistol at best.

Ariesman81 · Answer

A.22 doesn't have the knockdown power. If I'm pulling a gun it's to put my attacker into a pile on the ground... IMMEDIATELY!

Ms_Facesitter · Answer

I don't think so. I wouldn't trust my life on that thing.

Anonymous · Answer

Good for squirrels but not a person unless you’re extremely accurate when you shoot to a vital area. Probably a.380 would be the smallest for that, that’s why criminals and police use 9mm or 45s with hollow point

WowGIrl4ever · Answer

Maybe for a urban person sure.  @agape93

Anonymous · Answer

Depends where you are. I don't believe they are legal in all 50 US states for instance.

Dongie · Answer

It has no knock down power although it will kill.

KrakenAttackin · Answer

I wouldn't go below.380 as an EDC.

Pohjolan · Answer

.22 isn't good for stopping a fox.

Agape93 · Answer

Um... no

noohair · Answer

Nope...

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