Is it surviving after the SHTF and the economy tanks?
Or is it for defense against the BLM and DHS goons?
Or is it for surviving after a plane crash flying into remote Canada on a fishing trip?
Or is it for surviving after an EMP attack?
My answer will vary depending on the circumstances. In any event, a .22 is a light and versatile weapon with light and affordable ammo. (Maybe that's why the ammo is so hard to find right now...)
people forget a .22lr out of a rifled barrel has decent penetration energy for a decent distance.