Faces have a habit of moving when dangerous objects are pointed at & striking them.
8 rounds is high for a pocket pistol.
I’d do nothing less than a flat subcompact 9mm a la Glock 43. Better to do in 1-2 rounds what takes 7-8 in .22LR.
No argument with a bigger caliber, but I’d much rather have a S&W kit gun than a knife!