My father was a lifelong shooter. In his last few years, he switched from a .45 to a 9 mm and then a .22LR for self defense. The key is choosing the right tool for the individual and for the job, and sometimes that tool is the .22 - even for self defense.
“In his last few years, he switched from a .45 to a 9 mm and then a .22LR for self defense.”
I feel better hearing that, because I have just completed that same progression myself.
I first stepped down to the 9, and I thought, “Popgun. Inadequate.”
So I thought, if a 9 is inadequate, might as well go with the lightest possible weapon: 22lr loaded with hollow points.
The best thing is I can fire it accurately with either hand.