Posted on 06/26/2020 7:08:48 AM PDT by w1n1
Having a reliable pistol that you're comfortable with is ideal for pocket carrying. If you're a newbie and want to start with a reliable pistol while working on your skillsets before going onto a higher caliber. Why not start with a .22 cal snub nose?
Some may argue that the .22 WMR is too small for personal defense. Those that think this way are looking at it from a hunter mindset, that is one shot one kill. However, for self-defense purpose the primary objective is stop the bad guy from doing bad things. There are three ways to stop a threat with a pistol:
Caliber Comparisons
Here an interesting comparison that pitted the .22 WRM, 9mm and a .45 ACP. The penetration from the heavier slugs was deeper at 13 inches. The .22 WRM was going in at a little over 12 inches. One inch differences.
Velocity
The average 9mm Luger velocity ran about 1,175 fps.
The average .45 ACP ran at 1000 fps.
The .22 WMR fps came in at 1,050 fps.
Again not much differences.
Terminal Performances
When looking at terminal performances its about expansion but on a short barrel we're not going to see this. Unless, its from a higher caliber or from a longer barrel.
Here's the .22 cal pocket pistols:
Smith & Wesson 43 C
Ruger LCR 22
Beretta 21A Bobcat - see the complete best 22 caliber pocket pistols here.
If you’re going snubnose & hammerless-go .38
What a joke.
What a joke.
.... until you get shot with one, then its not so funny.
I just came out of sugery will be months in recovery..told to not lift anything over 10 lbs...I can manage a .22 revolver
.22 mag with laser sight is pretty darn good.
Didn't think I'd like it but it's a good little revolver.
If you’re going to carry a .22 for self defense, be sure it’s had a full bevel treatment.
Cuz when you get done shooting someone with it, they’re going to shove it somewhere you won’t like.
Don’t shoot me in
The Foot, Bro!
Excellent article.
Thanks for posting it.
In other words, about average for 'AM Shooting Journal'.
I originally heard that joke about bringing a pistol instead of a rifle while flying over Alaska. You had to file off the sight so it didn't hurt as much when a grizzly shoved it up your...
Well, I guess it's a little better than a BB gun.
I have a distant relative who is sitting in prison for life (and has been there, going on 40 years) whose favorite pistol were cheap .22 revolvers.
Allegedly, he had a bad habit of walking up to people who owed other people money (or whatever) and shooting them behind the ear in in broad daylight on city streets.
Never got caught doing that; went to prison for racketeering, though.
Apparently going to stay there because he is not a rat, which I appreciate — from a distance.
Anyway, that’s immediately what I think about when I see a .22 pistol. Cheap, throw-away, murder weapon.
Didn't think I'd like it but it's a good little revolver.
I always think of John Hinkley and Reagan when I hear of cheap 22s.
The joke is that they are comparing statistics in a meaningless way. By that logic, a starter’s pistol should be on their list because it makes a loud noise that can scare someone, and the speed of sound is over 700 fps. If you want to believe that crap, enjoy yourself.
The best .22 pocket pistol is a .38. :)
I’ve got a 21A Bobcat and also a snub nose.357. Would prefer the.357 for defense but the Bobcat is very easy to conceal
When I worked in the meat business, and worked for local slaughter houses, they shot the beeves in the head with a 22mag. Worked every time.
Would work just fine against an unarmed attacker.
6 or 9 shots to the face with a .22 would deter just about everyone.
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