[Artemis Webb]

[gov_bean_ counter]

Well, I think it is always advisable to have some... :)

[DeFault User]

HP

[NVDave]

Yes, but 22’s are often very lethal in very unconventional ways, regardless of the specific bullet design or velocity.

What 22’s often can’t do is “stop” an assailant quickly.

[umgud]

Ya need something will a little more oomph.

[listenhillary]

An unfired and 3 fired .22 calibre Winchester SuperX Subsonic Hollow point bullets, recovered after being fired into water.

[MCCC]

Back in the day, before penicillen, any deep infection would kill. A .22 cal bullet was just a fatal a .40SW is today. It would just take a few days.

[DarthVader]

Since a CCW and self-defense weapon are the same thing the answer is no. But there are rounds of ammo that are better for self-defense. A good metal jacketed hollow point (JHP)is the best self defense round around 30-40 grain. The JHP round provides expansion which gives a bullet greater wounding and stopping power. I do not recommend soft unjacketed lead bullets. If you are set on a .22 I would suggest that you upgrade your gun to .22 Winchester Magnum (WMR) (I believe the Taurus 94 is chambered in Magnum too) which has much greater hitting power.

[50cal Smokepole]

A 22 is better than nothing, but not by much. One of these to the head will do the job, but upper torso? Not so sure. I've scattered a lot varmints with these. They're very nasty. I use them in my home defense backup pistol.

[Lazlo in PA]

How 'bout a pair of nun chucks?

[DBrow]

Here is a FR thread illustrating the difference between a .22 and, say, a 38 spl or even a 380 auto:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2680709/posts

[SubMareener]

Thread on the effectiveness of .22 caliber ammunition.

[holymoly]

Does ammo make any difference as a self defense or concealed carry weapon?

Yes. Use CCI Stingers. (Most potent .22LR hollow points on the market.)

CCI Stinger

[lacrew]

A lot of John Wayne wannabes will mock you for the caliber. I think a .22 is a great choice - its size alone makes it easier and/more likely to be carried. I actually would skip the metal jacket and go with a plain lead hollowpoint. A lot of people act like this won’t hurt...it would sure as heck stop me! Especially with a deformed hollow point bouncing around inside me. I’ve fired everything from a bb gun to 155 artillery, and just about everything in between - I’m not impressed with caliber anymore, and I’ve always thought a .22 would make a great self defense weapon.

[Cheetahcat]

A empty gun makes a lousy club,Better off with a piece of 2X4,.22LR rounds are a good choice.

[Doc91678]

Either learn to shoot it well and accurately or just be prepared to make someone angry when you shoot them.
Although 22 rounds have a funny way of tumbling through the body when they hit bone.
The idea of self defense is to put the antagonist down quickly. A 22 cal bullet doesn't fill the bill.
I'm even a little doubtful of the 38 cal I carry. I'm looking at the XD Springfield in .40 cal.

[mmercier]

Hollow points.

A .22 would not be my first choice as a defensive carry
weapon.

I have friends who would take that away from you and stuff it up your a$$ after you shot them with it.

[MindBender26]

A hyper velocity 22 HP is not a great “stopping” round, but how many perps are going to continue the assault after being shot with anything?

[fso301]

To a perp staring down the barrel, he can't tell if you are holding a .22, 32 or .38. He just knows you have a gun pointed at him and for many situations, that is enough to make him attempt to flee.

If it comes to shooting, multiple hits at close range from a .22lr can have the same effect as buckshot.

I know a guy who dropped a .22lr revolver which went off hitting him in the thigh. he said it felt like someone hit him with a hammer. Hit a bad guy multiple times with a hammer and he won't be doing well.

All that having been said, upgrade to .22mag, or get a compact .38spl +P.

[Mobilemitter]

If you've got to carry that particular gun, then with 9 shots you might want to carry a mix like - CCI 22 Long Rifle and 22LR Shot Shell 31 Grain #12 Shot

The little blue cones on the nose are full of $12 shot and can turn your pistol into a mini shotgun for some close range pain.

That being said, with that particular caliber you are counting on good fortune for true self defense. Unless you can place shots into some soft tissue or otherwise contact vulnerable organs, you are going to have hard time stopping an attacker. Injure? Yes. Wound? No doubt. Stop? Maybe.