[Pollster1]

Anytime someone pushes the .22 LR as a real weapon, it's a "tell" . . . Get a real weapon, IF you want to live.

Yes . . . and no.

All other things being equal, I'd recommend that a healthy man age 21-55 in a gun-friendly state own real weapons: a 9 mm or .45 handgun, a 12 gauge shotgun, and a 30-06, 30-30, or .308 rifle, along with the .22LR rifle and/or handgun, and depend on the centerfire rifle for long-range defense and big game, the shotgun for home defense and waterfowl, and the pistol for carry. The .22 would be my last choice for self-defense. All other things are not necessarily equal. I have close friends who depend on Krav and other unarmed techniques because of local laws. I have relatives, including my father, who no longer shoot anything bigger than .22lr because of health constraints. There are a whole lot of adequate reasons for compromising on a .22lr, and planning to empty all 8/9/10/12/whatever chambers or a 25 round magazine if needed to stop a threat, given internal or external limitations.

[mad_as_he$$]

What about this 22?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmQQidPKvhE

[Yosemitest]

"... the .22 would be my last choice for self-defense.
All other things are not necessarily equal.
... I have relatives, including my father, who no longer shoot anything bigger than .22lr because of health constraints.
There are a whole lot of adequate reasons for compromising on a .22lr,
and planning to empty all 8/9/10/12/whatever chambers or a 25 round magazine if needed to stop a threat, given internal or external limitations."

I agree. Well said.
When I was a kid ( mid 60s) my dad had an Arminius HW7 8 Shot .22 Revolver that was very dependable and accurate.
But I didn't care for the plastic hand grip.
It allowed you the choice of single action or double action, had two cylinders (one for Shorts and Long Rifles, and one for magnums), and had a 6 or 7 inch ribbed barrel.
It was a whole lot of fun.

Arminius 22lr. revolver ( 7:54 )