22lr is fine for squirrels and rabbits, but 2 legged varmints require something larger.
The neighbor stopped the threat, so the caliber he used is almost beside the point (IOW, the caliber he used was enough to stop the threat).
Shot placement is king. Three hits with a .22 CCI Stinger beats the hell out of a miss with a .454 Casull.
Now, that does not mean my EDC is a .22. My EDCs begin with a 3: 9mm (i.e., .355) and .38 (i.e., .357), though I sometimes carry a .380 ACP, depending on the weather. I carry “the 3s” because I shoot them very well. So, I am comfortable and confident with them. Other people will opt for what they are comfortable with, no matter what number the caliber begins with, as that’s the way it should be.
It beats the heck out of your finger or the 44mag. back home in the closet?