[Buttons12]

With regard to self-defense, I don’t see why small caliber is disparaged so often. Even a tiny projectile is a discouraging prospect to a human target. Unlike a bear, a human will stop and consider the consequences, which are in nearly all outcomes rather messy.
As for tiny pistols, I have subcompact hands but I’ll stick to the familiar revolver. If it’s ever emptied I can always use it as a club :)

[real saxophonist]

I’ll stick to the familiar revolver. If it’s ever emptied I can always use it as a club :)

Or you could throw it at them, like people did in the old Superman shows.

[genetic homophobe]

Totally agree. I inherited my dad’s pocket guns 11 years ago, Beretta and Taurus .22 cal, very tiny. My dad used to say a small caliber pocket gun is way better than a bulky one that gets left in the glovebox.

[Dusty Road]

You start poking holes in a person and it’s a game changer. Look at the damage a little 22 did during the assassination attempt on Reagan. I believe there was 6 shot’s fired, 4 hit’s and 3 on the ground.

[COBOL2Java]

With regard to self-defense, I don’t see why small caliber is disparaged so often. Even a tiny projectile is a discouraging prospect to a human target. Unlike a bear, a human will stop and consider the consequences, which are in nearly all outcomes rather messy. As for tiny pistols, I have subcompact hands but I’ll stick to the familiar revolver. If it’s ever emptied I can always use it as a club :)

I love my revolvers. From my 6" Ruger GP 100 to my Taurus 82 to a 1979 Police Service Six I've restored, they're fun to shoot. My next one will probably be a Ruger .38 +P LCR.

[varyouga]

There were numerous studies of real world situations showing a .22 handgun is about half as likely to incapacitate an attacker than a 9mm. In some studies a third as likely.

I’d say a 50% chance that you’re likely to piss off an attacker instead of stopping him is good reason to carry at least 9mm for self defense...

Yes, the larger calibers above .40 have diminishing returns and not worth carrying for most people. But all studies do point to 9mm as the bare minimum for defense.

[PatrioticRose]

With regard to self-defense, I don’t see why small caliber is disparaged so often.

Where I live, I do need something that will discourage a bear or wolf; even in town. Last year a black bear came up the ramp from the harbor floating docks as I was arriving home from work. Just a cub, scampering to get back to...

...Mamma Bear in the parking lot behind the dumpster!!!!

.357 ready. No shots needed. The little fur ball scooted past with Mama scolding as they headed toward Main Street.

OTOH, if your main concern is protection against feral humans, a .380 is probably just fine. I would even go to a .22LR.