Posted on 01/08/2022 8:11:26 AM PST by DoodleBob
It’s a question those of us in the gun writing business often get asked. “What’s the best caliber for a self-defense handgun?” Those expecting a one-to-three digit answer from me will be disappointed. I respond to their simple question with a complex one. “What is the most powerful cartridge that you can shoot accurately and proficiently that comes in a handgun which is comfortable enough to carry that you’ll carry it all the time?” Depending on the person asking, the answer will vary. For some, it’s a full-sized .357 Mag. or 10 mm Auto. For others, it’s one of the current .380 ACPs offered in a 9 mm-sized handgun. And in certain cases, it’s the .22 LR.
...
Civilians who carry a firearm for self-defense are considering many of the same factors, including ammunition cost and availability, but their most important consideration should be using a firearm that is reliable and that they can consistently hit their target with at self-defense distances. Ballistic advantages goes out the window when your bullet doesn’t connect. Five .22 LRs in the bullseye beat one .44 Mag. that missed completely. To paraphrase famed lawman Bill Jordan, ballistics are fine, but accuracy is final.
Recoil is one factor that can hamper accuracy. Even cartridges on the lower end of the power spectrum, like the .380 ACP, can produce a lot of recoil when paired with one of today’s ultralight, micro-compact handguns. Lack of recoil is the .22 LR’s main advantage when it comes to shooting accurately. The topic of the .22 LR as a self-defense cartridge has been fought over and over in digital and print forums.
(Excerpt) Read more at americanrifleman.org ...
Slaughterhouses used to use .22 shorts on bulls, cows, and steers. And ball peen hammers.
Talk about a HUGE legal problem!
“You can also get .22 Winchester Magnum (WMR), producing 324 foot pounds of muzzle energy at 1,875 ft/s using 40 grain bullets, which is more muzzle energy than most .38 special cartridges.”
From a handgun, or a rifle?
Hickock45 is a national treasure.
“He’s woke on some stuff is likely why.”
Is he? I’ve watched his videos for years, but I never got that impression. Then again, I may not have seen all of his videos.
I remember the 1950s and 60s when most murders were committed with a .22. I believe ammo costs at that time had a lot to do with it.
Exactly.
That is why big is better.
The guy that can hit the nose area on paper or steel will not be able to do the same on a real live bad guy charging at him with a knife. Just as the cop in my link could not.
So something that will break hip bones or damage large areas of center mass are my choice.
Absolutely not a first choice weapon. But for my 80yr old mother, who has an 18-shot Taurus, it’s just enough to, at least, scare the bad guy away, if not put a few holes in him.
I’ve never seen it, not even a hint of it.
He lives in Cheatham County, Tennessee, btw.
Back in 1968, Bobby Kennedy was murdered by a Palestinian Immigrant using a .22 handgun.
The news media went into an immediate hysteria fit over the cheap .22s on the market.
Any .22 that sold less than $45.00 was to be considered a “Saturday Night Special” and be banned.
The RG pistols cost about $10-12 dollars. A Ruger Mk II was $45 and was considered a SNS.
Later tests by the H.P.White laboratories showed the cheapo .22s to be extremely accurate.
Don’t sell the .22 short.
That’s what I was thinking. I’ve never run across anyone who said caliber xyz was too small to carry, yet was willing to be shot by one. Seems they all have deterrence value. My usual carry is a 9mm, though I’ve carried .38 spl, 380 ACP, and 45 ACP. Carry what works for you.
I never said I’d do it. I said it’s been done.
Bit of a difference there, old chap.
L
Yup!
.
It’s Always 3 words;
“Location, Location and
LOCATION!”
I’ll stick with my 45acp,thank you very much.
Thanks I was trying to remember that incident I believe she waw with her Father too.
Bella, I think her name was
and she used a .22 Long in
a bolt Action Rifle.
.
I believe that to be the case. Not that I’d recommend using a .22 on a hungry Grizzly Bear, of course. I just wanted to point up that it has been done.
L
Yes, Bella Twin back in the ‘50’s and a quick search shows the Bears skull with
a few .22 Longs thru it.
Baloney. A hit in the heart with a 22 and that’s it. Very fast. Bigger would be better, but it’ll be one out of a thousand that keeps fighting with a hole in their heart.
See also, 1970s and the sheer numbers of dead even with a puny 25.
https://twitter.com/hickok45/status/985293184984109056?s=21
That’s just for starters
He’s also advocated some gun control on certain weapons and aftermarket
He may live in Cheatham
But he’s no creeker
He’s an immigrant lol
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