I’ve had a 22 mag pistol (PMR30). It was without a doubt the LOUDEST gun I owned. Shot big flames and made a helluva noise. People on the range next to me would step back and look over at what was being shot.
I've got a couple of cowboy guns with swappable .22 LR / .22 WMR barrels. Switching over to the .22 WMR is definitely a lot louder.
“People on the range next to me would step back and look over at what was being shot.”
I’ve had that happen to me, but I was shooting a .44 Magnum Desert Eagle. And I do not recommend the DE for self defense.
Ooh...PMR30...30 rounds...nice. Videos I’ve seen make it look like you’re shooting a Gatling gun.
I like my PMR30. It’s like a pocket AR. I figure if I miss, the muzzle flash and report will scare em to death.
I own a Colt Frontier Scout SAA with .22LR and .22 Magnum cylinders and I took it target shooting with the magnum cylinder and a buddy of mine stepped back after the first round I fired and said what the hell kind of cannon are you firing!
As for the original post I would prefer a .38spl in a snub nose revolver but if it came down to it the .22 Mag would do in a pinch, it’s a nasty round with the right ammo.