Precisely. I carried a .22 semi-auto for years. Practiced making ‘paper plate’ grouped shots under varying motions and speeds. Two locations on the human body using a .22 will drop someone: head shot, or well placed shot(s) to the bladder region where lots of nerves and major blood vessels run. The bladder shot is a very painful injury, while the head shot will likely disconnect brain from body muscles. I only changed calibers because I purchased a nice CZ82 in 9x18.
Good thing - in most shooting situations, I doubt anyone is going to shoot more than a couple of attackers before they either break off or shoot you.
I now carry a S&W Model 60 LS in my pocket. Only 5 shots & a 2" barrel, so I'm not likely to take on someone 100 feet away - but with practice, I think it would do the job at reasonable ranges. It would have sufficed in a Safeway, I think...
By troopervail at 2010-08-09