I would prefer a high capacity 9mm or .40 cal. or a Glock 10mm or .45. Size is not a big factor for carrying in your car.
I live in a rural area and when I just walk around the woods or my yard I almost always put a little Unique model L in my pocket. It is very reliable and while not powerful, is powerful enough.
If I wanted to use it sort of like a truck gun, it would be a .45 Colt or a .44 mag. A .357 would also do just fine.
Still your .22 would be just fine.
I used to carry a CZ-52 under the seat. I am not sure why but I recently replaced it with a Browning Hi-Power with a 20 round MecGar mag and a 30 round spare.
Any advice for a first time gun owner? I have a springfield XD 9mm sub compact on hold. I know my daughter would never be able to shoot that thing (16 yrs old) I saw a .22 ruger pistol I liked but the gun salesman said it’s not good for home defense. I think it would do just fine and she would be able to handle it if needed. My wife and son and I have shot a 9mm but i want something everyone can be comfy with.
Any thoughts?