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I see you're from MN. When I was asking a cop the same question (when I'm old enough to legally procure a handgun), what should I get? His answer was that it had to be a higher calibre, but didnt have to be too high.

You don't want a .22 for self-defense, especially in the Northern US. In the northern US, it gets really cold-- so we dress in layers. Now, kevlar vests work because of interlocking fabric layers. With lower calibres, you can see a minor "kevlar" effect from the heavy jackets, etc. we have to wear.

Thats not saying a .22 shot in the chest or abdomen with a thick jacket wouldnt kill the target. A .22 in the center of mass, even slowed by a jacket, will ruin a bad guy's day-- but it might not kill him right away. Someone earlier said that when you're using a firearm in self-defense, and especially a handgun, it better be because you want the guy to stop whatever he's doing RIGHT NOW. A .22 slowed by a down parka, vest, sweater, and a couple of shirts might not stop him right away. So, soon as I turn 21, I myself am going to register for a permit, and probably get a .38 or 9mm. Its the duty of every American man to protect himself and his family.

Jude,
I was looking at the Minnesota laws regarding obtaining a permit to carry. It seems like it is almost impossible to acquire one! (No big surprise here!) Did the officer you talked with indicate how 'liberally' they are given out?

Thats not saying a .22 shot in the chest or abdomen ...

IMHO, you don't shoot a .22 in the center of mass. There are three areas to pick: nose, and both eyes (assuming a head on shot).