[niteowl77]

I share this problem with many other potential shooters such as women or younger shooters who have to pass on many fine sporting or self-defense weapons because of their lack of strength.

This locale has seen a real boom in CCW permits among seniors and women, and a large number of them have real trouble racking a slide or mastering a DA revolver pull. Recoil is an issue for many as well.

Contrary to everything I have been taught over the years, there are some instructors in the area now advocating the Ruger SR22, as they are easy to rack, have minimal recoil, can be thumb-cocked after previously decocking, and are light enough to carry around all day. The downside is that it is a .22LR pistol with all the ugliness inherent in that chambering when used as a defensive gun. I am skeptical, but I guess if it was that or nothing, I'd be carrying an SR22 (or something similar).

Mr. niteowl77

[tarheelswamprat]

I share with you a distrust of the .22LR as a self defense choice. I would only use one if I could absolutely not find anything else. ;-)

[MHGinTN]

If .22lr worries you, the Beretta 32 Tomcat is a good alternative because of the pop-up barrel for chambering the carry round. ... But teach shot placement, always shot placement. I often carry a Taurus eight round 22 magnum revolver w/two inch barrel ... after I did a spring job on it to reduce trigger pull in double action. Ruger also has a good 22mag revolver and Smith makes one now, too.