My minimum is currently .380. Recoil in a pocket gun is significant.

If I couldn't deal with it, I'd try to move to a bigger gun in .380, or something in 5.7 maybe.

But for a pocket gun with light recoil, I don't know how to get a better round than .22.

 

.32 acp

 

The 22 seems like it would be enough to dissuade a thug from his goal, but I wonder how folks on this particular forum think about carrying a 22 as an EDC.

Nowhere near my first choice, because of the questionable reliability of the ammo if nothing else. And it’s generally just an inferior choice in terms of working well on people. That said, if it’s all you have or can use it can do the job.

I worked with an officer who was murdered by a guy with a .22. He lived long enough after being shot in the heart to shoot the bad guy three times. So, as with any pistol caliber, don’t expect miracles, or even for anything to happen quickly. And definitely don’t expect a bad guy to be “dissuaded”.

 

That pretty well covers all the salient points I was thinking about on this subject.

If someone's physical needs can only be met by using a .22LR, then the lack of bullet mass and diameter, and the arguably lesser reliability of rimfire ignition, may still be risks, but take a back seat to other concerns (being able to shoot the gun).

Personally, I've only looked at the .22LR/MAG calibers as something suitable for enjoyment of plinking, and perhaps as something used as an "Onion Field" last resort caliber, but that doesn't certainly doesn't mean it can't produce lethal results. Doesn't mean it can produce physiological GSW's that might lend themselves to immediate incapacitation, though, either.

Then again, when it comes right down to it, it satisfies the "Rule One" crowd (presuming it's not restricted by policy, license rules, etc).

If it were me, I'd keep in mind that the reduced recoil impulse of the .22LR (slide run & cycling), in all it's power levels, might also make it more susceptible to shooter-induced issues that might degrade slide travel and cycling. If it can happen with .380/.32's in similarly small pistols, it might be even easier to induce such issues when using .22LR.

Then, there's the increased potential for fouling when running.22's.

It's all a compromise when it comes to handguns, and choosing .22LR can be argued to come with its own range of potential compromises to consider.

 

Well... no idea about the LCP, but it wouldn't be too difficult to live with a .22 cal. Ruger Single Six.

 

If that’s what you can physically handle and it’s that or nothing then you got to do what you got to do.

 

THIS

 

I have arthritis but not yet to the point where I’m uncomfortable shooting a 9mm or .38 spec. When and if the time comes I hope I can maybe go with a slightly heavier gun and sub 100 grain ammunition. I have fired sub 100 grain ammunition in both 9mm and .38 spec, both are very soft shooting.

 

Vortex did a podcast/video on 22LR with a guy from CCI for self defense. Take a look at the video, it was very interesting to me.

 

I am sure there are folks in cemeteries that can confirm how deadly they are.

 

That’s true but the fact is there are better low recoil choices available. I wouldn’t be happy but I would carry .25acp over .22rim because it is a centerfire round and more reliable.

 

Aim for the assailants face and keep shooting. The low recoil will help you get on target. One head shot and he’s done.

 

Reliability would be my concern as well.

I’d give the 5.7 a look

 

Agreed, I now carry a PSA ROCK in 5.7 for that very reason. So easy to stay on target shot after shot, from round 1 to round 24 with about the same recoil as a 22LR.

 

There was a time when I was convinced that nothing less than 45acp was worthy of being called a self defense handgun. Then I found 40S&W a viable alternative, and years later, came to rely upon 9mm for concealed carry. Throughout this time I looked down on 22LR, although I fully agreed with those who said that they would prefer not be be shot with a 22.

For about 10 years my everyday carry was a lightweight 38 Special revolver, but recoil pain in my arthritic hands made me dread firing even a single round. When I carry OWB it is my reliable Glock 26. But most days I just pocket carry, and my new micro sized Ruger LCP in 22LR is super easy to conceal and carry and I have fallen in love with this little gun. I find that I can shoot this little gun with its 3 inch barrel more accurately than I can my 26, maybe due to the recoil. The sound and feel of this little gun makes me feel it is far more capable as a self defense gun than I might have been willing to say just a short time ago. With a capacity of 10+1, and firing CCI ammunition, I've started just putting this little pistol in my pocket when leaving the house, and not feeling particularly undergunned.

In my years of carrying I have yet to have to draw, let alone fire a gun in self defense. The 22 seems like it would be enough to dissuade a thug from his goal, but I wonder how folks on this particular forum think about carrying a 22 as an EDC.

I don't carry but I simply don't consider .22LR guns to be reliable enough to have as an HD gun. Whether that relates to the gun or the ammo is somewhat immaterial.

My Glock 17: One light strike on the very first magazine and then a few from a bad batch of WWB. I consider it supremely reliable.
My AR15: Literally NO malfunctions of any kind in the 3-4000 rounds I've got through it. Reliable
My "best" .22: At least one misfeed or dud round (CCI SV) per 200 rounds: Unreliable

 

Nothing dissuades many of the lunatics out there these days. .40 S&W or bigger is the correct answer.

 

I carry 9mm. It's all about location, location, location.

 

A 22LR wouldn't be my 1st, 2nd, or 3rd choice, but if I had to carry one, I wouldn't feel naked.

There's always that concern about rimfire reliability. But at the same time, as I continue to fire 1000's of rounds of 22lr without issue, I wonder just what the actual percentage of bad cartridges is*.



* I have had bad ones, but it's been a while.

 

A 22LR wouldn't be my 1st, 2nd, or 3rd choice, but if I had to carry one, I wouldn't feel naked.

There's always that concern about rimfire reliability. But at the same time, as I continue to fire 1000's of rounds of 22lr without issue, I wonder just what the actual percentage of bad cartridges is*.



* I have had bad ones, but it's been a while.

Reliability? It’s a revolver. OP can pull the trigger a second time on a new rd.

 

Vito, after having another Birthday on the 10th I can identify with your reasoning. I’m retired living in a rural area and I live in a low threat environment. I am having lower back problems the last few weeks which has affected what pistol I have been carrying.

Carrying a weapon is a personal choice and the first rule of being in a gun fight is to have a gun. A few hits rapidly on target with a 22 LR is better than misses with a centerfire pistol. I recently found a Glock 28 380 ACP on sale for a very good price. I bought it and it is basically a Glock 26 in 380. My Glock 28 has recoil about like my Glock 26 frame with an Advantage Arms 22 LR conversion. Both are extremely easy to shoot. I also have a Glock 42 which I have been carrying more because of my lower back issues. The Glock 42 is easy to shoot, accurate and easier to conceal than the Glock 28.


I bought the Glock 28 because of the price but so far it has impressed me. I think my younger Grandsons will enjoy shooting the Glock 28 after they graduate from shooting 22 LR pistols.


Glock 28 380 ACP with +2 extension and Glock Tritium Night Sights.

 

I just got back from shooting a 5” steel 1911, .45acp.. I love shooting steel 1911’s, the recoil isn’t too much to handle,, of course, much easier than my little 9’s and 380’s.. I have a couple small .22’s, I find a 22 revolver more dependable than small semi autos but I haven’t tried many.. so far, I have only carried the 22’s when walking where I might encounter unfriendly dogs or coyotes, not that I think it might work well, but I hate the thought of sending multiple bullets into neighbors homes..

I do understand the difficulties of shooting with painful hands, I have considerable arthritis and nerve damage in my hands, I rarely shoot many rounds with my small 380’s and 9mm’s.. I practice often enough just not a lot at once.. then I know I can be ready to defend myself with 7,, 10 rounds if needed…

 

I have no qualms with .22 as a self defense caliber, add a small pepper spray to go along with it and I believe you’re appropriately armed for 99.99999999~% of anything that might ever happen. I would prefer a revolver (lcr22) personally, but if your Lcp meets your standard of reliability and ease of carry then it’s 👍

Getting all your shots on target as accurately and as quickly as possible has to be better than getting 1-2 shots off and your hand cramping up or becoming unstable.

 

I have no qualms with .22 as a self defense caliber, add a small pepper spray to go along with it and I believe you’re appropriately armed for 99.99999999~% of anything that might ever happen. I would prefer a revolver (lcr22) personally, but if your Lcp meets your standard of reliability and ease of carry then it’s 👍

Getting all your shots on target as accurately
and as quickly as possible has to be better than getting 1-2 shots off and your hand cramping up or becoming unstable.

I still carry and shoot my 9mm, 380, and 38 special guns but have been carrying a 327 revolver and a couple 22lr and a 22 magnum revolvers here lately. I never feel under-gunned for the purpose of concealed carry. I’m not in the military anymore nor am I law enforcement. I think we as a gun community get caught up in the hype and excitement of operators equipment because obviously it’s damn cool. But realistically the average person will never have to even reload even if we ever are unfortunate to have to use our firearms (which is close to nil).

 

I would classify this under any gun is better than no gun.

I can't imagine I would every find myself in a situation where I would consider dropping a .22 in a pocket for carry. I have a .380 I bought with the intention of pocket carry, but decided I don't particularly trust it as a defensive caliber, and kind of consider a heavy 9mm +p the minimum for me.

 

I wouldn't feel too confident with a 22 LR pistol, but I would feel very good with a good 22 LR semi auto rifle. I had a friend who was a homicide detective that was amazed how often a 22 LR rifle was involved in a fatal shooting. The ability to accurately place your shoots is a huge equalizer.

 

I have some .22 handguns and a can for fun. But lately I have been wondering about an AR style .22, like the S&W, with the suppressor. It holds 25 and it would be super quiet inside by comparison if needed. Just a thought at this point, but I don’t think it is 100% a bad thought.

 

There was a time when I was convinced that nothing less than 45acp was worthy of being called a self defense handgun. Then I found 40S&W a viable alternative, and years later, came to rely upon 9mm for concealed carry. Throughout this time I looked down on 22LR, although I fully agreed with those who said that they would prefer not be be shot with a 22.

For about 10 years my everyday carry was a lightweight 38 Special revolver, but recoil pain in my arthritic hands made me dread firing even a single round. When I carry OWB it is my reliable Glock 26. But most days I just pocket carry, and my new micro sized Ruger LCP in 22LR is super easy to conceal and carry and I have fallen in love with this little gun. I find that I can shoot this little gun with its 3 inch barrel more accurately than I can my 26, maybe due to the recoil. The sound and feel of this little gun makes me feel it is far more capable as a self defense gun than I might have been willing to say just a short time ago. With a capacity of 10+1, and firing CCI ammunition, I've started just putting this little pistol in my pocket when leaving the house, and not feeling particularly undergunned.

In my years of carrying I have yet to have to draw, let alone fire a gun in self defense. The 22 seems like it would be enough to dissuade a thug from his goal, but I wonder how folks on this particular forum think about carrying a 22 as an EDC.

Excellent question. A 22 caliber can kill or seriously wound a human. A 22-caliber round is more effective when the target is not moving and the discharge can be more effectively placed. For reduce recoil due to physical issues I would not go below 32 ACP. A 25 caliber is slightly more effective, but a 32 ACP will provide reduced recoil, which in turn makes it more controllable on the first and any subsequent discharge. The use if a 22 caliber, depending upon the size of target, the distance involved and where the shots are placed, it may result in the individual still able continue an assault/attack. I believe that the majority of the members here and on other forums would not carry less than a 380. So, carry what you feel you can handle effectively and safely. Just an opinion.

 

A 25 caliber is slightly more effective,

I don't know if I believe that. I think as a centerfire round, it's almost certainly more reliable, but from what I can find, it looks like many .25 ACP rounds have less energy than some .22 LR rounds. And that's when both are fired from very short barrels.

Pocket Pistol Caliber Ballistic Gel Tests - LuckyGunner.com Labs *

That's just one source, but there were others. In any event, if I were choosing .25 ACP over .22 LR, I don't think it would be because of terminal ballistics.

* I know there is a lot of debate regarding gel tests. I was linking this because it listed muzzle velocities from short barrels.

 

A late friend of mine, a Vietnam vet, carried a .22 Magnum revolver with a Crimson Trace laser sight for defense. He had arthritis in his hands and as much as he loved his 1911, the low recoil on the .22 Magnum was much appreciated. During evening strolls with his wife around the dirt farm roads where he lived, he would hip and aimed fire shoot at tree stumps, dirt clods, etc. Sadly, he passed. His wife now carries the piece.

I think a .22 Magnum hollow point would seriously affect an attacker if it hit in the right place. I would feel okay with it if it was the only pistol I had.

 

I’m thinking the .22 mag was designed for a rifle, with a pistol it performs a little better than .22 LR, but not much.

 

I’ve depended upon .22lr for SD at times.
Like when I was in college. I had a Ruger Standard model 4” 22 pistol. That pistol was extremely reliable with good ammo. Never a problem with CCI. I also had an AR7 rifle.
while I don’t choose 22 for SD today, I have a Ruger SR22 which could get the nod… it shoots great.

 

My M&P.22C is 100% with MiniMags, both RN and HP.
Once "broken in" it has shot Aguila HV ok.

Velocitor functions but is only 10 fps faster than MM HP. Someone said it is meant for rifles.
The various .22s being advertised for self defense don't offer any extra in energy; Punch and Silvertip work in my gun, Uppercut and Stinger don't. Do the cutesy name bullets penetrate better? I don't know.

A friend gave me some CCI +V, apparently discontinued. Which is a shame, it is notably faster than Velocitor.

Do not count on a revolver being more reliable than an automatic. Unless my S&W and Charter chambers are clean and the rounds seated firmly, they will misfire. Extraction is stiff with CCI HV, downright hard with other brands. Unfortunately the guy honing chambers has retired. Am I brave enough to buy or rent a sharp reamer?

 

I would encourage you to give the Keltec P32 and some European ammo a try

 

It will do the job just not as immediately as a larger caliber, but that's obvious

If you're carrying a 22 LR it's because you're compromising ease of carry and concealment. I carry a 22 LR NAA Mini on days when I'm going out with gym shorts and a T shirt , and I don't want to "dress around " something bigger just to go out for a few hours

Yes I'm aware it's basically a spitting distance piece , if anything happens past 2 yards like some active shooter event I'm better off just falling back and running

5 shots of Stinger at hand to hand range will be better than my fists if someone is trying to kill me. I'm going for the brain or face, or the chest , or the 🥎🥎s depending on what I can reach

I also have a 22 Beretta Bobcat, same principle, it's a 0 yards belly gun but with that maybe I have a little more stand off in an absolute life or death emergency, that thing can ride IWB in nearly anything. Even someone cranked on meth or PCP doesn't like 22 pills to the brain

People rely on them, I know people with a mom who lives alone who's elderly and they bought a 22 LR LCR , put lighter springs in and made sure it pops premium LR ammo like Punch which has more reliable primers than bulk pak stuff. She has 8 shots in the cylinder, pull the trigger, bang bang , no slides, no recoil, no big blast , no safety and she ain't reloading any kind of gun anyway. It's better than nothing for people with no other option. Even if she misses there's not 9mm punching through 3 walls and hopefully anyone breaking in will beat feet after Grandma pops some 22s off

 

I'm sure that somewhere in this thread, someone has talked about the Israeli Mossad using the 22 LR with great success. At one time, they armed their Sky Marshals with the 22 LR. I remember one case where a Sky Marshal put down an attempted high jacking with a 22 LR. I always wanted a Beretta 70 because of the Mossad.

 

I also love reading about the Isreali police using suppressed Ruger 10/22s for less lethal riot control , like shooting people with 22s is "less lethal " 😀

 

There was a time when I was convinced that nothing less than 45acp was worthy of being called a self defense handgun. Then I found 40S&W a viable alternative, and years later, came to rely upon 9mm for concealed carry. Throughout this time I looked down on 22LR, although I fully agreed with those who said that they would prefer not be be shot with a 22.

For about 10 years my everyday carry was a lightweight 38 Special revolver, but recoil pain in my arthritic hands made me dread firing even a single round. When I carry OWB it is my reliable Glock 26. But most days I just pocket carry, and my new micro sized Ruger LCP in 22LR is super easy to conceal and carry and I have fallen in love with this little gun. I find that I can shoot this little gun with its 3 inch barrel more accurately than I can my 26, maybe due to the recoil. The sound and feel of this little gun makes me feel it is far more capable as a self defense gun than I might have been willing to say just a short time ago. With a capacity of 10+1, and firing CCI ammunition, I've started just putting this little pistol in my pocket when leaving the house, and not feeling particularly undergunned.

In my years of carrying I have yet to have to draw, let alone fire a gun in self defense. The 22 seems like it would be enough to dissuade a thug from his goal, but I wonder how folks on this particular forum think about carrying a 22 as an EDC.

The 22 LR is deadly way out of proportion to it's size when fired out of a RIFLE but out of a pistol it loses all of that magic.

I would consider a 10-22 carbine with a factory extended magazine loaded with CCI velocitors to be perfectly adequate for home defense. But for a carry gun, why chose a 10+1 Ruger LCP in 22 LR when you could almost as easily carry and conceal a with a proper pocket holster a 10+1 Ruger LCP Max in 380?

If it's your very life that could be at stake, why chose the absolute bare minimum for self defense? Also consider that dying as the result of brutal attack might NOT be the worst case scenario. Even if you just do what the Liberals say and "Just give them what they want", they might just cripple you for life just for the fun of it.

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