.22lr handgun for self defense?

[Sure Shot 45]

Would you carry a .22lr handgun for self defense?

I read mixed results. Some say the .22lr is not acceptable for self defense, others say it's the most lethal round. All I know is I wouldn't want to get shot in the face with a handful of 22lr's

There's obviously more effective man stoppers available but the 22lr has it's pros and cons.

[unusedusername]

Would I carry one at this time in my lifetime? No. I can reliably put shots on target with a compact 45ACP.

Is it appropriate for someone who can’t handle anything larger? Yes. A .22lr is better than a pointy stick.

[rodralig]

Would you carry a .22lr handgun for self defense?

I read mixed results. Some say the .22lr is not acceptable for self defense, others say it's the most lethal round. All I know is I wouldn't want to get shot in the face with a handful of 22lr's

There's obviously more effective man stoppers available but the 22lr has it's pros and cons.

From a handbook of one of the largest firearms schools in the country...

"... it is the man and not the gun (or caliber) that does the shooting. A UC with a .22 rimfire is a great deal deadlier than a UI with a .44 Magnum."

• UC - Unconsciously Competent
• UI - Unconsciously Incompetent - We have lots of these... They don't know how much they don't know...

_

[Elgatodeacero]

If high quality ammunition is used, a .22 lr pistol or revolver can be viable and effective for self defense.

Usually not the best available choice, but a good option to have available.

[Verdha603]

A .22 LR is better than no gun at all. However, I would recommend pretty much any centerfire caliber before a .22 rimfire solely because rimfire cartridges are not as consistently reliable in comparison.

I will never tell someone they can’t defend themselves with a .22 LR handgun, but it’s so low down the totem pole I’d argue they’d be better using a .25 ACP or .32 ACP pistol before a .22 LR pistol or revolver.

[newbie1234]

If I have a choice between .22LR pistol and pocket knife, I'm sure to pick the knife.

[FNGGlock]

Would I carry a 22LR for SD if there are other options? NO
Would I use if needs be and the only option available? Definitely.
My Buck Mark is very accurate and runs pretty reliable with proper ammo. That said it is more of a last resort for SD/HD.

Also as mentioned above, rimfire semis are not going to be the most reliable. Maybe a revolver in 22 would be a better choice, especially since some can do 10 rounds. Even Glock can't get a 22 semi to run well

[Like2fly]

I would not choose a 22LR for self defense unless I had or develop some limitations on being able to handle or operate higher caliber guns. If I did have to use a 22LR for self defense it would have to be a REVOLVER, which would mitigate the negative problem of .22 rounds having a higher failure rate. If you have a dud round in a revolver just keep pulling the trigger and the next round(s) should fire. A dud in a semi-auto puts the gun out of commission until you clear the problem. There are plenty of 8 round .22 revolvers that should get you out of most situations. You don’t always need “stopping power” and getting your threat to disengage can be a preferable goal than killing them. I will try to edit this post with a link to a good video from “Lucky Gunner Ammo” about using small caliber guns to “break contact” rather than killing the threat.

Update: Link to video.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv6PxB2TqLM&t=1s

[sfe187]

If Bob Lee Swagger can shoot three dead with a .22 why can we?

[Mendo223]

If Bob Lee Swagger can shoot three dead with a .22 why can we?

LOL i was just thinking that.....he even needed a water bottle to keep the 22 silent

i just went out plinking with my GSG5, do NOT sleep on the .22LR, that thing is scarily accurate, and barely any noise. I was getting way better groups and control on 25-30yard targets than with my glock19 9mm FMJ....

I lost a friend in high school to a gang shooting, he was hit in the head with a .22LR and went into a coma and died 2 days later. So i know its a lethal round personally and its so accurate and easy to control..


that being said not something i would personally use if better options exist, i learned on .40 cal glocks and for the past 15 years the .40cal is a round that im just very familiar with for the kickback, accuracy, and trusting that the slug will drop a tweaker.

I just started shooting more .45 ACP and IMO its still a little too much bang to be comfortable, i guess when the adrenaline is flowing its less of a factor. But i love my .40 cal glock22,23,27 and sig p226 in .40...... they are just are smooth and easy to control as 9mm for me and i get tighter groups than all 9mm which surprised me...

I would rather give a family member like mom or a ladyfriend a .22LR for self defense than pepper spray, and its a little easier for them to control compared to a .38special revolver or even 9mm...

[Featureless]

I've heard more than once that the .22lr has enough energy to pierce the human skull, but not enough to exit. So it bounces around inside the skull until it runs out of energy.

[not-fishing]

What are you going to kill a Tank? And I've used my Beretta 71 in 3 gun competition with good (for me) results

https://www.tactical-life.com/firearms/israeli-mossad-22-lrs/

Make it twice foom, foom

[Mr. Blue]

The only issue I see with 22lr is reliability. I personally believe in shot placement above all. But if you can’t hit, or your gun can’t shoot, doesn’t matter what caliber is used. That said, the question is a bit strange. Would I use it? Sure. I don’t have any 22lr guns by my bed tho. Good ole’ 9mm is what i use. I mean 50BMG armor piercing incendiary tracer.

[johnparjr]

[L84CABO]

Everything Bigger Than 22LR > 22LR > Nothing