# A .22LR pistol for self defense **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 15, 2013, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317 "2013-10-15T16:15:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2013, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/21 "2013-10-15T22:35:49Z")
> [@River\_Hippie](#): > > A normal .22LR has the ability to kill and can inflict devastating wounds. Would it drop me instantly in my tracks? Probably not without perfect shot placement or a barrage of multiple hits on vital targets. Would the possibility of a fatal or crippling wound deter me? Hell yes. I guess my point is that while .22LR is not a reliable defense round it is something to be taken very seriously. Apart from the occasional misfire, this is exactly why I’d recommend a .22. Most times your intruder is not a bear, a commando, or some other sort who is willing to take a bullet for the cause–it’s some creep who wants to hock your TV for heroin money. I’d much rather be sporting a large magazine with a lot of little pops in it. ---
**Author:** ![FordTaurusSHO94](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f07891/32.png) [@FordTaurusSHO94](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordTaurusSHO94)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2013, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/22 "2013-10-15T22:43:52Z")
I alternate between an LCP and a .22 Magnum for my CCW. I shoot .22LR more than anything though. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2013, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/23 "2013-10-15T22:45:53Z")
Unless the person you’re pointing the weapon at is very knowledgeable about guns, he won’t know if it’s a .22 or something heavier. Normally, an intruder will run if a gun is pointed at him. If he starts toward you, you fire at center of mass until the gun is empty. If he’s still coming, you should have practiced more. ---
**Author:** ![Lasciel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e79b87/32.png) [@Lasciel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lasciel)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2013, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/24 "2013-10-15T23:23:19Z")
I was actually going to wonder how many potential home intruders have a catalog-level knowledge of guns and calibers, because if it’s dark or stressful, a gun is a gun. I have a lovely 22 target pistol that I dearly love, and a smaller CC-sized 22 for if/when I get my carry permit. Neither of those will do nearly the amount of damage my husband’s 40 will, but at the same time, I can’t shoot the 40 without discomfort. So you have to think about that - if you’re not willing to shoot it often and regularly enough to be proficient with it, then it’s not a good option for self-defense. It doesn’t matter what size the rounds are if they don’t go into the bad guy. I’d rather shoot either of my 22s (technically, I’d rather shoot the target pistol, but that’s details) than the 40 if my life was on the line - yes, it’s a smaller caliber, but I’m LIGHTYEARS more comfortable with my 22s, and I’m a noticeably better shot with them also. As for ammo, 22LR is pretty cheap, but it’s hard to find because of the panic, and you can’t handload it. We bought lots of rounds for my husband to run through, but now we’re handloading his brass, and the price for his 40 is about the same as it is for buying 22s. Finally, I’ll repeat that it doesn’t matter what the gun is if YOU aren’t a good shot, and have your head clear on what you’re willing to do. If you just want to buy a gun for your nightstand, or to keep in your truck, and you aren’t willing to put the time and effort into practicing and are willing to end a life if you have to, then just get a fake gun and put it somewhere noticeable. ---
**Author:** ![SanDiegoTim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/85e7bf/32.png) [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/25 "2013-10-16T00:43:26Z")
While a larger caliber is preferable, if a .22 round is placed strategically, it will get the job done. Having stopped a home invasion several years ago, one during which one intruder expired on-site and the other later, I can attest a .22L round will suffice. My preference, however, would have been something 9mm or larger. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/26 "2013-10-16T13:10:34Z")
Seriously, “stopping power” is way down the list of criteria I use when determining the right gun for self defense. If I find myself at war in the Philippines, I’ll reevaluate. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/27 "2013-10-16T14:09:01Z")
As others have mentioned there are better calibers (bigger) for home defense than a .22. Popular ones include .38, .40, .357 and .45. If you have one of those and the knowledge of how to safely and accurately handle that gun then in most situations you’re good to go. However, it sounds like you’re new to shooting and I wonder if perhaps a two-step approach might not be suitable. It would involve buying a second, larger gun later but if that’s not a problem then the .22 is an excellent, cheap platform to learn with and it’ll always be nice to have around for general plinking, to keep your skills current, to shoot cheaply, to hide easily as a CC, etc. Personally, I’d have no problem advising a friend to start with a .22 auto and then when you’re comfortable with its safe use also get a .357 double action, as mentioned above. It’ll stop most anything, can also shoot smaller .38s, etc. Whatever you do though, get some training from a qualified instructor or trusted friend. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/28 "2013-10-16T14:32:19Z")
I cringe when I read of people choosing a high powered handgun for home defense. Not because it’s a gun, but because they might actually be tempted to use it in certain circumstances. People underestimate the momentum of a high powered bullet once fired. It can easily pass through walls, more walls, and even more walls striking anything along the way, including your neighbor’s kids. A shot fired in defense can easily become lethal to neighbors many houses away. I recommend a nice shotgun. The advantage to a shotgun is the sound it makes when you jack a round into the chamber. Everyone knows that sound, and they know you’re not likely to miss if you do need to shoot. Plus, the individual projectiles lose momentum much quicker rendering the kill zone much smaller. They can still kill or injure unintended targets outside your home, but the risk is greatly reduced. A handgun is more appropriate for a concealed carry. Shotgun for home defense. Oh, and regardless, if you’re new to gun handling, please take a good course in handgun safety before you take the weapon home. My 2 cents worth. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/29 "2013-10-16T14:35:51Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > A .22 is a great plinking gun, but you’re going to want something a little bigger for defense purposes. I’m a big fan of .357 magnum double action revolvers. Simple to operate, and you can shoot .38 rounds (less expensive) on the range with it. Yep. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/30 "2013-10-16T14:39:34Z")
What about hollow point or soft point bullets, would they make a .22 more viable? They should take down a bad guy better, but not penetrate walls as well. ---
**Author:** ![Lucas\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucas_jackson/32/303_2.png) [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/31 "2013-10-16T14:44:56Z")
Hollow points don’t mushroom very well in drywall. ---
**Author:** ![Belrix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed655f/32.png) [@Belrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Belrix)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/32 "2013-10-16T15:45:49Z")
OK - thanks for the advice, guys. Yeah, I once had a Remington 870 and lost it in the divorce. I’m looking to replace it and with the motorcycle trips I take, I was thinking that getting a CCW might be smart. Eventually I plan to get both but, like most expenses, I have to do things one at a time. I’ve got a sort-of-nephew who works at a range/store. I’ll talk with him about where to do some trial shooting with different weapons. I know they have classes, too, and that’s in the plans. What “panic” has a shortage of 22LR ammo? The whole NRA/Democrat/End of the world as we know it stuff? If so, why 22LR, I would think it’d be larger calibers. ---
**Author:** ![Bone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bone/32/407_2.png) [@Bone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bone)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/33 "2013-10-16T17:05:24Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > I cringe when I read of people choosing a high powered handgun for home defense. Not because it’s a gun, but because they might actually be tempted to use it in certain circumstances. People underestimate the momentum of a high powered bullet once fired. It can easily pass through walls, more walls, and even more walls striking anything along the way, including your neighbor’s kids. A shot fired in defense can easily become lethal to neighbors many houses away. > > I recommend a nice shotgun. The advantage to a shotgun is the sound it makes when you jack a round into the chamber. Everyone knows that sound, and they know you’re not likely to miss if you do need to shoot. Plus, the individual projectiles lose momentum much quicker rendering the kill zone much smaller. They can still kill or injure unintended targets outside your home, but the risk is greatly reduced. There are advantages to a shotgun for home defense. The racking sound is not one of them (why are you racking when there is a threat? The sound gives away position, and it means you weren’t previously ready to fire). Auto-aim is also not one of them (the spread of shot pellets at interior distance is not very large, about 2-3 inches or so). And while the shot pellets may penetrate marginally less than a 9mm, they will still penetrate 4 walls in a house. [See box of truth.](http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot3.htm) Shotguns however are cheaper than pistols. Their ammo is cheaper, and more plentiful. Shooting trap and skeet is fun to practice. 00 buck has more stopping power than a 9mm. Pistols are more versatile, can be operated with one hand, are easier to store in quick access safes if you have little ones, have greater magazine capacity, and easier to wield for those of smaller build. Both are effective and the best one is the one you are comfortable and proficient with. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/34 "2013-10-16T17:29:17Z")
> [@Belrix](#): > > What “panic” has a shortage of 22LR ammo? The whole NRA/Democrat/End of the world as we know it stuff? If so, why 22LR, I would think it’d be larger calibers. It was most all the popular calibers for awhile, even 22LR. I see it around now but might buy a brick just to make sure I don’t get caught in any future panic, no matter how unreasonable most of them are. ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/35 "2013-10-16T19:52:52Z")
What about the small hand guns that are both 410 gauge & .45 long colt? ---
**Author:** ![Truman\_Burbank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecc23a/32.png) [@Truman\_Burbank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Truman_Burbank)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/36 "2013-10-16T21:02:44Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > The Ruger LCP, S&W Bodyguard and the Kel Tec .380 semi-automatic’s are very popular for concealed carry. They are very similar in design and operation. > > I bought the S&W Bodyguard for my wife a couple years ago. Tiny little thing, but lethal. (the gun, not my wife. :D) > [http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/smith\_and\_wesson\_bodyguard\_380\_pistol-tfb.JPG](http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/smith_and_wesson_bodyguard_380_pistol-tfb.JPG) She is _now_…😃 ---
**Author:** ![stoplight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea666f/32.png) [@stoplight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stoplight)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/37 "2013-10-16T22:18:39Z")
22 is among the more deadlier calibers available. It lacks stopping power but its frequent ricochet inside the body makes it a very dangerous round indeed. However, you want stopping power and nothing else. The fat 45 acp 230 grain round travels a mere 875 fps. The kinetic shock alone will cause severe damage, now add penetration after the shock!! mission accomplished. ---
**Author:** ![Kable](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ed655f/32.png) [@Kable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kable)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/38 "2013-10-16T22:41:25Z")
Them pocket .380s kick a lot and with their small handles are hard to get a grip on. My girlfriend, who’s pretty fit, shot one mag through my S&W bodyguard and afterwards she didn’t want to shoot anymore. She likes her Glock 17 though, and her 870. ---
**Author:** ![LawMonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d6d6ee/32.png) [@LawMonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LawMonkey)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/39 "2013-10-16T22:46:16Z")
> [@stoplight](#): > > 22 is among the more deadlier calibers available. It lacks stopping power but its frequent ricochet inside the body makes it a very dangerous round indeed. However, you want stopping power and nothing else. The fat 45 acp 230 grain round travels a mere 875 fps. The kinetic shock alone will cause severe damage, now add penetration after the shock!! mission accomplished. Indeed. You occasionally hear stories of .22s being stopped by things like heavy coats. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/40 "2013-10-16T22:50:55Z")
> [@GusNSpot](#): > > What about the small hand guns that are both 410 gauge & .45 long colt? I’ve never shot a .45 long colt but I believe it is more powerful than .45 ACP. That would give it good stopping power but I’ve never seen a small revolver chambered for that. .410 shotshells might be good defense against rattlesnakes but not humans. If you went with .410 slugs…well why not just use the Long Colt? Heh, I done looked 'er up. [.45 Long Colt](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.45_Colt) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317.md?page=3)