# 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:** 3
**Author:** ![deltasigma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e5b9ba/32.png) [@deltasigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltasigma)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/41 "2013-10-16T22:54:49Z")
I know this isn’t what what the OP had in mind, but it’s .22 and kinda cool so . . . [Calico M-100](http://www.gunbroker.com/All/BI.aspx?Keywords=calico&Sort=4). Sample [pic](http://pics.gunbroker.com/GB/370471000/370471407/pix141887520.jpg). ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/42 "2013-10-16T22:55:47Z")
> [@Belrix](#): > > I’ve been considering buying a pistol for home defense and, occasionally, as a CCW when I go traveling. > > I have no experience with pistols so I was considering starting with a .22LR pistol so I can get lots and lots of nice cheap practice in. The ammo is cheap. > > Can I stop there? I know that .22 isn’t exactly a knock-down weapon but if I have 11 rounds in the clip, does that really matter? Since your new to shooting firearms, a .22 is a good place to start. As far as self-defense is concern, they ARE lethal. Pistol cartridges are not generally considered “man-stoppers” (ie instantly ending a physical threat) that a rifle cartridge or shotgun slug could be, unless you manage to disrupt the brain stem or sever the upper spine. You always have the option of putting several rounds (3, 4, 5?) into your attacker. More holes = quicker blood loss. Many people practice double-tapping (firing two rounds as ACCURATELY and quickly as possible). Practice firing two rounds center mass at single targets and at side-by-side targets. Left-then-right, right-then-left, strong hand (right hand if you’re right handed), and weak hand (left hand if you’re right handed). Practice triple and quadruple tapping as well. Being able to actually hit your attacker with your firearm of choice is very important. Putting one round thru the coffee pot and another into the sofa isn’t going to stop a crazed, drugged, knife-wielding attacker. (How far could you walk in 30 seconds and still be able to repeatedly thrust a knife into a large, tough pot roast?) Remember, before you resort to any lethal self-defense, you need to believe that your life or someone else’s life is in IMMINENT DANGER. You must believe that your life is in danger NOW. Not five minutes ago or 10 minutes from now but right now or a State Attorney may decide to make an example of you. If there is a closed door between you and your attacker, you are not in IMMINENT DANGER. If they are firing thru the door, then do whatever you think is best to save your life. Some minor pistol calibers would be .30 Carbine, .32 S&W Long, .32 Magnum, .380 Auto, 9 mm Mararov, 9 mm Luger, .38 Super, .38 Special, .38 Special +P, etc. Some major pistol calibers would be .357 Magnum, .40 S&W, 10 mm, .41 Magnum, 44 Special, .44 Magnum, .45 ACP, .45 Auto Rim, and .45 Colt, etc. Major pistol calibers can have quite a kick (recoil) and muzzle flash. Work your way up to the .44 Magnum and .454 Casull-type rounds. And heavier pistols/revolvers are easier to physically shoot but more difficult to carry. Another consideration is whether you want a semi-automatic pistol or a revolver. If you’re thinking of eventually going larger, that might influence your initial choice of .22. Or buy/rent a .22 revolver and pistol and see which style you prefer. ---
**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, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/43 "2013-10-16T22:59:25Z")
[I have one of these.](http://tactical22.net/news/MP-15-22-Pistol.jpg) Fun to shoot but not very easy to conceal! ---
**Author:** ![deltasigma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e5b9ba/32.png) [@deltasigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltasigma)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/44 "2013-10-16T23:04:55Z")
> [@River\_Hippie](#): > > [I have one of these.](http://tactical22.net/news/MP-15-22-Pistol.jpg) Fun to shoot but not very easy to conceal! Bummer. Doesn’t look like I can get there from here.☹ ---
**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, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/45 "2013-10-16T23:19:52Z")
> [@deltasigma](#): > > Bummer. Doesn’t look like I can get there from here.☹ They are discontinued now. ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/46 "2013-10-16T23:31:21Z")
> [@Ranger\_Jeff](#): > > Still, for home defense, I prefer a Rem 870 in 12 gauge with a 18.5" barrel and a magazine extension. I’m not sure about a pistol grip w/folding stock. Maybe a pistol grip with a non-folding stock if anyone makes one. [Get this and fuhgedabout magazine extensions](http://www.keltecweapons.com/uploaded_files/tinymce/images/KSG_3357web.jpg) Generally speaking: .357 has been reliably shown to be the better “man-stopper” (bette rpenetration, better temporary and permanent wound cavities) than .45, .40, or 9mm. And as other have pointed out, a .357 revolver will readily take the cheaper .38 Special for range time, though I do recommend regularly putting some .357 though it, too, just so you know what you’re dealing with. The same gun will shoot differently from .38SP to .357. And also as others have pointed out, .22LR has been scarce on the ground lately, while I’ve had no problem picking up .38 for range time with my Ruger GP100. Having said that, a .22LR is a good place for a beginner shooter to start to get into good shooting habits, and the various offerings of handguns with changeable barrels lets you get a two-fer. Going to a shooting range that has rentals also lets you try various guns before you buy one. ---
**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, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/47 "2013-10-16T23:51:14Z")
> [@GusNSpot](#): > > What about the small hand guns that are both 410 gauge & .45 long colt? Watch this, then all this guy’s YTs. He’s very knowledgable about firearms. [The Judge](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRlry5KH6I0). ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2013, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/48 "2013-10-17T04:44:05Z")
Actually, the .22 is used to kill - by assassins. The bullet is fired into an eye socket of a bound victem. Its sole benefit is that it is a sub-sonic round, and easier to muzzle. Another vote for 9mm minimum ---
**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 17, 2013, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/49 "2013-10-17T06:09:33Z")
> [@River\_Hippie](#): > > Watch this, then all this guy’s YTs. He’s very knowledgable about firearms. > > [The Judge](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRlry5KH6I0). Yeah, this is what I was thinking of + I have a single shot Contender in .45 / 410. Inside a house, heavier 410 shot weights would be a pretty stiff walk to take with several loads from a shooter at 20’ & under. Might not kill the kid down the block with it either. Luckily I don’t have to worry due to my local terrain I can use a Wart Hog Gatling gun in 20MM or .50 mounted on a swivel if I want. 😃 YMMV ---
**Author:** ![deltasigma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e5b9ba/32.png) [@deltasigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltasigma)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2013, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/50 "2013-10-17T06:28:15Z")
> [@GusNSpot](#): > > Luckily I don’t have to worry due to my local terrain I can use a Wart Hog Gatling gun in 20MM or .50 mounted on a swivel if I want. 😃 I had a whole spiel ready but, that’s just not fair. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![the\_diego](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7bcc69/32.png) [@the\_diego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_diego)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2013, 8:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/51 "2013-10-17T08:51:32Z")
Depends on your inclination and your needs. If you’re handy with a Ruger 10/22, it’s all you’ll need, unless you live in Somalia. A prone shooter armed with a semi-auto is hard to take down, even by several gunmen armed with handguns. ---
**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 17, 2013, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/52 "2013-10-17T12:05:19Z")
> [@Belrix](#): > > OK - thanks for the advice, guys. Yeah, I once had a Remington 870 and lost it in the divorce. > [@Kable](#): > > 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. Wait a minute, did you steal OP’s wife? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![deltasigma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e5b9ba/32.png) [@deltasigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltasigma)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2013, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/53 "2013-10-17T12:12:01Z")
> [@](#): > > OK - thanks for the advice, guys. Yeah, I once had a Remington 870 and lost it in the divorce. Huh. I missed that. I don’t think disposing of evidence really falls in the ‘lost’ category though. 😕 😉 ---
**Author:** ![stoplight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea666f/32.png) [@stoplight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stoplight)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2013, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/54 "2013-10-17T15:39:02Z")
Also consider as part of your home defense quiver a tactical flashlight. I have a 500 lumen hand held flashlight. Momentarily confuse and blind the intruder with a steady beam from the light and give yourself a few extra seconds to decide on your next course of action. And have a plan depending upon how and where the intruder enters…of course none of this is relevant if the intruder has the drop on you!! ---
**Author:** ![JBDivmstr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b4bc9f/32.png) [@JBDivmstr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBDivmstr)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2013, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/55 "2013-10-17T16:23:26Z")
My 2 cents… A .38 or .38 Special in DA. (double action) The .38 Sp. with hollow point rounds has a lot of knock down power. A double action pistol removes having to remember if the safety is off/on or if you’ve chambered a round. Squeeze the trigger, the weapon fires. The only drawback to a ‘wheel gun’, IMO, is you’re limited to 5 (or 6, depending on the model) rounds to get the job done. The remedy to this is practice, practice, practice! YMMV 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Patch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a183cd/32.png) [@Patch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patch)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2013, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/56 "2013-10-17T16:25:50Z")
> [@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. No, and no. A .22 doesn’t go ricocheting around the body. If it had the energy to penetrate tissue after bouncing off tissue, it would have penetrated that tissue. The ability of a handgun bullet’s ability to damage tissue through it’s temporary cavity is greatly overblown. The only significant wounding mechanism you’re looking at with a handgun bullet is the physical hole made by the bullet. As for the OP, if you were to go with a .22LR for self defense, I’d recommend a .22 revolver. Too many times with .22s I’ve had them misfire. With a semi-auto, it’s a clearance drill. With a revolver, you just pull the trigger again. I’ve not fired one, but I’ve liked the feel of a Ruger LCR I handled at a gun store. ---
**Author:** ![drastic\_quench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e36b37/32.png) [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2013, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/57 "2013-10-17T16:32:48Z")
Rimfire cartridges are a poor choice for self defense before we even address the caliber. Even a .22 magnum is a poor choice. If you want a small caliber, go with 9mm or .38 special. .380 autos are palm slappers, and the newest round of nano 9mm are just as difficult to shoot. I’d go with a Ruger SP101 in .357 in order to shoot either that or .38 special. It is a five shot revolver, and you can load all five because it uses a transfer bar. The all steel gun has enough heft to soak up recoil. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2013, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/58 "2013-10-17T16:47:04Z")
> [@stoplight](#): > > Also consider as part of your home defense quiver a tactical flashlight. I have a 500 lumen hand held flashlight. Momentarily confuse and blind the intruder with a steady beam from the light and give yourself a few extra seconds to decide on your next course of action. And have a plan depending upon how and where the intruder enters…of course none of this is relevant if the intruder has the drop on you!! …and you should always assume the intruder has a drop on you. If you’re in your bedroom, and you think someone has broken into your house, you should only clear your house if you \*absolutely \*must do it (e.g. children sleeping downstairs or whatever). The best strategy is to stay put, and let the intruder come to you. ---
**Author:** ![JBDivmstr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b4bc9f/32.png) [@JBDivmstr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBDivmstr)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2013, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/59 "2013-10-17T17:06:52Z")
> [@River\_Hippie](#): > > Watch this, then all this guy’s YTs. He’s very knowledgable about firearms. > > [The Judge](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRlry5KH6I0). Agreed! 🆒 For another [informative gun site](http://theboxotruth.com/docs/theboxotruth.htm) check this out. The site has a lot of different videos using fairly methodical methods to test penetration power and accuracy of various types of weapons and the different rounds available for the weapon. ---
**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 17, 2013, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317/60 "2013-10-17T21:04:49Z")
> [@JBDivmstr](#): > > Agreed! 🆒 > > For another [informative gun site](http://theboxotruth.com/docs/theboxotruth.htm) check this out. The site has a lot of different videos using fairly methodical methods to test penetration power and accuracy of various types of weapons and the different rounds available for the weapon. Yep, that’s a good one too. I had a link to that site on my old computer but had not checked it in a while. Glad to see they are still at it. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-22lr-pistol-for-self-defense/671317.md?page=4)