[WifeofBleys]

I have two .22's. One is a Taurus 941 magnum revolver, the other is a ISSC M22 lr that I just got today. I'm not really comfortable with any other firearm we have at this point. (C9 Hi-Point, and my husband's .40 Walther P99). We have open-carry here, as well as CC without permit.

I know alot of you here may say I should never CC a .22, magnum or lr, however, it is what I am comfortable with right now. I want to work my way up to the C9, but that will never be a practical CC because it's way to heavy and bulky.

So, I would like to know how many of you CC or open-carry a .22? Should I carry the magnum and leave the lr for practice? Could the lr ever be effective in a defensive situation?

Thanks for your responses,
WoB

[gofastman]

Would you CC a .22?
sure,
Id take the 941 and want some good ammo though.
The .22WMR may be a poor "man stopper", but I doubt anyone would absorb 8 of them if placed in a vital area, if you can hit what you aiming at it should work just dandy. I think a .22WMR in the chest will probably drop someone faster than a .44mag to the gut, I could be wrong though.

[Geckgo]

Carry what you are comfortable carrying. If it is going to be a .22 LR, invest in some quality ammo like velociters (10-12 cents per round) for carry purposes. You could also get some high velocity ball ammo for it, but stick to 40gr bullets as a rule. More weight=more penetration.

Since it's cheap anyways, I would also get a LOT of range time to make sure that you are putting the bullets right where you need them with a small caliber.

When you decide to move up, .380s and 9mm come in some pretty small guns.

[gofastman]

Carry what you are comfortable carrying. If it is going to be a .22 LR, invest in some quality ammo like velociters (10-12 cents per round) for carry purposes. You could also get some high velocity ball ammo for it, but stick to 40gr bullets as a rule. More weight=more penetration.

I second this! Almost no .22 hollow points will expand at the velocities you get them moving at from a pistol, and if they do expand they wont go deep enough, I think CCI Maxi-Mag (http://www.cci-ammunition.com/products/detail.aspx?use=1&loadNo=0024) with the flat nose TMJ bullet world be my first choice.

[Hooptie]

I'd thought about it. A Charter arms Pathfinder .22wmr would be a good little pocket revolver.

Then I figured why not a .38? They're really no louder and a .38 isn't a kicker.

[WifeofBleys]

At least during the breaking-in period, ISSC suggests only running CCI mini-mags, 40 gr. I bought 100 today (round nose, not flat). Going shooting tomorrow, hopefully. I hope to get ALOT of practice time with it. I will probably end up CC'ing the magnum, though, not the lr. The .22lr os strictly for practice. OR, would you suggest CC'ing the lr because it has a 4" barrel....the mag has a 2". Would the 4" give more stopping power because of the longer barrel?

[BHP FAN]

I have a S&W 422 I would not hesitate a moment to CC... it's flat, light, and does not jam, and I can dot a BG's eyes with it if I had to.

[pikid89]

Hornady loads a 45 grain critical defense bullet in .22 magnum.....i would go with that

http://www.hornady.com/store/22-WMR-45gr-Critical-Defense

[Losov]

I might, but my present .22lrs are an SP101 chambered in .22lr, and a Taurus PT-22. My LCP is lighter and smaller than either of those so it wins the award.

[Mp7]

if that´s what is there and you need the money for
more important things ....

sure.

Mindset. Skillset. Toolset.

If the first two work, it´s unlikely
you´ll ever get to number 3.

If 3 happens. Keep shooting till threat is stopped.

[Buck Snort]

If a ten shot semi-auto .22 was all I could shoot I'd go with it try to empty the magazine before the perp hit the ground. ;)

[MedWheeler]

I've carried 22s before, too. I would again if I had nothing else. The only one I currently own even remotely suitable for CC is my Phoenix HP22A, which is a single-action autoloader. If I carried it, it would be with the hammer at rest on a loaded chamber, and I'd train to thumb-cock it as I brought it to bear. The Phoenix just has too quirky a double-safety to mess with. I'm familiar with the ISSC, and would probably carry it in the same manner.
That being said, I won't carry it now simply because I have other, more suitable carry pieces, and the Phoenix is twice the weight, half the caliber, and the same size as my primary, which is a Kel-Tec PF-9. But I'd trust it to spit out ten .22LR rounds if I had to.
In your case, I wouldn't use one gun specifically for carry and the other specifically for practice because they are so different from each other. I'd shoot them both for fun and practice.

[Loyalist Dave]

CC depends on what you wear, no? So..., while I wouldn't really want a .22lr as my ONLY CC gun on me, it would be better than none. The situation might really demand it. I know of a fellow who carries a little Beretta at the park while jogging or at the beach, wearing a t-shirt, nylon shorts or swim trunks, and running shoes. I know another fellow who carries a .22 WMR derringer in one of those "wallet" holsters, incase a BG got the drop on him, and wanted his wallet from his back pocket as on a hot day while wearing a polo shirt and shorts, he doesn't feel he can properly conceal his preferred weapon, it being moderate size and heavy.

LD

[mljdeckard]

In a word, no.

There are a lot of options between your .22 and the C9. Hi-points have a lot of bulk, because they are blow-back operated and need a heavy slide. If it is what you are comfortable with RIGHT NOW, I would submit that somewhere along the line you have been conditioned to believe that this is the most powerful think you can shoot. Had you started with something bigger, you wouldn't have had this perception in your mind. This is something to keep in mind when training new shooters. The only way they 'know' a gun is too big, too uncomfortable, or too hard to shoot is if someone tells them it is.

I really think that all of this exercise of jumping back and forth between a .22 or .22 mag, open or concealed, etc, would be better spent learning a good .38. But what the heck do I know?

Having said that, if I were caught with a .22, mine is a 1911 conversion, and I have 15 round magazines for it. I would dump all 15 center of mass and hope for the best.

[ForumSurfer]

Yes, I would carry a .22 IF it were all I had.

FWIW, I have been shot with a .22 cci stinger at close range , close enough I had powder burns. The bullet hit a bone and fragmented into several tiny pieces. I experienced zero pain until a couple of hours later at the hospital. I had no idea I had been shot until I bled. If I had been an aggressor, I can guarantee you that I would not have been slowed down in any way by that one shot.

After that experience, I can't help but wonder what would have happened if it had been a standard fmj round...it could have bounced off the bone and found a vital organ (as opposed to disintegrating into surrounding tissue without much trauma as it did).

So IF all I had was a 22 and IF heaven forbid I needed to use it...I would probably be carrying a mixed load of hollowtip and fmj rounds and empty them all in hopes of a favorable outcome.

Hope that helps...just my opinion.

[bigfatdave]

I don't think either of those guns is small enough to justify carrying a .22.

There are purpose-built mouseguns, the ISSC is a Glock trainer and the Taurus is too big.

If I was going to carry a .22 it would have to be smaller than a KelTec P32 ... which means a NAA mini-revolver or one of the itty-bitty autoloaders (not even sure about most of those)

Open carry of one or the other might be viable, but there really are better guns out there designed for defensive use. If you were near me I'd offer a range trip with a big selection of carry-appropriate guns, but unless you're between Toledo and Sandusky Ohio you may have to get someone else's pile-o-guns.

[CajunBass]

I have a few times, but my wife did for a couple of years. The gun was a Bersa Firestorm for what it's worth, but the reason she carried it was she learned to shoot with it, and had confidence in both the gun and her abilities with it. She later upgraded to a Glock 19, but it was when SHE was ready, not because someone told her to.

[bigfatdave]

how did that happen? Double post somehow.

[DeepSouth]

A 22 is a LOT better than nothing, but almost anything else is better than a 22. If I were going to carry one it would be a revolver.

Just in case you no one has recommended it to you yet check out www.corneredcat.com

[mcdonl]

I will also say the revolver due to the lack of reliability with rimfire ammo. If you have a missfire with a revolver just keep shooting.

[scaatylobo]

I have a few .22 RF's that can and have been carried by me.
They are for BUG to a BUG,and not ever as a primary.
One is the Beretta 70's that was favoried by the Mossad for 'elimination'.
It is the size of the Walther PPK and I can put 9 rounds in a head shot as fast as I can pull the trigger.
the others are N.A. mini revolvers that are pocket carried,and a S&W 317 w/ 3" barrel that is a good woods gun while deer hunting etc.
Also have an old HighStandard o/u .22 magnum that sees pocket carry in winter- when I cannot get to the main gun.
I totally agree with solid point bullets that will hopefully penetrate to a depth that will save your life.

[mr.scott]

I'm sorry but I would never carry a .22, or rely on a hi-point.

You can train all you want and be an expert shot on paper, but when push comes to shove and someone has punched you in the face, your fine motor skills go out the window. You need something that will inflict a lot more damage than a .22.
The reason you don't like your husbands .40 walther is it's .40SW. It's a snappy round. I would suggest selling the hi-point, and the Tuarus revolver and get something like a Smith and Wesson SD9 or hell even a S&W Sigma in 9mm.

There are a ton of options out there that are not a lot more $$$ but a much better value and quality defensive gun.

[Stumper]

I have carried a .22lr and a .22WMR both openly (a lot in the woods) and concealed. I do NOT consider them to be foolish, or ineffective choices, However for CC I do not think that anything trumps the tiny .380 autos that are available now and a .38 spl snubby remains a very effective, controllable and easily concealable gun.

[Ole Coot]

I open carry a Single Six 22mag around the back 40 and when 4 wheeling I have it loaded with snakeshot beside my 45 in a fender bag. If I am dressed where I can't carry anything else I can recommend the Beretta 21A as a reliable, small 22lr, easily concealed.

[rogertc1]

I have carried an H&R .22 revolver. Used it as a car gun too. One thing for sure it is easy placent of 9 round for me.
WARNING
Change your ammo frequently. I put fingernail polish on where the bullet and case meet too. They will absorb oil and make the round inoperative.

[clamman]

My NAA mini in 22 mag is either in my pocket or in the cash drawer. But at home, it's a 357 between the mattress and box spring, and the 1911 in the work shop.

[Hanshi]

I've carried a Walther PPKS .22LR on any number of occasions.

[Vern Humphrey]

No, I would not CC a .22, for these reasons:

1. Reliability -- I have had plenty of misfires with .22 RF ammo.

2. Stopping power. Handguns are marginal anyway, and there is no point in picking such a small cartridge.

3. There are many, many better options.

[heeler]

It would not be the top of my list for carry.
That being said I would if that's all I had.
But if I was carrying a .22 I would insist it be a revolver because my Brother has owned two .22 semi-autos pistols and both were unreliable to be used consistently and the make of one I do not remember but the other was a Berreta.
They both would jam frequently.
I have heard others say to rotate the ammo to keep a fresh current supply for reliability.
On that I dont know as I have never had any .22 ammo that had a dud and more than that I took my old Marlin .22 rifle out recently to shoot and along with some new Winchester .22 ammo I fired 17 rounds of .22 ammo my brother recently found in his closet stuck away in a cigar box and I can positively tell you this ammo was over
twenty years old and all 17 rounds fired without an issue.

[Vern Humphrey]

As I have said many times, most disasters happen because people plan to have disasters.

We're not out fishing now, carring a .22 in case we run onto a snake, and suddenly we're confronted by an escaped murderer. We're safe at home, talking about what we might carry in the future. If one of us decides to carry a .22 for self defense, he has only himself to blame if he finds himself in a do-or-die situation armed only with a .22.

[ForumSurfer]

I have heard others say to rotate the ammo to keep a fresh current supply for reliability.
On that I dont know as I have never had any .22 ammo that had a dud and more than that I took my old Marlin .22 rifle out recently to shoot and along with some new Winchester .22 ammo I fired 17 rounds of .22 ammo my brother recently found in his closet stuck away in a cigar box and I can positively tell you this ammo was over
twenty years old and all 17 rounds fired without an issue.

Yep. My father recently gave me about 10,000 rounds that we had stuffed away back from my childhood. It was forgotten and stored in a shoebox on a closet shelf for 24 years. Winchester white box mostly, but there are some thunderbolts and CCI's as well. I've run through a couple of thousand with no failures so far. That's more than I can say for the last batch of Remington bulk I bought.

[doc2rn]

While neither is ideal I would suggest carrying what your comfortable with for now. In time you will come to see there are many better choices and you will know when the right one comes along cause you will just know. I highly recommend looking at a S&W mod 10 2". You can find these for around $350 used if you prefer revolvers like I do, or if you like semi auto I recommend the FNP-9 over a Glock any day. Remember when you find the one it isnt about the price, its what works for you, it could be a Makarov in 9x18 (can be found for around $250) or a $1500 Colt Commander. Try as many as you can, rent and hold often, and remember nothing beats practice,practice,practice!

[buttrap]

Sure there are better options but ever try to hide a .45 in the tiny inside pocket of a pair of swim trunks? There can be times that a .22 is all that you can hide in some dress options.

[mr.scott]

Sure there are better options but ever try to hide a .45 in the tiny inside pocket of a pair of swim trunks? There can be times that a .22 is all that you can hide in some dress options.
I can carry a pocket .380, either a diamondback or keltec in my front pocket in slacks or jeans and no one ever knows.
If you're carrying a gun in swim trunks you need to find a new place to go swim. And what do you do with it when you go swim? just leave it out on your towel or leave it in your vehicle?

[Vern Humphrey]

If you're carrying a gun in swim trunks you need to find a new place to go swim. And what do you do with it when you go swim? just leave it out on your towel or leave it in your vehicle?
Good point.:D

In any case, you can find small .38s, .380s and even 9mms that are about as small as any .22 going.

[mr.scott]

Good point.

In any case, you can find small .38s, .380s and even 9mms that are about as small as any .22 going.

Seriously, for $300-ish there are tons of guns out there to choose from. If you want a range gun get something comfortable and fun to shoot.
If you are serious about self defense, get as much gun as you can handle. A self defense gun doesn't need to be comfortable, it needs to be reliable, powerful and intuitive to use.

When it comes to a "shoot out" You won't give a darn how ergonomic the grip is.

[Vern Humphrey]

I agree with you on that -- get the gun you want to have when the chips are down. Carry it all the time, and practice regularly.

[phoglund]

I say carry anything you please. If you are comfortable with those handguns and you want to try out open carry or concealed carry, give it a try. If I understand correctly, you aren't carrying anything at the moment. In a critical situation I'd sure rather have either of the .22 caliber handguns you mentioned than nothing at all!

There are no absolutes and everybody is different. Self protection is a continuum of risk, risk aversion, comfort, rationality and emotion. Most people don't carry a weapon at all, let alone a firearm.

If you carried a .22 on a regular basis you'd normally be better armed than I. Personally I think self protection starts with situational awareness, goes to mental sharpness and toughness, progresses to staying in the best physical condition possible and training in unarmed defense and finally gets to proficiency in and carrying firearms. Other's think any physical threat should be immediately initiate an armed response.

I'd say carry whichever of the two firearms you find most comfortable to carry and progress to a more effective cartridge when you are ready. I just recently purchased an ISSC M22 myself and think it will be a great understudy to my Glock.

Disclosure:
I've never carried a .22 as a concealed weapon. I've often open carried them in the past as a woods gun. (A .22 Ruger Single Six, sometimes with the .22 mag cylinder, sometimes with the .22 lr.)

I have a CWP but in fact seldom carry. I can't carry at work (University) and I live in what I consider a reasonably safe community. I'm not too worried about it. Of course I seldom carry when I'm up in the mountains either and I live in Grizzly country. Maybe I'm just not risk adverse. :neener:

[Czar]

All things being equal, I would rather have my 9mm, however, for many occasions and situations, thats not practical, and I have a .22WMR NAA break-top mini which fits cleanly in the coin-pocket of my jeans. 5 shots in the cylinder and 20 more on quick-strips, and while it's not ideal, I imagine it's better than nothing.

[ForumSurfer]

If you're carrying a gun in swim trunks you need to find a new place to go swim. And what do you do with it when you go swim? just leave it out on your towel or leave it in your vehicle?

I can't carry at work (University) and I live in what I consider a reasonably safe community. I'm not too worried about it.

If I knew with 100% certainty that there were no risks, I'd never carry at all. Most of carry to be prepared. If we all knew when trouble would surprise us, there would be far less victims out there. The fact is, bad stuff happens in good places so it doesn't hurt to be prepared...which is the entire point of ccw to begin with.

[tubeshooter]

Bought a Beretta 21A (pocket-sized .22lr) for the mousegun role a few years ago. Carried it a few times and never really felt that good about it. Traded it on something else.

Currently own a S&W 317, which is an 8-shot .22lr on a very light (12 ounce) J frame. Never carried it expressly for SD, but have thought about this gun compared to the old 21A for the role and would feel much, much better about doing so.

Although most everyone will agree that .22lr isn't ideal for SD, it wasn't the round so much that gave me pause as the reliability questions - both with respect to the platform of the (extractor-less) 21A and with rimfire ammo in general by its very nature. At least the 317 takes care of one of those issues.


All that being said, it's no more trouble to carry a .38 snub (or a lot of other options, many already mentioned) than it is to carry the 317. But if I had to press it into the role, I would and not feel too terrible about it.

[gofastman]

Hornady loads a 45 grain critical defense bullet in .22 magnum.....i would go with that

http://www.hornady.com/store/22-WMR-...itical-Defense

hmmm, interesting, sounds to good to be true though. :scrutiny:
Id still go with the flat nose solid 40gr

[EVIL]

I would carry your Taurus 941 over your High Point (which are bulky and hard to conceal IMHO) The Taurus revolver has the edge in reliability too ... but neither are ideal CC weapons. But both are better than throwing rocks or being unarmed...Heck, most people choose to walk around unarmed and would cringe at the thought of carrying a firearm for self defense. I salute you for even asking the question.

There are times where I have carried my .22LR handgun woods loafing, small game hunting and nothing else and I didn't feel at all unprepared. I would say the mindset of being aware, proficient with your chosen arm & being prepared is far more important than caliber size.

I much prefer carrying my .22LR than being unarmed when where prohibited by law :(

[aryfrosty]

I like the little .22s. I have an NAA Mini that I would if I felt the need to do so. I also have a Taurus .22lr DAO that I trust completely. As with any gun you carry.. Practice, practice and then practice more.

[clem]

Yes, a H&R #929 with a 2.5" barrel.

And;

as a retired cop, I can tell you that I'll seen more people killed by .22 LR rounds then other stuff.

[Surefire]

Sure...

It is better than a BB gun.

If all I had was a .22, I would CC it.

Having said that, as long as center fire pistols remain legal I see no reason not to carry a center fire. My biggest concern with rimfires is ignition reliability. While it doesn't happen often, I have had .22s occasionally fail to fire.

[mikerault]

If I knew a gang of ninja squirrels was on the prowl. Otherwise would stick with my 9mm and a .38 sp bug

[easyg]

So, I would like to know how many of you CC or open-carry a .22?
I would rather carry a knife or a pointy stick.

Should I carry the magnum and leave the lr for practice?
It really does not matter....both suck for self defense from a handgun.

Could the lr ever be effective in a defensive situation?
Anything is possible, but the .22 is most likely going to get you killed.

[Brass Rain]

I would, sure, but it wouldn't be my first choice. .22 WMR at least.

[BleysAhrens]

Wow, you are slow on the uptake. Check out velocity of a .22, and the velocity of a stick.. I'll tell you about the .22LR: Anywhere from 1080 FPS, to 1750 FPS. Now lets look at mass: Damn that is a small hunk of copper plated lead.. But wait, that copper plaited lead projectile can travel at velocities beyond the speed of sound. I have shot a rabbit in the side and observed where the projectile had exited the other side, maybe I should say it looked like a jackalope that had shed it's horns. So all I will say is that the human skull, made of bone, or a sternum made of cartilage, just may stop it, or most likely just slow it down. But once it's in you and your soft mushy organs feel it's wrath... So tell me about your stick, or that small pocket knife you have?

[wep45]

of course i would:cool:

[Magoo]

No.

Unless I needed to "sneak" the .22 up to the range firing line.

[easyg]

Wow, you are slow on the uptake. Check out velocity of a .22, and the velocity of a stick..
There's more to effectiveness than mere velocity.
People get killed every year by coconuts falling on their heads...and those coconuts are not falling at great velocity.

I'll tell you about the .22LR: Anywhere from 1080 FPS, to 1750 FPS.
You might get that kind of velocity from a rifle or from a pistol with a 6" barrel, but from Taurus 941 snub-nose revolver with a 2" barrel you will never see that velocity.
And again, there's more to effectiveness than mere velocity.

I have shot a rabbit in the side and observed where the projectile had exited the other side,
You can kill a bunny with a stick too....just saying...

So all I will say is that the human skull, made of bone, or a sternum made of cartilage, just may stop it, or most likely just slow it down. But once it's in you and your soft mushy organs feel it's wrath...
The sternum is also made of bone....but that's beside the point.

I work with a lady who has the unfortunate nickname of "bullet-head"....she was once accidentally shot in the head with a .22 from a rifle.
It didn't even fracture the skull.
She said it felt like a bee sting.

So tell me about your stick, or that small pocket knife you have?
Have you ever seen a person who had been beaten with a baseball bat or a pool stick?
I have.
And yes, they can be very lethal.

As for knives....

Place a small knife in your hand and walk towards a police officer and see what happens....

The cop will draw his pistol, I guarantee it!

Why?
Because cops understand how deadly a knife can be.


If the .22 was effective at stopping humans, then cops would be carrying them.

[Just One Shot]

Only as an absolute last resort. Thankfully so far, that's not been the case for me.

[phoglund]

Ignore

[ForumSurfer]

So all I will say is that the human skull, made of bone, or a sternum made of cartilage, just may stop it, or most likely just slow it down. But once it's in you and your soft mushy organs feel it's wrathI work with a lady who has the unfortunate nickname of "bullet-head"....she was once accidentally shot in the head with a .22 from a rifle.
It didn't even fracture the skull.
She said it felt like a bee sting.


::cough, cough::

I second that.

I was a victim of someone else's nd when I was a kid. I took a 22 to the head. I lived. A hollowpoint (CCI no less) shattered on bone. Close enough so that I had powder burns from an 8" revolver. An FMJ round might have penetrated, or it might not have...who knows? Either way, it didn't hurt or affect me enough to stop me from attacking had I been attacking. As a matter of fact, I slapped my friend in the back of the head for shooting a gun in the house immediately afterward, before I figured out "Hey! I'm shot!".

There are a million factors that alter the effects of a gunshot wound. No two wounds will ever be the same, but after feeling and seeing my wound 1st hand...I wouldn't feel comfortable with a 22 unless I was emptying a dozen or more rounds into the attacker. Even then, I hope he doesn't have a weapon capable of being used on me, because he will most likely have time to use it on me before he dies....assuming he dies. My point is, the stars could align perfectly and the round could penetrate his skull and put him down...or the same stars could misalign and the round will simply bounce or shatter leaving the attacker with nothing but a tiny round scar surrounded by tiny burn marks.

At any rate, it's doubtful the 22 will stop the attack so why carry it? Stopping an attack is the entire point for carrying ccw.

So tell me about your stick, or that small pocket knife you have?

While I would carry a 22 if it was all I had, easyg also has a point that a sharp stick may be better at close ranges. He definitely has a point that one could argue. The stick may be more useful for stopping the attack. The 22 has more deadly potential, but the stick has more immediate fight stopping potential.

[Onward Allusion]

WifeofBleys (http://www.thehighroad.org/member.php?u=141219)
Would you CC a .22?


Yes, I would. However, when one CC's a 22LR it has to be in a tiny tiny package. Otherwise it defeats the purpose of "carrying when you can't carry".

[wnycollector]

I currently have a 22 mag NAA mini in my pocket as I write this post. It is the one gun that I ALWAYS have on my person. It is a ritual when I get dressed, keys and money in my one front pocket, NAA mini in the other and a knife in my back pocket. If I knew I was going into harms way, I would not take the NAA...I would grab an AR or an AK out of my gun safe. The role of the NAA IMOHO is as an insurance policy that I always have with me and that is comforting. To the OP, if you are comfortable with your Taurus .22 mag, I say carry it!

[MedWheeler]

Easyg writes:

...but the .22 is most likely going to get you killed.

Got statistics to back that up? I mean actual numbers that show a greater percentage of people defending themselves with .22 caliber handguns die doing so than survive. (Wait, what is that noise? Oh, never mind; it's just crickets chirping..)

[bingo]

I "cc" a Beretta 71 .22 for over a year now. Feel good with the little rascal. Never had ONE failure with it while practicing. So I feel confident, that when the sh*t hits the fan, it will perform reliable. And it's really easy to carry it concealed. I carry one Stinger in the chamber. Hammer down. And 8 Stingers in the clip. I've got one rule: "It's all about shotplacement".

[easyg]

Got statistics to back that up? I mean actual numbers that show a greater percentage of people defending themselves with .22 caliber handguns die doing so than survive. (Wait, what is that noise? Oh, never mind; it's just crickets chirping..)
Nope, I don't have any stats for you.

But if you're truly convinced that a .22 snub-nose revolver is good protection then I seriously doubt that any stats I could show you would change your mind.

I find it rather strange that some folks would actually encourage others to rely upon a .22 snub-nose for self defense.
It's practically criminal, and down right shameful.

[roadliner]

I'd carry a .22 for self defense before I'd carry a knife or taser.

[BleysAhrens]

Wow, you guys really don't know anything about a little .22lr, or a .22 mag. I will use my .40 all the time, but if she is using her .22 and I'm around I will come running to help her.. But so far she is a good shot so I think she would do fine with her little .22. And yes for up close I would use a stick, or a baton, or a nice fighting knife.

[FMJMIKE]

NO NO NO............... If you have ever had a person try to kill you, you would not be asking this question !!!

[jpg366]

My Beretta-70 .22 is about the same size as my Taurus 709 9mm. As yet no volunteers to catch bullets from either one.

[MedWheeler]

Easyg writes:

Nope, I don't have any stats for you.

But if you're truly convinced that a .22 snub-nose revolver is good protection then I seriously doubt that any stats I could show you would change your mind.

I find it rather strange that some folks would actually encourage others to rely upon a .22 snub-nose for self defense.
It's practically criminal, and down right shameful.

You're straying from what I asked. I appreciate your admitting your blanket statement ".. a 22 will most likely get you killed" is one you cannot support with statistics or other evidence. That's all I was addressing. I never said depending on a 22 snub revolver when other choices are available is wise, nor have I ever advised anyone to do so. I just get annoyed with unsupported blanket statements like the one of yours I was questioning, and that's why I call 'em out.

[easyg]

You're straying from what I asked....
Okay, you've made you point I suppose.
But answer the original poster's question....

"So, I would like to know how many of you CC or open-carry a .22?"

Do you open carry or conceal carry a .22?


Do you think that a .22 snub-nose revolver is good personal protection?

[David E]

I have shot a rabbit in the side and observed where the projectile had exited the other side

This would have been very handy for Eric Idle or John Cleese to have used in this scene:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcxKIJTb3Hg

[David E]

To answer the question, if a .22 is the largest caliber you can control, then it's a good choice for defense.

[BLB68]

You can step up to a .38spl in the same sized frame as a .22 LR revolver (and I wouldn't consider carrying anything but a revolver in .22 LR for SD).

The .38 can be loaded fairly mildly to start, and still be more effective than a .22 LR, and you can work your way up to more powerful loads as you gain confidence and become less concerned about recoil.

If you avoid the ultralight .38s and go with a basic Airweight style (aluminum frame, steel cylinder and barrel), then the gun should be very manageable recoil-wise.

Another option that's less expensive is a Bersa Thunder. Small enough to carry, but not a pocket gun, so a bit easier to control. Reported to be very reliable and to have mild recoil. Good budget choice for belt, IWB or purse carry. Also comes in a slightly smaller CC model with the edges melted off.

[MedWheeler]

Easyg writes:

Okay, you've made you point I suppose.
But answer the original poster's question....

"So, I would like to know how many of you CC or open-carry a .22?"

Do you open carry or conceal carry a .22?


Do you think that a .22 snub-nose revolver is good personal protection?

Do I carry a .22? No, not for protection. I have better choices available.
Do I think that a .22 snub-nose revolver is good personal protection? Yes, I do. However, keep in mind that the word "good" is lower on the chain than are the words "better" and "best". On that, we agree.

[Pyro]

I would.
I carry a .25 so carrying a .22 might actually make me feel better!
Rule 1 of a gun fight: Have a gun.

[jim10017]

Kel-tec PMR-30 with hornady defense ammo. 30 rounds!!!

[Skyshot]

I have a neighbor who used to be an emergency room doctor in Atlanta Ga. He has seen people die from .22 lr's and walk away also, but he says he has also seen people walk away from 9mm's and .38's. Now according to him ,and I have no reason to doubt. He says a close range shot from a .22 lr to the head is about 75% of the time fatal and a shot to the upper torso is about 35% fatal, solid points seem to kill better in the .22 lr. The percentage rate goes up with the caliber, with the .357 mag and .45 ACP being tops with 95 to 98% fatal first shots. That being said who wants to get shot in the face with a .22 lr

[MedWheeler]

Skyshot writes:

..has seen people die from .22 lr's and walk away also,

Wow.. I've been in EMS for nineteen years now, and was in LE before that, and I've never seen anyone die and walk away also..!

[clem]

ZOMBIES!:eek:

[Skyshot]

Forgive my penmanship, I think most people know the point I was trying to make. But thank you for your condescending observation! MedWheeler

[skoro]

I wouldn't unless there was no other option. If it was all I had available, it would definitely be better than nothing.

[gofastman]

Kel-tec PMR-30 with hornady defense ammo. 30 rounds!!!
Although that looks like a nice weapon, if one were to carry a rimfire pistol for self defence, I would highly recommend a revolver, If you have a dud primer you just pull the trigger again.

[JFrame]

No, I would not CC a .22, for these reasons:

1. Reliability -- I have had plenty of misfires with .22 RF ammo.

2. Stopping power. Handguns are marginal anyway, and there is no point in picking such a small cartridge.

3. There are many, many better options.

On point #1, I would agree in principle, but in practical application, I don't recall that I've ever had a quality round not fire in an otherwise reliable revolver. And quality rounds are likely what one would defensively carry, regardless of the cartridge.

I agree that .22 would not be the first choice -- but depending on personal needs, impairment, budget, etc., it would serve its purpose.

[okespe04]

Carrying a .22 would make you an armed citizen capable of using deadly force via a firearm if absolutely necessary.

.22 would not be my first choice.

[frank c]

I have two .22's. One is a Taurus 941 magnum revolver, the other is a ISSC M22 lr that I just got today. I'm not really comfortable with any other firearm we have at this point. (C9 Hi-Point, and my husband's .40 Walther P99). We have open-carry here, as well as CC without permit.

I know alot of you here may say I should never CC a .22, magnum or lr, however, it is what I am comfortable with right now. I want to work my way up to the C9, but that will never be a practical CC because it's way to heavy and bulky.

So, I would like to know how many of you CC or open-carry a .22? Should I carry the magnum and leave the lr for practice? Could the lr ever be effective in a defensive situation?

Thanks for your responses,
WoB
I CC my smith & wesson 351C 22 mag.(airlight)7 rounds(hornady 30 gr.V-max & 40 grain CCI ammo) and around 11oz makes this a great carry bug/mouse gun.It would not be my first choice in a gunfight and that is why I carry my Kahr PM9 and S&W 3914TSW most of the time.

[WifeofBleys]

While I appreciate everyone's responses, I would like to redirect everyone back to my original post in this thread. I am comfortable with a .22 right now. I am new to shooting. For a long time, I wanted nothing to do with guns....until I shot something I was comfortable with (my Taurus .22 magnum). Now, all I want to do is go shooting so I can get more familiar with it. I think carrying a .22 (mag or the lr I just got) would be better than a stick or knife as that implies really close contact with an assailant. The .22 might not be everyone's first choice, but it is what I am comfortable with at this point. Of course, I don't look to carrying a .22 forever. I am going to get more accustomed with a higher caliber firearm and would ultimately move to that as my carry firearm. Right now, though, the .22 works for me. And I rarely go anywhere without my husband and he always carries his Walther .40 P99.

[Mightee1]

If the .22 LR or WMR is the round you are most comfortable and proficient with, carry it. There are better defensive calibers, but if you are unfamiliar with the guns that shoot them (or they are unavailable), use what you can. ANY gun is better than no gun if you ever find yourself in a situation where it is needed.

[PT92]

WifeofBleys--To me, you answered your own question....?

-Cheers

[gbw]

I would, and have.

With a gun you are armed, regardless of caliber. You have the option to shoot or not shoot. Without it you are helpless and without option.

The odds are very very high you'll never ever need a gun. [Unless you are foolish. In that case do not carry a gun.]

If you do need it, odds are good the gun will be enough - no one wants to get shot and you won't need to shoot it. Regardless of caliber.

In the unlikely, rare case when you must shoot it, placement counts far more than caliber.

My view is that, for a sensible civilian, cases where caliber makes any real difference are too rare to consider.

Life is risk. Learn the rules. Learn to shoot your .22 well.

[GLOOB]

Sure, I'd CC a .22. Afterall, some days I carry nothing at all, and I don't feel under-armed.

[glockdriver]

a couple of years back there was a news story about an elderly gentleman down around Salem who was accosted by 2 street thugs trying to get his wallet. His primary CCW was under his heavy winter coat so he had to use 5 shots from the NAA revolver in his coat pocket . One BG wounded and down and I think the other is still running. Police and DA called it justified and jailed the BG after he got out of the hospital

[danez71]

Getting back to the OP's questions.

So, I would like to know how many of you CC or open-carry a .22? Should I carry the magnum and leave the lr for practice? Could the lr ever be effective in a defensive situation?


I have CC'd a 22lr in the past and will again if I decide to.

All things being equal (although, rarely are) the 22mag is just that much better so, "sure, carry the 22 mag if you're ok with it".

While not ideal (nothing is really ideal, is it?), yes, the 22lr could be effective in a defensive situation.

Some may say the 22 lr is ineffective but many people have died from accidentily being shot by a 22lr. Hopefully, you'll be aiming if your using it defensivly there by increasing the odds.

You just have to choose whats best for you. Everything has tradeoffs.

[hiker44]

In the absence of any other preferable concealable handgun, I most certainly would carry a .22. Any gun is better than a cell phone when you need to repel an attacker.

[frankenstein406]

Don't 22s usually "shatter" and fragment everywhere? So I would think you might not die right away but soon. Xrays look crazy when they fragment but heck its all about shot placement.

[winchester '97]

In a small gun for summer carry or as a backup maybe, I would say just go and get a .25 auto baby browning clone for a really tiny ccw piece.

[dnuggett]

While I appreciate everyone's responses, I would like to redirect everyone back to my original post in this thread. I am comfortable with a .22 right now. I am new to shooting. For a long time, I wanted nothing to do with guns....until I shot something I was comfortable with (my Taurus .22 magnum). Now, all I want to do is go shooting so I can get more familiar with it. I think carrying a .22 (mag or the lr I just got) would be better than a stick or knife as that implies really close contact with an assailant. The .22 might not be everyone's first choice, but it is what I am comfortable with at this point. Of course, I don't look to carrying a .22 forever. I am going to get more accustomed with a higher caliber firearm and would ultimately move to that as my carry firearm. Right now, though, the .22 works for me. And I rarely go anywhere without my husband and he always carries his Walther .40 P99.
Then why ask if WE would carry a .22 if YOU are only going to go by what YOU are comfortable with.

I personally will not carry anything less than a 9mm.

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

I would prefer something larger but I trust in my ability to make the shots count. I may be talking big because after all I've never been in a gun battle but self confidence goes along way.

[Vern Humphrey]

Then why ask if WE would carry a .22 if YOU are only going to go by what YOU are comfortable with.

I personally will not carry anything less than a 9mm.
I think it's reasonable to assume that when people ask a question, they want an answer. But reason doesn't seem to apply in questions like this.

Nevertheless, if someone asks me if he should CCW a .22, my answer is always, "No. There are many better choices."

Of course, that answer always provokes a description of highly-improbable circumstances where a .22 is the only choice.

[easyg]

Don't 22s usually "shatter" and fragment everywhere?
No, they don't.

I've X-rayed quite a few folks who had been shot with a .22 (all still alive, including a 5 year old boy who's brother shot him in the face) and I've never seen a fragmented .22 bullet inside a person.

[Ben86]

Could the lr ever be effective in a defensive situation?

It COULD, but not nearly as likely as a larger caliber. You'll learn that there are no absolutes when it comes to stopping power.

The .22 might not be everyone's first choice, but it is what I am comfortable with at this point.

It is important that you use what YOU are actually capable with. But, I suggest becoming comfortable with something more substantial soon. There are so many great compact 9mms out there that are great for CC and easy to shoot, that would be the first place I'd recommend looking.

[Deltaboy]

I have in the past and would again carry a 22.

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

Absolutely.
Sometimes I am forced to carry a pepper spray blaster by Kimber.

I would choose a .22 over pepper spray.

[Stevie-Ray]

I used to carry a Taurus PT-22 for a bit, especially for BUG. But of course the BUG ends up being primary now and then. When I got the KT P32, the Taurus went in the safe and is now just a "fun" gun. I shot Rem Yellow Jackets out of it exclusively. I have no problem with people that carry .22s, as the first rule of a gunfight is have a gun.;)

[mdauben]

So, I would like to know how many of you CC or open-carry a .22?
Honestly? No, I would not.

However, I am not you. I am an experienced shooter and I am 6-foot, 250# so I am perfectly comfortable CC'ing a full size .45 auto. ;)

If the .22 is really the only thing you are comfortable carrying, I would go ahead with that. I would recommend you try and familiarize yourself with other, more effective handguns (.380 auto or .38 revolvers at an absolute minimum, with with 9mm/.40/.45 auto or .357 revolver being preferred) and become comfortable carrying and using one of them.

[woad_yurt]

Sometimes I carry an Iver Johnson TP22 or a snubby H&R 922.