.22 magnum according to Bill Jordan

[loneviking]

Growing up I raised cattle and we would have a butcher come out to kill and field dress a bull or steer every couple of years. The butcher would down a 1000 pound cow with a 22 mag shot between and just above the eyes. Now, that's from a rifle at about 10-15 yards and not a handgun, but the round can be very effective.

 

[cal44mag]

For a carry mouse gun, I think either a 32 acp (if you favor semi's) or a 32 H&R (if you like revolvers) makes a lot of sense.

Both give you at least one more round than a 5 shot 38 J frame, and in the case of the 32 H&R, equal 38 special muzzle energy.

As for 22 mag, it's a great small varmint rifle cartridge, but loses a lot in a handgun -- particularly a snub. I don't think I'd go there for carry. If I ever get a 22 mag handgun, it would be something like a 7.5 inch Single Six where you have enough barrel to get an advantage over 22LR.

Besides, in my county the Sheriff does not allow 22 caliber guns on your carry permit anyway.

My 13.5 oz 32 H&R Magnum gets the nod over any 22 mag in my book.

Remember there are more options available today that in Jordan's time and he might have come to a different conclusion if he was on the job today.

 

[shafter]

I have great respect for Jordon, Skeeter, and Keith, but as MaterDei sort of pointed out they were from a different era. Times change, new stuff comes out, theories are proven and disproven.

This. Those guys used the best they had available in their day but times change. Hard to say what they would pick if they were alive today but I'm betting that if that given some range time with modern firearms some of their choices might be different.

 

[Confederate]

I've had more reliability issues with rimfires than with centerfires. For me, that's reason enough not to use a .22 mag for CC. And I'm not Bill Jordan.

That may be, but the 22 mags are generally much better made. And if you use a good brand of 22lr, you're also much less to have problems. In other words, don't bet your life on Thunderbolts! I use CCIs most of the time and can't remember the last time I had a dud. As for home self defense, my Ruger Mark II doesn't make me feel unarmed at all.

 

[22-rimfire]

I think Jordan may well have liked the 32 H&R over the 22 mag.

For me, the 22 mag is too noisy in a handgun for the little power advantage over the 22 LR. It is certainly different in a rifle. As Confederate said above, I also do not feel undergunned with a 22 LR whether I'm home or out and about.

 

[WestKentucky]

When searching for my wife's first handgun the first two guns I put in her hands were 22 mag revolvers. One S&W and the other the LCR. Much to my dismay she wanted a bottom feeder and went with a glock 42. I'm still saddened by her choice as I was truly excited about an LCR 22 mag, and the glock is a stinkin glock. She made a good choice though, she shoots it well.

My experience with 22 mag is limited but I have seen it do impressive things. It has poked holes in my thin swingers when a 45acp just dented it. 22m put lights out instantly on a groundhog at 50 yards. 3 days prior I put a 22lr into the same critters forehead at 6 yd and he shook that one off. I put 1 22mag into a coyotes ribs at 80 yes and he made it about 60 yards before collapsing. All with a single six 4-5/8" it's not quite centerfire power, but it's close and it's focused. It's also light enough recoil to not develop too bad of a flinch so it can still be fairly accurate.

 

[22-rimfire]

I guess you just need to find yourself a LCR in 22 mag.

 

[icanthitabarn]

My old and, new at the time, High Standard, nine shot snub, shot five inches left and, the same, high but was dead on and wicked in SA.

 

[kBob]

Oh boy another Zombie thread! Originally buried in 2008 and shambling along again.

For me as at lest one of the older posters (both his age and the age of the post) the first rule of gun fighting is "1. AVOID GUN FIGHTS."

......but number two is, "2. HAVE A GUN."

A .22 Magnum revolver is a gun.

If the person bearing the .22 Magnum is comfortable and confident and competent with the .22 Magnum, don't harass them.

My sister's House, Car, and Carry gun is one of the old HS DA.22 Magnum revolvers. It has served her for about 30 years now. Her hubby carries a HS O/U DA .22 magnum derringer at all times, even when carrying something more formidable.

My point being they are both comfortable, confident, and competent with their choices. Might not be my first, second, or third choice for a handgun and cartridge combo in either case, but it is their choice and for the past three decades has worked.

Move along......

-kBob

 

[MrBorland]

Oh boy another Zombie thread! Originally buried in 2008 and shambling along again.

yup - and I think we've discussed this enough since 2008.