.22 WMR ? No place in SD?

[toivo]

Did somebody say ".22 WMR"? Cool!


Oh, it's a self-defense thread? Never mind ... But ain't it cute?

 

[JB111]

Useless, no. My first choice, no. I have a few single action revolvers in .22 magnum and use them for varmint control and for snakes back when I fished (very swampy and snaky part of the state I live in). It is a very worthwhile round in that regard, but for self defense, I would have to have more than 6 rounds of it to feel comfortable and have yet to see a very reliable semi auto. I don't trust keltec and the Walther is sourced out to umarex, a bb gun company. I actually want one of the walthers to use for plinking, but would not really trust it for SD or HD either.

 

[Tallball]

I would take 32 S&W long instead, but it's a lot better than nothing.

 

[tws3b2]

So, There you go. Your answer from those who know. Yes, No, Maybe, If. Now you 22 WMR SD Educated.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

I dissected a .22 WMR cartridge. The .22 magum powder charge filled the 0.5cc powder dipper that came with my Classic LeeLoader for .45 ACP/.45 AutoRim. Which would be a high end .38 Special powder charge.

From a 4.3 inch pistol barrel .22 magnum 40 gr bullet is 1350 fps according a review of the Kel Tec pistol. Which is not near the performance of .22 magnum in a rifle. But. It is beyond .22 LR high velocity ammo from a rifle and approaching .22 LR hyper velocity from a rifle.

 

[Walkalong]

Point blank it would ruin your day.

 

[chicharrones]

My favorite set of videos showing the barrel length when a .22 WMR wakes up a bit compared to .22 LR.

3" barrels with separate chambers. A 4.3" barreled pistol with integral chamber ought to be similar.

 

[GEM]

About the Kel-tec pistol, this is only anecdotal but I've seen a guy shoot several matches with one and could not get through a stage without a jam. Don't know the details of ammo, etc. So if you go get one, reliability must be tested. However, I will opine that it is internet BS that you will shoot a stream of rounds and hit a target in a dynamic situation. Be better off with a higher capacity 9mm, reliable semi if you can shoot such. I understand hand problems.

Is it useless - NO. I had a SW 651 and found it jammed up with gunk after 50 rounds. Would I be helpless if it was my only revolver - no. But not optimal.

 

[chicharrones]

About the Kel-tec pistol, this is only anecdotal but I've seen a guy shoot several matches with one and could not get through a stage without a jam. Don't know the details of ammo, etc. So if you go get one, reliability must be tested. However, I will opine that it is internet BS that you will shoot a stream of rounds and hit a target in a dynamic situation. Be better off with a higher capacity 9mm, reliable semi if you can shoot such. I understand hand problems.

Every gun can be different.

I know that the only PMR30 that I've had the pleasure to fire on several occasions performed better with 40 grain ammo with a decidedly round, but pointed bullet. Something like a Remington PSP. 30 grain Hornadys have the right bullet profile, but the light weight was not as reliable in cycling that particular gun.

Plus, the mag on that gun needed to be downloaded to 28 cartridges otherwise the first two rounds wouldn't feed from the magazine reliably.

Is it useless - NO. I had a SW 651 and found it jammed up with gunk after 50 rounds. Would I be helpless if it was my only revolver - no. But not optimal.

For a "defense" revolver, 50 rounds before cleaning is something I could live with as I probably wouldn't get up to 50 rounds through the tube in a self defense situation. I'd just have to bring a chamber cleaning brush to the range for practice.

Reminds of my fussy Beretta Bobcat .22 LR. Before I wore it out, it would always make it through at least two magazines before having issues that a chamber cleaning would resolve.

 

[chicharrones]

I would take 32 S&W long instead, but it's a lot better than nothing.

Pretty much why I settled on a small frame snub nose .32 Mag 6-shooter over a .22 Mag 7-shooter. Except I don't fill it with .32 S&W Longs.

 

[doubleh]

I have never done any energy comparision between the 22 LR and 22 mag from handguns except shooting swinging steel targets. Using that criteria I disagree with those saying the 22 mag is no better than the 22 LR. There is a definite difference in how much movement is produced by each and it is enough that if limited to only those two options it would be the mag for me.

On a lighter note, even if you miss the noise and muzzle flash should scare most attackers away.

 

[unclenunzie]

https://brassfetcher.com/Handguns/22 Magnum/22 Magnum.html
https://brassfetcher.com/Handguns/22 Magnum/22 Magnum Handgun Terminal Ballistics.html

I am of the opinion that in a snub revolver it would be acceptable as a very light weight option. But I still prefer 38 special.

 

[oldschool45]

Had a girlfriend that carried a Ruger revolver in 22wm. Always thought if we got into a "situation" I could justify shooting before her as a "humanitarian act." I would not want to get hit with a varmit load at bad breath distance from a 22wm. Shooting it from inside the pocket of a cheap walmart hoodie with wasn't bad. However light primer strikes (needing a 2nd hit to fire) were a bit disconcerting.

 

[CDW4ME]

I'm late to the party.
Cliché sayings already posted:
"Wouldn't want to get shot with it"
"Better than nothing"

If a 22 WMR is all you have, then it is "better than nothing".
If a 22 WMR is the most caliber you can control, again "better than nothing".
I could apply "wouldn't want to get shot with it" to a BB, pellet, or spit ball, so that is hardly a lofty validation of performance.

Assuming one has other (better) options they can carry than a 22 WMR...
Carry the 22 WMR for "back-up"? - Okay beats not having one.
Carry only the 22 WMR? Why? If you have other (better) options why choose to bet your life on the lesser?
Standing in this spot a 22 WMR is deemed sufficient to stop attackers, but in that spot a 380 or 9mm is preferred makes no sense.

 

[.38 Special]

I wouldn't, unless I had no other options. The power just isn't there, and rimfires are not quite as reliable as I would prefer.

Of course, there is no reason to distrust the axiom that the majority of gunfights are ended without a shot being fired, as the presence of the gun alone is enough to dissuade further combat.

On the whole, though, I'll stick with my .357.

 

[Atavar]

I can pretty much guarantee that if I put six .22wmr holes in a bad guy I can run faster than he can.

 

[21H40]

I can pretty much guarantee that if I put six .22wmr holes in a bad guy I can run faster than he can.

Well, probably, I guess... but it depends on lots of the details -

• Where did those six rounds go exactly?
• How fast of a runner are you now?
• How fast of a runner was the guy you shot before being shot?
• If he loses 90% of his speed and agility, can he still beat you down?

What is more mathematically true is that I can guarantee that if you used 45's in the exact same wound locations then you would have at least double the size of the holes. That will be true, but whether it makes a difference or not will depend on lots of details.

 

[Walkalong]

……..
Carry only the 22 WMR? Why? …………...

Was working in 80/90/100 degree heat in blue jeans and a t-shirt, the little NNA .22 Mag in my little leather pouch could slip in my pocket unnoticed. I forgot about it once and brought it with me into a local prison picking up a totaled vehicle from their bodyshop class.

Yes, if I’m going to a gunfight I’m bringing something eles, yes, if I have more clothing it’s easier to carry something bigger. Yes, I generally do, this was 40 years ago when small pistols were few and far between.

I generally carried a 1911 with 7/8 rounds back then when I could, still do at times, but mostly the P-365 accompanies me these days.

I would still point out that it’s so easy it’s better than anything you got lazy with and left at home.

 

[bannockburn]

Walkalong

Way back when I use to take a little Beretta 950BS with me if was making a late night run to the local convenience store. Didn't feel the need to go with breaking any heavier artillery out, like a J frame .38 Special snubby.

Nowadays I tend to take a micro 9, such as my SIG P365X, or if I want to travel a bit lighter, then it's my Ruger LCP MAX.

 

[Atavar]

Well, probably, I guess... but it depends on lots of the details -

• Where did those six rounds go exactly?
• How fast of a runner are you now?
• How fast of a runner was the guy you shot before being shot?
• If he loses 90% of his speed and agility, can he still beat you down?

What is more mathematically true is that I can guarantee that if you used 45's in the exact same wound locations then you would have at least double the size of the holes. That will be true, but whether it makes a difference or not will depend on lots of details.

Sigh, another debate wannabe

 

[ilbob]

JMNSO.

The 22 WMR is an anemic cartridge.

An anemic cartridge well aimed is better than a poorly aimed more powerful cartridge.

Personally, I am not a fan. Just no real benefit to my shooting activities.

 

[JERRY]

Because the 22 magnum is more popular or more common it will be easier to find the snubby revolver for those that are recoil sensitive in need of defensive carry.
However, the 32 Smith and Wesson long in the same size gun will give you about the same ammo capacity with an easier trigger, less blast, and the same amount of "stopping power". I hate to say stopping power but that's just for those that are not in the know because they can relate.

 

[trackskippy]

Ive had a 22mag NAA mini in my back pocket behind my wallet for a couple of years now. Its not my "primary" gun and really nothing more than a novelty to me, and mostly just something to screw with my buddies when they ask if I have a gun along, if it comes up.

While I always thought they were pretty much a joke, and for the most part, still do, if you take the time to figure them out and learn to shoot them, they arent as bad as youre usually told, at least in the accuracy and shootability departments. Baring hitting something important, Im not sure how things would go with the rounds, but, at least Id be pretty sure they wouldnt be happy, and I had a pretty good chance at hitting "something" and spoil their day. Now whether or not 5 rounds is enough, who knows.

I didnt think this was to bad, for something that's supposed to be "unshootable" past point blank. 5 yards, as quick as I could thumb them off....




Maybe Remington was thinking sideways was better.





And how can you not have something like this if you are from the Greenie Stick'em Caps era?

 

[Walkalong]

Walkalong

Way back when I use to take a little Beretta 950BS with me if was making a late night run to the local convenience store. Didn't feel the need to go with breaking any heavier artillery out, like a J frame .38 Special snubby.

Nowadays I tend to take a micro 9, such as my SIG P365X, or if I want to travel a bit lighter, then it's my Ruger LCP MAX.

I remember those, very nice, not in the budget back then.

 

[Brubz]

Ive had a 22mag NAA mini in my back pocket behind my wallet for a couple of years now. Its not my "primary" gun and really nothing more than a novelty to me, and mostly just something to screw with my buddies when they ask if I have a gun along, if it comes up.

While I always thought they were pretty much a joke, and for the most part, still do, if you take the time to figure them out and learn to shoot them, they arent as bad as youre usually told, at least in the accuracy and shootability departments. Baring hitting something important, Im not sure how things would go with the rounds, but, at least Id be pretty sure they wouldnt be happy, and I had a pretty good chance at hitting "something" and spoil their day. Now whether or not 5 rounds is enough, who knows.

I didnt think this was to bad, for something that's supposed to be "unshootable" past point blank. 5 yards, as quick as I could thumb them off....

View attachment 1149258
View attachment 1149259

Maybe Remington was thinking sideways was better.

View attachment 1149260



And how can you not have something like this if you are from the Greenie Stick'em Caps era?

View attachment 1149261

I found my NAA Wasp .22 Mag surprisingly accurate. Now I would not want to be in a situation where I fired my 5 and needed to reload, ouch