22lr carry for defense??

[defjon]

I think that is interesting that there are still people who think a "revolver" is a good choice for carry. I am all in favor of a revolver as a "range toy" or even as a hunting gun in the large calibers (although 10mm semi-automatic is probably a better choice).
Namely, why would you want to limit your ammo capacity to 5 or 6 rounds when even the tiny carry guns like Sig P-365X has 12+1 as standard.
At the ranges that I frequent, the people that shoot revolvers seem to have much worse accuracy than even the new shooters of semi-automatics.

Huh...I've seen the exact opposite. I guess we cancel each other out, and now we know about how much our range observations are worth!

 

[Rodfac]

Personally, I regard a .22 carried for SD purposes, useful only as an 'intimidator'...it looks like a more powerful weapon and that may be enough. But it will not measure up if the need to shoot becomes a reality. For that eventuality, I believe that nothing less powerful than a .38 Spl or 9mm will do. YMMv, & it's your rodeo but...remember those who depend on your good judgement and skill to defend them. Choose wisely; then attain & maintain mastery with your choice. Rod

 

[d2wing]

I always advocate carrying a full sized fighting handgun in an effective caliber. Almost three decades as a cop, trainer at two academies, and thirty years as a competitive shooter....until you can't. The advantage, for your wife, seems to be a pistol she is willing to carry, willing to shoot, and doesn't cause her pain. No one will really argue that a 22lr, even in it's most "effective" loading is not ideal for defensive use. That said, for some it IS effective for self defense because they CAN employ it more effectively than a larger caliber. If she can empty a whole swarm of those angry little bees into an aggressor to stop an attack, create separation, break contact and get away....then, they ARE as effective as a larger caliber. It's a strange Catch 22 (pun intended), but there ya have it.

I agree very much. A gun you can shoot is better than a gun that you cannot shoot. I just went to a gun class and the instructor, also a retired parole officer says that experienced killers prefer .22 LR. Different than self defense, yes. And sometimes you just can't prepare for worst case scenario. If you can, great. If not don't lose too much sleep over it. Odds are in your favor.

 

[DesertFox]

A 9 shot 22LR revolver gets around the rimfire unreliability. Shot placement is everything. Location, location, location. 3-4 hits to critical areas like face should subdue. Personally, it would be in BUG pocket carry status.

 

[Jim Watson]

Update on ammo compatibility
40 rounds of Punch OK in M&P 22 C.
Silvertip not reliable in any auto, hard extraction from revolver. Fail.
Waiting on Uppercut.

 

[Rodfac]

40 rounds of Punch OK in M&P 22 C.

That M&P .22C is one very reliable pistol. It's my highest (nearly 100%) reliable auto .22. The others include: Ruger Mk2, Colt Woodsman, M-41 Smith, two Ciener uppers for my 1911's, and a Sig upper for my P226. None of these come close to the M&P .22C, which will feed and eject anything that goes bang. Just wish it had a better trigger.

That said, all of my revolvers are more reliable with regards to weapon originated problems: Smith M-18, Colt New Frontier, Colt King Cobra Tgt, two Ruger Single Sixes & a Smith M-63. Best Regards, Rod

 

[Jim Watson]

My M41 and Nelson Conversion are very reliable... with the right ammo, i.e. CCI standard in the Smith, MiniMag in the Nelson.
My CZ Kadet Conversion is now very reliable, after following a tip on the CZ board to bevel the ejector.
I need to dig the Woodsman out and give it some range time, just because.

But right, a nicer made gun with the M&P-C magazine and feed way would be great. After "break in" it has shot everything I put in it except some Browning label standard velocity and the recent oddballs, Silvertip and Stinger.

The problem with .22 revolvers is sticky extraction; Stingers and Silvertips are bad. I need to test other ammo on hand for that.