.22LR OR .22 Mag. Black Widow ?

[scalper]

I certainly don't advocate the use of .22 in any form as a primary defense weapon.

My problem is that often times I just don't want to mess with packing my .45. I mean, sometimes I am wearing light summer clothing and running to the grocery store. Or a quick run to the gas station.

The nice thing about the little revolvers is I put it in my pocket like my billfold and it is always there.

Yeah, if I had my .45 I would use it. And most of the time I do (75%). But 25% of the time, it is not on me. I always have my .22 WMR Mini Master right in my pocket (100%). And I do believe that 5 shots of CCI .22 WMR ammo to the head and neck do have a strong possibility of at least slowing down the perp. Allowing me to make a quick exit. Keep in mind the threat of getting shot alone is usually enough to make the perp run.

 

[MCgunner]

Yeah, a .22 to the face will definitely get the guy's attention, LOL. That's how I'd use it, to the head. I agree with Scalper on this one. I normally carry my KT P11 in 9mm and will often use the NAA for back up just because it is no pain to carry at all. That's whats really neat about the little thing. No matter how you dress, even small pockets and shorts, you can carry the little fart. I've even carried the thing folded in a watch pocket!

 

[Redhawk1]

My carry gun is a S&W model 411 in 40 S&W, but I carry my NAA 24/7 also in my pocket.

 

[22-rimfire]

I frankly don't understand why anyone other than law enforcement would carry two firearms (as in concealed carry). Carrying one is a pain. Unless you are in a volatile location, the extra gun is just baggage. I have no problem at all carrying the NAA mini-revolver as a primary self defense firearm. All that said, I carry a Smith 442 38spl revolver. I'm considereing the new Ruger LCP in 380 as an alternative. The Smith 317 would be just fine as far as I'm concerned. I just don't own one.

 

[Redhawk1]

Because I can....

 

[22-rimfire]

And that is the only answer to my question that makes the least bit of sense to me.

I'd choose the 22LR in the NAA mini myself. Not sufficient power gain for the noise factor with the mag. Hitting what you are aiming at past 6 feet is another question.

 

[MCgunner]

22-I understand where you're coming from. I wonder about folks that walk around with a 40 ounce 1911 IWB for the same reason. IWB is a PITA, especially with a heavy gun. But, an airweight/ultra lite/airlite revolver or subcompact 9mm like the CW9/PF9/P11 or Rohrbaugh if you have Bill Gates' wealth are not that big a deal to tote in a pocket and offer better power and firepower (my P11 anyway) than an LCP or P3AT. I do kinda think I'll get me an LCP, though. I like the size of those little things. Really, though, the little P11 rides in a front pocket all day and I don't even notice it unless I think about it. I only carry the NAA just because it vanishes in a pocket, no big deal to carry. I mean, why not? I mean, for primary, the NAA is better'n nothin', but it's no biggy to carry more gun to me. I ain't one of those guys that walks around with a Glock 20 and a G19 for back up, though. I mean, a pocket 9 is an excellent choice for civilian self defense IMHO and is no problem at all to arm up with.

Everyone has their threshold of PITA with CCW I guess. For me, pocket carry of a sub 20 ounce compact weapon isn't a problem in a good pocket holster, be that gun a P11 or a Smith 642. I do have to choose my pants with larger pockets in mind, though. The NAA will fit in any attire possible and with the belt clip on the holster, heck, you don't even need a pocket!