.22lr vs .22wmr revolvers

[Gordon]

Sounds like few have actually killed something with a .22 mag.
The .22mag is the slaughtering gun of choice around a large percentage of ranches I've seen in the western states. The reason is ; it is not an "iffy" proposition like the .22lr is-yes even behind the ear! I found this out years ago and being a 'gun person' have other options. Those who just want a clean drop with the minimum fuss go with the .22mag and never look back.
The mag in a pistol is very close in effectiveness to a .32auto, FMJ for FMJ and HP for HP.A .22mag is a good solid bottom rung in effectiveness in dropping ALL animals under slaughter conditions(including steers!) , like the .38spl is for humans.

I did know a pilot in VN of an 'Air America' plane that shot his capturers dead with a .22mag to the face from a High Standard Derringer, he said it dropped them like rocks!

 

[telomerase]

This thread needs more drift!

.22 mag is awfully loud and distracting. All rimfire revolvers have to have (OTBE) harder trigger pulls than centerfires. I think cookekdjr is right about .32 mag, it makes more sense to use a pistol round in a pistol.

So, what's the "best" .32 for an elderly or weak person (i.e., which has the best trigger, shortest trigger reach, etc.)? Taurus 731? Old Smith 631? Ancient I-Frame and handloaded S&W Long? The recently-discontinued 331? I like SP-101s too, but they are a bit bigger and heavier.

OK, OK, I'll throw myself out of this rimfire thread and start one on .32s....

 

[kjaniak]

I shoot the TNT rounds out of a 1-5/8 NAA mini. Nice gun for deep concealment and I wouldn't have any problems carrying a J frame in .22 mag for defense at all. If I could find a stainless version for a fair price I would be all over it.

 

[bigdavep]

I've looked up every data reference I can find regarding my 4" barreled Taurus .22 mag revolver, and best I can figure, I can launch a jacketed hollow point at somewhere around 1400 fps. For self defense, that means a supersonic impact and very good penetration in the target... bullet's small, 30-50 grain usually, so penetration is key to stoppage... nothing like speed to give you penetration!

Same revolver launching .22LR gets about 800fps.

I'm 6'4" and can carry my Taurus mag in an IWB holster with no problems.. it is my current choice for SD weapon.. little bullet probably won't go through a wall and kill a baby in the house next door, but I think the eight shots I get will probably deter Mr. Criminal inside my own house. And the noise, if you're listening from the muzzle end as criminals would be doing, is freaky. HUGE blast from such a small gun.

I suspect if you take two or three of these in the gut or the chest, you will know it, and you WILL be thoroughly discouraged.

And a revolver puts an end to the questions about how the safety works, whether I need to rack a round or not, and even what to do about a misfire. Just keep pulling the trigger.

Eight is enough. .22 Magnum is sufficient.

 

[Bezoar]

well it seems the general gun guru consensus is that a 6 inch 22 mag revolver barrel gives you the same velocity as a 22lr rifle with a 18 inch barrel on it.

Wasnt it skelton or Ayoob who said the best little friend they had was a 9 shot 22 mag snubby?

 

[Daizee]

I use CCI Velocitors as my baseline "best" .22LR for hunting.
A .22mag would still beat it at most barrel lengths, I think, but remember the Velocitor is a full 40gr bullet.

Actual measured velocities for comparison (does anyone have anything similar for .22mag?):

                                5-shot Avg. Vel.
                         4" SP101          22"? Win 9422    20.5" CZ 452 Lux  
                         ---------        --------------    ----------------
Federal Auto Match
Bulk pack $10/325rds     1009             1179              N/A
40gr solid

RWS Rifle Target
40gr lube solid          N/A              N/A               1060
$50/500

Federal Value Bulk
$10/550rds               1037             1227              1258
36gr copper-washed HP

CCI Velocitor
40gr copper-washed HP    1106             1344              1415
$7-$8/50rds

-Daizee

 

[Eb1]

So, what's the "best" .32 for an elderly or weak person (i.e., which has the best trigger, shortest trigger reach, etc.)? Taurus 731? Old Smith 631? Ancient I-Frame and handloaded S&W Long? The recently-discontinued 331? I like SP-101s too, but they are a bit bigger and heavier.

I love my 32 H&R Mag in a Taurus 731 UL. It shoot 100 grain HP from Georgia Arms at an average of 1070 fps @ 15 feet.

P.S. My mother who is 63 takes it with her when she is not staying here. It is my carry gun, but she likes it. Now that I have the .22WMR in SA from Heritage. She will be taking it instead.