Combat 22!

[Zundfolge]

Special Operations have been using .22 LR and .22WMR for years with very good success,

Popping unsuspecting folk in the head when they aren't looking isn't "Combat" nor is it "Self Defense" ... which is the role firearms play in the lives of normal people.

 

[RP88]

I would not be using a .22 in combat. If that was all I had, I would stick a decent scope onto my Savage MKII, keep about 50-75 yards of distance, and aim for the throat or back of the neck of any unsuspecting enemy walking through. No need to be confrontational with a .22 rifle.

 

[CoRoMo]

...what you guys would think if you HAD to use a 22. Seriously if all we had...

Rather than brow beat you into your shoes like many of the posters here have chosen to do, I'll answer your question honestly.

I think Art nailed it. I wouldn't go into offensive mode with a .22lr gun, but for defense, when nothing else is available, would of course be better than nothing. And I believe, better than a knife.

That tactical 10/22 would only be used to aid my retreat. Holding the .22 rifle in my hands would give me the slightest measurable amount of comfort above not having a firearm at all, but it wouldn't make me confident in any manner.

I don't understand the idea that a knife would be better than a rifle, even if the rifle is a rimfire. I don't believe for a minute that if any of us were trying to defend ourselves in a life & death situation, and the nearest table held a large fixed blade knife and a 10/22, that anyone here would pass up the gun for the blade.
Maybe the edged-weapon-trained ninja, but not me.

 

[jambo545]

Thank yo CoMoRo, I guess most of the people on this topic failed to read the part where I stated " if that was all you had" You people need to quit trying to make my fun question an argument and question peoples ability to choose a propper weapon for combat. I for one would not choose it, but I figured it would get some interesting posts considering all you had was a 22. so I guess I need to change the title to WHICH IS BETTER FOR COMBAT A 50 BMG or a 22lr. You people need to read the damn post and quit trying to tell people they are dumb for their response!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jambo545]

NO king ghidora WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT COMBAT RIFLES we are talking about the 22lr DOES EVERYONE HEAR THAT. IF THE 22LR WAS THE ONLY RIFLE ON THE PLANET!!!!!!!!

 

[Zundfolge]

IF THE 22LR WAS THE ONLY RIFLE ON THE PLANET!!!!!!!!

If that was the case then I'd keep my .22 for harvesting food. With home made body armor I could waltz across a line of 10/22 packing foes with a pointy stick and probably win the war.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

^^^^^^^^^^^ that's great!!!!!

 

[jambo545]

I guess I'm not good enough for you combat experts that professionaly argue on the internet, I give! have a nice day arguing with yourselves.

 

[JDGray]

If it was the only weapon at my disposal

A .22 would work great on face, eyeball shots, can't fight if you can't see. Would be better suited in a close range sniper roll. Groin shots, just to be mean

 

[Dr. Fresh]

I wouldn't mind having an SBR 10/22 converted to full auto with a big mag.

It'd be more like a small-caliber SMG than a rifle at that point.

 

[TheWarhammer]

Reprinted from http://www.ruger1022.com/docs/israeli_sniper.htm

In 1987, the Intifada - the Palestinian uprising against the Israeli regime in the Occupied Territories - broke out, and involved mass violent clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians protestors. As a result, the Israeli security forces needed a weapon with a more potent firepower then the standard riot control metal covered rubber round, but at the same time less lethal then the standard issue 5.56 mm round of the M16/Galil assault rifles. So the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) searched for a 0.22 caliber accurate rifle that will be used to take out the key protest leaders by shooting them in the legs.

The Ruger 10/22, fitted with a X4 day optic, a full length suppressor and a Harris bipod was selected for this role and was due to be issued to all infantry oriented units, including both special and conventional forces. However, as often happens in the shoestring budget IDF, financial problems prevented the weapon's mass distribution, and it was mainly issued to Special Forces (SF) units. Moreover, instead of using the rifle as a riot control weapon, as originally intended, the Israeli SF deployed the Ruger 10/22 more as a "Hush Puppy" weapon used to silently and effectively eliminate disturbing dogs prior to operations.

In the recent Israeli-Palestinian clashes began in 2000, the Ruger resumes it's original role as a less lethal riot control weapon. However, it's usage in this role was rather controversial this time. After several incidents involving the death of Palestinians by the Ruger fire, the IDF conducted a field experiment in the Ruger at the IDF Sniper School in Mitkan Adam under the supervision of the IDF Judge Advocate General (JAG). The test showed that the Ruger was more lethal then thought especially in upper body injuries. Also, since it's suppressed and was considered less lethal by the troops, the soldiers were much more likely to use the Ruger loosely then intended.

As a result of this test, the JAG reclassified the Ruger as a lethal weapon. As a lethal weapon, the usage of the Ruger in riot control is much more limited today. In the IDF Center Command it was completely prohibited to use and the IDF South Command it's deployment was cut down dramatically.

Civilian sniper with the Ruger 10/22 sniper rifle (right), Designated Marksman (middle) and a spotter (left) during the Israeli-Palestinian clashes in the Occupied Territories May 2000.

Operator armed with the Ruger 10/22 Suppressed sniper rifle during the Israeli-Palestinian clashes in the Occupied Territories, October 2000.

Same caption as above. Note that the sniper has a Sig Sauer handgun tacked in his vest.

 

[Justin]

Closed at the request of the original poster.