if you absolutely had to use a .22 for self defense?

[Ben86]

Apparently, you thought that "self defense" meant "mafia assassin"........

That's hilarious. I'd like to suggest making a get away by either throwing a smoke grenade and slinking into the darkness or using a grappling hook gun to reach a high roof and get away leaping from roof top to roof top with a full moon as your backdrop.

Federal bulk pack is fantastic, but doesn't seem to expand much from my experience. That only matters if you want to use it for hunting.

 

[PO2Hammer]

FWIW, CCI Velocitors only clock about 1,050 fps out of my 5" revolver, the same speed as Mini Mags, so I don't see any advantage to them in a handgun.

Velocitors run 1,380 fps from a 16" rifle though, pretty darn good for a full 40 grain load.

In an auto pistol I would choose Stingers for the reliable CCI priming, extra recoil to operate the gun reliably, the nickel plated cases for easy extraction and the speed out of a handgun for power/expansion.

If I were in the OP's shoes I would consider a 10/22 youth carbine and Velocitors.
Youtube video of Velocitor in gel

 

[Dogguy]

Given your limitations and choices and the fact that your gun appears to function perfectly and accurately, I would load it up with CCI Stingers as you are doing and consider myself as well-armed as possible.

 

[PT92]

I'd try to get a close in ambush hit on the threat, press the muzzle up against my opponent's head, and then fire repeatedly. It maximizes the probability that I score an incapacitaion hit while under stress with a low caliber weapon. Admittedly, it's a terrible piece of advice, but if I am in a situation where a 22lr pistol is my only means of defense, I don't think cartridge choice is going to matter that much.

I agree that a .22lr is not a first choice for HD/CCW, but one loaded up with CCI Stingers makes me "feel" rather secure. My BUG is a Beretta 21A Bobcat and it's entirely reliable cycling this load.



-Cheers

 

[Justin]

I know it's outside of the scope of what the OP asked for in this thread, but something worth considering might be one of the FN FiveSeven pistols.

It's a centerfire round, which means it will be more reliable than the vast majority of rimfire ammunition on the market.

Ballistically, the round achieves the same velocities from a handgun that you'd get from a rifle firing .22 magnum.

It has extremely low recoil, easily the least felt recoil of any centerfire handgun I've shot.

And the standard magazine capacity is 20 rounds, which is nothing to sneeze at.

The only thing that might be an issue is that the FiveSeven is a service-size handgun, and therefore might be a bit too bulky for concealed carry.

 

[Pyro]

I'd go for a premium CCI lrn .22 bullet.
I wouldn't go for the HP bullets because of the lighter weights.

 

[lloveless]

One other problem with scoring your bullets is that they might not feed as well.
ll

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

Even though it has already been mentioned, the FiveseveN is a good choice if it's recoil doesn't bother you and you can afford it. With the right rounds, it is up to .45 ACP in wounding capabilities.

 

[Ben86]

Has anyone checked out the RIA micro mag .22 tcm? If you are into 1911s and wanted something in .22 that is one bad little caliber. From what I've read it gets better velocity from a pistol than 5.7x28 does. It probably costs a pretty penny though.

 

[Maple_City_Woodsman]

FWIW, CCI Velocitors only clock about 1,050 fps out of my 5" revolver, the same speed as Mini Mags, so I don't see any advantage to them in a handgun.

I agree. The problem is there is only so much powder that can be burned in a 5" barrel. The Mini Mags seem to be the best option - you get twice as many for the same price, and the handgun performance is essentially the same.

I know it's outside of the scope of what the OP asked for in this thread, but something worth considering might be one of the FN FiveSeven pistols.

That is a good suggestion. I own a FiveSeven, and I overlooked it for one important reason - Price! The performance is certainly superior to a 22Lr for a similar level of recoil ... but at $1,000 for the gun and $.50 per round, its cost of operation is several orders of magnitude above any rimfire - an entirely different tier of investment.

 

[pioneer461]

CCI cranks out quality ammo, and they have a wide selection. Most of my .22 lr firearms perform best with CCI Mini-Mag ammo.

We do the best we can with what we have. As I enter the autumn of my life, I often reflect on which handgun I will ultimately be able to shoot best if recoil should become a problem for me. I've seen friends and colleagues who have had to quit shooting because of such things as arthritis. I may be in the early stages in my support hand.

I own 3 twenty-two caliber handguns. One is an antique (1908) Iver-Johnson, 8 shot revolver with 6 inch barrel. It has a very long and heavy double action trigger, but firing single action is manageable.

I also own a Sig Arms Mosquito. A very accurate and dependable pistol when cleaned and lubed properly. A joy to shoot.

Finally, I own a NAA Mini-revolver, with both .22 lr and .22 magnum cylinders. Being such a small pistol, the NAA would not be my first choice as it can be difficult to shoot accurately. The model I have has no rear sight, and there is a lot of pressure loss due to the extremely short barrel (1-1/8"). It's what my neighbor calls a "Get the f**k off of me gun."

There has been a lot of development in .22 ammo lately, mainly in the magnum loads. Ammo makers are loading magnums with jacketed, controlled expansion bullets, such as Speer Gold Dot, Federal TNT and Hornady Critical Defense. I expect they will be making some long rifle loads with those bullet options before too long.

In my personal unscientific tests, I have fired the magnum Federal rounds that expand to about 9mm and penetrate about 12 inches of water and the Gold Dots with a bit less expansion, although still impressive, with 15 inches penetration. I haven't had a chance to shoot the Hornady stuff yet, but I like their design concept. The jacketed bullets blossom nicely as they expand, unlike the lumps-o-lead we see in traditional .22 HP bullets.

Ask anyone who scoffs at the lowly .22 if they would like to be shot with one.

 

[45crittergitter]

In .22 LR, I'd most likely use the CCI Velociter (1145 fps from my Ruger pistol) or CCI Mini Mag +V (1286 fps from the Ruger pistol). But, consider a .22 Magnum.

 

[Pyro]

If it could feed em reliably, I'd make sure my .22 was broken in with this bullet.

 

[Justin]

That is a good suggestion. I own a FiveSeven, and I overlooked it for one important reason - Price! The performance is certainly superior to a 22Lr for a similar level of recoil ... but at $1,000 for the gun and $.50 per round, its cost of operation is several orders of magnitude above any rimfire - an entirely different tier of investment.

Regardless of the caliber, .22 LR will always be cheaper than just about any centerfire gun. But, yeah, I agree, the 5.7mm ammo is spendy, that is for sure and for certain.

 

[FMF Doc]

My aunt carries a Beretta 21A and likes the CCI Stinger in 37gr. If that feeds in your pistol, I would give it a try. Honestly, 12 rounds of anything into an attackers head will get the job done. To be honest, the first one of two probably get it done...the last 10 are just for good measure.

 

[Sparelink]

here is a video some 22lr rounds effectiveness

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAkOzr6cDx0

 

[epijunkie67]

I notice you asked about which .22 to use for self defense because of your health issues. When I read that what I really see is someone who has problems with recoil due to health issues, and that is a whole different focus.

If you can fire a .22 pistol then you can lift the gun and pull the trigger. So a different question to ask would be "What light, low recoil pistols could I get that would be effective at self defense".

Yes, .22lr is an option but you really should investigate the .22mag pistol from Kel-Tec and the FN57. I own the FN and it truly does have the recoil of a .22lr.

When my wife wanted a self defense pistol for herself here at home (I work nights and she is alone a lot) I let her shoot quite a few. She turned out to be the most recoil adverse person I've ever known. She liked my .22 Buckmark target but hated everything else. 1911, 9mm, 45lc with cowboy loads, full sized steel frame .357 mag shooting .38 special, everything. She hated all of them.

I saved the FN57 for last. 3 rounds out of it and she turns to me and says,"Hey, I like this. It doesn't kick!" She then proceeds to chew a ragged hole into the center of the target with the remaining 17 rounds in about 12 seconds, tables the gun and says, "I just want you to know this is mine now. You can buy another one if you want but this one is going on my side of the bed." And there it has stayed ever since.

By all means use the .22lr if it truly is the only thing you can shoot or if the other options are too expensive. But please consider at least exploring other options that might still work well for you and be better self defense options as well.

 

[chhodge69]

Were I in your position I would choose a 38 special revolver loaded with target rounds. The weight, recoil and method are all virtually identical to a 22 but the effectiveness would be improved greatly.

 

[PT92]

My aunt carries a Beretta 21A and likes the CCI Stinger in 37gr. If that feeds in your pistol, I would give it a try. Honestly, 12 rounds of anything into an attackers head will get the job done. To be honest, the first one of two probably get it done...the last 10 are just for good measure.

This very rig/load is my BUG. I have total confidence in its cycling capability (absolutely critical when thinking of using rimfire in a semi) and while not so much in its stopping power, I feel rather confident if the need ever rose to deploy it.

-Happy Holidays

 

[horsearcherwannabe]

My grandfather was a itinerant country bucher. One christmass I gave him a 100 round box of the CCI minimag HP. For the next few years he used that box up shooting cattle with a bolt action rifle. There were no misfires and only one cow took a second shot. The cow that took a second shot was a cream white colored herford brahmin cross that had a wierd shaped head. I think gramps hit her a little to high.
I have a ruger 10-22 rifle that rides around behind my truck seat. I will let you guess what I have in the clip. BTW the rifle box is locked and attached to the truck by a cable. The clip is hidden seperatly. I had one widow smash and grab all ready. I don't want some SOB useing one of my guns on some one.

 

[gofastman]

I have had better luck with Aguila than CCI in the reliability department, not to say CCI is bad by any means.

just my $.02

 

[Quaamik]

I'd stick with Stingers if they are reliable and accurate.

For .22 LR reliability is the most important, accuracy second, penetration third and expansion should be an afterthought.

The .22 LR out of a pistol does not have energy to spare. It has to use much if its energy to penetrate. 9 inches of penetration (the minimum of the FBI protocals) is going to be a pipe dream for many versions of it. 9 inches of penetration and effective expansion? Forget about it - there isn't enough energy there to do both.

Practice a "failure to stop drill" (two in the chest followed by one in the head) until it becomes second nature.

 

[Quaamik]

A few others mentioned the possibiltiy ofother low recoil calibers. If you are financialy in the position to look at a different pistol (in my experiance finances aren't usually great when medical problems are in the picture) there are several good choices:

Ruger GP100 or SP101. These are heavy revolvers in .357 but have litteraly no recoil when loaded with .38 target loads. Depedning ont he medical issure, the gun weight may be too heavy though.

Taurus Titanium Tracker is also a .357 but a lot lighter than the Rugers. Loaded with .38 special target loads, the felt recoil of the tracker should be around that of a .22 LR in your Walther. Size is going to be larger though (not sure if you want to carry it).

The Kel-Tek PMR-30 is a .22 Magnum semi auto with a 4 1/2" barrel and a 30 round capacity. Recoild isn't much more than the .22 LR yet the added effectivness and number of rounds on tap make it a much better choice.

The FN FiveSeven is a semi auto in 5.7x28 witha 20 round magazine. Recoil is about the same as the PMR30 (22 mag) but the centerfire ignition is more reliable an the cartridge packs a bit more punch out of a pistol than the .22 mag and more wounding power than the .38 special. It's downside is the expense of the gun and ammo.

Out of them all, the PMR-30 would be the one I'd look at hardest. Both the gun and the ammo are inexpensive (as such things go). Recoil should be manageable. Performance will be better than the .22LR. Last but not least, 30 rounds in the magazine is comforting.

 

[wlewisiii]

Had to? My wife's Colt Woodsman can't be beat as a .22 pistol. Put any decent round in it and it will do the trick if any .22 can.