Recommend a .22LR pistol for defensive purposes (I know, I know).

[TFin04]

If I had to carry a 22 for defense it would be a revolver. Auto loading 22's all have reliability problems because of the nature of the 22 round. Anything from pistols to rifles, I have seen all major brands (and all of my own) jam at a pace that would completely rule them out for defensive purposes. Even the high and mighty Ruger 10/22 rifle and their 22 pistols have the same troubles, and I've shot probably over 30 different auto loading 22's in my lifetime. ALL have jammed regularly.

An alloy Smith&Wesson 8 shot 22 revolver will be much more reliable, as well as comfortable to carry.

Just my two pennies.

 

[benEzra]

Matthew,

Unfortunately, it has to be .22 short, long, or long rifle only, no magnums, per state law.

 

[Crunker1337]

I say a S&W or Taurus revolver. 10 or 9 shots respectively and highly reliable.

 

[shooter429]

I, too, say "go long"

The .22 LR is very dependent on barrel length to make enough power for defense. Stay away from the short BUGs as they neuter the already puny .22 to a point which renders it- well, even at point blank, I wouldn't bet my life on it lets put it that way. On the other hand, out of a rifle, it makes power enough for small game and could be pressed into defense. So, I would go with as much barrel as you can comfortably carry. Also, in this case, I would favor a good auto over a revolver because you will have a short, single action trigger and match-type barrel and sights, which make for very fast, accurate shooting. I can put 11 rds on target as fast as my buddy can get off 2 in his 9. The DA revolvers are just not as good in this department. I recommend the Browning Buckmark over the others though the Ruger Mk3 would do. If you have the money the 41 is nice enough, but my Browning makes one ragged hold at 15 yards offhand.

As far as ammunition, the debate rages. Some like Stingers, others Vipers others Aguila. I like Stingers and Velocitors in my gun.

Good luck.

Stupid laws... grumble

Shooter429

 

[skeeter1]

I would suggest CCI Velocitor even over CCI Stingers. Even though Stingers have a velocity of 1640 fps and 191 ft/lbs of energy the projectile is only 32 gr. Velocitors fire a 40 gr projectile but still reach 1435 fps with 183 ft/lbs of energy. I would feel safer with the heavier bullet especially since it's get plenty of speed and energy.

My choice of ammo for a .22 as well. Stingers are just too persnickety in some guns to be reliable, and their accuracy is always suspect. I can't think of anything bad to say about Velocitors, other than I wish they were cheaper. Oh well, you can't have it all, I guess.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

Even though Stingers have a velocity of 1640 fps and 191 ft/lbs of energy the projectile is only 32 gr. Velocitors fire a 40 gr projectile but still reach 1435 fps with 183 ft/lbs of energy. I would feel safer with the heavier bullet especially since it's get plenty of speed and energy.

Out of a pistol? Not likely. You need to knock about -300-500 fps off of that which will put you at substantially less energy.

 

[MCgunner]

Quote:
Even though Stingers have a velocity of 1640 fps and 191 ft/lbs of energy the projectile is only 32 gr. Velocitors fire a 40 gr projectile but still reach 1435 fps with 183 ft/lbs of energy. I would feel safer with the heavier bullet especially since it's get plenty of speed and energy.

Out of a pistol? Not likely. You need to knock about -300-500 fps off of that which will put you at substantially less energy.

+1 Sound like rifle velocities.

I have one cheap autoloading handgun that likes stinger, actually loves the stuff, quite accurate. Also, my 10/22 loves the stuff. Amazing. Usually stinger is quite inaccurate compared to normal loads in most guns.

I mostly shoot mini mag in that 10/22, likes that, too.

 

[cowboyneal]

I carry a S&W 317 3" barrel, IWB, when I walk my dog (who has a penchant for skunks and the like). It weighs around 12oz, holds 8 rounds, and is quite accurate. I like the CCI Quikshok rounds @ 1600+fps, segmented HP bullet; they're HOT, and they work.

Josh

 

[KevininPa]

You gotta.......

.......love the CCI rounds. Everybody talks about different forms of firearms, but CCI is always the ammo of choice. For the first time since I've owned it I had problems with my Firestorm. But as soon as I switched to the CCI Mini-Mags instead of the Rem -550 bulk pack, they went away. To be fair to the Rem-pack, the box was almost gone, so it was already cruddy. You can expect only so much.
I forget who mentioned it , but thank you for the info on the Velocitors, I never knew they were 40 grainers. Will definitely carry those on my dog-walkin' missions. Honestly, that is one of my two dogwalkin' firearms. The other is a Bonds Arms derringer. Have a good Weekend!

Kevin in Pa

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Out of a pistol? Not likely. You need to knock about -300-500 fps off of that which will put you at substantially less energy.

Jorg,
I never said you would get those velocities from a pistol, I was stating what they were rated at. When you start 400 fps higher than other ammo even when you lose speed because of the short barrel you end up with 400 fps higher than the other. Take off 400 fps from the Velocitors you still have 1,035 fps. Take off 400 fps from CCI Mini-Mags and you end up with 835 fps. I would say the Velocitors are a good choice like I said in my first post. http://www.cci-ammunition.com/ballistics/rimfire.aspx

I forget who mentioned it , but thank you for the info on the Velocitors, I never knew they were 40 grainers.

That would be me Kevin. You're welcome...

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

I never said you would get those velocities from a pistol, I was stating what they were rated at.

Fair enough, but in a thread about pistols, it is wise to point out that those are rifle velocities and the resulting velocities and ft/lbs are substantially less out of a pistol, lest someone think that a .22LR out of a pistol approaches the muzzle energy of a more powerful cartridge when, in fact, it suffers badly from the shorter barrel.

They still would be a better choice, as you stated, but very underpowered compared to even a .380.

 

[sundoc]

I just picked up a S&W 317 .22LR w/8 shot cylinder..loaded w/ccl quik shok 32 gr HP....very light, no recoil, highly highly reliable, and very accurate in the 5-7 yd range; yes I am using it for carry/defensive use as it is all I can handle given a recent accident...

 

[jad0110]

Thanks to everyone for the helpful replies. I am familiar with the Ruger, and have shot a stranger's S&W .22LR revolver once at the range (awesome little gun), but had never heard of a lot of the others.

ben,

That may well have been me, lots of people get to shoot my S&W K-22. Do you frequent either B&R Range in Havelock or Sportsman's Lodge in Jacksonville?

For SD, I would much prefer a revolver for the same reasons others have stated: rimfire ammo unreliability, as compared to centerfire. I don't get many FTFs, but it is still just enough to give me pause about packing a rimfire auto for SD.

 

[CajunBass]

My wife's first CC handgun was a Bersa Firestorm 22. That little gun runs like a sewing machine with CCI mini-mags. She's been shooting it for years now, and I don't ever recall a misfire with that ammo. Cheap bulk ammo, yes, but not with the CCI stuff.

Since you can open carry, I'd probably go with a Ruger Mk II or III, for the longer barrel, same ammo, but that little Bersa is a good choice.

 

[benEzra]

That may well have been me, lots of people get to shoot my S&W K-22. Do you frequent either B&R Range in Havelock or Sportsman's Lodge in Jacksonville?

That was actually in Florida (I used to live near P'cola, moved back here in '03) but I do frequent B&R quite a bit. My wife and I last went there the Saturday of Labor Day weekend; I was the guy shooting playing cards with the 3913 on the pistol side, and an AK/Kobra on the rifle side.

 

[p35]

I have a Ram-Line .22 Exactor with two 15 round magazines that's totally reliable and very light, although it's pretty large. Could be hard to find one these days- they never really caught on- but it might fit the bill. Other good choices would be the S&W .22 autos they used to make- they made some that were all aluminum framed with a 10 round mag- or maybe a Walther P22.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I have a Ram-Line .22 Exactor with two 15 round magazines that's totally reliable

The issue goes beyond the reliability of the gun to addresss the reiliability of the ammunition. Rimfire ammo tends to have a disproportionate percentage of misfires.

 

[Thor Bloodax]

detached retinas

SM said on Sept 4

"I work with physically limited folks, that have no other choice, than to use a
.22 rim-fire for defensive purposes.
Some do not have weak side hands/arms, some are under Doctors orders for NO recoil (but .22 rim-fire the exception) due to detached retina, neck/ back surgeries."

That concerns me. I have had detached retinas in both eyes so I no longer shoot shot guns or big centerfire rifles. I do shoot all calibers of handguns including .357 Mag, .45 ACP and .45 Colt. What sort of risk is that?

Old Tom

 

[6_gunner]

Ruger MkII or Single Six.

 

[V-fib]

my ccw is a 642 with CT laser grips. Around the homestead cutting firewood,chores or whatever its my Taurus 94 snub .22lr with CT grips of course. I've never had a single problem with the Taurus.

 

[Gun Slinger]

ben,

After considering all posts herein and the many thoughtful suggestions offered, my thoughts center upon recommending that you acquire either a used S&W K-22 or a used/new Ruger Mk II w/5" barrel. Finding a new Ruger Mk II is not impossible as of yet with a little looking about.

The new, but certainly not improved, Ruger Mk III's are troublesome little gadgets in my practical experience as well as in the experience of two of my closest friends who would rather cuss them than discuss them. The Mk III's are a "flop" in my opinion, take it as you may.

Unfortunately, it may be even more difficult to find, let alone acquire, a used S&W K-22 as those that have 'em don't wanna part with 'em, at least not without some decent outlay in exchange.

Should you end up with either one, I would load it with the fastest 40 grain solid out of the tube on your particular gun as expansion and velocity will certainly not be optimal from the short barrel and you might as well go for what you can get, which in this case, is penetration.

Nice shooting, ben.

Good luck,

G/S

 

[Tim L]

The issue goes beyond the reliability of the gun to addresss the reiliability of the ammunition. Rimfire ammo tends to have a disproportionate percentage of misfires.

Vern got it exactly right. 99% of the problems I have had with my rimfire guns is ammo related. What ever gun you choose try as many brands of ammo as you can. Some brands have multiple problems per magazine while others have been 100% reliable.

Tim

 

[WuzYoungOnceToo]

I note that the regulation the OP quoted simply says "22-caliber pistols with barrels, not greater than 7.5 inches in length and shooting only short, long or long rifle ammunition", not ".22 caliber rimfire" pistols. So I say you tote this bad-boy on your next hiking trip:

The barrel is only 7.25", and the 22-caliber ammo looks "long" to me.