I know – “Why would anyone in their right mind ever consider the .22LR for self-defense?” Using the .22 for self-defense is a frequently discussed topic and often creates huge augments. I try to base my opinions on facts and logic with a dash of common sense thrown in.
Here are a few thoughts:
- An extremely high volume of .22LR rounds can be thrown down range upwards of 100 yards give or take – accurately.
- Generally, most .22LR firearms are lighter than larger caliber firearms.
- Semi-auto .22LR firearms are less reliable than their centerfire counterpart.
- Many that are scared or apprehensive to shoot larger caliber firearms find it easier to shoot the .22LR – thus the “First rule of a gunfight is to have a gun.”
- Many real-life self-defense encounter videos have the criminal element running at the first sight or sound of a firearm.
- Statistics show that the .22LR provides a one-shot stop nearly 40% of the time.
- Many .22LR firearms are less expensive than their larger-caliber counterparts. This increases the chances of actual firearm ownership.
- While compared to other handgun calibers velocity of the .22LR is on par or even higher in many cases.
- The mass of the .22LR is significantly less than typical self-defense calibers such as 9mm, 45ACP, and 40S&W.
Let’s just cut to the chase – the .22LR is not the ideal round for self-defense whether at 7 feet or 70 yards. What it most certainly is is an option. It’s an option that in thousands of cases has worked – and in others, it hasn’t – just like every other caliber.
Not everyone is cut out to be Rambo. Not to be sexist, however, it is typically women that are apprehensive to firing larger caliber firearms. .22LR’s? Usually not a problem once they actually get just a little trigger time. This is advantageous in that preparing for any defensive plan requires as many people behind a gun as possible – even if some of those guns are .22LR’s.
I’ll take my S&W M&P9 2.0 9mm or my Stag Arms 5.56 carbine over any .22LR any day. I’ll take my Mossberg Shockwave or my Ruger .45ACP Lightweight Commander as well. I would also prefer one of my M&P15-22’s loaded up with 25 CCI Mini-Mag’s over being unarmed every day of the week.
Rourke
Shop Palmetto State Armory for the best deals on .22LR firearms – and anything else you can think of.
[UPDATED for 2020]
