There are several reasons in favor of a .22 handgun for close-in self-defense. First, whether semi-automatic pistol of revolver, a shot or two into the assailant’s center mass at the very least will startle and impede the assailant enough for the defender to get away. Second, close-in shots to center mas are capable of being lethal. Third, .22 ammunition is very affordable and, accordingly, makes very important frequent range time more accessible resulting in ensuing confidence and competence.
Recoil from a .22 handgun is exponentially less than that of the 9mm.
It is your duty not only to yourself, to those who love you to prevail against rape and criminal lethal threat. It also is your duty protect your assailant’s next target.
For home defense, a pistol. Much easier to move with it, bring it up to fire etc.
.22 is a fine caliber for home defense. A .22 can kill and give that in a home defense situation, your target will be very close.
I have 2 .22 handguns. Both will be very useful in a home defense situation.
The gun best for you, is the gun your are best with.
Never used one (WANT ONE !!!) but have heard nothing but great things about them.
Guy at work just bought the pistol version of it. (hasn’t fired it yet !!!)
As you’ve asked about AR-15’s on another posting, why not get a 16" barrel AR-15 then get a CMMG or other .22 conversion kit, so you can introduce the AR format to yourself and others plus practice less expensively.
I think this may be a good place to answer some of your questions.
Because of age and arthritis I have gone to a Taurus TX22 as a carry gun. My choice for Ammo is CCI Stingers. The above article has good info and several good choices.
I am a 9mm fan, but when my wife first began to train, she was much more comfortable with a 22lr. From this, I bought her a Ruger LCP II (22lr) with the light rack system (VERY easy to rack the slide). Once we figured out which ammo brands the Rugers function best with (name brand high velocity), she was off to the races. She is very comfortable with her pistol, and I think that’s more than half the battle from the home defense perspective. I sure as heck wouldn’t want her aiming at me with it- she’s very accurate with this lighter load. I’d rather her be able to hit 9 or 10 rounds 22lrs, than miss more than 50 percent of 9mm rounds if she’s in imminent danger of bodily harm.
Helpful. I wonder if other Ruger brand semi auto’s also have as easy a slide racking system or is it harder to rack the larger the caliber?
.22 shot gun?: We’ll maybe not quite, but I noticed during the height of the Pandemic 2020, this other cartridge was available, and at an affordable price. I chose only to pick up one box, but still have not practiced with it yet. I’m not sure if it’s even allowed in most ranges, but possibly only where shot guns are allowed to be fired. Apparently is has 12 small shot gun like pellets in each cartridge and is mainly for pest control, I guess on a farm or for large outdoor property varmint management. I imagine more appropriate for a rifle or the more longer barreled revolvers; Not ideal for self defense, and can’t be compared to an actual bullet.
The .22 shot shells are designed primarily for dispatching snakes at the range of a couple of feet. Definitely not a self defense option unless maybe you hit the bad guy in the eye or he dies from laughing too hard after you hit him in the chest with it;)
The only Ruger handgun I own is the LCP 2 in .380. It is probably the hardest one to rack of any pistol that I own. Not much slide to grab onto and a reasonably stiff recoil spring. Very doable but I wouldn’t recommend it for someone with hand issues.
I have had a Smith & Wesson 622 auto for 45 years and never experienced a misfire or problem except for very poor ammo from Remington (avg 6 failures per box of 50).
Definitely recommend a 22 or 22mag if that is what works for the little lady. The important aspect is to feel comfortable shooting it then practice, practice, practice. Shot placement is a key to successful defense in close quarters (among other things of course). A shot or two in the face with a 22 will certainly take the steam out of an agressive person.
If, for some reason, it doesn’t neutralize the threat, empty the magazine in his face. Guaranteed!
Burdo- I believe the only other “EZ Rack” pistol that Ruger offers is in 380 caliber. At the time I purchased the 22lr for my wife, there was no 380 ammo to be had anywhere, so I went with the 22lr instead.
A .22 rifle would be easier to leverage out of someone’s control. For that reason alone I’d stick with a handgun.
And I’d load it with high velocity 40 gr solids.
And get a lot of practice with it.
If that were my only option.
CCI’s #11 shot is also referred to as dust.
Not what I’d rely on for anything other than a mouse or snake as close range.
And certainly not to defend against a meth head.
Snake shot will effectively rule out using a semiautomatic as anything but a single shot,
Ruger Mark IV Target Bullnose, if your adamant on .22. It will do .22LR, Semi-Auto, very accurate. Night stand yes, woods yes, CCW no / maybe. You and your gals might want to look at some of the .380 offerings too. But hey, you Gals can handle anything. Explore and find your fit…
Ruger 22 with punch 22L is a self defense round Federal sells them for about 25 dollars a box. But I would say if you feel uncomfortable with a firearm that has a safety on it then may I recommend a Ruger or Smith and Wesson 357 that will also take a 38 round. This round has minimal recoil. My reason is clear in the middle of the night and someone is in the house. You dont usually think about taking your firearm off of safe which could cost time this doesn’t matter if your a woman or a man. The beauty of this firearm is it holds six rounds and they come in defense rounds you dont have to think about taking off safe just point and pull the trigger. For some women not all it needs to be that simple. A 357 is easy to load easy to unload and easy to maintain plus it will fire two types of ammunition. My wife has one for home defense and is very content with having on her night stand. I hope this helps
Bill
A lady from church asked me to take her to the range. She had never held a gun much less fired one. I started her on a .22 pistol. Then a 380 and single and double stack 9s. I then handed her my 45 caliber 1911. I asked if she wanted to fire any of them again. Yep. The 1911. The heavier gun absorbs the recoil and is easier to shoot accurately. She recently called and asked if I would go with her to buy her first gun. After that I’ll recommend USCCA.
Helpful. I wonder if other Ruger brand semi auto’s also have as easy a slide racking system or is it harder to rack the larger the caliber?