I suppose it's better than a knife, but it would be just about the last caliber of firearm that I would choose to defend myself or a family member with. Now I know someone is going to say, "there are a lot of people in the morgue that died from .25acp bullet wounds". I would not argue that........ but the purpose of shooting someone is to stop the threat as soon as possible, not to have them die 6 hours or two days later from mortal wounds. IMHO the .25 acp just does not have enough shock power, knock down power, sectional density, or just about any thing a good defensive cartridge should have.

I own a Colt 25acp 1908 Pocket Pistol and I love the little thing as a collectible and to pop off a few rounds once a year, but I would never carry it for a S/D gun.

My .02 cents...........

chief38