While a .22 mag certainly has the potential to possibly kill, or stop, or otherwise discourage an attacker, there is no good reason I can think of to intentionally pick it as a first line self defense round. There are too many far better choices. Maybe ok as a BU, or if deep concealment is mandatory, it might be the only choice or best choice available, but not when you're planning on putting in the same size package that can carry a .38+P or even a .32 Mag.

quote:

Originally posted by SmithNH:
I'd love to hear all the .22 Magnum naysayers explain this one.

South Carolina Trooper Mark Coates was killed in the line of duty by one shot from an NAA .22 LONG RIFLE mini revolver. Officer Coates had five center of mass hits on the perp with his .357 magnum revolver yet the perp lived. Officer Coates was wearing a vest yet died from one hit by a .22 LR.

Story

Does any here think shot placement is more important than caliber?

Mind boggling bad luck. Just terrible.

quote:

Originally posted by epj:
While a .22 mag certainly has the potential to possibly kill, or stop, or otherwise discourage an attacker, there is no good reason I can think of to intentionally pick it as a first line self defense round. There are too many far better choices. Maybe ok as a BU, or if deep concealment is mandatory, it might be the only choice or best choice available, but not when you're planning on putting in the same size package that can carry a .38+P or even a .32 Mag.

I've got to agree. I like NAA minis as deep concealment guns, but there is a reason I just ordered a holster for a 6" 629.

The NAA in either .22 LR or .22 mag is certainly great for deep concealment. When I carried everyday, I ocassionally carried a LR verson, but usually I carried a Kel-Tec .380. It was just about as concealable, and probably a lot more effective. Nowdays, when I do carry, it's a 642 with +P ammo, or a 4" Kimber 1911 stoked with .45ACP JHP's.

The minature guns do have a place in self defense. The OP was suggesting a J frame in .22 mag, when you can get the same gun in .32 mag or .38 Spc. Just makes no sense at all.

I'm staying with the .38/.357 J-frames, but I sure wish they held more ammo. Two attackers 7-10 yards away, bobing and weaving behind cover, may take a lot of rounds to hit. That's why I carry a Glock 19 when practical, too bad the Glock 26 is too big/square/heavy for most pocket carry.

I have a 351PD. I carry it in my front right pocket when working in the yard or in my front left pocket as a BUG. I have a couple of suggestions. First would be get the Federal 50 gr. HP's. They are the heaviest bullets I've found in the caliber. The sectional density is .145 which is equal to a 200 gr. .44 or a 180 gr. .40. Less wasted powder and the best penetration you can get. Second, practice head shots. I have a 6 ft. tall x 4 ft. wide board that I wedge aluminum cans in longways and practice emptying the cylinder in the bottom of the cans at about 10-15 ft. I can easily put all seven rds. in a human head sized area (that's not moving) at 15 ft. real fast.

It's certainly better than a sharp stick in the eye!

I used to own one, but sold it prior to even having a chance to fire it. I had heard "rumors" that the bullet would tumble after a short distance. It honestly kept me awake at night worrying about it's stopping power.

Around the yard or in the woods walking the dog or deep hot weather cover..my .22 auto seems best.

In a real world i.e. crowded/urban setting..no question my M-40,M-65 or M-19.

I trust the .357 or .40 ...

quote:

Two attackers 7-10 yards away, bobing and weaving behind cover,

I hope that you have a very sympathetic Prosecuting Attorney when you explain how your attackers were bobbing and weaving behind cover and you still needed to shoot. This stretches the idea of self defense.

Not if they're boobing, weaving and shooting.

quote:

Originally posted by flop-shank:
Not if they're boobing, weaving and shooting.

Yeah, I forgot to mention that part...

I carried a High Standard .22 Mag Derringer as my 3rd line of defense when working in Uniform (after the M28 in my holster and the Colt Cobra BUG) and as my BUG to a M39 in plainclothes. It was a last ditch, "me-or-them-at-arm's-length" choice. I practiced "eye shots" on a B27 target with pasters on the head. In the end, I was pretty consistent out to 10 feet and thankful that I also carried a very sharp boot knife.

If I had had room enough for a J-frame, it would have been a 36 or 60 with Supervels, NOT a .22 mag. Since we are talking about someone who has a choice and a J-frame is an option, why not a .38 or .357? If your friend has a physical limitation that prevents using a more effective caliber, all I can counsel is practice, practice , then practice some more. (But then, that's what I'd recommend with a .38 or .357, except with them, he could practice center of mass instead of heart or head shots)

Not my choice for defense, but I sure wouldn't want to be shot with one!

I HATEwhen they bob and weave.

This is why I insist on a MINIMUM of my .32 H&R Magnum "Undercoverette" in my shoulder holster.

I prefer to carry my .44 Special Bulldog! It's no bigger than most short-barreled .357 Magnum revolvers (slightly larger than a "J" frame S&W.) Loaded with GDHP ammunition, if I do my job, it should get the job done.

End of story.

Scott