15-22 as a home defense weapon?

[Brett248Vista]

I have a 9mm closest to me when I would be most vulnerable and I can
use that 9mm to get to my Shotgun or my Rifle... Both of which are loaded
and ready for action.

But assuming I can get to my rifle and shot gun.. I'm going for my
shot gun. One mag is full of 1oz slug, the other 00 buck.



I will say this though.. I'd rather have a 22LR than nothing! They can and will do damage.

 

[SpicyTunaRoll]

History ain't a bad thing, so you might want to read up on the assassination attempt.

Six 22lr bullets fired from the revolver. The 1st one hit James Brady in the head & dropped him. The Brady Act, obviously named for him, is where your background checks come from on firearm purchases. 2nd shot hit a police officer in the back of the neck. 3rd bullet missed & 4th hit a secret service agent in the stomach, dropping him, as he attempted to shield the President. The 5th & 6th hit the limo, with a ricochet of the 6th that hit Regan in the armpit... which almost killed him.

I'm not arguing which round or gun is better. Just saying any projectile flying at over 1000 feet per second can easily incapacitate.

thats why i said, "shot placement is key". notice almost all the people got hit in vital area's? head, neck, armpit(lymph nodes), back(spinal chord).
dont get me wrong. i am not one of those that claim: "if its not a 40/45, its a waste of my time". nor am im saying .22lr is worthless; but between being a rimfire & small = idk if i would trust my life on it(if i have other options). i think a 9mm is perfect for anything one might need, in regards to home defense.

btw: very informative post.

 

[gm272gs]

If you want to get folks excited on a firearms forum, I'm pretty sure the OP's question was the right one.

I'm more of a pistol/revolver kind of guy. Weapon retention is a lot easier (for me, anyway) if the thing isn't 3 feet long. Different strokes for different folks, though.

The hope that brandishing any kind of weapon is going to "scare the guy off" is just that, hope. The type of people who break into houses to steal stuff are also the type who have had weapons pointed at them (many times) before. When they're not scared of you, then what do you do?

If you're going to have a firearm in your home, accessible, for personal defense, you had better be ready and willing to kill the guy in the most expeditious manner possible. Otherwise, that guy is going to take it from you and either kill you and/or someone else with it.

If you don't think you can do that (contrary to popular macho-bravado thinking, this doesn't make you a "sissy", by the way), keep a big can of bear spray on the bedside table. That stuff will incapacitate just about anyone, and all you have to clean up is a little vomit and maybe a puddle of urine.

 

[Brett248Vista]

The hope that brandishing any kind of weapon is going to "scare the guy off" is just that, hope. The type of people who break into houses to steal stuff are also the type who have had weapons pointed at them (many times) before. When they're not scared of you, then what do you do?

Ready and willing.. It's Black and White really.. You break into my home I have no idea what you are capable of doing. You go to the morgue in a body bag.

That's the way my logical mind works.. If I pull it, I'm firing it.. Unless they are running away.

 

[FFRacing]

Even though I have several handguns distributed around the house, the closest one to me is my 15-22...and you can bet I will not stop pulling the trigger till it is empty LOL

 

[IceStone]

not sure if you're serious here, but just in case you are.... that's pretty stupid. Insurance only covers it if someone else blows up your house.

Damn! I need to upgrade my policy.

 

[Varangi]

Wow?
Where to start- I will not offer my opinion, way too many already.
To address OP's original post-
"Over-penatration is not an issue with a 55gr. 223. The round is so light that when it hits something, the energy immediately bleeds off and the round degrades. That is why most police departments deploy them as "Patrol Carbines". 9,40's, 45- pick one- They will penetrate 8 sheetrock walls before they degrade to non-lethal=== that's 4 rooms folks, unless your lucky enough to hit a stud. We used 12ga slugs to breach hardened doors. The bad guys were screaming from the closets as the 2oz slugs buzzed through the house.

Who has trained to go from condition "White", sleeping in your nice warm safe bed to condition "RED" a deadly encounter? Do you have a family? Where are they? Are they in danger? What is the terrain? Do you have a plan?

Different States have different rules of engagement- I know not one who's self-defense doctrine includes the words,"Shoot to Kill" Deadly force is used to "Stop the Threat" Can you take a precision shot or do you aim center mass if you have a target?

I HOPE I NEVER HAVE TO DO IT FOR REAL- I have prepared my family, trained, trained and trained.

cheers

Mike

 

[RevolverCPA]

I expect no zombies so, in order:

Barking dog, big or small but loud

Alarm (monitored), with panic button at doors and in bedroom

Wife who is trained to shoot and does it VERY well

20 ga pump (non-tactical) women's/youth model, loaded but not chambered, more than adequate loads with less recoil.

45 ACP revolver, proven round with many variations (ball, frangible, HP) revolver simplicity, no fine motor skills required, no feeding problems. Extra moon clip, if you are so inclined.

"That's the plan Stan". Ammo choice is more a nuance, personal choice. 12 ga vs 20 ga is a non-issue and nobody wants to get hit with anything coming from a shotgun (birdshot, #4, 00).

$$$ spent on items 1 & 2 above is well spent. They are the first actions!

 

[Johnnu2]

Home Defense

I own many many guns of all configurations (yes handguns too). Without question, I would recommend a SHOTGUN (of suitable gauge based upon your residential considerations). No matter how frightened, sweaty, shaky, blind you may be, when the trigger is pulled, anything in front of it dies. J.

 

[Ramlock]

I own many many guns of all configurations (yes handguns too). Without question, I would recommend a SHOTGUN (of suitable gauge based upon your residential considerations). No matter how frightened, sweaty, shaky, blind you may be, when the trigger is pulled, anything in front of it dies. J.

dittttooooo

 

[PANZER22]

Ruger 10/22, 10 shots in neck and face. I saw the mess dead and crumpled up in the entrance way ruining nice tan carpet. Had a 38cal pistol laying next to him.....

The shooter was very upset and had to be sedated to get him to lay down and go to sleep.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

I own many many guns of all configurations (yes handguns too). Without question, I would recommend a SHOTGUN (of suitable gauge based upon your residential considerations). No matter how frightened, sweaty, shaky, blind you may be, when the trigger is pulled, anything in front of it dies assuming you aim well and put the fist sized group of buckshot into the target. J.

Fixed it for you.

 

[wurger]

No thanks. My home defense weapon is a Glock 20 with laser, and a flashlight for offhand. I've spend several thousand rounds practicing one hand double taps with that gun. I'll take two 10mm hits over a bunch of .22's.

 

[686-380]

Just an excuse?

Thinking about my new 15-22 as a home defense weapon. I live in a townhouse with residents on both sides so my 5.56 AR is too dangerous (penetrating walls). Not to mention the blast indoors on my ears, my wife's ears and our (soon to be born) son. Say you have a full mag & proper lights or a laser - could this be an option for fending off an intruder? Of course, if he's wearing body armor I'm screwed but hopefully nobody hates me that much.

Interested to hear your thoughts.

PS - I don't own a shotgun yet but I do have a .40 pistol among the other weapons mentioned above.

Each law-abiding citizen chooses for themselves their self defense plan(s). With a child on the way, this complicates things too. Hollow point ammunition is generally regarded to stop when hitting BGs, drywall, etc. You may want to try a box or two with your .40 cal on some drywall/wood.

I wonder though - Is this just an excuse to buy another firearm?

 

[Watchdog]

I wonder though - Is this just an excuse to buy another firearm?

Who needs an excuse?

 

[Beabruin]

If all you have is the loaded and ready 15-22, it's better than a sharp wit or a dull knife. However, a knife doesn't run out of bullets. Just don't bring one to a gun fight.

 

[makinthe magic]

Mine is my HD weapon, but only because its the only firearm I own at the moment. I'm not too worried about it given my neighborhood but you never know. I have 2 25 round mags, jungle taped, loaded with mini mag hollow points. If you're still walking after that, then you've earned it.

 

[030201_S&W]

My longest memory of a 22 rifle firearm is the Butcher dropping a steer with one shot before, U know. Plenty of capability there. Simple reason to use a revolver is centerfire is more reliable to fire percentage wise. Bring what U got is the best for that occasion. Knowing that the odds of having time or needing it are against U.
Maybe an impact statement would suffice ? Some Gel penetration test prove 22 LR penetrate as well as 22WMR.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fe-dzdJ2zo

 

[tomcatt51]

15-22 as a home defense weapon?

Only if I had nothing else.

 

[REM 3200]

I have a M&P 15-22 look-a-like loaded and ready to go.
It's a M&P 15OR.

 

[IcemanUSA]

With quality ammo and a clean firearm, why not? To an intruder all you have to do is brandish the thing and to most people it looks like an M16 so its most likely going to scare them off anyway. I don't think the intruder is going to ask to put and micrometer in your barrel to check if its a 22 or 223. They are going to be afraid of getting shot, most likely because they wouldn't have entered your home if they knew you had a gun and was ready to use it.

And what home intruder wears body armor?

People obsess about caliber, grain loads to use, hollow points, ect..

Im pretty sure when you shoot somebody it is as simple as; they hear a very loud bang or bangs and then they are going to feel an excruciating amount of pain and want to leave. Hes not going to ask you: "Hey was that a 9mm or high velocity .22?!"

Sorry about the rant but im getting sick of seeing some of the things said about 22s. When it comes to guns it isn't a pissing contest. All firearms no matter what size need to be respected.

 

[tomcatt51]

And what home intruder wears body armor?

The good ones.

All firearms no matter what size need to be respected.

Like the respect you're getting during a home invasion?

 

[CrazyFingers]

With quality ammo and a clean firearm, why not?

Because there is no rimfire .22LR ammunition that matches the reliability, muzzle velocity, penetration, expansion, or energy of quality centerfire 9mm, .40 S&W, .45ACP, 5.56 or .223 defensive ammunition (etc.) There just isn't.

To an intruder all you have to do is brandish the thing and to most people it looks like an M16 so its most likely going to scare them off anyway. I don't think the intruder is going to ask to put and micrometer in your barrel to check if its a 22 or 223. They are going to be afraid of getting shot, most likely because they wouldn't have entered your home if they knew you had a gun and was ready to use it.

Then why bother with an actual firearm for defense? Why not just cut the orange end off an Airsoft gun and save yourself a lot of cash?
You're recommending we bet our lives and those we love on what an armed intruder might do? That can be your plan. My plan is to put him down as quickly and surely as possible, not scare him into going away.

And what home intruder wears body armor?

None of them do, until one does. But that's not the important thing. Adequate penetration through heavy clothing, fat, muscle, and bone to reach a vital organ or a critical CNS component is.

People obsess about caliber, grain loads to use, hollow points, ect..

People who care about their own protection and the protection of their loved ones, and who understand the basics of terminal performance, yes.

Im pretty sure when you shoot somebody it is as simple as; they hear a very loud bang or bangs and then they are going to feel an excruciating amount of pain and want to leave. Hes not going to ask you: "Hey was that a 9mm or high velocity .22?!"

I thought all you had to do was show them something that looked like a gun and they'd faint on your living room floor. Which is it?

Sorry about the rant but im getting sick of seeing some of the things said about 22s. When it comes to guns it isn't a pissing contest. All firearms no matter what size need to be respected.

Of course they do, nobody said they don't. And obviously, if the 15-22 is all you have, you'd be a fool not to use it. Nobody is saying not to under those circumstances.
What we are saying is, there are far better choices for a defensive firearm and caliber than the 15-22 in .22LR, and the strawman arguments are getting tedious.

 

[IcemanUSA]

Like the respect you're getting during a home invasion?[/QUOTE]

Huh?

 

[timeighty5]

So..to sum it all up. If you feel safe using a 15-22 as a home defense weapon, do it. If you don't feel safe with it, then don't use it.

 

[tomcatt51]

Huh?

Yep, that sums it up. The concept of STOPPING a threat seems to allude you. Shooting someone with a .22LR is an iffy way of actually stopping an attack. They (.22LR) can be lethal but you have high odds of it being, in the short term, nuisance value only. Swinging your 15-22 like a baseball bat and hitting a perp in the head would likely do a better job of actually STOPPING his/her overt act(s).

 

[IcemanUSA]

Yep, that sums it up. The concept of STOPPING a threat seems to allude you. Shooting someone with a .22LR is an iffy way of actually stopping an attack. They (.22LR) can be lethal but you have high odds of it being, in the short term, nuisance value only. Swinging your 15-22 like a baseball bat and hitting a perp in the head would likely do a better job of actually STOPPING his/her overt act(s).

So you wouldn't mind being shot by a 22 at point blank since its so weak?

I know its iffy, but like I said to the other guy this thread is for a guy with a 15-22 so I gave him my opinions about 22 for HD, there are obviously better weapon choices. I woudn't recommend it either but that is what he has.

 

[IcemanUSA]

Because there is no rimfire .22LR ammunition that matches the reliability, muzzle velocity, penetration, expansion, or energy of quality centerfire 9mm, .40 S&W, .45ACP, 5.56 or .223 defensive ammunition (etc.) There just isn't.

****Some High Velocity 22 have more FPS then some of those pistols rounds.. Yes we understand they aren't as powerful that's a given..

Then why bother with an actual firearm for defense? Why not just cut the orange end off an Airsoft gun and save yourself a lot of cash?

****Maybe because an airsoft gun isn't a firearm and having a bullet available is a safer option. Many people have deterred intruders, muggings by just brandishing. Nutnfancy on youtube has a whole video about what happened to him.

You're recommending we bet our lives and those we love on what an armed intruder might do? That can be your plan. My plan is to put him down as quickly and surely as possible, not scare him into going away.

****My plan is getting my 9mm for because of reliability like you mentioned and I agree with, but this thread ISNT about 9mm or any other caliber that many have mentioned, its about a guy who wants an opinion for his 15-22. I knew my points would get flack but they are valid points for his particular case concerning question he asked.

None of them do, until one does. But that's not the important thing. Adequate penetration through heavy clothing, fat, muscle, and bone to reach a vital organ or a critical CNS component is.

****HV 22 goes through a 1/2" plywood at 300 yards.. Youtube



People who care about their own protection and the protection of their loved ones, and who understand the basics of terminal performance, yes.

****I care, and understand performance but once again this is about the 15-22 in a HD scenario. Not anything else.


I thought all you had to do was show them something that looked like a gun and they'd faint on your living room floor. Which is it?

****Look at glocks new commercial with the hot girl, that's exactly what happens And it depends on the situation, if a guy is walking out with my tv the first thing I do isn't going to be "putting him down". But if he was armed lets say with a crow bar with intent to hurt me then taking a shot seems more reasonable.

What we are saying is, there are far better choices for a defensive firearm and caliber than the 15-22 in .22LR, and the strawman arguments are getting tedious.

****Yes we know, but the thread is about a guy with a 15-22, not something else so I offered my opinions about that particular round and rifle. I knew I would get flack but I don't care. We all know there are better choices out there but unfortunately this thread isn't about those other choices.

 

[tomcatt51]

Yes we know, but the thread is about a guy with a 15-22, not something else so I offered my opinions about that particular round and rifle.

Too bad you didn't stop there but also blessed us with you "wisdom" on perps with body armor and obsessing over caliber etc and and loud bangs and how "all you have to do is brandish the thing and... its most likely going to scare them off". Maybe you should reread what you posted. It's post #141.

 

[IcemanUSA]

Too bad you didn't stop there but also blessed us with you "wisdom" on perps with body armor and obsessing over caliber etc and and loud bangs and how "all you have to do is brandish the thing and... its most likely going to scare them off". Maybe you should reread what you posted. It's post #141.

Yes, those are all qualities which a 22 rifle is capable of.. It can be presented, it goes bang, and it causes damage.