This may put some nickers in a twist

[medxam]

Most of the victims of GSW's that I autopsied in my 40+ years of doing Forensic Pathology autopsies, died of .22 cal wounds! There may be a number of reasons for this. In the 60's, that was about all many people carried, especially the "good old boys", before everyone graduated up to 9mm and beyond. Shot placement is the key, though I like the concept of "knock down" power with .44 or .45 cal! If a .22 cal projectile lacerates a major blood vessel, especially in the chest, You are looking at the pearly gates!

medxam

 

[Sapper01]

I've been known to carry my Ruger SR22 on occasion but not for EDC. My EDC was my Springfield XD40 until I got my Model 640.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

Deliberate maiming and your gun days are over.

Perhaps that was sarcasm? Not sure. But I think he was talking about shooting a bit higher. I think a few rounds to center mass would take most people out of the mood.

 

[1blindref]

I'd carry a 22 if I didn't have any other better options. But I do, so I don't

 

[STCM(SW)]

The OSS used Colt woodsman in WW II, but the CIA went to .45 ACP in Nam......

 

[at_liberty]

Perhaps that was sarcasm? Not sure. But I think he was talking about shooting a bit higher. I think a few rounds to center mass would take most people out of the mood.

If he meant trying to kill the guy, that's even worse.

 

[JJEH]

Well, I haven't give it much thought honestly. But it's better than nothing, right?!. True, RFK was successfully killed by a .22 but still, I would not solely depend on it.

Certain amount of mall ninja stuff here. I sense some generation gap issues too. Does a .22 equate to minimal clothing?

Sometimes I carry a blowgun with poisoned darts for SD. Is perfectly concealable, even when I wear shorts

 

[Voyager28]

The OSS used Colt woodsman in WW II, but the CIA went to .45 ACP in Nam......

CIA guys also carried 9mm Barettas in Nam.

Bob



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[aphelion]

Those who express their belief that the .22 is a "popgun" and unsuitable for defense should research the exploits of an Israeli sky marshal and special agent Mordechai Rachamim. In 1969 he responded to an attack on an El Al aircraft in Zurich, killing several terrorists with a Beretta 71. In 1972 he was part of a team that recovered a hijacked Belgian airliner in Tel Aviv, again dispatching a hijacker with his Beretta 71. These were not barrel-to-head assassinations, but gunfights.

I think 'peashooter' is more apt than 'popgun.'

I hadn't heard of Mordechai Rachamim so I googled his name. Came up with this -

El Al Flight 432 attack - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The details in that are somewhat different than your version. Rather than killing
"several terrorists", he got one out of four. Reading the account, it sounds like quite a melee, and one wonders how Rachamin would have done with a more effective caliber. I didn't find a reference to the second shootout, but didn't look too hard since I doubt it would show the .22 rimfire as any more effective than the El Al 432 account.

 

[Doc TH]

Well, the second event was a hijacking of a Sabena airliner that landed in Tel Aviv. The Israelis sent in a team of a group called Sayeret Matkal (who did the Entebbe raid) who at that time were led by Netanyahu. Rachamim was a member of that team. They killed the two male terrorists and captured the two females.
Regardless of what you term "effectiveness" my main point was that a group of very competent antiterrorists did not seem to believe the .22 was a "peashooter".

 

[aphelion]

Regardless of what you term "effectiveness" my main point was that a group of very competent antiterrorists did not seem to believe the .22 was a "peashooter".

Yes, but it didn't happen the way you said. Anyway, what kind of "very competent antiterrorist" would choose a .22 pistol to go up against adversaries armed with AKs and grenades? One unlucky slob got in the way a .22 "pea" and succumbed. The incident doesn't prove the effectiveness of the .22 as a defensive round. Were the Swiss security forces that showed up and ultimately ended the fracas in the El Al incident armed with .22 pistols?

 

[spdguns]

I don't, but I wouldn't hesitate to do so.

 

[MR.G]

Have used a NAA .22 LR mini revolver.

 

[Kilibreaux]

Often carry a Walther/S&W P22 stoked with 13 Aguila 60gr. SSS subsonic. Usually have a custom built 4" long sound "moderator" attached, or along for the ride with the other 6 mags.

 

[Louchia]

I have a SR22 with Stinger for EDC. If the need is ther I will fire more than once. 3-4 Stingers at center mass, or dispursed around the body will stop someone.

 

[at_liberty]

Well, I haven't give it much thought honestly. But it's better than nothing, right?!. True, RFK was successfully killed by a .22 but still, I would not solely depend on it.



Sometimes I carry a blowgun with poisoned darts for SD. Is perfectly concealable, even when I wear shorts

"Better than nothing" is not an absolute, because too small a gun can give one a false sense of security and bravado, possibly leading to engagement, when retreat would have proved the better option to consider.

 

[twobit601]

NAA 22 magnum in a pocket as a minimum. Never go unarmed. Most of the time the concealed carry is a small .38spl or a small .357. Open carry full size is a 9mm, a .357 or a 45colt.

 

[JJEH]

"Better than nothing" is not an absolute, because too small a gun can give one a false sense of security and bravado, possibly leading to engagement, when retreat would have proved the better option to consider.

I agree, but considering retreat shouldn't have anything to do with the caliber of your pistol. If it's the better option you should do it, no matter what kinda artillery you carry. You still can engage later if you have to, but "advancing in another direction" (Gen. Douglas MacArthur) and calling for the Cavalry might be a better option depending on the situation.

 

[at_liberty]

I agree, but considering retreat shouldn't have anything to do with the caliber of your pistol. If it's the better option you should do it, no matter what kinda artillery you carry. You still can engage later if you have to, but "advancing in another direction" (Gen. Douglas MacArthur) and calling for the Cavalry might be a better option depending on the situation.

Well, that's a tiresome, obvious argument isn't it. The point is whether you think you can stop the threat.

 

[SIAD MP]

Either or, never feel alone.