[big shrek]

A local Orange Beach cop got into a problem with a couple of rednecks at a Pensacola bar, he tried to leave, the rednecks followed him out of the bar & pulled a knife, cop pulled out a .22 semi-auto...redneck was stupid enough to keep coming, cop shot him...bad guy goes to hospital, good cop gets award.

It's still effective, even if it's "Only" a .22lr.

Better than a knife, at least

But the smallest round I would ever personally carry...would be the .22 Magnum stuck in a Grendel P-30...30 rounds of .22 Magnum per magazine, and I carry 2 spare mags Sustained fire is quite nice.

[canebrake]

Originally Posted by big shrek

A local Orange Beach cop got into a problem with a couple of rednecks at a Pensacola bar, he tried to leave, the rednecks followed him out of the bar & pulled a knife, cop pulled out a .22 semi-auto...redneck was stupid enough to keep coming, cop shot him...bad guy goes to hospital, good cop gets award.

ONLY because the DA scarlet collar brought a knife to a gun fight!

The LEO is a lucky SOB that the BG's didn't tag team him.

He could have gone from hero to zero in short order!!

[AsmelEduardo]

I own a Walther PP in .22lr, and never would use it for other thing but plinking...
If you shoot using a .22lr to an assailant who is under the effect of drugs, the most probable thing that gonna happen is that you'll obtain to a pissed off assailant. To me, the marginal calibre for defense is 9x17mm or .380ACP, neither .25ACP nor .32ACP are suitables calibres for defense.

[rugermike]

Come on guys and girls. This is a novice shooter. They need a wheel gun, period. 38 and or 357, but stopping power and quick recovery (double or single action as needed) for a second shot. Stay away from any semi-automatic until you master the basics of handgun shooting and operation. The semi is a different animal and it will get you KILLED if your not aware of the operation of one, PERIOD!!!!!!!
Stay away from a 22 except for practice. ideally a pistol in the same class and maker to learn with is best, then move to a larger caliber for yourself defense weapon?!? This way the feel and handling is the same except for the ammo and recoil. JMO
Just so everyone is aware. I teach firearm training courses with the local youth/women and authority groups in the area.

[kmcgil]

Short Answer: 9mm trumps the .22. I used to carry a 9mm as my CCW. While I'd rather have that hands down than a knife or my admittedly non existent hand to hand abilities, I decided to carry a .38 revolver for the following reasons:

1. Stopping power. .38 is a larger piece of metal that moves slower
2. Bystanders. I'm not likely to have to defend myself in the stix where most people are honest and hard working, it will be in the City or Suburbs. A 9mm is likely to actually go through the bad guy and I don't want to hurt anyone else. God forbid I miss and hit someone's house or business, the bullet will go through the wall.
3. Reliability. I feel much more comfortable knowing that there is next to zero% chance the revolver will fail. I've put a lot of rounds through the automatic, and I'm still not at ease.

If you are locked into getting a 9mm, consider getting it in revolver form (taurus makes one I think) or go with one that won't destroy your hand. I'm a big taurus guy and they make several that are smaller, but still well constructed for the round it fires. Good luck.

P.S. as for a .22, the Walther p22 is the best .22 auto! BUT only for plinking.

[dnthmn2004]

If your hellbent on buying a handgun in 9mm, I would suggest a compact S&W M&P 9. I would also suggest a revolver in .38 special or .357 mag. Either will take a BG down, fast. We've beat this to death a bunch of times, but a .357 mag is nice because you can practice with less expensive .38 special ammo and pack heavy duty .357 mag rounds for carry.

[bajastx]

Well if you are not the best shot then you may want to try this.

[TexasRog]

I see lots of people beating up on .22 pistols. Most have no idea what they are talking about. More people are shot and killed with .22 pistols than any other caliber. I do have facts to back this up. Bigger is not always better if you cant hit anything. A .22 will give you a faster 2nd shot and will be more accurate with the second hit. If you are a senior a Keltec pf9 or .380 would be a bad buy. You will not be able to rack the slide easily, has only a 6+1 shot capability. I do have a Beretta model .380 with the tip up barrel. No longer in production, but a great weapon. Good balance, and easy to shoot. I do carry that plus my .22.

Here is a link to an interesting comparison. An Alternate Look at Handgun Stopping Power | Buckeye Firearms Association

[Mitch]

man, you pulled this 2 1/2 year out thread out of the grave. it is dangerous to imply that a 22 is in any way a caliber that should be used for self defense. anyone might read this and actually take you seriously. Short of a bb gun, a pellet gun, or possibly a blow gun, the 22 lr is the least competent caliber available today. Although it is better than nothing, why not carry a bigger caliber? A .25, .32 , or .380 are vastly superior to a .22. (Even these are considered among many to be lacking) They should be limited to BUGs unless you absolutely cannot carry anything else.

[vivesh]

I don't recommend anything smaller than 9mm. Preferably 40 or 45. Criminals usually carry big gun with a lot of power and no mercy.