Our last poll question was “Is the .22LR an adequate round for self-defense?” The results were 51% Yes and 49% No. If you take my vote away, it would have been split right down the middle. I knew that opinions were divided but it doesn’t get any more divided than that!!
I voted yes and will be sharing 4 reasons why in this post. Comments will be open for anyone that would like to speak up and share why they do or don’t agree. We don’t open comments very often so hopefully you’ll participate.
1) One of the reasons I feel the .22 is adequate is not due to it’s capabilities but due to the other calibers’ inadequacies. I know some people that will only carry a .40 or a .45ACP which are fine rounds but as shown in the report, Officer Down: The Peter Soulis Incident, even 17 rounds of LE .40 caliber to center mass will not immediately stop an attack. And in this report the little .22 holds it’s own in performance when compared to the other popular calibers.
This page at Guns Save Lives lists several documented instances of a .22 being used successfully for self-defense.
2) How many crimes are deterred when a firearm is just displayed? We’ll never know but I know more folks that have ended a situation without firing a shot than folks who have actually squeezed the trigger in self defense, and I bet you do as well. Most altercations that end without harm or loss are not reported.
3) Noise and control. I’ve never fired a round in my home but I have fired a round indoors without hearing protection…. it wasn’t pleasant. We’ve always stressed establishing control during a home invasion and being able to hear and see sooner after firing a round indoors will help with that.
Another benefit to the .22 is less recoil and faster follow-up control… not a bad thing to have on your side.
4) Practice and accuracy. .22 LR ammo is so inexpensive that a person can ACTUALLY afford to practice with their self-defense load of choice. We all know that accuracy beats everything especially at close range. I’ve seen a few folks completely miss their 7 yard target with their “hot” loads after practicing with target loads.
For ME the .22 makes sense. I wouldn’t hesitate carrying one for personal protection with the proper loads. Over-penetration of walls didn’t factor into my decision since that is a problem with every firearm.
Tell us what you think below.
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