Anyone carry a .22 cal. pistol?

[BekahM]

Here are my questions:
1) Do you ever carry a .22 for self defense?
2) What reliable pocket size .22 do you recommend and why?

I know that a .22 cal. pistol for self defense sound crazy, but this is why I ask...... I currently have a S&W shield 40 which I LOVE, but am thinking about those days when I will be wearing clothing that simply will not accommodate my shield (I live in FL and will not always be able to conceal my shield but will not carry in a purse). I know that .380's can be very small, but I have very long hands for a woman and cannot hold on to them due to too much recoil and not enough grip. My trigger finger is all scrunched up when pulling the trigger. I thought that a .22 cal would be easier to hold on to due to less recoil and would also give me a pistol that my daughter could start to learn to shoot with. I realize there is a huge difference between that damage that will occur using a .22 vs. .40, but I also know that a well placed .22 shot will do what I need done. After all, a .22 does enough damage that nobody wants to let me shoot them so they can prove to me that it is under powered!


Thanks,
Rebekah

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[ANGLICO]

.22 mag Derringer in the pocket to back up my large frame primary.

Or to use as a primary, depending on the situation, and how close the engagement is. For example, in an elevator. And it won't blow your ears out........

[DontTreadOnI]

It wouldn't be my first choice but, the best self defense firearm is the one that you have on you.

It's better than carrying nothing due to clothing limitations.

[yz9890]

I have a Phoenix HP22A that's about the same size as my LCP (about twice as heavy though). It's as reliable as any rimfire I've owned. I think there are a lot of other options between your 40 and a 22lr but I think it will get the job done if you do your part. only $150 also.

[KoriBustard]

I carry an M&P 9c, but have considered carrying my Ruger SR22 as a backup. Just not sure I need (or want) to carry a back-up. Which brings me to another question. How many here carry more than one firearm?

[ghost tracker]

...it won't blow your ears out...

A .22 mag...from a derringer...in an elevator? Your ears are a lot tougher than mine.

Rebekah, IMHO, by your description of physical limitations (hand size) and hoping to find something even more concealable that a S&W Shield, in an .22 LR, I think you may be asking for the impossible. Maybe a Bersa Thunder .22?

[Sledge]

I wouldn't have any problems carrying a LCR 22 loaded with Stingers

[ghost tracker]

You're right Sledge, good answer!

[camsdaddy]

I tell ya while not smaller than your shield I took my 22A S&W to the range today and it continues to amaze me. I wish I could find a centerfire that I could fire as effortlessly yet as well. That said I have considered it.

[BekahM]

.22 mag Derringer in the pocket to back up my large frame primary.

Or to use as a primary, depending on the situation, and how close the engagement is. For example, in an elevator. And it won't blow your ears out........

Thanks, I'll check that one out.

It wouldn't be my first choice but, the best self defense firearm is the one that you have on you.

It's better than carrying nothing due to clothing limitations.

Thats what I figure....... .22 is better than nothing!

I have a Phoenix HP22A that's about the same size as my LCP (about twice as heavy though). It's as reliable as any rimfire I've owned. I think there are a lot of other options between your 40 and a 22lr but I think it will get the job done if you do your part. only $150 also.

I was looking at this one! I havn't held one yet, but I read really good reviews on them and they are within my price range.

A .22 mag...from a derringer...in an elevator? Your ears are a lot tougher than mine.

Rebekah, IMHO, by your description of physical limitations (hand size) and hoping to find something even more concealable that a S&W Shield, in an .22 LR, I think you may be asking for the impossible. Maybe a Bersa Thunder .22?

I don't think the recoil would be an issue with a .22 cal. like it is with a small .380. I'll check out the Bersa Thunder too.


Thanks for all the replies!

[10thmtn]

How about the Kel tec P32? Same size as the P3at/LCP, but less recoil?

If you want to go all the way to a .22, then I would also suggest a revolver. I do not trust rimfire ammo's ignition enough to use a semi auto for defense. The LCR in .22 would be very nice. Yet another option might be a LCR in .38, loaded with some mild wadcutters.

[BekahM]

How about the Kel tec P32? Same size as the P3at/LCP, but less recoil?

If you want to go all the way to a .22, then I would also suggest a revolver. I do not trust rimfire ammo's ignition enough to use a semi auto for defense. The LCR in .22 would be very nice. Yet another option might be a LCR in .38, loaded with some mild wadcutters.

Although I do like the LCR (if i got one i would get the .38), I'm looking for something very small and easy to conceal in shorts and a tank. How is the kick of a .32 compared to a .380? It's not that I think the .380 recoil is sooooo bad, it's that it's too much for the amount of hold I have on the gun. My Shield is a .40 and I love shooting that. Before my Shield, I bought a Ruger LC9, and hated shooting it. I had a hard time holding on to the gun and the end of my trigger finger came way too far back when pulling the trigger. The Shield .40 is easier to shoot than the Ruger LC9 was.

[ANGLICO]

A .22 mag...from a derringer...in an elevator? Your ears are a lot tougher than mine.

Rebekah, IMHO, by your description of physical limitations (hand size) and hoping to find something even more concealable that a S&W Shield, in an .22 LR, I think you may be asking for the impossible. Maybe a Bersa Thunder .22?

I was Artillery. It is all relative!

[10thmtn]

I don't think there is a gun made that is small enough to conceal in the current fashion for women's shorts and tank tops.

Those "clothing" items are so itty bitty than you cannot even conceal a cell phone in them - much less a handgun. You may want to change your wardrobe a bit.

As far as trigger reach and your hand size, you're really going to need to go to a gun store and try different guns out. As a general rule, the higher the weight/lower the caliber - the less felt recoil. Good luck!

[DocProton]

Ruger now sells an lcr 22 magnum. I have both the lcr 22 and 38. Great guns. I am very satisfied.