Dec142009
9 Reasons why I carry a .22
Not long ago I posted my experience of carrying my concealed .22 handgun for the first time. Nearly every reader was encouraging and positive. Several, however, encouraged me to trade my .22 in for something in a larger caliber. They rightly pointed out that a larger caliber has greater “stopping power” if I ever have to defend myself. That’s a valid point, and I’m still carrying my Walther P22. Here are my reasons.
- It’s small, lightweight and was reasonably priced. My Walther P22 was a Christmas gift last year from my husband and cost a little over $300. It came with a laser site, which has turned into a terrific cat toy.
- I pray that I am never in a situation that calls for the use of lethal force. However, if that should happen, I have every intention of firing my gun more than once. No, a .22 doesn’t have the stopping power of a .357 or .45, but there’s no law I’m aware of that says you can fire your gun at a bad guy only once. Hey, if you add .22 + .22 + .22 + .22, you end up with a pretty impressive number. ;o)
- The ammo is dirt cheap. A box of 550 rounds costs about $13, and is easy to find.
- The old saying, “Practice makes perfect,” doesn’t apply when it comes to refining your shooting skills. Repeatedly firing a gun incorrectly just reinforces bad habits and wastes good ammo. Since .22 ammo is cheap, I can practice my shooting skills without any guilt about wasting money or worry that I won’t be able to find ammo to replace what I use. I’d rather be extremely skillful with a smaller caliber handgun than so-so with a larger caliber that uses more expensive and possibly hard to find ammo.
- Many professional assassins use .22 pistols. Clearly, they’re on to something.
- A .22 is quiet-ish and has very little recoil.
- If it were lost or confiscated, I wouldn’t weep the same amount of tears as I would upon losing my .40 SigSauer. That’s one sweet firearm. I told my husband it was my new boyfriend. It’s just too big for me to carry.
- Since my .22 is small, it’s easier to find outfits that conceal it completely.
- This particular handgun has made it easy to get used to the feel of concealed carry.
Now, having said all that, I have been looking at and trying small guns in higher calibers. At the range a few weeks ago I tried out a .380 sub-compact revolver. Man! Did that thing pack a punch. To my hand, that is. It’s no fun dreading the aftermath of a powerful recoil when you go to pull a trigger. In a sticky situation, I sure don’t want to think twice about firing because I’m afraid of the recoil. I’m still searching for the right combination of concealability, affordability, comfort, and a higher caliber. Until I find something just right for me, I’ll stick with my .22.
For one opposing viewpoint, and there are a lot out there!, read this. If you’ve been thinking of getting your own Concealed Carry Permit, it’s a weighty decision, not to be taken lightly. Seven Reasons NOT to Conceal Carry is an excellent read.
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Linoge
Thanks for posting about this again! As I said those months back, I completely agree with your line of reasoning – seven hits with a .22 is far better than seven misses with a .45. That said, not to sound like a broken record, but I would again point out that Walther just launched their PK380 line, which is almost identical to your P22 – you might almost be able to use the same holster for it (though do not quote me on that). The .380 round in a semi-automatic pistol will not have that bad of a recoil, given that some of that recoil will be used up in compressing the guiderod spring and chambering the new round, but the round is typically quite more deadly/damaging than a .22 (also, the revolver you shot – was it a .380 ACP or a .38 Special? The latter can be more energetic, and more of a kick, given its larger overall length (especially in a snubby revolver that lacks the mass to dampen the recoil).) Even better, you could still use your P22 and its dirt-cheap ammunition to practice with and get the trigger time in, and then swap out for the larger caliber for carrying and polishing that practice (you would not believe how popular caliber-swapping rigs are for things like 1911s, Glocks, and AR-15s).
So, again, my advice is worth what you paid for it, but thanks, regardless, for continuing to post on this!
TheSurvivalMom
Linoge, at the range the other day, one of the instructors commented that the small .38s hurt HIS hand! This guy weighs probably 50 pounds more than I do, is at least a foot or so taller, and has large, heavy hands. I figure that maybe I didn't do so badly with that particular gun, after all! I'm so partial to Sigs at this point, that I want to explore more of what they offer. Tried their .22LR Mosquito, and fell in love with it.
Bob Mayne
You knew I had to chime in, didn't you? First of all, let me applaud you for carrying. I don't agree with the "7 reasons not to carry article", but that's beside the point. A bad guy is not going to care too much if you're pointing a .22 or a .40 cal at him. Once he realizes you're armed and wiling to use it, he will likely quit or at least pause long enough to think twice about what he's doing. That extra time will give you the ability to pump several rounds into him if he continues. Your comment about practice is the key. IMHO, nothing beats good practice. Let me recommend the Glock 26 if and when you choose to carry something else. Very soft shooting 9mm with plenty of stopping power with the right ammo and low recoil. Also very easy to carry. Anyway, Walther is a good gun. They also make a PPS in 9mm. I've shot 100 rounds through one and it's very soft shooting. More than $300 though. ($545.) The bottom line is that you carry. There are also some subsonic .22 rounds made by Aguila that are very quiet and larger bullets mean a little more power. Keep carrying Lisa, stay safe. Hope you never have to use it.
TheSurvivalMom
Bob, one element in dealing with bad guys is the element of surprise, and you kind of touch on that. Yesterday, I followed a lost dog to its' home, and when it got to its' front door, it turned toward me in an attack mode! I was on the sidewalk about twelve yards from the front door, and nowhere close to being actually attacked, but I was still surprised. I wasn't expecting that reaction from a poor, lost little doggie wearing a pink collar! I figure it's very much the same in a scenario with a bad guy versus an unassuming citizen going about his or her daily routine. They make an aggressive move, and bam! They're facing the muzzle of a handgun. I don't want to count on the element of surprise to the point of naivete, but I do think it probably buys a few moments, at the very least, to the benefit of the concealed carrying citizen. What do you think?
One more comment. I don't really care for Glocks! They're okay and I shoot moderately well with our 9 mm, but they pale in comparison to Sig Sauer. Sorry!
Mac
Great article.. My wife just came down and told me she is considering the .22 you discuss here …. But I kind of like the 9mm Smith and Wesson M&P we checked out the other day….. We looked at the compact and she liked it too, but she REALLY liked the full size
TheSurvivalMom
Mac, yesterday at the range I tried out a Sig Mosquito .22LR. OMG!!! Tell your wife to give that one a try. It's heavier for concealment with a 1" longer barrel, but what an awesome gun! One issue I have with the Walther is its' heavier trigger pull. It isn't light like a Glock or Sig. With the Walther you either pull it or you don't. There's no halfway point. I found with the Mosquito that my groupings were tighter than with the Walther. So, I may make the switch once the funds are there for one more gun purchase!
)
Barbara
Of course, it's me again. Can't keep my mouth shut. : X
I have carried a .38 for better than 30 yrs. Congrats on your decision to not be a victim. A word of caution. Make sure the bad guy you plan on shooting really, REALLY deserves it., then DO IT! You're not just scared of him, you're not just mad at him, you're not just frustrated with him, you're SURE he means you or your loved ones harm.
Then, don't warn him, don't talk about it, don't threaten. Just do it. Give him just enough time to get the "oh shit" look in his eye and run. If the look in his eye says "This chick won't shoot a man" do it. If the look in his eye says "OK, now I'm really pissed" do it.
I've carried for over 30 yrs, and I've yet to "do it", but I'm ready to NOT be the one in three women that gets violently assaulted in this country every year.
Eagle's Cloud
You go girl! I love to hear about well armed Americans who have the right mind about protecting themselves and their families. I've bought Smith & Wesson and Ruger stock just now with the intention that I can do my part just providing some capital to those who build protection for those in need. We should be putting our money in good places and viciously removing our money from those unproductive places (parts of Hollywood, liberally minded quasi-eco businesses, Soros-inspired whateverzz)… I hope your kids and my kids can meet up on the other side of this horrible mess we are about to go through!!!
CW in TX
I've never shot a handgun before, but my DH got me a Ruger LCP .380 for my birthday. I took it to a ladies only class and fumbled with it for a few brief moments trying to load the clip and rack it. After closely following my instructors advice, I was able to hit my mock-up every time and even completely shoot out the center target! I am completely sold and can't wait for the next class. I am looking forward to learning more and obtaining my CHL in the near future. I HIGHLY recommend for EVERY woman to look around for a class at a local shooting range. There were 6 of us in the class and we ranged from married grandmas to single 40-somethings to unassuming me. We all learned so much and were comfortable being there with all girls, no pressure. I LOVE my little gun (it was the smallest there, by far!) and even though I'd never shot a handgun, it was very easy to handle and my worst shot was only 9 inches off center. And that was my second shot when I winced as I was pulling the trigger! And I, too, vow to never be the 1 in 3!!!
Kenny Christenson
If a 22 is your thing go right ahead. I don't see any problem with it. I have a few myself. they are much more accurate than bigger caliber guns. They are also a lot cheaper to shoot. I have a Ruger single six revolver that is a very useful handgun. It will harvest a lot more groceries than a .45.
TheSurvivalMom
After trying a few different .22 handguns, I've found that I am far more accurate with the Sig Mosquito. Maybe it's the additional weight, but I love how it shoots.
Jake in Maine
Glad you've chosen to carry, and are confident in what you do carry, that alone is a huge factor in not falling victim to a crime. And since the first rule to being in a gunfight is to have a gun, you're set! It bugs me that people say you NEED to carry 9mm/.38spl minimum as a gun, while the truth is a 9mm can be hard to carry due to size, intimidation with recoil, etc. If someone leaves their gun home because they didn't want to carry it, regardless of the gun, a .22 on the person beats a .45 on the night stand. I carry a Glock 19 and find that at times while in summer clothes it can be hard to conceal the gun, and I often feel like not simply carrying it to avoid the hassle; but since it's my only concealable handgun, I carry it whenever I'm out of the house.
Keep up the good writing, it makes for a good read!
By the way, what do you use for carry ammo?
TheSurvivalMom
Now that I've tried the Sig Mosquito, that's my new dream firearm. (Never thought I'd hear myself say those words! LOL It shoots like a dream, but is bigger than my Walther. The Glock 19 is my husband's carry, but again, he has to adjust how he dresses, and sometimes that's a problem. As far as ammo goes, I bought some CCI at the range the other day and have that in both my magazines.
Blasternaz
Before we got CCW in AZ, I carried a small .22, a spare mag, a spare knife and a box (50 rounds) of ammo in a flap pack from the Wilderness called "The Storekeeper." Worked well for me, as I figured if I ever broke down, I might die thirsty, but I'd go with a full stomach!
On your choice of caliber, my wife knows the point of the .22 is to empty the mag in the bad person until they stop doing bad things! And like you noted, light recoil means staying on the target until it's no longer a threat. Good choices, and welcome to responsible CCW.
blasternaz
Urban Man
Its a pleasure to read comments from intelligence people, especially about firearms. People on other sites go back and forth about guns and "the best survival arsenal". As everyone understands the best gun is the one you have and are competent with. AND have enough ammunition for as it probably won't be available after a large scale collapse.
I have several M4 carbines, 9×19 and .40 cal handguns, .357 magnums, shotguns and plenty of .22 LR platforms including alot of ammunition for all. I can only shoot one at a time though. Spare guns and/or ammunition become barter items as well in a long term survival scenario.
Survival is a team sport. Need a group that is compatible which each other in order to provide security, cook, clean, forage, repair things, and do other survival related tasks.
By the way, S&W M&P series semi-autos and revolvers are great guns.
TheSurvivalMom
Urban Man, have you ever noticed that gun nuts are just plain nuts?? LOL On a couple of forums that I enjoy, I know that all I have to do is start a gun-related thread, and it's good for at least 75 responses! Thanks for your comment.
Urban Man
Survival Mom,
I guess I used to be one of those gun nuts. Age, children, just plain common sense and probably different financial priorities have changed that. I know people that have 6 or 7 M1A1 or M4 rifles and multiples of many other guns. I understand the saying "One is None, Two is One", but unless you plan on being the regional arms dealer (I'm thinking the movie "Lord of War" ha ha), after a collapse, you'll have problems transporting and safeguarding all those high priced pieces of metal. ……
I startedhttp://www.urbansurvivalskills.com since I had a lot of office types, who knowing my Mil and LE background, were constantly asking me questions on guns, stocking food, making their home safer, etc. So I was talked into doing the site with some technical help. It looks like your site, by the way I like it, is doing more of what I wanted to do, and that is get to people who have no use for the "commando style" survival and emergency preparedness approach. You mention "Survivalist" and people think of some fat, balding, white guy with Aryan tattoos dressed in camo running through the woods playing Army. If we can help one family survive any hardship or collapse, then it is worth it.
I am currently using the 9 part History Channel series on After Armageddon on my site by posting each part and talking about the lessons learned. I'll be back and forth your your site quite often I'm sure. Be safe.
Camille
I know this is an old thread, but I was just introduced to your site and intrigued with this one. Survival mom, just want to say "two thumbs up" for packin' heat and don't let anyone diss you carrying a .22. Carry it proud–you are carrying. We can't miss some of the facts that come with packing a larger caliber with a punch–they are different. BUT if a .22 is what you've found comfortable thus far–you go girl.
A NAA .22 was my first gun that I started with as a stepping stone in my learning process. I needed baby steps (and money) to make my gun purchases and it had what I needed to take the first step into this new world of guns. Despite nearly every guy at the gun counters telling me it was not what a woman ought to carry, I had one friend who gave me the encouragement I needed to make the purchase if it's what I wanted. It wasn't long before I wound up with .380s and .40's but that all happened in my own time, as my knowledge and comfort increased. I still have that .22.
Thanks for being a pro-active mom who isn't waiting for the bad guy incident to happen in order to take charge. Your kids are blessed and loved. Thanks for the site!
TheSurvivalMom
Thanks, Camille! I do enjoy shooting higher calibers but haven't found one that is as easy to conceal as my Walther.
Peter
I have a P22 and love it. Great size/weight/ergonomics for carry. My main concern is reliability. .22 autos don't tend to be as reliable as a centerfire. How is yours? Good high quality ammo of high velocity and keeping the P22 lubed up seems to help.
You are right about the practice. I caried a .22 for a short period. I was Very Good with it. I went with eye shots (in training) to make up for the lack of power. (a determined person could function for several minutes after a .22 through the heart.
TheSurvivalMom
Yeah, I've had problems with my P22 becoming jammed. In a life or death situation, I wouldn't grab the P22 for that reason alone. I do like it for target practice and for carrying, its size. We've stripped it down and cleaned and oiled it, and it still jams occasionally.
Ken
Quick question. After all this time, do you still carry the 22? In picking mouse gun, I am concerned on the fail to fire issues vs going 9mm.
thanks
TheSurvivalMom
I have mixed feelings about that P22. I\’ve had a problem with it stove-piping at the range. We\’ve stripped it down and thoroughly cleaned it, but still have occasional problems. I would love a Sig Mosquito but don\’t want to be stuck with a .22 that requires high load ammo. So, I\’m in the valley of decision regarding my next handgun.
Roger
Do you still like the Sig Mosquito? I bought one used. I wanted to use the cheapest ammo. It’s prone to jamming. I tried to trade it in at a different shop. The owner said he had a stack of them already, that it was terrible. He pointed out that page 9 of the manual even suggests lightly oiling the ammo.
I considered the Walther P22. The shop owner was selling his daughter’s gun. He said it would work fine with ANY ammo. Is that your experience?
thesurvivalmom
Roger, I never did buy the Mosquito for the reasons I mentioned in the article. And that’s in spite of my love for Sig Sauer, in general. I do own the Walther P22 and, again, have had jamming issues with it. Oddly, I find that when I rapid fire the P22, it works just fine and my aim is more accurate. Some people love the P22, so it’s definitely one of those YMMV (your mileage may vary) issues.
Keith
I am a Law Enforcement Officer, and just wanted to say that everyone I know with a Walter P-22 has had problems including myself. I would really recommend switching to a Bodyguard or Ruger LCP .380 cal. This is your life we are talking about here. Both of those guns are even smaller than the Walther, and both have options for Lasers as well. Most Officers at the Dept. carry these as a backup or pocket pistol as a last resort. Please do your research. If you need help email me at secretnolonger@yahoomail.com Thanks and God Bless!
Penni
I have an XD sub-compact with 3 inch barrel in a 40 caliber. It is a very nice shooting gun. This gun comes from Springfield Armory and the price is not so bad at $450.00. I am female and weight 125 lbs and very small boned. I have no problems with shooting this gun. Because of its size it is a very easy conceal weapon to have and you can purchase one with laser sights if you prefer. I am a huge fan of the Glock 23 but the advantage of the XD is that it has the safety trigger on the grip that must me squeezed in order for the gun to go off. That way if you drop the gun for any reason it will not shoot.. I suggest you try one out at the range sometime.
TheSurvivalMom
Penni, I found that I don't like laser sites at all. If my hand shakes, the little red dot goes all over the place on the target. Then I start laughing, and it gets even worse. I wasn't very impressed with the sub-compacts I have tried but am willing to give the XD a try. Thanks.
darantd3
I know this thread has been around for awhile but I just found this site today and frankly I love it. Having spent a good number of years in army green I,m a firm beliver in been prepared for the absolute worst case.
You are absolutly right however you can start a thread on a shooting site and it can create more entertainment then the comedy channel however at the end of the day as I often tell people "survival doesn't care what calibre you shot the bad guy with or how much the gun cost", the end result is as long as your alive to remember it then that's all that matters.
I have 2 daughters who are both shooters and when asked gave the advice it does not matter what calibre I or anyone else thinks you should shoot it is what feels most comfortable for you to shoot not just once but time after time if needed after all any bullet hitting a person will ruin their day.
Newman
Roger that on the .22!
A .22 allows you to shoot 200 rounds PER WEEK for about $7…………………. less than the cost of 20 rounds of .38, .45ACP etc. If you've got a few acres you can shoot your .22 on your own land without making the neighbours sweat, too. At that rate you'll quickly become an expert shot and be able to place those little .22 pills where they'll do the most good.
Israel's Mossad put a lot of terrorists in the ground with .22 Berettas. The wiseguys of NYC & Chicago have 'whacked' countless would-be witnesses with them, too. They ARE "on to something", alright.
BikerGma
A couple of years ago I got an XD 9mm subcompact. I am pretty much ambidextrious, but carry lefthanded. I love the gun, fits my hand, recoil isn't too bad, etc. Had never shot or carried a gun of any kind and I bought into the "you need a gun w/stopping power." Much as I love it, I am unable to conceal it. (I do have my CCW.) I am seriously thinking of getting a .22 for several of the reasons you list. I figure the .22 with me is so much better than the 9mm left at home because I just can't hide it. A chubby 63yr old granny on a motorcycle does NOT need to advertise that she is carrying!
Thanks for a great blog!
TheSurvivalMom
Have you checked out the Glock 26? It just might be concealable enough and is a 9mm.