[Branth]

Does anyone here carry a .22? What do you do to mitigate it's relatively poor stopping power?

I've actually considered getting a tiny .22LR pocket pistol for my first carry gun, something like the HP22a (if it proved reliable). It's cheap, and I'd also have a good plinking gun that I could use on the weekends. I've been meaning to get a .22 pistol so I could practice my handgun skills at little or no cost, and this seems like it would work wonderfully. I'd like to blow through 100 rounds in a weekend without guilt. For carry, I'd use CCI Stingers or Mini-Mags, or something else that's a hot FMJ round.

Eventually, I plan on upgrading to a 9mm pocket pistol, but the .22 would be a good starter gun, and a heck of a lot better than nothing.

What do you all think of this idea?

[mikana]

I voted "yes". It's better than nothing. An HP22 is almost exactly the same size has a kel tec P11, btw. The only down side of the HP22 is that you have to cock it to shoot the first round. A training issue, really.

[radair08]

yes.

[Silicon Wolverine]

yes, and do regularly. a beretta 21A. i use stingers as they function my 21A 100%. with a 22 you make headshots, period. stopping power is an oxymoron when the caliber in question is 22.

i always figured it as a handy 22 in your pocket is worth a pair of 45s that are to bulky to carry in the safe.

SW

[gunforhire]

once in a while, but I only have the neos, so it is rare

[OblivionNine]

I agree with the .22 if it means having a gun.

Before I got my .38 snub I thought I might have to use my p22 to pocket carry in shorts for a few special occasions. Now that is mute.

The thing for me is the .22 isn't 100% functional. I've had a cci mini mag that the primer crimped but didn't fire. again better than nothing...but they make some excellent/light revolvers...and even the pf9 that it just seems would be better than 10 rounds (at best) of .22.

And that'd be fire at center mass...rather than a perfect head shot.

Anyway if your talking your first carry gun...I'd go with a 2" revolver or the pf9. To me the .22 is something to add to your arsenal as an option for when having the bigger gun is less appropriate.

[datank55]

With the vast selection of nearly equally as small .32's, .380's and 9's out there, I can't see my self ever carrying a .22 except on my ankle as a BUG maybe. I carry a full size Ruger SR9 or a Taurus compact PT-145. These guns conceal well. I am considering the Ruger LCP for deep concealment/summer carry, for the occasions I don't feel I can cover up the larger pistols appropriately.

Except for perhaps elderly, the very slightly built, or the recoil sensitive I personally can't see picking a .22, even magnum, over a larger caliber. I believe a previous response suggested head shots with a .22, however, with a pocket pistol in a panic situation, I know I can't make that shot.

[SniperInTraining]

How about the Kel-Tec PMR-30 (i think thats the name) in .22magnum. I'd carry that and not think twice about it.

[GrouchyVet]

I voted yes, particularly if deep concealment is necessary. Can't beat an NAA mini revolver, IMHO. Take a look at the article at this link...

http://www.themartialist.com/0106/minirevolver.htm

[9 Mill]

I voted yes, and for you, a big yes. If you are just starting out and learning the ropes, then a .22 is perfect. You can learn all there is about safety, and firing a gun. I am catching flack in the other thread next door about my newly purchased Beretta .25 caliber. I would think that the .22 Magnum would be better for power, but you better ask the ammo experts on here, not me. The upside for many .22's is you can get them that hold a lot of rounds. Kel Tec has a pistol that holds 30 rounds in the magazine. A military guy posted that he didn't care what caliber it was. If someone starts spraying 30 rounds, then it's time to drop and roll. I was LMAO at that one.