.22 for self defense?
 

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uSrWpH-nLmo" title="How Deadly Is A 22 Pistol? 22 Pistol vs Human" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

More people are killed with .22's than any other handgun caliber. That said, there is a very, very important difference between killing and stopping.

An assassin want to kill, and could not care less how long it takes his victim to die. He can also choose his shot, if he is any good, relying upon the victim being unaware of his presence.

The defensive shooter, in sharp contrast, does not care if his assailant dies. He just wants him to stop, right now, before he can inflict any harm. The defensive shooter cannot choose his shot, as he is somewhat pressed for time.

Two entirely different requirements. Yes, .22's are deadly, but they do not stop fights.

I'd put money that no intruder will want to enter my home with my snarling, teeth gnashing, slamming the door to put his teeth in someone's leg Black Mouth Cur.

He punches waaaay above his weight.

And, he walks like a gentleman on and off leash. And curls up on the couch nightly for "TV Time."

Just saying.

^^^
+1 (to Jeff's post)

Bottom line: I don't want the minimum required to defend myself. I want the maximum possible. Here is a medical expert's opinion on caliber and self-defense (simple and easy to understand even without training in medicine):
https://gundigest.com/article/a-medical-perspective-on-ammunition-and-lethality

Topics:
How bullets kill
Calibers and effectiveness
Do bullet types even matter?

An American 180 22LR, maybe.

That’s a bizarre 22LR fully automatic (1200 rps) drum-fed submachine gun sold in the 1960s for what purpose I don’t know.

As always, you have to match the gun to the user. My wife is easily rattled. She has trouble with our 9mm S&W just practicing. I’m afraid it would be totally useless to her in a tense situation. A light weight .22 would be better for her. Something is better than nothing.

A 22 with you is better than 45 you left at home because too big/heavy/hard to conceal etc

BUT ... Ive had plenty of duds shooting rimfire. From cheap crappy ammo to expensive match grade stuff

I think Ive had two or three dud centerfire rounds, including when shooting pre-WW2 ammo

So at the very least I would try for a centerfire just for ammo reliability reasons

Who, other than a tweaked out meth head, will not stop, or at least pause, and reconsider their stance after being hit by a .22 ?

This: For women: Do you have any idea how much lighter a 22 is in a purse than a 45 or 9mm? Even a 22 can get heavy fast when in a purse with a strap only 1/2in thick.

Many folks say that a CCW gun belongs on the persons body in a holster, not in a purse. Fanny pack or something else that is really attached and not subject to being left around, snatched off, etc. might work... but I would prefer something on the body.

And instead of "mansplaining" stuff like that, I always direct the ladies who ask me to the two local "lady shooters" groups (one focuses on CC and stuff like that, the other on competition - IPSC, IDPA, 2gun, 3gun, etc)

Did you know there are purses just for CCW? For me, it doesn't matter if there is a firearm inside, I do not leave my purse anywhere. I always have a crossbody so I can keep it close, at chest level.

And, I don't mind being "mansplained". I might tell you your wrong ;) but I may learn something. And I am open to the learning.

A .22 may not kill you.
But I don't plan on pulling the trigger once.

I know Galco had some back in the 80s and 90s.... I also know my wife changes her purse on a somewhat regular basis for fashion reasons or Just Because, and she's gone from little tiny things to a back pack and everywhere in between... I know enough about CCW issues for women to know.... that it takes a woman to give good advice about it. :D

there is no wider range of ammo than the 22LR.

you can get various subsonic round that are slow from either a heavy slug or low charge..all the way to a violent high velocity (relatively high) round like the CCI Velociter.

you don't want to take a Velociter round anywhere on the body. I know it will do that red mist puff on a cottontail. From a rifle, sure. even from a handgun, that round screams.

I found a pile of them in Las Crusas and I did that arm sweep of the entire pile into my basket. I love that round.

The best self defense caliber is the one you have available when needed . Yes an over simplication but true . A 22 for example is better than a shoe . When an intruder blows through a door or window at 2 AM and wakes you out of a deep sleep use whatever is available to defend you and family .

Of course a 357/45/9mm are better . And a short barrel shotgun even better . Having Rex the a$$ biting dog doesn't hurt either . Whatever your mode of protection is just be proficient with it so you don't harm yourself or family . I sincerely hope none of us are ever put in that position .

Almost no recoil would help in a moment of panic I would think.

A .22 in the lung will have the perp bleed out rather quickly but you will need to shield yourself until they do. A revolver is a good hedge against the FTF.

As stated a .22 is better than harsh language.

Half dozen.22 LR to the chest is going to make you turn around and go the other way, a few steps the other way, then you would drop

Snake load to the face.

I know a guy who carries one of the Bond derringers in 45LC/410, both barrels with #6 bird shot. His plan is exactly that.