The .22 rimfire cartridge has been responsible for more fatal shootings than any other caliber, according to law enforcement statistics. There’s no question that proper shot placement from a .22 cartridge can result in the death of an assailant.
During the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan, John Hinkley, Jr. put down Secret Service Agent Timothy McCarthy and White House Press Secretary James Brady with shots from a .22 rimfire. Without assistance, President Reagan would have fallen victim to this maligned and supposedly benign caliber.
It doesn’t take a large diameter caliber to kill a human attacker with a shot to the head, neck or heart. Dead is dead, regardless of the firepower employed. Does that suggest that the .22 should be considered as the self-defense weapon of choice? Certainly not, but let’s examine some of the positive attributes of the .22 as a defensive weapon.
Most people become proficient .22 shooters with minimal training. The recoil is barely noticeable to most shooters, and the barrel rise is minimal, which allows for fast, repeat on-target hits. Once an assailant is shot, his first reaction will be to escape, if he is capable of doing so. If not, many would-be attackers will comply with your orders in order to avoid another hit.
Another advantage is that handguns chambered for the .22 round are small. Mini-revolvers can be as small as 4 inches from barrel to grip, which eliminates any concern you may have about concealing your weapon. There’s no need for special concealable clothing. If you happen to be in a threatening situation, having your hand in a pocket or purse won’t attract unwanted attention, but provides for lightening deployment in an emergency.
Military and political assassins have used .22s to eliminate their targets. There’s no doubt about their lethal potential. Looking down the barrel of a loaded .22 is enough to deter a potential assault. Small-framed persons can shoot accurately, and a string of .22 shots fired at an attacker can send almost anyone packing.
Although most self-defense authorities would discourage the use of a .22 as a primary defensive weapon, it has its place, especially for the person who is intimidated by a larger caliber. High velocity cartridges are available that produce much greater velocities and stopping power than was once possible.
Gun-timid persons, the elderly, the disabled, or even a police officer who wants a secondary back-up weapon could all potentially benefit from the lowly .22 as a means of self defense.