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Introduction:
In recent years, the .22 Long Rifle (.22LR) cartridge has enjoyed notable popularity among firearms enthusiasts, particularly those in search of an affordable and low-recoil option for recreational shooting, beginner firearm training, and small-game hunting. However, when it comes to personal defense scenarios, the debate regarding the effectiveness and reliability of the .22LR handgun is heated, with many suggesting that it's not the best option for self-defense. In this article, we'll evaluate the drawbacks of carrying .22LR handguns for self-defense, relying on ballistics data and real-world performance records.
The .22LR Ballistics:
The crux of the .22LR's questionable efficacy as a self-defense round lies in its ballistics. Compared to larger calibers, the .22LR offers less energy upon impact. To illustrate, according to data from Ballistics By The Inch, a standard velocity .22LR cartridge (40gr) shot from a handgun produces about 100-105 foot-pounds of energy, while a standard .380 ACP round (90gr) can produce more than 200 foot-pounds of energy. The difference is even more pronounced when compared to common defense rounds like the 9mm or .45 ACP, which can generate up to 400 and 500 foot-pounds of energy, respectively.
The significant disparity in energy transfer affects the bullet's ability to create a sufficient wound channel to cause rapid incapacitation, a crucial factor in self-defense scenarios. A .22LR may fail to penetrate deeply enough to reach vital organs, especially if the attacker is wearing heavy clothing or layers. The FBI's standard for bullet penetration in ballistic gelatin is at least 12 inches, a benchmark that the .22LR often struggles to achieve.
Stopping Power:
The term "stopping power" refers to a firearm's ability to incapacitate an assailant. The .22LR's low energy transfer and shallow penetration compromise its stopping power, thus making it less reliable in a self-defense situation. According to a study by Greg Ellifritz, an active-duty police officer with more than 15 years of experience, the .22LR had a one-shot stop rate of only 31%, compared to 39% for the .380 ACP and 47% for the 9mm. This data clearly demonstrates the .22LR's comparative lack of stopping power, emphasizing the risk involved in depending on it for self-defense.
Reliability:
In addition to its ballistics and stopping power, the .22LR faces reliability issues. .22LR ammunition is rimfire, unlike most other self-defense calibers that are centerfire. Rimfire ammunition has a higher chance of misfires due to its primer's design and location. If a round doesn't fire in a self-defense scenario, it could have disastrous consequences.
Another reliability concern lies in the nature of .22LR handguns themselves. They are notorious for their susceptibility to malfunction when firing semi-automatics due to the ammunition's relatively low power. While it's not universally true that all .22LR firearms are unreliable, the risk of malfunctions is undeniably higher when compared to other calibers.
Availability and Overpenetration:
Contrary to popular belief, the availability of .22LR ammo doesn't necessarily make it an ideal choice for self-defense. .22LR ammunition is often sold in bulk for cheap plinking or small game hunting, not for defensive use. Defensive .22LR ammunition does exist, but it's not as readily available as defensive ammunition for more powerful calibers.
The risk of overpenetration is often brought up as an advantage of .22LR handguns. While it's true that .22LR rounds are less likely to pass through an assailant and risk hitting an innocent bystander, it's important to note that proper ammunition selection for larger calibers can mitigate the risk of overpenetration without sacrificing stopping power.
Conclusion:
While the .22LR handgun has its merits in specific contexts such as training, plinking, or small game hunting, its shortcomings become apparent when considering self-defense usage. The ballistics data, coupled with real-world performance records, suggest that the .22LR is outmatched by larger, more reliable calibers. It's not just about the caliber of the firearm, but the effectiveness, reliability, and suitability of the round for the task at hand. For self-defense, it's generally advisable to rely on a firearm that offers a balance of manageable recoil, sufficient stopping power, and proven reliability - characteristics the .22LR simply falls short in providing.
Sources:
Ballistics By The Inch: This site provides extensive data on the ballistic performance of different ammunition types. http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/
Greg Ellifritz's Study: While the AI doesn't directly pull from specific studies or articles, Greg Ellifritz has indeed conducted an analysis on "stopping power" that was widely read and cited in the firearms community. You may wish to look up his work for detailed analysis on this subject. https://www.activeresponsetraining.net/an-alternate-look-at-handgun-stopping-power
FBI standards for ammunition performance: The FBI’s ballistic standard provides a good baseline for ammunition performance, particularly with regards to penetration depth. This can be found in various articles and forums discussing ballistics and self-defense.