| Posted by | Message |
CoastieGM
Member since Aug 2012
1282 posts
| .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 1:19 pm)
I want some input from you like-minded degenerates on this board.  I'm well-versed in many firearms for protection, but I have absolutely no experience with .22 magnum fired out of a full-sized pistol.
This is for my 14 year old daughter to open carry. She's hell with a Bersa .380 thunder, but the Bersa only holds 7 rounds.
I'm interested by the Kel Tec PMR-30 in .22WMR that holds 30 rounds, so I'm considering switching her out if she likes (and can fire) the Kel Tec as well as she does the Bersa. Here are the potential uses in order of likely uses:
1. Unleashed pit bulldogs (when she takes her younger siblings on daily walks)
2. Wandering moose & bear (noisemaker to scare them off)
3. Possible two-legged scumbag wearing a heavy jacket in winter (the reason I won't consider .22LR)
4. Wolves (LINK )
Not that I consider .380 a powerhouse, but would .22WMR fired from a pistol (4.3" barrel) be at least as effective as a .380 (3.5" barrel)?
7 rounds vs. 30 rounds?
Remember, we're talking about use by a 14 year old girl here.
Your thoughts, opinions, and smart-allec comments are appreciated.
|
| Back to top | Share on  |
tigeryat 
LSU Fan
God's Country
Member since Oct 2005
2399 posts
| re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 1:25 pm to CoastieGM)
Where do you live?
She needs to carry a shotgun.
|
| Back to top | |
Crawdaddy
LSU Fan
Slidell
Member since Sep 2006
9623 posts
| re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 1:27 pm to tigeryat)
380 or a .22 is perfect for wolf or bear attacks. During attack, point the pistol point blank to you temple and pull the triger. Atack will be over.
|
| Back to top | |
EMP40 LSU
Member since Mar 2010
366 posts
| re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 1:27 pm to CoastieGM)
If I had to guess, I'd say you're in Alaska? Why not carry both?
ETA: I've also heard that Bear Spray has been found to be more effective than firearms in some studies. LINK Not sure about the effectiveness on pitbulls...
I'm not sure about the reliability of the rimfire cartridge. If you could put a few hundred rounds through that kel tec without issue, I'd consider it a good option. Otherwise I'd want her to have the .380 and Bear Spray.
This post was edited on 10/3 at 1:32 pm
|
| Back to top | |
Tigah in the ATL
LSU Fan
Atlanta
Member since Feb 2005
20643 posts
| re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 1:48 pm to CoastieGM)
.22s aren't considered good self defense rounds because of their size & because rimfire is an inherently unreliable round.
|
| Back to top | |
OldSouth
LSU Fan
Folsom, LA
Member since Oct 2011
4275 posts
 Online
| re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 1:51 pm to CoastieGM)
quote:
1. Unleashed pit bulldogs (when she takes her younger siblings on daily walks)
2. Wandering moose & bear (noisemaker to scare them off)
3. Possible two-legged scumbag wearing a heavy jacket in winter (the reason I won't consider .22LR)
4. Wolves (LINK )
Sounds like she needs artillery support not a side arm. What, no no lions?
|
| Back to top | |
bapple
LSU Fan
Member since Oct 2010
4204 posts
| re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 2:20 pm to EMP40 LSU)
quote:
I'm not sure about the reliability of the rimfire cartridge. If you could put a few hundred rounds through that kel tec without issue, I'd consider it a good option. Otherwise I'd want her to have the .380 and Bear Spray.
It's not that the gun would be unreliable, it's that rimfire ammo is inherently unreliable. I would never trust my life on it.
EDIT: I've heard the PMR30 is amazing at taming recoil and a lot of fun to shoot. In this sense, it may be fun for squirrel hunting, or recreation, but I do not see it as a viable self defense tool. I think rimfire cartridges are just too unreliable.
I think for bear, it would be .357 mag or .44 mag minimum. But if you're not all about gearing up only for bear, I would steer as far as a 9mm.
A full sized 9mm will have less felt recoil than a compact .380, ammo will be cheaper, and you can hold many more rounds in a double stack magazine.
I would look at the S&W M&P and Ruger SR9. Both have slim grips that are great for female shooters. Also the recoil impulse is nonexistent. If she can handle the Bersa, she can handle an M&P or SR9.
This post was edited on 10/3 at 2:21 pm
|
| Back to top | |
CoastieGM
Member since Aug 2012
1282 posts
| re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 2:52 pm to bapple)
Man, you guys don't mess around sending out responses! OK, here are some clarification:
Yep. back in Alaska again after 25 years.
quote:
She needs to carry a shotgun.
Shotgun isn't practical when walking around…can't do any work or hold a kid's hand, and would really get in the way trying to push a cart in the grocery store. Remember, this is for carrying around during a normal day and she's 14 years old.
Bear spray about got me killed in 1990. Pissed off a Kodiak. Never again.
quote:
I think for bear, it would be .357 mag or .44 mag minimum. But if you're not all about gearing up only for bear, I would steer as far as a 9mm.
I carry a .357 on me (as do most people who carry). The bears near town are smaller (usually blackies), so .357 is plenty big for them. Different story when you get further out of town (brownies)
quote:
I would look at the S&W M&P and Ruger SR9. Both have slim grips that are great for female shooters. Also the recoil impulse is nonexistent. If she can handle the Bersa, she can handle an M&P or SR9.
Very interesting. Will check that out. Thanks.
This post was edited on 10/3 at 3:59 pm
|
| Back to top | |
Slickback
LSU Fan
Deer Stand
Member since Mar 2008
22002 posts
| re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 3:02 pm to CoastieGM)
If you're worried about size, capacity, and killing ability check out the FN FiveSeven. Recoil like a .22, high capacity, and will kill the hell out of anything. Price is high and so is ammo, but it is a badass piece.
|
| Back to top | |
bbvdd 
Alabama Fan
Memphis, TN
Member since Jun 2009
6553 posts
| re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 3:08 pm to CoastieGM)
quote:
CoastieGM
I would get her to try out a full size 9mm. The recoil on a 9mm is much more managable that a .380. Every .380 that I've shot the recoil is very snappy where a 9mm is just more pleasant to shoot.
9mm with +p+ isn't a great deal less energy/velocity than a .357.
|
| Back to top | |
CoastieGM
Member since Aug 2012
1282 posts
| re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 3:12 pm to Slickback)
quote:
If you're worried about size, capacity, and killing ability check out the FN FiveSeven. Recoil like a .22, high capacity, and will kill the hell out of anything. Price is high and so is ammo, but it is a badass piece.
I was thinking the very same thing...until I saw the price and lack of availability of that ammo...geez! Otherwise, it would be perfect for her.
|
| Back to top | |
4X4DEMON 
Northwestern St. Fan
NWLA
Member since Dec 2007
9820 posts
| re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 3:14 pm to CoastieGM)
10mm, if it's too much power for the FBI it should be just perfect for a girl in Alaska 
|
| Back to top | |
burgeman
LSU Fan
Member since Jun 2008
3508 posts
Online
| re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 3:24 pm to CoastieGM)
I can't tell if you're messing with the ob or are actually serious
|
| Back to top | |
CoastieGM
Member since Aug 2012
1282 posts
| re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 3:25 pm to bbvdd)
quote:
I would get her to try out a full size 9mm. The recoil on a 9mm is much more managable that a .380. Every .380 that I've shot the recoil is very snappy where a 9mm is just more pleasant to shoot.
That's a darn good point.
The reason I started her with the .380 is because her hands used to be so small that she couldn't reach the trigger on a full size 9mm. However, her fingers are much longer now...I forget about these kids growing.
And you're right about the .380 being more "snappy". Since she can drill the hell out of .380, makes me wonder what she can do with a 9mm these days.
I guess my big thing with her is quick follow-up shots (mild recoil), capacity, ability to drop an aggressive dog, and punch through a turd's thick winter jacket.
|
| Back to top | |
CoastieGM
Member since Aug 2012
1282 posts
| re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 3:44 pm to 4X4DEMON)
quote:
10mm, if it's too much power for the FBI it should be just perfect for a girl in Alaska
 Good one!
|
| Back to top | |
CoastieGM
Member since Aug 2012
1282 posts
| re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 3:57 pm to burgeman)
quote:
I can't tell if you're messing with the ob or are actually serious
Serious as a heart attack brah.
|
| Back to top | |
HeadSlash 
Army Fan
TEAM LIVE BADASS
Member since Aug 2006
27286 posts
| re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 4:21 pm to OldSouth)
quote:
Sounds like she needs The Judge not a side arm.
FIFY
|
| Back to top | |
Cold Pizza 
Ohio State Fan
Member since Sep 2011
7639 posts
| re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 5:34 pm to CoastieGM)
.45 LC or similar. Allows for two-handed hold. Only accurate up close, but still. You're gonna get her killed with a .380 or .22WMR.
This post was edited on 10/3 at 5:44 pm
|
| Back to top | |
El Josey Wales
LSU Fan
Greater Geismar
Member since Nov 2007
18460 posts
| re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 5:39 pm to Cold Pizza)
Damn I like that rig.
Downshift is gonna love it too.
|
| Back to top | |
Nodust
LSU Fan
Member since Aug 2010
15398 posts
| re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense (Posted on 10/3/12 at 5:45 pm to Cold Pizza)
Good enough for the Rifleman good enough for me.
Does it shoot just by working the lever?
|
| Back to top | |
