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Started By
Message
.380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense
Posted on 10/3/12 at 1:19 pm
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.
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.
9
Posted on 10/3/12 at 1:25 pm to CoastieGM
Where do you live?
She needs to carry a shotgun.
She needs to carry a shotgun.
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.
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.
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 10/3/12 at 1:32 pm
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.
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?
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 10/3/12 at 2:21 pm
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.
Bear spray about got me killed in 1990. Pissed off a Kodiak. Never again.
Yep. back in Alaska again after 25 years.
quote: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.
She needs to carry a shotgun.
Bear spray about got me killed in 1990. Pissed off a Kodiak. Never again.
quote: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)
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.
quote:Very interesting. Will check that out. Thanks.
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 10/3/12 at 3:59 pm
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.
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.
Posted on 10/3/12 at 3:12 pm to Slickback
quote: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.
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.
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 
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
Posted on 10/3/12 at 3:25 pm to bbvdd
quote:That's a darn good point.
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.
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.
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! Posted on 10/3/12 at 3:57 pm to burgeman
quote:Serious as a heart attack brah.
I can't tell if you're messing with the ob or are actually serious
Posted on 10/3/12 at 4:21 pm to OldSouth
quote:
Sounds like she needs The Judge not a side arm.
FIFY
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 10/3/12 at 5:44 pm
Posted on 10/3/12 at 5:39 pm to Cold Pizza
Damn I like that rig.
Downshift is gonna love it too.
Downshift is gonna love it too.
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?
Does it shoot just by working the lever?
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