re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense

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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.

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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.