When it comes to self-defense, choosing the right firearm and ammunition can be a life-or-death decision. While there are plenty of debates surrounding different calibers, one thing is clear – some rounds are simply more effective than others. Among the most controversial choices for self-defense are the .22LR and its slightly more powerful cousin, the .22WMR. While both rounds have their place in the world of shooting, using them for personal protection is a choice that comes with serious drawbacks.
Despite their affordability, low recoil, and widespread availability, neither of these rounds provides the stopping power needed in a life-threatening situation. Let’s break down why .22LR and .22WMR fall short for self-defense and why you might want to reconsider carrying them for personal protection.
The Myth of the .22 “Killer”
One of the most common arguments in favor of the .22 for self-defense is the claim that it has been responsible for more deaths than any other caliber. While it’s true that .22 rounds have been used in countless homicides – especially in gangland executions – that doesn’t make them effective for self-defense. There’s a massive difference between using a firearm in a controlled, close-range assassination and trying to stop an attacker who is charging at you with violent intent.
The reality is that stopping power matters. While a .22 round can absolutely be lethal, it often fails to immediately incapacitate a threat. When you’re fighting for your life, you don’t want a round that might eventually cause your attacker to collapse from blood loss – you need something that stops them in their tracks.
Penetration Problems: The .22’s Fatal Flaw
One of the biggest weaknesses of .22LR and .22WMR is their inability to penetrate barriers effectively. Unlike larger, more powerful calibers, .22 rounds struggle to pass through clothing, car doors, or even windshields. If an assailant is wearing a thick jacket or positioned behind light cover, there’s a real chance that a .22 round won’t reach anything vital.
This problem is even more pronounced in self-defense scenarios that involve shooting from inside a vehicle. If you’re forced to fire through a windshield or car door, the .22 is more likely to deflect or fail to penetrate than heavier rounds like 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP. In a real-world emergency, that’s a serious liability.
Shot Placement vs. Stopping Power
Some advocates of .22 self-defense claim that shot placement is all that matters. The theory is that if you shoot an attacker in the right spot – such as the head or heart – it doesn’t matter what caliber you’re using. While shot placement is undeniably important, it’s unrealistic to assume that every defensive shooting will allow for perfect accuracy.
When someone is attacking you, your adrenaline is surging, your hands are shaking, and you have mere seconds to react. Under these conditions, expecting to land a pinpoint shot with a small-caliber round is wishful thinking. That’s why larger calibers with greater energy transfer are recommended – because they compensate for less-than-perfect shot placement.
Recoil Control and Follow-Up Shots
One of the legitimate advantages of the .22 is its low recoil. This makes it easy to shoot quickly and accurately, even for beginners or those with weaker hands. However, this advantage is largely negated by the round’s lack of stopping power.
While it’s true that you can fire multiple rounds rapidly with a .22, that doesn’t mean those rounds will be effective. A self-defense situation isn’t about how many times you can shoot – it’s about how fast you can stop the threat. A larger caliber might take only one or two well-placed shots to neutralize an attacker, while a .22 might require several hits with no immediate effect.
.22WMR: A Slight Improvement, but Not Enough
Some people argue that .22WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) is a better self-defense choice than .22LR because of its higher velocity and improved penetration. While .22WMR does offer a small boost in effectiveness, it still falls short when compared to standard defensive calibers.
At the end of the day, .22WMR is still a small, lightweight round with limited stopping power. It may be slightly more effective than .22LR, but it’s still not in the same league as 9mm or .45 ACP when it comes to stopping an attacker in their tracks.
Reliability Issues: Rimfire vs. Centerfire
Another significant drawback of both .22LR and .22WMR is their rimfire design. Unlike centerfire cartridges (which are used in most defensive calibers), rimfire rounds are more prone to misfires and failures.
In a self-defense scenario, the last thing you want is a dud round. While modern rimfire ammunition has improved in quality, it still isn’t as reliable as centerfire alternatives. If you pull the trigger and your gun doesn’t go off, that split-second failure could cost you your life.
Firearm Design and Functionality
Most .22 firearms – especially small handguns – are designed for target shooting, plinking, or small game hunting, not defensive use. Many .22 semi-automatic pistols are known for being finicky with ammunition and prone to malfunctions. Even with high-quality ammo, there’s a greater risk of stovepipes, jams, and feed issues compared to centerfire pistols.
Revolvers chambered in .22 are more reliable, but they come with another problem – a heavy trigger pull. Because rimfire rounds require a strong hammer strike to ignite, .22 revolvers often have heavier trigger pulls than their centerfire counterparts, making them harder to shoot accurately under stress.
When .22 Might Be the Only Option
With all that said, there are situations where carrying a .22 for self-defense might be justified. If it’s the only gun you have access to, then it’s better than nothing. Likewise, if someone has physical limitations that prevent them from handling larger calibers, a .22 may be their only practical choice.
However, if you have the ability to carry something more effective, there’s no reason to settle for a round that isn’t designed for self-defense. Even compact 9mm handguns with manageable recoil offer vastly superior stopping power compared to any .22 variant.
Better Options for Self-Defense
If you’re looking for a low-recoil alternative to .22 for self-defense, consider calibers like .380 ACP, 9mm, or even .32 ACP. These rounds offer more energy, better penetration, and more reliable ignition than any .22 rimfire round.
Even if you’re recoil-sensitive, modern 9mm handguns with good ergonomics and quality ammunition provide far better protection than a .22 ever could. Training and practice can also help you manage the recoil of larger calibers, making them a much more viable option in the long run.
Final Verdict: Don’t Rely on .22 for Self-Defense
While .22LR and .22WMR have their uses, self-defense isn’t one of them. Their lack of penetration, low stopping power, and reliability issues make them a poor choice when lives are on the line. If you have no other option, a .22 is certainly better than nothing – but if you’re serious about protecting yourself, it’s worth investing in a more effective caliber.
Ultimately, your self-defense firearm should give you the best possible chance of surviving a dangerous encounter. That means choosing a round that delivers consistent, reliable stopping power – not one that relies on luck and shot placement alone. In a world full of better options, carrying a .22 for self-defense simply isn’t a wise decision.
Ed spent his childhood in the backwoods of Maine, where harsh winters taught him the value of survival skills. With a background in bushcraft and off-grid living, Ed has honed his expertise in fire-making, hunting, and wild foraging. He writes from personal experience, sharing practical tips and hands-on techniques to thrive in any outdoor environment. Whether it’s primitive camping or full-scale survival, Ed’s advice is grounded in real-life challenges.