.22 Magnum is Pretty Good

Published on January 7, 2019
Duration: 9:57

The .22 Magnum offers a balance between .22 LR affordability and .38 Special power, making it a viable option for small-frame self-defense handguns. While it exhibits manageable recoil, potential ignition failures and heavy trigger pulls are drawbacks. Ballistic testing shows adequate penetration for self-defense, though velocity drops significantly from short barrels.

Quick Summary

The .22 Magnum offers a balance for self-defense handguns with manageable recoil and adequate penetration (11-15 inches). While more affordable than .38 Special, it faces challenges like rimfire ignition failures and heavy trigger pulls due to necessary heavier springs.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to .22 Magnum
  2. 00:55History and Evolution of .22 WMR
  3. 02:04Recoil and Control in Small Handguns
  4. 02:18Reliability and Trigger Pull Issues
  5. 04:08Ammunition Cost Comparison
  6. 04:45Ballistics: Velocity Loss from Short Barrels
  7. 06:07Ballistic Gel Testing Results
  8. 08:00Recommended .22 Magnum Handguns

Frequently Asked Questions

Is .22 Magnum suitable for self-defense?

.22 Magnum can be suitable for self-defense in small-frame handguns, offering manageable recoil and adequate penetration (11-15 inches in gel tests). However, potential ignition failures and heavy trigger pulls are considerations.

How does .22 Magnum recoil compare to .38 Special?

In short-barreled revolvers, .22 Magnum recoil is significantly less than .38 Special, making it much easier to control and shoot accurately, especially for new or recoil-sensitive shooters.

What are the main drawbacks of .22 Magnum in handguns?

The primary drawbacks are the potential for rimfire ignition failures, which can lead to misfires, and the resulting need for heavier springs that create heavy trigger pulls (14-15 lbs).

How much does .22 Magnum ammunition cost?

.22 Magnum ammunition is considerably more expensive than .22 LR, typically costing about four times as much. However, it remains about 60% cheaper than .38 Special ammunition, offering a cost-effective practice option.

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