6 Shocking Facts About the .22 Short They Don’t Want You to Know!

Published on February 10, 2026
Duration: 11:06

This video challenges the common perception of the .22 Short cartridge, presenting it not just as a plinking round but as a historically significant self-defense and competition cartridge. Expert instruction highlights its surprising penetration capabilities, historical use in conflicts like the Civil War, and its suitability for specific modern roles such as pest control and training new, recoil-sensitive shooters. The content emphasizes that modern judgment of the .22 Short is often based on outdated associations rather than its actual performance, especially with high-velocity loads.

Quick Summary

The .22 Short cartridge, introduced in 1857, was historically significant as a self-defense round and demonstrated surprising penetration (8-9 inches in ballistic gel) with high-velocity loads, challenging its modern reputation as only a plinking round.

Chapters

  1. 00:00.22 Short Not Just for Plinking
  2. 00:35The Reputation of the .22 Short
  3. 01:00History of the .22 Short
  4. 01:31.22 LR Surpassed the .22 Short
  5. 01:59.22 Short Velocity and Penetration
  6. 02:47.22 Short Ballistic Gel Tests
  7. 03:11Penetration is the Main Metric
  8. 03:39.22 Short Real World Destruction
  9. 04:13.22 Short Energy Concentrated
  10. 04:58.22 Short Penetration Results
  11. 05:15History of the .22 Short Again
  12. 05:46.22 Short in Civil War Service
  13. 06:21.22 Short After the Civil War
  14. 06:49.22 Short Used in Gallery Ranges
  15. 07:19Evolution of the .22 Short
  16. 08:00.22 Short High Velocity
  17. 09:13Modern Shooter's .22 Short Impression
  18. 09:36.22 Short Still Suitable for Certain Roles

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the .22 Short cartridge still effective for self-defense?

While not recommended as a primary self-defense round in 2025 compared to modern calibers, the .22 Short, especially high-velocity loads, demonstrated surprising penetration in historical and ballistic tests, making it a viable option for very close-range defense or specific niche applications.

What is the historical significance of the .22 Short?

Introduced in 1857 by Smith & Wesson, the .22 Short was the first successful American metallic cartridge and was initially marketed for self-defense. It saw widespread use before and during the Civil War as a compact backup firearm.

How does the .22 Short perform in ballistic gel tests?

High-velocity .22 Short loads can achieve significant penetration, typically reaching 8 to 9 inches in calibrated ballistic gel, with some informal tests exceeding 22 centimeters, demonstrating its ability to reach vital organs at close range.

What are suitable modern uses for the .22 Short cartridge?

Beyond plinking, the .22 Short is suitable for pest control where minimal collateral damage is desired, and for training new shooters who are sensitive to recoil, offering a manageable and quiet shooting experience.

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