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

Published on April 5, 2026
Duration: 11:06

This video challenges the common perception of the .22 Short as a weak cartridge, presenting historical context and modern testing data. It highlights the .22 Short's original design for self-defense and its surprising penetration capabilities in ballistic gel, often reaching 8-9 inches. The content emphasizes that its effectiveness should be judged by its intended use in smaller firearms and for specific applications like pest control and small game hunting, rather than direct comparison to larger caliber rounds.

Quick Summary

The .22 Short cartridge, often underestimated, was originally designed for self-defense and can achieve surprising performance. High-velocity loads reach 1,000-1,100 ft/s from rifles and penetrate 8-9 inches in ballistic gel, making it effective for pest control and small game hunting.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The .22 Short's Reputation
  2. 00:32The Reputation Problem
  3. 01:58Velocity and Penetration Data
  4. 03:37Real-World Destruction and Testing
  5. 05:14The Historical Flex: Self-Defense Roots
  6. 07:17Evolution and Continued Relevance
  7. 09:11What Modern Shooters Get Wrong
  8. 10:08Modern Use Cases and Design Intent

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the .22 Short cartridge still relevant today?

Yes, the .22 Short remains relevant for specific roles like pest control, small game hunting, and training new shooters due to its low recoil and controllability. Its historical significance as a self-defense round and its surprising penetration capabilities also contribute to its continued interest.

What are the surprising performance aspects of the .22 Short?

Contrary to its reputation, the .22 Short can achieve velocities of 1,000-1,100 ft/s from a rifle and penetrate 8-9 inches in ballistic gel. It can also pierce thin sheet metal and light appliance panels, demonstrating more capability than often assumed.

What was the original purpose of the .22 Short cartridge?

The .22 Short was introduced by Smith & Wesson in the late 1850s as a legitimate self-defense cartridge for their Model 1 Revolver. It was designed as a convenient and less intimidating option for personal carry.

How does the .22 Short compare to larger calibers like 9mm?

The .22 Short is not designed to compete with 9mm in terms of raw energy. However, for its intended use in smaller firearms and for specific tasks like pest control, its penetration and controllability make it effective, whereas 9mm is suited for broader self-defense scenarios.

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