22lr lcr defense?

old fart · May 24, 2017, 11:44 PM

i have a friend who has bad wrists, he has had surgery and can't take recoil even from the 38, he's on a fixed income as well and wants the 22 lcr for low cost shooting and recoil. i do wish he could shoot a larger gun but his hand and wrists won't let him but he has good finger strength, i know any gun is better than no gun so what ammo would be best in the lcr 22? and would any of you carry the 22lr if you couldn't carry anything else? thanks

22-rimfire · May 24, 2017, 11:54 PM

My choice is the CCI Velocitor. Seldom ever have a misfire with CCI ammo. Second choice would be regular CCI HV solids. I stoke my LCR with these and yes, I carry it concealed sometimes when I feel like it.

If it is to be a "house gun", I would suggest the new 3" LCRx in 22LR.

Make sure the gun is reliable in terms of ignition and function. Hate to just buy and never shoot until that one time you need it and it doesn't go off on any cylinder.

JoeSixpack · May 25, 2017, 12:48 AM

I know a few people who are in a similar situation, they just can't handle the recoil.

In those cases where they're going to use 22lr I recommend a revolver and cci stingers.. although 22's suggestion of velocitors is fine too.

It would not be my first choice but it's still a gun, Rule #1

So to bottom line it ya I think a LCR would be a good choice loaded with some quality ammo.

Aikibiker · May 25, 2017, 05:48 AM

Test the high velocity .22 loads thoroughly I had a .22 revolver that had all sorts of problems with them. Regular velocity rounds would work just fine. It was for a similar situation with my mother.

toasterburn · May 25, 2017, 07:19 AM

CCI minimag round nose. Hollow points don't really work on .22, so penetration is the way to go.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

g.willikers · May 25, 2017, 09:08 AM

Every tool we use has advantages and limitations.
Old Fart, explain to your friend how to best use a .22 for defense.
Lots of fast hits, not shooting once or twice and waiting for the results.
Thanks to the generally excellent accuracy of .22s and lack of recoil, it's very doable,
Probably better than a larger caliber gun for most folks with physical limitations.
All it takes is practice.

shootbrownelk · May 25, 2017, 10:19 AM

Get the Ruger LCR in .22 magnum. Hornady makes a "Critical Defense" load for it. It's a 45 gr. bullet and gelatin tests with it were quite impressive. I'd rather pack a .22 Mag. than a .22 LR....just my $0.02.

old fart · May 25, 2017, 10:30 AM

thanks, i will let him know. the one thing i worry most about is he loves hiking in the summer, around here coyote's, feral dogs are encountered often. a black bear is rare as hens teeth but possible. thanks again

carguychris · May 25, 2017, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aikibiker

Test the high velocity .22 loads thoroughly I had a .22 revolver that had all sorts of problems with them. Regular velocity rounds would work just fine.

What sort of problems, and was this occurring with cheap HV bulk pack or quality HV ammo such as CCI?

FWIW many .22LR revolvers have fairly tight chambers, which leads to problems with cheap bulk pack, which tends to be dirty and sized slightly large to shoot better in cheap semi-autos. SV rounds often work better because most users are focused on fine accuracy, so ammo makers offer a higher-quality product; it burns cleaner and is sized more uniformly. This is an ammo quality issue and not a strictly HV vs. SV issue, so the key is to use higher-quality HV ammo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shootbrownelk

Get the Ruger LCR in .22 magnum. Hornady makes a "Critical Defense" load for it.

That's a dandy idea in theory, but according to several posters on this forum, this ammo is perpetually out-of-stock everywhere, on backorder for so long that many online sellers are now listing it as unavailable. Same goes for the .22WMR Speer Gold Dot.

Additionally, if you want something harder-hitting than .22LR, there's a strong case to be made for buying an LCR in .327 Federal Magnum and loading it with .32 S&W Long. The cost is not much higher than .22WMR if you shop online, availability is currently better than .22WMR, and you have the option to step up to .32 H&R Magnum or .327 FedMag.

tallball · May 25, 2017, 03:18 PM

I would also suggest a 32 caliber revolver of some kind. 32 S&W has no more recoil than a 22, to me at least, but it shoots a much larger piece of lead. My wife has severely damaged wrists and has no trouble shooting 32 S&W long revolvers.

Stephanie B · May 25, 2017, 05:06 PM

For home defense, I'm going to be a little contrarian and suggest a Ruger 10/22, with the largest functional magazine allowed. Because the .22 doesn't have a lot of oomph to it, so one would have to poke a lot of holes in an enemy.

An intruder might be just angry at the first or second time he's been shot, but after he's been shot about 15 or 20 times, things may be different.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SHR970 · May 25, 2017, 05:56 PM

Quote:

shootbrownelk wrote: Get the Ruger LCR in .22 magnum. Hornady makes a "Critical Defense" load for it. It's a 45 gr. bullet and gelatin tests with it were quite impressive. I'd rather pack a .22 Mag. than a .22 LR....just my $0.02.

I would also recommend the 22 magnum and here is why. The 22 LR in a short barreled pistol will give around 70 ft. lbs of energy and hollow points aren't worth the bother because IF they expanded your penetration goes to pot. A 22 Magnum from a short barreled pistol will give closer to 22 LR RIFLE performance as far as energy is concerned.

Look through NAA's Ballistics tables.....they will be quite revealing. NAA Ballistics

Just my $.02 but backed by real world data.

Aikibiker · May 25, 2017, 06:17 PM

Carguychris, I was getting binding and case extraction issues with CCI Stingers and Minimags.

Super Sneaky Steve · May 25, 2017, 06:43 PM

CCI Stingers would be my choice in .22lr but I think the .22 Magnum is a better choice.

ShootistPRS · May 25, 2017, 06:53 PM

With properly placed shots and high velocity standard 22LR rounds (1250 fps) the gun can be great for defensive use. Coyotes and medium sized dogs are no concern. Big dogs or coyotes interbred with wolves could be a problem but most will leave when hit with a bullet. Black bears, as long as they still have a fear of people should not be a problem. If you have to use a 22 on one you want to hit it in the back side or the neck. Stay away from head shots.

You know your friends abilities better than we do and his level of expertise/training. The newer 32s (magnum or higher capacity longs) could be an advantage if he is able to handle them but if the 22 is all he can handle then maybe he should have a hiking partner. (he could put a round into his partners knee as a last resort to get away from a nasty critter)

Model12Win · May 25, 2017, 06:55 PM

Use Stingers, they have a nasty habit of bouncing around inside the body and turning internal organs into paste. By far the best manstopper in .22 LR, lot's of knock down power factor and energy dump.

Seriously, I would stick to solid for improved penetration. That is the name of the game in this caliber, you need that bullet to reach vitals.

SHR970 · May 25, 2017, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Model12Win wrote: Use Stingers, they have a nasty habit of bouncing around inside the body and turning internal organs into paste.

I still have the 22 LR solid that went up my arm and ended up behind my shoulderblade. I am only one data point but I know from first hand experience what a 22 is like when it plays pinball inside of you. From a rifle vs. a short barreled pistol is apples and oranges. Read my linked data to get a REAL WORLD view of a 22 from a handgun.

ShootistPRS · May 25, 2017, 07:34 PM

All the data and "real world" tries to show what is lacking or the advantages of rim fire ammo in a self defense situation don't mean spit if the 22 LR is all your body can manage to use. I agree with heavy solid bullets and I will give credit to the hyper velocity 22 rounds to take advantage of the added velocity in a short barreled gun (as long as they function and are not too much for the shooter). The physical limitations of the user are really what will determine which ammo will be used. No matter what he chooses you should help him get as much practice as he can manage with his chosen gun and ammunition. Start him out at 10 feet with a small (1") bullseye and let him get good with it, moving the target back as he gets more comfortable. Help him buy different brands and kinds of ammo in small quantities to find out what his gun will shoot reliably and then buy a couple of bricks of the "best" stuff.

FrankenMauser · May 25, 2017, 07:44 PM

Quote:

CCI minimag round nose. Hollow points don't really work on .22, so penetration is the way to go.

That depends upon the HP design in question.
Some are exceptionally effective, while some others might as well just be straight RNs.

Personally?...
I'd probably run 40 gr RN ammo.

Onward Allusion · May 25, 2017, 10:22 PM

Definitely stick with CCI. In my experience, it ignites every time. I'd probably go with the 40 Gr lead truncated cone, 40 Gr Velocitor, or Stinger.

Regarding the Ruger LCR, go with the 3" to wring out the most from that little round.

carguychris · May 26, 2017, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aikibiker

Carguychris, I was getting binding and case extraction issues with CCI Stingers and Minimags.

It may be rough chambers, or simply excessively dirty or oily chambers. However, it's hard to get more specific when I don't even know what type of revolver we're discussing.

I suggest giving this problem its own thread, as it's a smidge off-topic here.

Berserker · May 26, 2017, 11:57 AM

If truely for defense getting a bigger, gun and hope he never has to use it.

I realize this goes against all we say about practice.

22 is better than nothing. But people don't realize bad people are crazy and on drugs.

Shoot me in the pinky, and I will stop, not meth head who needs a fix.

Also what 22 mag, little better? 38 low recoil for practice? Easier if you reload.

Cheapshooter · May 26, 2017, 12:32 PM

Quote:

i have a friend who has bad wrists, he has had surgery and can't take recoil even from the 38, he's on a fixed income as well and wants the 22 lcr for low cost shooting and recoil.

The low cost part being overlooked by those suggesting a 22 Magnum, or centerfire rounds. I would say CCI MiniMag solid round nose. But cheaper bulk ammo for lots of practice.
Searxh the forum, I remember a recent thread similar to this with some great information on CCI MiniMag performance in ballistic gel. Don't have time yo find it now, maybe later.

SIGSHR · May 26, 2017, 02:27 PM

Jeff Cooper advocated aiming for the eyes, and the throat is a good target.

Obambulate · May 26, 2017, 03:15 PM

I think the LCR-22 will work fine, especially if he wants to practice a lot. Also, don't forget that moving from .22lr to .22 Magnum or .32 in the LCR means you go from 8 shots to only 6. With plenty of low-cost practice, those 8 shots will be delivered more accurately than the more powerful calibers which are too expensive to practice with.

May 25, 2017, 05:48 AM	#4
Aikibiker Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2002 Posts: 181	Test the high velocity .22 loads thoroughly I had a .22 revolver that had all sorts of problems with them. Regular velocity rounds would work just fine. It was for a similar situation with my mother. __________________ __________________________ ~Joel TFL survivor, THR member, TFL member once again!

May 25, 2017, 09:08 AM	#6
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Every tool we use has advantages and limitations. Old Fart, explain to your friend how to best use a .22 for defense. Lots of fast hits, not shooting once or twice and waiting for the results. Thanks to the generally excellent accuracy of .22s and lack of recoil, it's very doable, Probably better than a larger caliber gun for most folks with physical limitations. All it takes is practice. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

May 25, 2017, 06:17 PM	#13
Aikibiker Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2002 Posts: 181	Carguychris, I was getting binding and case extraction issues with CCI Stingers and Minimags. __________________ __________________________ ~Joel TFL survivor, THR member, TFL member once again!

May 25, 2017, 10:22 PM	#20
Onward Allusion Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2009 Location: Back in a Non-Free State Posts: 3,133	Definitely stick with CCI. In my experience, it ignites every time. I'd probably go with the 40 Gr lead truncated cone, 40 Gr Velocitor, or Stinger. Regarding the Ruger LCR, go with the 3" to wring out the most from that little round. __________________ Simple as ABC . . . Always Be Carrying

May 24, 2017, 11:44 PM	#1
old fart Senior Member Join Date: May 24, 2009 Posts: 405	22lr lcr defense? i have a friend who has bad wrists, he has had surgery and can't take recoil even from the 38, he's on a fixed income as well and wants the 22 lcr for low cost shooting and recoil. i do wish he could shoot a larger gun but his hand and wrists won't let him but he has good finger strength, i know any gun is better than no gun so what ammo would be best in the lcr 22? and would any of you carry the 22lr if you couldn't carry anything else? thanks

May 24, 2017, 11:54 PM	#2
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 5,323	My choice is the CCI Velocitor. Seldom ever have a misfire with CCI ammo. Second choice would be regular CCI HV solids. I stoke my LCR with these and yes, I carry it concealed sometimes when I feel like it. If it is to be a "house gun", I would suggest the new 3" LCRx in 22LR. Make sure the gun is reliable in terms of ignition and function. Hate to just buy and never shoot until that one time you need it and it doesn't go off on any cylinder.

May 25, 2017, 12:48 AM	#3
JoeSixpack Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2017 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,048	I know a few people who are in a similar situation, they just can't handle the recoil. In those cases where they're going to use 22lr I recommend a revolver and cci stingers.. although 22's suggestion of velocitors is fine too. It would not be my first choice but it's still a gun, Rule #1 So to bottom line it ya I think a LCR would be a good choice loaded with some quality ammo.

May 25, 2017, 07:19 AM	#5
toasterburn Junior Member Join Date: April 23, 2017 Posts: 10	CCI minimag round nose. Hollow points don't really work on .22, so penetration is the way to go. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

May 25, 2017, 10:19 AM	#7
shootbrownelk Senior Member Join Date: August 27, 2013 Location: Wyoming Posts: 329	Get the Ruger LCR in .22 magnum. Hornady makes a "Critical Defense" load for it. It's a 45 gr. bullet and gelatin tests with it were quite impressive. I'd rather pack a .22 Mag. than a .22 LR....just my $0.02.

May 25, 2017, 10:30 AM	#8
old fart Senior Member Join Date: May 24, 2009 Posts: 405	thanks, i will let him know. the one thing i worry most about is he loves hiking in the summer, around here coyote's, feral dogs are encountered often. a black bear is rare as hens teeth but possible. thanks again

May 25, 2017, 03:18 PM	#10
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	I would also suggest a 32 caliber revolver of some kind. 32 S&W has no more recoil than a 22, to me at least, but it shoots a much larger piece of lead. My wife has severely damaged wrists and has no trouble shooting 32 S&W long revolvers.

May 25, 2017, 05:06 PM	#11
Stephanie B Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2008 Location: NWern SE Missouri Posts: 339	For home defense, I'm going to be a little contrarian and suggest a Ruger 10/22, with the largest functional magazine allowed. Because the .22 doesn't have a lot of oomph to it, so one would have to poke a lot of holes in an enemy. An intruder might be just angry at the first or second time he's been shot, but after he's been shot about 15 or 20 times, things may be different. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

May 25, 2017, 06:43 PM	#14
Super Sneaky Steve Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2011 Posts: 1,250	CCI Stingers would be my choice in .22lr but I think the .22 Magnum is a better choice.

May 25, 2017, 06:53 PM	#15
ShootistPRS Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2017 Posts: 1,583	With properly placed shots and high velocity standard 22LR rounds (1250 fps) the gun can be great for defensive use. Coyotes and medium sized dogs are no concern. Big dogs or coyotes interbred with wolves could be a problem but most will leave when hit with a bullet. Black bears, as long as they still have a fear of people should not be a problem. If you have to use a 22 on one you want to hit it in the back side or the neck. Stay away from head shots. You know your friends abilities better than we do and his level of expertise/training. The newer 32s (magnum or higher capacity longs) could be an advantage if he is able to handle them but if the 22 is all he can handle then maybe he should have a hiking partner. (he could put a round into his partners knee as a last resort to get away from a nasty critter)

May 25, 2017, 06:55 PM	#16
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Use Stingers, they have a nasty habit of bouncing around inside the body and turning internal organs into paste. By far the best manstopper in .22 LR, lot's of knock down power factor and energy dump. Seriously, I would stick to solid for improved penetration. That is the name of the game in this caliber, you need that bullet to reach vitals.

May 25, 2017, 07:34 PM	#18
ShootistPRS Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2017 Posts: 1,583	All the data and "real world" tries to show what is lacking or the advantages of rim fire ammo in a self defense situation don't mean spit if the 22 LR is all your body can manage to use. I agree with heavy solid bullets and I will give credit to the hyper velocity 22 rounds to take advantage of the added velocity in a short barreled gun (as long as they function and are not too much for the shooter). The physical limitations of the user are really what will determine which ammo will be used. No matter what he chooses you should help him get as much practice as he can manage with his chosen gun and ammunition. Start him out at 10 feet with a small (1") bullseye and let him get good with it, moving the target back as he gets more comfortable. Help him buy different brands and kinds of ammo in small quantities to find out what his gun will shoot reliably and then buy a couple of bricks of the "best" stuff.

May 26, 2017, 11:57 AM	#22
Berserker Junior member Join Date: April 6, 2015 Location: WI & UP Posts: 284	If truely for defense getting a bigger, gun and hope he never has to use it. I realize this goes against all we say about practice. 22 is better than nothing. But people don't realize bad people are crazy and on drugs. Shoot me in the pinky, and I will stop, not meth head who needs a fix. Also what 22 mag, little better? 38 low recoil for practice? Easier if you reload.

May 26, 2017, 02:27 PM	#24
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	Jeff Cooper advocated aiming for the eyes, and the throat is a good target.

May 26, 2017, 03:15 PM	#25
Obambulate Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2011 Posts: 582	I think the LCR-22 will work fine, especially if he wants to practice a lot. Also, don't forget that moving from .22lr to .22 Magnum or .32 in the LCR means you go from 8 shots to only 6. With plenty of low-cost practice, those 8 shots will be delivered more accurately than the more powerful calibers which are too expensive to practice with.