Can .22 Magnum actually work as a self-defense round?
In this follow-up to my Walther WMP SD video, we dive into the real-world viability of using .22 Magnum for home defense. Spoiler alert: I’m not using it—but that doesn’t mean it can’t work for someone else.
We cover the pros (low recoil, higher capacity, reduced overpenetration, modern ammo options, and improved reliability) and the cons (limited stopping power, heavy reliance on shot placement). If you’re recoil-sensitive or just want a suppressed, easy-to-shoot option with enough punch to matter, this video is for you.
Let me know in the comments—would you trust .22 Magnum as a self-defense round? Or is it still stuck in the “better than nothing” category?
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for me : nothing better than 9 mm, but (there's always a but) 22 mag might be a good compromise (velocity, quiet good strength, ammo carriage) capacity isn't an argument vs 9mm which is good enough well, nothing better than a good aiming too in short : 22Lr or 22 mag, it's okay, but nothing replaces a good old 9 para 😀😎 Hi from France ! We love what you do, so thanks and keep it up 😉
Colion. Fully agree. To expand on the other end of it, disability related, revolvers are also an option for arthritis suffers, and may be a better option.
My grandfather carried a Ruger LCP for a few years, and one range trip fired it, then went to reload. Didn't have the hand strength for the slide. Grip problems pinching.
I owned his old IJ Safety Automatic hammer model, and handed that to him. No issues, could lecer the catch, and it's auto reject. HKS 36 speed loaders worked like they'd been designed back in the black powder cartridge era.
Carried it the last six years he was still with us.
Always saw .22 WMR as a decent small game round. Love mine e for varried hare. Defense. Better than nothing, capable if you do your part. Keep my 10/22 Magnum and a 3.75 inch Rough Rider on me when on the trap lines. Like the extra penetration over LR.
Also class revolvers in nonrestrictive states as a plan b deal. Restrictive states, better than nothing, and the fastest reload is a spare.
berretta 71 the mossads wet work pistol, and .22lr was also favored by ukrainian and russian mob in the 90s a magdump 6-8 rounds in the general gut area from up close a very unpleasant way to go within 20 minutes, if you are "lucky" and an ambulance gets you and you are stabilised and refilled with compatible blood they have to open the stomach clean everything up and reconnect the pipings…ewww…
Having seen several videos on the original walther 22mag and not being impressed at all, several failures to feed and jams, is this version really that much better or are we still better off with a pmr30?
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for me : nothing better than 9 mm, but (there's always a but) 22 mag might be a good compromise (velocity, quiet good strength, ammo carriage) capacity isn't an argument vs 9mm which is good enough
well, nothing better than a good aiming too
in short : 22Lr or 22 mag, it's okay, but nothing replaces a good old 9 para 😀😎
Hi from France ! We love what you do, so thanks and keep it up 😉
Colion. Fully agree. To expand on the other end of it, disability related, revolvers are also an option for arthritis suffers, and may be a better option.
My grandfather carried a Ruger LCP for a few years, and one range trip fired it, then went to reload. Didn't have the hand strength for the slide. Grip problems pinching.
I owned his old IJ Safety Automatic hammer model, and handed that to him. No issues, could lecer the catch, and it's auto reject. HKS 36 speed loaders worked like they'd been designed back in the black powder cartridge era.
Carried it the last six years he was still with us.
Always saw .22 WMR as a decent small game round. Love mine e for varried hare. Defense. Better than nothing, capable if you do your part. Keep my 10/22 Magnum and a 3.75 inch Rough Rider on me when on the trap lines. Like the extra penetration over LR.
Also class revolvers in nonrestrictive states as a plan b deal. Restrictive states, better than nothing, and the fastest reload is a spare.
Thank you, I was thinking about a 22 wmr.
Great explanation of self defense. Thats what make it criminal vs not. Your death is not my goal. Its to stop what your doing or trying to do to me
berretta 71 the mossads wet work pistol, and .22lr was also favored by ukrainian and russian mob in the 90s a magdump 6-8 rounds in the general gut area from up close a very unpleasant way to go within 20 minutes, if you are "lucky" and an ambulance gets you and you are stabilised and refilled with compatible blood they have to open the stomach clean everything up and reconnect the pipings…ewww…
Very well said @colionnoire. Newer, Faster, more reliable .2ish rounds are making these better. Nothing beets the 5.7 in that category though. 😉
Enter comment here.
For us old people yes
17 hmr and im in.😅
22 mag is really loud for the size of the round. Like 44 mag loud. I shot an AMT Automag inside the range one time, super loud. 🔊😳
Having seen several videos on the original walther 22mag and not being impressed at all, several failures to feed and jams, is this version really that much better or are we still better off with a pmr30?
Walter’s look like if the hi point had a glow up 😂
Plus with the Heritage 22 revolver you look like Wyatt Earp or Wild Bill with it in your holster.
MinMaxing the 22Mag will always be person dependent, and skill + volume of fire may win the day