If you are looking for a .22 pistol for the purpose of self-defense, then you would be well advised to select one that is high-quality and reliable. The .22 caliber is perhaps one of the most trusted and reliable rounds for those who conceal carry for the purpose of self-defense. Some users are even able to keep these pistols at home and carry another pistol instead. Regardless, they have their bases covered when it comes to preparing themselves for dangerous situations.
Since there are numerous .22 pistols for self-defense that exist on the market, we have tracked down only the best so you are not so overwhelmed with options.
Before we unveil the list, we’ll talk about how accurate these pistols are, along with some things you need to look out for in an effort to choose the best firearm for yourself.
Comparison of the Best .22 Pistols For Self Defense
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How Accurate is a .22 Pistol?
This will depend on the type of pistol that you use. The accuracy may differ based on certain models, but you can be certain that you’ll be able to hit a target with effective accuracy when the distance is about 50 yards or thereabouts. Some may go a shorter distance and some may go farther. Also, shooting groups may also vary depending on the type of ammo that you use.
How to Choose a .22 Pistol
It’s not wise to choose a .22 pistol at complete random without knowing what to look for. You deserve the best value and quality so you are not spending money on anything disappointing. If you need a .22 pistol for self-defense, here are some of the things to keep your eyes peeled for:
Price
First off, we’ll talk about price. The price tag is probably going to play a minimal role in deciding which pistol is right for you. If you are on a budget, you’ll need to invest in the best quality and performance that you can afford. If it’s too low of a price, then it would be wise to exercise caution. Low, cheap prices will almost always lead to poor quality and performance.
Concealed Carry or Keep it at Home
.22 pistols come in several different sizes. Some of them will be appropriate for concealed carry and some will only be appropriate for keeping at home. If you feel comfortable carrying a full-sized .22 pistol, you should be able to find a holster for such a purpose. Consider the measurements of the pistols that you are looking at for whatever purpose so you can determine if they are worth carrying in a holster or keeping in your dresser drawer.
Reliability
Reliability is a definite plus when it comes to finding a self-defense pistol, especially when you need something that will work to your advantage the most. The last thing you need is a pistol that will malfunction or jam on you when life is on the line. Be sure to keep in the loop of what people are saying about the reliability of your pistol of choice.
Quick Take - The Best .22 Pistols For Self Defense
These are our recommendations for the best .22 pistols for self defense:
- Walther Arms Inc P22 Target
- Ruger SR22
- Smith & Wesson M&P22 Compact
Review of the Best .22 Pistols For Self-Defense
Below is our list of the .22 pistols for self-defense that are currently the best on the market. As you read through the list, be sure to pay attention to the most attractive characteristics and features so you can find a pistol that closely matches the description of what you are looking for in a pistol. Remember, close enough is a whole lot better than nothing at all.
Let’s begin by taking a look at the “best overall” choice for .22 self-defense pistols:
Best Overall:
Walther Arms Inc P22 Target
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users were quite happy with this pistol for a few good reasons. For one, they loved the overall reliability of it. They can pull the trigger and can get their shots off rather quickly. Also, the gripping ability for those dealing with sweaty palms or even wet weather was, as one user described it, “ridiculously strong”. He said that he can get an excellent grip on it and not worry about it slipping out of his hands.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This target pistol is easily one of the most solid and ruggedly built .22lr pistols on the market. Make no mistake, it’s durable and can handle round after round of shooting. You can fire well over 100 rounds and it will still hold up strong with no malfunctions or jamming issues.
This is exactly what you need in a pistol that is worthy of concealed carry and self-defense. With 11 rounds at your disposal, you’ll be prepared to defend yourself against attackers and prowlers. Sometimes, it only takes a few to knock them down. If you want a pistol that is well-deserving of the “best overall .22lr pistol” title, then you will certainly get a good one with this .22.
Who Will Use This Most
This would be a perfect pistol for those who intend to either concealed carry or keep it at home. Yes, it’s at the right size for concealed carry. But it can stand out as that pistol that you can discreetly keep in a locked drawer. It’s solidly built and will, in turn, give you the best reliability possible. If you want a pistol that will work right when you need it the most, this might be right up your alley.
Bottom Line
The Walther Arms P22 Target pistol deserves its spot on the top of our list and proves that it can stand out as the go-to choice for concealed carry and home defense users. If you want something that will be useful to you in the years that follow, you won’t find any other pistol quite like it. As long as you take good care of this pistol, it will certainly take care of you in the direst of survival situations.
Runner-up:
Ruger SR22
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users found this pistol to be really decent in terms of accuracy. Meanwhile, they were even more impressed with the overall quality and reliability. One user said that he uses this for target practice most of the time, but also utilizes it as a concealed carry pistol in case he ends up in a potentially dangerous situation. So far, he says he’s got no complaints about the overall functionality or quality.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol is ridiculously lightweight when it’s not loaded. It’s also ridiculously lightweight when it is loaded. So, when you put this on a holster, you won’t feel it weigh down on you. The last thing you need is dealing with a heavy pistol, which may affect your handling and overall use.
Since it’s lightweight, it’s easy and natural to conceal carry it in a nice, reliable holster. Load this up with your favorite .22 ammo and you’ll be good to go in terms of jam-free shooting and tight shooting groups. If accuracy is what you look for in a self-defense pistol, you’ll get that out of this. Even if it’s at a short distance, it’s still effective.
Who Will Use This Most
This would make a great starter pistol for those starting out with concealed carry or using a pistol for self-defense. It’s light in carrying weight and it definitely has a decent trigger pull that is neither too light or too heavy.
Just apply the pressure and you’ll get a shot or two off quickly. If you want a .22 that will be reliable and provide a good deal of stopping power, this might be a pistol that’s worth looking at a bit closer.
Bottom Line
The Ruger SR22 is a pistol that will certainly be one of the best-concealed carry pistols for newbies. You’re definitely going to love it once you get a good number of test shots out at the range, and your confidence will be better knowing that you are prepared for any danger that may lurk around the corner.
Best for the Money:
Smith & Wesson M&P22 Compact
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This pistol was a hit with most users who were looking for something that was affordable and newbie-friendly. Sure enough, they were not disappointed to come across this budget-friendly pistol. They were impressed with the size and were able to use it for the purpose of concealed carry. One user said that once it fits in his holster, it didn’t bulge underneath his shirt, making concealed carrying his pistol a lot more comfortable.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you are looking for a compact-sized pistol, this is one of those .22 pistols that will be exceptional for concealed carry purposes. It’s lightweight (loaded or unloaded) and will make sure that you get the best concealability possible when it’s placed in a holster.
You will be quite prepared to take on any attackers or prowlers that are stupid enough to mess with someone that conceal carries a pistol. If you want a pistol that won’t weigh you down or bulge to the point where people are beginning to wonder if you are carrying something, this is the one you’ll want in your arsenal.
Who Will Use This Most
If you want a pistol that will be easy for concealed carry and make preparing for any survival situation much easier than ever, this will be a .22 that will definitely give you the benefits of being well protected. Just slip this into your holster and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you are ready to draw it if and when you are threatened.
Bottom Line
The Smith & Wesson M&P22 Compact is the real deal. Even at a price that is affordable for most, it will certainly be the best option for many new concealed carry users starting out. It’s reliable, solid, and will last you years down the road. Don’t be shocked if this bad boy is as effective as, if not better than any other pistol you have used.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most new buyers were really happy with this .22lr version of the Colt Government 1911. A lot of them were hobbyists and range goers who wanted the looks of a 1911 with low recoil and power.
This pistol definitely fit the bill in those regards. One user said that after firing well over 50 rounds, he said that the pistol remained reliable and malfunction free. Plus, accuracy was excellent as it managed to hit targets dead on from about 30 yards out.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The 1911 model has long been the standard firearm of choice for many US government agents and military members. That was until they switched over to a version of SIG Sauer pistols.
Accuracy of this handgun is super sharp and will be deadly in self-defense situations. All it takes is one well placed shot to get the job done. If accuracy and precision are what you want in a .22lr pistol, you get it with this.
Who Will Use This Most
If you want the best in reliability for a .22 pistol, then you’re going to want this bad boy all to yourself. Try it out at the range and fire at least 100 rounds.
It’s almost a guarantee that no malfunctions will happen at all (if they do, then that’s a rare occurrence). If you need a good EDC pistol in .22lr , you’d be hard-pressed to find anything this reliable anywhere else.
Bottom Line
The Walther Arms Colt Government 1911 A1 is no doubt one of the best .22 caliber pistols out there in terms of reliability. There are a handful of other .22 pistols out there that could give this a run for its money, but if you want a pistol that will certainly give you a jam-free performance, this might be right up your alley.
5.Glock 44 .22lr Pistol
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The Glock 44 is a real fun gun to shoot and a lot of users bought it to teach their young kids the basics of shooting. The gun has almost 99% 5-star reviews on PSA and is heavily praised for its ergonomics, and ease of adjusting with different holsters. Some users however cited feeding issues with full mags, however, that was a rare occurence.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Glock series of handguns is one of the most popular, time-tested, and revered pistols on the market today. It is very hard to overlook a Glock in any caliber and this G44 is no different. Featuring a normal-size frame, this handgun is good for newbie kids, females with small palms, and men who just want to get the fun of shooting a .22lr handgun.
The quality of construction is top notch and there are two extra magazines in the package. Overall, it is tough-to-beat option when you're talking value for money.
Who Will Use This Most
Like I said earlier, a lot of users bought this gun to teach their young ones the basics of shooting. Due to the full frame size, you can use it to train newbie females and men the basics of shooting without a heavy recoil.
This handgun is best for range goers who want to fire a .22lr without the neighbors realizing, and for newbie EDC carriers who are just starting out with carrying a handgun.
Bottom Line
The Glock 44 is an incredibly smooth and lightweight handgun with adjustable sights that allow it to be used for accuracy-based applications. It has a normal full frame size just like any other Glock in popular calibers and it is great for teaching newbies the basics of handling a handgun.
Benefits of Investing in a Quality 22 Pistol for Self Defense
Knowing what you can get out of a quality .22 pistol is important. It will also give you more reasons to purchase one for yourself. Consider the following benefits below so you know what to expect if and when you choose to invest in one:
Excellent Concealability
Most .22 pistols are measured at the right size for concealability. All you have to do is find a pistol that will make sure that it stays concealable and won’t cause any undue attention or make those around you uncomfortable. Yes, it is required to wear a holster for concealed carry, but you need one that will fit your pistol perfectly without any wiggling or slippage.
Superior Stopping Power
No, it doesn’t do serious damage like some calibers. But it’s enough to stop an assailant in their tracks. Even at the velocity a .22 round typically travels, it can still be enough to leave a nasty wound depending on where you shoot. These .22 rounds are not weak by any stretch of the imagination. But one well-placed shot can be a real difference-maker compared to other calibers.
Affordable Ammo
If you need a caliber that has a wide variety of ammo that is affordable, then you may want to consider a .22 pistol. Yes, they are affordable compared to other calibers and will be beneficial to those on a budget as well. Some of the higher end ammo will be more affordable compared to even some mid-grade ammo for other calibers like the .45.
Conclusion
If you need a really good pistol for the purpose of self-defense, a .22 might be one of the best places to start. Find one that you will keep around at home or while you are out and about. Your life is important (and so are the lives of the ones you love most). You need a pistol that will stand up to any assailant that dares to threaten you in a way, and a .22 can stop an assailant cold in their tracks. Just find the right pistol and you will be more prepared for any danger that might be just around the corner.
People Also Ask
Below are frequently asked questions that you can use to help better understand how .22 pistols work and whether or not they are the real deal when it comes to self-defense. Use the answers below as a guide so you are well-informed and can easily make a decision.
Is a 22 Pistol Deadly?
Short answer: yes. In fact, they can be just as deadly as any other caliber. It will also depend on the placement of the shot as well. A .22 will do enough damage to vital organs to the point where your attacker could be incapacitated or killed.
Are 22 Pistols Good For Self-Defense?
Yes, they are. They are not only perfect for self-defense due to the stopping power alone, but are also concealable for the most part. It will also depend on the kind of rounds you use for such a purpose.
