With the Taurus, it only takes the push of a button to switch calibers. Taurus produces some very low-cost guns that give acceptable performance. An example here is rounds with lighter loads. It has a stainless steel frame with an engraved, over-brushed stainless finish and a serrated backstrap. I have to confess bias hereI have a Single-Six Convertible and love it. S&W introduced their M&P (Military & Police) range of guns in 2014, and they were an instant hit with shooters. Now pitch CCI's 40-grain .22 Magnum Gamepoint ammo from a 6.5-inch barreled Ruger Single-Six and the muzzle velocity is right around 1,480 fps. This year Taurus USA re-launched the previously discontinued 8-shot Model 942. It's a handsome little gun! Stalking game close enough to smell its musk, then placing a shot with an inherently less accurate firearm than a rifle. For example, CCI's MaxiMag HP high-velocity load pushes a 30-grain .22 WMR to 2,200 fps and 322 ft-lbs of energy from a rifle. However, unlike the Taurus and the Charter Arms models, it has a six-shot capacity and an MSRP of only $283. Smith & Wesson 638 Airweight Double-Action Revolver. A 6-inch revolver basically means a S&W Model 648, which - it's a 6-inch K-frame - is not a concealed carry revolver. 4.1/5 - (196 votes) About Norman Turner There are precious few of these as well. If a .22 appeals to you more because of the reduced recoil than because of the cheap ammo, there are probably better options for self-defense. It also prevents you from quickly getting into a desired shooting stance in the event of emergency use. This revamped Python has 30% more steel beneath the adjustable rear target sight to give long, robust use. Also like the 950, it has a manual safety, a mag release on the left side of the grip, and miniscule, nearly useless sights. Im curious that you didnt mention the Heritage Manufacturing Rough Rider, much less expensive even than the Charter Arms model you mentioned. Ruger, for $900 out the door one would think they could at least throw in a .22LR cylinder. Made from modern stainless steel alloys, it comes with a redesigned rear sight and bright stainless finish. Using a 50-yard zero, you can easily keep all nine shots on a paper plate at 100-yards with just a bit of holdover. 1715 with a 3-inch barrel. Granted,10mm or .40or .45 ACP don't really have any breathing room here either; bullets are placed in vital areas or they are not. This pistol has the tip-up barrel like the Beretta 950 I talked about a few weeks ago. cylinder !! These are. Aside from case volume, one of the major differences between the .22 Magnum and most other .22s is its bullet. If you are ever faced with an emergency defense situation, it is unlikely that you will have time to find that perfect stance. Best .22LR Revolver for Concealed Carry - Ruger LCR Best .22LR Revolver for Night Shoots - S&W 317 Best Budget .22LR Revolver for Self-Defense - Charter Arms Pathfinder Best Full-Sized .22LR Revolver for Self-Defense - Ruger SP10 Best .22LR Revolver for Pocket Carry - S&W 43C 1 Best .22LR Revolver for Concealed Carry - Ruger LCR Which of these Best Revolvers For Concealed Carry Should You Buy? The Smith & Wesson Model 351 C is a double-action-only (DAO) snub-nosed .22 Magnum revolver. But Walthers 22s are not built in the same factory or to the same standard as their centerfire pistols and I would be reluctant to trust one for self-defense. It will also pay to include in these practice sessions different situations. Ruger has taken this into account, and the SP101 offers tool-free disassembly and reassembly for easy, regular maintenance. For the old person who is no longer able to manipulate a semi-automatic, a .22 Magnum revolver would work well. This offers less recoil and less noise when fired. The likes of Speer TNT or Hornady V-Maxknown for their rapid and volatile expansionare best left for pest control. Carry requires a sport coat or vest. The choice out there is wide, and for many, the stopping power of semi-automatic pistols holds sway. Im going to offer a couple of recommendations based on my experience and since this is part of our pocket pistol series, Ill start with the smallest handguns and then Ill talk about a few slightly larger .22s at the end. The short answer is it's more viable than it might seem. . I was pleasantly surprised at the high level of its build quality. Regardless of the model you choose, these guns are affordable and fun to shoot. But this extra weight makes it a doll to shoot, soaking up what little recoil the 22 WMR generates, making for a very stable feel in the hand. There's a clear breakdown between single and double-action revolvers, with the former being excellent for field use and the latter offering additional features for carry and defense (if you dare to go that route). It is super accurate and very visibly much harder hitting than the L.R.!! 40-grain projectiles will lose anywhere from 100 to 250 fps of velocity relative to 30-grain projectiles, and 50-grain projectiles will lose a further 100 to 250 fps of velocity on top of that. So yes, you could carry a .22 Magnum for self-defense, and it's actually more viable than you might be tempted to think. CCIs Gamepoint, Remingtons Magnum Rimfire and Winchesters Dynapoint are good examples of these options. This is because it is the cylinder that holds all of the chambered rounds. Best Overall: Kimber K6S CCW Revolver $985 Kimber K6S CCW Revolver View at Palmetto State Specs: Caliber: .357 Mag Height: 4.46 Weight (empty): 23 oz. Whatever semi-automatic pistol you use, there are multiple operations to be mastered to ensure safe, competent shooting. From a rifle, .22 WMR tend to produce muzzle velocities of between 2,000 to 2,300 feet per second with 30-grain projectiles, and somewhere between 300 to 330 foot-lbs of muzzle energy. The Rock Island M203 is vastly similar to the two revolvers mentioned above: it's a .38 Special, it has a two-inch barrel and it's a hammered double action. Taurus TX22 2. This is mounted just below the rear sight channel, and either thumb can easily push it forward. But just because your buddy can handle harsh recoil time and again does not mean you can. Some people have also asked me about other small .22 budget pistols that I wouldnt consider quite small enough to be pocket-sized like the Phoenix Arms HP22 and the Bersa Thunder 22. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The decision point on the Model 48 is barrel length, with 4- and 6-inch variants available. The last on our list is the Taurus 942 with chambers in 22 long rifles. Just make sure regular practice sessions are carried out as the kick from the .44 Special round needs firm and confident handling. Their 605 family of revolvers is a point in case. As good as the sights are, they get a performance upgrade with the long sight radius provided by the Single-Nine's barrel. Dang accurate out of a long gun, the cartridge tends to decimate squirrels and can even leave larger prey, such as cottontails and jackrabbits, with a good chunk of bloodshot meat. Learn how your comment data is processed. Get 12 Issues a year of the country's best firearms writing. Now my primary carry is a S&W 686Plus with bobbed hammer, moon clips, XS Big Dot sights, Hogue grips, trigger job and Mag-na-Ported. Shooting a lightweight .22 like this is a great way to learn how to manage a stiff double action trigger. The K-frame and .22 Magnum have a long history, dating almost back to the inception of the cartridge. Ruger presents their SP101 revolver, which offers larger caliber protection in an acceptably small frame. Smith & Wesson's Centennial Airweight line is that gun when it comes to CCW and backup revolvers. Ruger constructed this quality revolver using stainless steel and a satin stainless finish. Either way, plan on doing your homework before heading afield. As for the barrel and cylinder, they are both honed from stainless steel. However, it still packs enough of a punch for effective self-protection purposes. Yeah, they have a ton of well-priced 1911s, but Rock Island has come into its own in the revolver market. This feature makes the Single-Nine feel more like a small rifle than a .22 Magnum revolver. At 25.6 ounces, it should cause no concerns for the majority of concealed carriers. The consistent improvements in bullet design, powder technology, and the new cartridge variations being brought to market are changing that. The sights are solid as well, with an adjustable rear and a ramp front. For example, your bag could be stolen with the gun inside it, and it is difficult to efficiently draw your firearm. All rights reserved. Stop the wailing and gnashing of teeth. The One To Avoid - Taurus 942. The 3-inch barrel has a 1:18.75-inch RH twist included in its overall 8.50-inch length. Due to the wide range of revolvers available, there is a huge choice and wide price differential. Another thing to consider is that if you're going to carry hollow point ammunition, you want to take care to select a load that's made for use in pistols. But in some cases, a .22 you can shoot well and can afford to feed sure beats the alternatives. However, there is also the caveat that IF you can stand to use a handgun with one of the traditional self-defense calibers, you should use that instead. That makes it easy to visually inspect and check exactly how many rounds have been fired/how many are left. Watch the video below for all the details, or just scroll on down and read the full transcript. Many a .22 Magnum rifle is on the market, but there are precious few models of .22 Magnum pistol that's ideal for concealed carry. North American Arms SW250 Sidewinder .22 Magnum Revolver, 2.5" Wood Stainless - SW250. Or, for even more in-depth reviews, how about our Ruger Super Redhawk Review, our Taurus 380 Revolver Review, our Smith and Wesson Model 686 Review, our S&W Airweight Review, or our Taurus Judge Revolver Review? Manufactured from stainless steel, the single-action revolver sports a short 1.12-inch barrel for deep-cover concealment. Their design means no safety levers, magazines, or decockers are present. The only autoloader known to us here at AGH in .22 Magnum is the KelTec PMR 30, which is roughly the same size as a 1911 Commander model. Sig Mosquito This is another tried and trusted round. Smith & Wesson reintroduced the somewhat iconic .22 Magnum revolver in recent years, keeping it true to its original form. One such example is the feather-light Model 351C. I wouldnt call either of them ideal options for personal protection, but the better of the two by far is the Beretta 21A Bobcat. .22 Magnum revolvers have been around for nearly as long as the cartridge theyre chambered for and now, over 60 years since the round's introduction, their utility and popularity endure. The Ultimate Firearms Destination for the Gun Lifestyle, 2023 Recoil Magazine 4. While not the smallest or lightest revolver for concealed carry, it more than makes up for that in its accuracy and power. Funny as it might sound, the 4-inch barreled revolvers grip is one of its most attractive features. That means its the same size as the 9mm P938 and should fit the same holsters. Energy ft-lbs remains around the same. : Rock Island Armory XT Kel-Tec PMR-30 Excel Accelerator Walther WMP A semi-automatic .22 Magnum pistol cue crickets chirping. But how much does this matter in the real world? Most are cognizant of the allure of handgun hunting. Very slender at top and featuring an undercut trigger guard, it facilitates a solid high grip, thus more control over the gun. The one reviewed here is their .357 Magnum (or .38 special) caliber, 5-shot revolver with a 2-inch barrel. His varied interests and hobbies include camping, fishing, hunting, and spending time at the gun range as often as possible. If you pull the trigger on your revolver and it does not fire, simply pull the trigger again. Should A Woods Gun Have A Longer Barrel? Walther P22 10. With its ability to shoot either .357 Magnum or .38 Special rounds, proven stopping power comes in an acceptably compact package. This will be seen in my reviews, but a good example is revolvers chambered for .357 Magnum rounds. Is a .22 LR pistol a good choice for concealed carry? This should also be seen as part of your best firearms practice drills. Why do people think a carry should be 15 or 20 ounces? Ive carried revolver and semi-autos on and off duty since 1961 on a daily basis. Or, if youre thinking of something more substantial, take a look at our reviews of the Best 357 Magnum Revolvers, the Best 44 Magnum Revolver, or the Best Beginners Revolvers. There is a wide variety of cartridges available for all modern self-defense handguns, and these come with various projectile types. If it's all you had or if it's what you can tolerate in terms of recoil, then it's viable enough. All Rights Reserved. The reason for varying your practice sessions relates to gaining vital experience. Especially nice, the guns walnut square-butt grips. The double-action trigger pull is smooth, while the single-action trigger option gives a crisp break. First, it ensures your revolver is in the best possible condition to fire reliably each time the trigger is pulled. For some people, that means theyre a lot more likely to practice, building both skill and confidence, if their concealed carry pistol is a .22. Doing so will align the next chamber with the barrel and allow you to get off your shot(s). Weve put together seven of the best revolvers out there for concealed carry. Disclaimer | Privacy Policy, Please dont shoot me with a 22mag, if you know your anatomy this is an outstanding round, killed lotsa coyotes and some bigger cats, all within range and a good accurate shot, yes that accurate shot is where its at, a 22mag varmit bullet in the eye region and Im afraid game over, and its accurate. Colt followed up their successful Cobra revolver release of 2017 with this big brother King Cobra model two years later. With that said Velocity and energy varies greatly by manufacturer and load, so take these as ballpark rather than gospel. i know it has been expensive shooting, and almost impossible to find, but its still a fun revolver to shoot ! Due to the extremely small size, light weight, and the fact that it is hammerless, this is the best .22LR revolver for concealed carry. cylinder !! Save my name and email to use for future comments. Table of Contents. Rather than taking the man up and accept it approach, find a weapon and caliber that delivers recoil you can handle. An example is the convertible double-action Tracker 992 in .22 Magnum, with another cylinder in .22LR. Dimension-wise, it measures in at 6.5 x 1.40 x 4.40 inches and weighs 24 ounces (unloaded). Velocities better than any other rimfire cartridge of the same caliber, the snappy magnum flies further and flatter, and hits harder. With that chambering, the revolver model in question is also capable of taking the .38 Special round. Unlikely as it is most hunters will use the double-action pull, its still nice to have in the quiver for a follow-up where the hammer cant be cocked in time. Firearms & Survivalists Lifestyle The Smith & Wesson 442 Handgun should be one of the best models that you get to buy today. Get the latest news and reviews from Gundigest.com. Maybe that special someone in your life would really love a giant case of ammo. An Airweight variant of the J-frame Centennial Model, the Model 351 C is suitable for concealed carry due to its lightweight construction a mere 11.5 oz. This last fall, I purchased a 605b, which is a Taurus snubby that will shoot both the 357 and the 38 special. Robust and dependable operation is guaranteed. Ruger LCR .22 LR - The Best 22 Revolver Overall 2. The rubber grip ensures a firm hold on the weapon, while its fixed sights help with target acquisition. Are These The Best .22 Magnum Pistols? Even if you are new to shooting, it should feel comfortable using it. That is because, when fired, it helps users to tame the snappy magnum recoil. Both also have beaded front sights and a stainless steel finish for more durability. CZ 75 Kadet .22 LR 7. Reload thousands or rounds a year. All rights reserved. A 2.5-inch barrel is included in the overall 7.25-inch length, and it weighs in at a very manageable 20 ounces. Revolvers do not have ejection ports or magazine issues to deal with. Shooting Illustratedtested a few loads using a NAA Pug in .22 WMR, which has a 1.1-inch barrel. Despite lack of heft, unlike other mini .22 Magnum revolvers, it fills the hand when using a two-finger grip and is very accurate, even at 25-yards. It's so light it feels like a toy, a function of its aluminum construction, including the cylinder. Quality revolvers can fire bullets with as light or heavy a load as you choose. You need to be confident in firing off shots in a variety of situations to effectively defend yourself. One that leaves plenty for the dinner table, without surrendering nearly all the cartridge has to offer. So, how effective are .22 Magnum pistols in the real world? If a .22 appeals to you more because of the reduced recoil than because of the cheap ammo, there are probably better options for self-defense. 2009-2022 LuckyGunner, LLC. It is also essential to get into the habit of checking whether or not there is a round in the chamber (essential when unloading). However, this quality revolver is not just for show. Target acquisition is enhanced through the red ramp adjustable white outline sight. This configuration does not allow the .357 Magnum round to come close to its full ballistic potential. We've put together seven of the best revolvers out there for concealed carry. If you opt for a pistol with more bells and whistles, then such things as safety levers and decockers need mastering. Taurus Model 856 .38 Revolver - Best Affordable CCW .38 Revolver. It also loads the same as most single-action revolvers via a side gate and ejector rod. Most semi-automatic pistols can indeed accept the majority of ammunition in their given chambering. When looking at a revolver to meet your concealed carry needs, there are a variety of factors to consider. There are a few other compact .22s people have asked me about. The final thing to mention is that it is very hard to accidentally fire a DA revolver. On the one hand, .22 LR has killed a heck of a lot of animals and a heck of a lot of people. Caribou Media West, LLC Another plus comes with the fact that many revolver models can take two or more different caliber cartridges. To find out more about this excellent revolver, take a look at our in-depth Ruger SP101 Revolver Review. Of course, people handle recoil in many different ways. Now, if my particular set-up doesnt appeal to you, never fearthe Single-Six comes with barrels ranging 4.62- to 9.5-inches long, and nearly everything in between. The Smith & Wesson 686 Plus Deluxe model is a single-action/double-action revolver built on the companys medium-sized L-Frame design. Debatable. Expanding bullets please unless penetration is required - maybe mixing the FMJ and HP would work well ? The double action trigger on this gun is quite heavy and very long. that comes out on top. Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact Lightweight in its design, the Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact is scaled to 87.5 percent of the regular M&P 22's size. Second, you will quickly become familiar with your gun, and that familiarity will breed confidence. Revolvers that can take this round are also capable of taking the .38 Special +P round. The result is a rugged and dependable gun for those looking at ease of concealed carry. But what does the cartridge-gun combination bring to the table when it comes to putting meat there? Lucky gunner tested Gold Dot it expanded to .42", velocity was averaged 1312fps and that is 153ft-lbs. Ruger, for $900 out the door one would think they could at least throw in a .22LR cylinder. Im not going to say it has no practical value, but based on what Ive seen so far, I think Id rather be armed with a can of pepper spray and a sharp stick. I have never been impressed with Taurus but could be convinced otherwise. Norman is very proud of his service, and the time he spent in the Marine Corps and does not dwell on his injuries or anything negative in his life. With regular practice, that is exactly what you will get should you ever be faced with an emergency defense situation. All Rights Reserved. Sig Sauer P365. But the issue is whether it can do soreliably. S&W side plate provides best access for trigger job. Ive had to carry a 1911 .45 ACP for 28 hours straight in a search & rescue op with only a 3 or 4 hour sit down in the mobile on-site command post and would press my elbow against the grip to insure that it was still there. This quality revolver is quite rightly classed as one of the best revolvers for concealed carry. Taurus Tracker 992 Specs: Action: DA/SA Capacity: 9 Barrel Length: 6.5 Inches Overall Length: 11.2 Inches Weight: 46 Ounces MSRP: $776.68 More on Rimfire Best .22 Magnum Rifle Options Ruger offers their GP100 revolvers in a variety of different flavors. This SADA (Single Action/Double Action) revolver.has an overall length of 8.2 inches which includes its 3-inch barrel. Indeed, some models do not have visible hammers. Among other disadvantages, carrying your gun loose makes it far harder to locate. Like all of the other LCRs Ive tried, I was pretty impressed with it and I wouldnt hesitate to recommend one. Shoot one and see if you agree. There is a wide selection of models in the Taurus 605 family. A snubbie .22 Magnum revolver is likely beatable by even the humble .22 Long Rifle with the right load. This lends itself to a smooth trigger pull (regardless of hand strength) and a unique feature, the ambidextrous latch release. Smith & Wesson M&P22 Compact .22 LR 3. Ammunition manufacturers are cognizant of this issue. North American Arms makes two versions of this revolver in .22 Mag. The trigger, well its a Charter revolver, so double-action is heavy and not the smoothest in the world. In fact, there are worthy benefits to this weight. Required fields are marked *. That being said, it can be a useful way to conceal carry if the outfit you are wearing does not effectively conceal your revolver. I cant guarantee that all of these guns run as well as mine has, but I also havent heard many complaints from other M&P .22 Compact owners. Walther P22: For a long time, these were notorious for cracking slides and breaking in other fun and interesting ways. Bear in mind that gel tests aren't perfect, since gelatin is not a perfect simulant of human tissue. From there, the S&W designers concentrated on ease of use. Many of these holsters are designed specifically for the model of revolver you have, while others are more multi-purpose. Read reviews from genuine customers to get their take on the type(s) of holster you are considering. I think Taurus still sells a .22 Magnum snub nose revolver (941 ? Fast Track; Gift Cards Auctions Manufacturers Subscribe & Save BudsGunShop.com uses cookies to ensure you get the best . Beretta M9 22LR 9. And we think that S&W perfected this gun's size, making it ideal for concealed carry. You can add to this the fact that revolvers are inherently easier to use than semi-automatic pistols. Bullet Weight: 162 grains. Typical projectiles are 30-, 40-, and 50-grain bullets. It is not the lightest model on the list, but its 25.6 ounces should be more than manageable for the vast majority of shooters. Other features include checkered wood grips, an ejector-rod shroud, and a cylinder release similar to that found on Colt revolvers. It is the only way you will get the best from your weapon. Never matched Jerry Miclulek, but have came close. 9mm (115gr vs 124gr vs 147 HP) 1. Hook and Loop Holsters Using Velcro Brand Fasteners, .22LR For Self Defense. By signing up you agree to Guns.com's The upper frame is made from aluminum, and the lower grip portion is made from polymer. There is also a triple-locking cylinder that aids positive alignment to give lasting and dependable operation. Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight. From there, it will be on to in-depth reviews of 10 quality revolvers and a buying guide. .22 hollow points made for use in rifles might not be propelled fast enough to meet the minimum expansion threshold from a pistol. I realize that some examples of these guns work just fine, but they are budget pistols for a reason and its not because the people making them are trying to be altruistic. The sights are much worse. Most hunters wont find this necessary, with a 2-pound single-action break and a double-action pull around 7 pounds. As it turns out, a lot. Give most hunters prefer to cock the hammer for the light trigger break, most reading this article will more than find the .22 Magnum revolver suitable. Though, thats a difficult task, given the spur is wide and well-textured, easy to catch with the thumb. However, with research and careful selection, users can find some modern designed .38 Special ammo that is suitable for defense purposes. I is one gun that I would not sell or trade for anything. We'd be the first to dunk on Taurus for their very questionable QC, but in recent years they've vastly improved their designs and today offer some of the better value revolvers for your dollar. Walther PPK/S .22 LR: The current production models are a newer design than the P22 and so far, they do not seem to have developed as bad a reputation. Here are the best concealed carry handguns for women, recommended by women. It is 7.20 inches in overall length which includes the 2.25-inch barrel. 2023 Recoil Magazine As for weight, this is a noticeable 40 ounces. In fact, Hornady offers a Critical Defense 45-grain FTX load specifically for it that will produce 1,000 fps out of a 2.0-inchor 1.87-inchbarrel. What testing is out there indicates that .22 Magnum definitely works. With that in mind, it is clear that the caliber you choose can make a big difference. Stay in the know. Most of the time, probably not. Heading back over to Smith & Wesson brings us to one of their more expensive revolvers, but for style and performance, it is worth every cent. ), but some will argue that quality control over there does not make Taurus reliable enough. Of course, it's also super lightweight at just 4.6 oz. I love it !! I've used it for years on game animals and the meat damage found when dressing them out shows it heads and shoulders above long rifle ammunition. I would recommend it to my best friend. These two issues can occur with even the most reliable pistols. TheAmerican Shooting Journallikewise got some decent results using short-barrel pistols, including 1-inch and 1.8-inch (meaning a snubby revolver) barrel handguns. Unless you honestly have no other choice, do you really think its wise to push your luck even further by trusting your life to a .22 that was designed around being as cheap to produce as humanly possible? Take a target and learn how to quickly draw and fire your revolver while on the move, in a crouching position, and while lying in the prone position. At least to my mind, three areas make the magnum revolverrather than pistolparticularly suited for small game hunting: Ill add, most .22 Magnum revolvers are lookers, which never hurts. Granted, there are also derringers and the sub-micro pistols by NAA and others. Review of the Best .22 Revolvers 1. This ensures no metal is exposed in the back strap. This means that the reliability of your chosen revolver should not be such a concern. Lucky gunner has testing footage and it is nasty. This platform retains all of the benefits of the companys original 6-shot K6s capacity. These include IWB (Inside-the-waistband), OWB (Outside-the-waistband), Belly Band, and Pocket. While you can carry them loose in your pocket or bag, this is not recommended. Then decide whether you are looking to EDC (Every Day Carry) or only carry on an occasional basis. But the double-action/single-action still holds its own in the field. Speer Gold Dot penetrated to about 11.7 inches and likewise didn't expand. The focus is on the best among the smallest and lightest .22s available, but Ive also covered some models from the compact category. The AL22M is proof. Topping it all off, it holds an ample 8 rounds. With a stainless-steel 1" barrel, the Model 351 C has an . There are black flutes on the cylinder that match the ones on the cylinder base pin, and the hammer is skeletonized. Take CCIs 40-grain .22 LR Velocitor and send it out of an 18.5-inch barreled Henry Classic lever-action, youll achieve a muzzle velocity of around 1,370 fps.