The discussion focuses on how effective the .22 Long Rifle cartridge is in different roles, including home defense, survival, target practice, and competition. The .22LR is shown as a small, typically 40‑grain projectile, with “grain” explained as the unit of weight for the bullet itself, separate from the brass case and powder. It is compared to common handgun calibers like 9mm, usually around 115 to 124 grains, and .45 ACP ball rounds in the 230 to 250 grain range. The .22LR is also contrasted with 5.56/.223 rifle cartridges, which use a similar diameter projectile but driven by much more powder, effectively a .22 on “steroids.” The video notes that 5.56 has long military use and far greater capability, while raising the question of where .22LR still proves effective.
The conversation turns to .22LR as a potential home defense cartridge. The initial stance presented is that .22LR is not ideal compared to options like 9mm, .45 ACP, or a rifle such as a Mark 18. However, examples are mentioned where people have successfully used .22LR in self‑defense because it was the only firearm they owned, including a story of a woman defending herself and her child with a 10‑round .22LR pistol. The video acknowledges that some shooters may be very accurate and fast with .22LR due to its low recoil, which can make it effective in their hands. It contrasts this with the traditional recommendation of a 12‑gauge shotgun for home defense, noting concerns about recoil and loud report for new or smaller shooters.
The role of .22LR as a training and introductory cartridge is emphasized. Its low recoil and relatively mild report make it well suited for teaching fundamentals such as safe handling, trigger control, and breathing. The video contrasts .22LR with calibers like 9mm and .45 ACP, which produce more noise and recoil that can intimidate or discourage new shooters. With .22LR, shooters can focus on a smooth, steady trigger press without being surprised by blast or kick. The discussion notes that some people still gravitate immediately to large, powerful handguns, such as a .50 AE Desert Eagle, and enjoy them, but .22LR is presented as a more forgiving baseline. It is described as a foundational cartridge for many firearm enthusiasts, who often own multiple .22 rifles and pistols because they are inexpensive to shoot and useful for practice.
Several classic .22 platforms are highlighted as examples of how versatile the cartridge can be. A Henry lever‑action .22 rifle is presented as a traditional training and plinking gun, used extensively for learning firearm safety and marksmanship. Its combination of low recoil and familiar manual operation makes it approachable for new shooters. A .22 revolver with cocobolo grips is also shown, described as relatively heavy for a rimfire handgun but effectively recoilless due to the small cartridge. Both the Henry lever action and the .22 revolver are used to illustrate how .22LR allows shooters to practice trigger discipline, breathing, and follow‑through without being distracted by harsh recoil or muzzle blast. These platforms also appeal to those who enjoy a classic, “old‑west” style setup with a wheel gun and lever rifle chambered in .22.
The video covers .22LR in competition and target shooting. The KelTec CP33 is shown as a modern .22 pistol designed with high capacity and modularity in mind. It holds 33 rounds of .22LR and features a Picatinny rail for mounting optics, fiber‑optic sights, an M‑LOK slot for accessories such as a hand stop, and a threaded barrel for attaching a suppressor. These features make it suitable for rimfire competition or extended practice sessions. A Beretta Model 76 is also presented as a surplus, all‑metal .22 target pistol built for accuracy. Its weight and barrel design help keep recoil negligible and allow for fast, precise shooting. These examples demonstrate how .22LR supports both modern modular pistols and classic target guns, appealing to competitors, collectors, and enthusiasts who value accuracy and controllability.
The versatility of .22‑caliber cartridges is further illustrated with the Standard Manufacturing Thunderstruck, a compact revolver chambered in .22 WMR (.22 Magnum). It fires two .22 Magnum rounds simultaneously from dual barrels via a long trigger pull. The design is explained as not being an NFA or machine gun classification because it uses two separate barrels and actions rather than multiple rounds from a single barrel per trigger pull. The discussion then shifts to .22LR in a survival context. A .22 rifle with a 16‑inch barrel is described as relatively quiet, especially with standard or high‑velocity ammunition, making it useful for taking small game while maintaining a low profile. In an evasion or survival scenario where only .22 is available, it is presented as a viable option for harvesting small animals and avoiding unnecessary attention due to its modest report.
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