.22lr or .380?

[pequin06]

I know the .22lr or .380 are not really the stoppers one would want for self defense, but I was curious if those were the only choices one had (Yes, those are the only choices, have to pick one of those), which one would you choose?

I'm looking for a cheap, drop in a shirt pocket type of gun.

[tombogan03884]

Definitely the .380 !  In a shirt pocket size pistol your only hope of stopping an attacker with a 22 is to kill him. and the areas where that light a bullet out of that short a barrel will assure penetration are very small. Professionals like Mossad use the .22 for murders, not self defense.
With a .380 at least a BG will realize he is being shot at. even if you don't inflict major damage , and the objective is to STOP the attack, not necessarily to kill the BG.

[ericire12]

Definitely the .380 !

That says it all. .380 is a monster compared to 22lr. You are talking about approx 160-180 ft lbs of energy with .380 vs a max of about 70 ft lbs with 22lr. And expansion up to .645 vs a .22 that will give little to no expansion.

The cheap drop in the pocket .380 that you are looking for is the Kel-Tec. It can be had for about $250-$300 new, and with a Nemisis pocket holster they really feel about the same as a cell phone in your pocket.
http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/p3at.htm



The ammo you want to use is the DPX by CorBon. It is about the best expanding hollow point out right now for the .380:


More .380 gel tests here:
http://www.goldenloki.com/ammo/gel/380acp/gel380acp.htm

.22 gel tests here:
http://www.goldenloki.com/ammo/gel/22lr/gel22lr.htm



Enjoy!

[Badgersmilk]

Ha, ha, ha, haaaa!   

The Bobcat say's to it's prey,


Shop around for ammo before you decide! 

[Badgersmilk]

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=25187

On sale now!  (the hidden price is $265).

[Sponsor]

[ericire12]

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=25187

On sale now!  (the hidden price is $265).

Larger, heavier, and more expensive then the Kel-Tec. $259:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/150/products_id/46621

[tombogan03884]

Before you pay attention to Badgersmilk's advice read this thread


http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=5692.0

[ericire12]

Before you pay attention to Badgersmilk's advice read this thread


http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=5692.0

Let the record show, that I did not bring it up...... trying to take the high road here.

[tombogan03884]

Let the record show, that I did not bring it up...... trying to take the high road here.

What high road ? BM is giving advice to this guy that could get him killed when he needs a REAL defensive gun.

[Badgersmilk]

 

I was looking for it myself!

May wanna do an internet search for "kel-tek KABOOM" while looking as well.  

The Ruger LCP is looks really nice if you choose .380.  Just find some ammo FIRST!  (you'll pay more for it than most any caliber if you somehow find one box).

This forum would be so booring if it weren't for hammer heads!