Using the .22 LR as a defensive round isn’t without its controversy. It’s not the best round for defensive use, and it’s not a subject most need to worry about. I dove into this list to find the best .22 LR handguns for defensive use regardless of the controversy surrounding the round. By the time you leave this article, you’ll know all about the 22LR for defensive use and the best .22lr pistols for defensive use, and how to choose your own.
The Issue With .22 LR As a Defensive Round
There are a few different issues with using the .22 LR as a defensive pistol. The primary reason why .22 LR is a rough choice for self-defense is the rimfire ignition, which fails more often than centerfire, making rimfire guns inherently less reliable than centerfire guns. Another issue is the very small and light projectile propelled at a fairly slow foot per second rate, which doesn’t equal a lot of penetration or energy on target. While .22 LR defensive rounds aren’t common, they are growing in popularity. Although it’s not optimum, there are situations where the .22 LR is the only option.
When .22 LR Is Acceptable
Everyone should be afforded the protection and guarantee of the 2nd Amendment. This includes people who have weak hands that could be ravaged by arthritis or other disabilities. For example, an older lady in a concealed carry class couldn’t handle a 9mm or even a 380 ACP but shot her .22 LR revolver like a pro and had used it to defend herself years before.
In certain situations, the .22 LR is the only viable choice. Though calibers like the 25 ACP and 32 ACP exist, their ammo is expensive, and the guns are rare. While I’d always suggest trying a more capable round, sometimes the .22 LR is the only option.
Considerations for a Defensive .22 LR
Defensive .22 LR use means addressing the weaknesses of the .22 LR round and embracing its strengths. Addressing the firearm’s weaknesses is the most critical factor in success with a .22 LR. The primary concern is reliability and ignition due to the rimfire priming system, so we need to find extremely reliable firearms.
Revolvers are the simplest option for self-defense, as they allow the shooter to just press the trigger again if a round fails to fire, giving them another chance. Since the .22 LR struggles with penetration and expansion, the firearm should be easy to make follow-up shots with. Thankfully, the low recoil makes follow-ups easier. Lastly, the weapon should offer substantial capacity, as more rounds may be necessary when using a .22 LR, making efficient capacity an important feature.
How I Chose the Best 22LR Handguns For Defensive Use
As a former Marine with over two decades of tactical experience, I’ve handled my share of firearms, including .22 LR handguns. This time, I set out to find the best .22 LR handguns for self-defense, focusing on key factors like shootability, reliability, ergonomics, accuracy, and value.
Before compiling this list, I also considered a few important factors that make the .22 LR suitable for defensive use. While I always recommend a more capable round, I understand that the .22 LR is the best—or only—option for some. With that in mind, I focused on reliable, easy-to-handle firearms, especially for those with limited hand strength or experience with larger calibers. Given the small size of the round, I also prioritized guns with higher capacities to ensure enough rounds if needed.
The handguns listed are ones I’ve personally tested, along with suggestions from my shooting buddies, who are pros in the field. I didn’t just test these on the range but also took them outdoors to see how they held up in tougher conditions.
Though I’ve ranked these handguns from 1 to 7, the list is designed to suit different needs. I also included a buyer’s guide to help you understand what to look for when selecting a .22 LR handgun for self-defense.
Ultimately, finding the right .22 LR handgun is a personal choice. Read the review, try different models, and choose the one that fits your needs best.
Best 22LR Handguns For Defensive Use
BEST 22LR HANDGUNS FOR DEFENSIVE USE
- Colt King Cobra
- Ruger LCP 2 22 LR
- SIG P322
- Ruger LCR 22LR
- Walther PPK/s .22LR
- FN 502
- Taurus TX22 Compact
Best Defensive 22LR Handguns Specs
Below is a list of our Best Defensive 22LR Handguns. So we can compare and line up the specs for each of the products and help you make the best decision possible.
Best Defensive 22LR Handguns Reviews
Now that we’ve had an overview and looked at our list, let’s take time to individually review each item. In this section we’ll be revisiting our specs, speaking about the product, and looking at the pros and cons.
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Colt King Cobra Specs
- Barrel Length 4.25 inches
- Overall Length 9.25 inches
- Weight 33.69 ounces
- Capacity 10 Rounds
Colt King Cobra Gun Review
Colt bringing the snake guns back was a genius move. Shooters like me never had a chance to own the Snake guns, and the originals demand ridiculous prices. The revival of the snake guns brought us .357s, .44 Magnums, and even a .22LR. The Colt King Cobra, released initially as a .357, has also been released as a .22LR. Decades ago, Colt produced the Diamondback, which was a .22LR, but this time around, they call it the King Cobra Target.
For defensive purposes, a revolver deals better with rimfire reliability issues. It’s a fact that rimfire ignition is less reliable than centerfire, and with a revolver if a cartridge fails to ignite, you can just pull the trigger again. The Colt King Cobra Target, specifically the 4.25-inch barrel version, is a worthy self-defense firearm. It’s well-suited for home defense.
Most revolvers carry six rounds, some .22LRs carry eight rounds, but the King Cobra Target carries ten rounds of .22LR. From the long 4.25-inch barrel, the rounds are screaming out of the end of the barrel. A good hard bullet will penetrate deeply and surely. Ten rounds of .22LR takes the defensive .22LR revolver to the next level.
The big King Cobra Target is huge and heavy, making the recoil from the .22LR nonexistent. When the triggers are pulled, we get this cute little pew. The trigger is fairly light and smooth in the double-action category.
Big grips offer plenty of comfort, and the sights are extremely easy to use. Colt is releasing an optic mount to replace the rear adjustable sight so you can get all the red dot goodness you want. For defensive use, a red dot will always be the better option. The Colt King Cobra target isn’t great for concealed carry, but it’s a premium-grade option for home defense.
A premium-grade gun with a premium-grade price point. No Colt snake gun has ever been called affordable. The Colt Diamondback is a pricey revolver, and its weight and size limit its application.
Colt King Cobra Pros and Cons
- Reliable
- Great Sights
- 10 round capacity
- Super Easy to Shoot
Colt King Cobra Gun Deals
Ruger LCP II 22LR
A low-recoil pistol with an easy-to-manipulate slide that shoots comfortably regardless of your hand size or strength.
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Ruger LCP 2 .22LR Specs
- Barrel Length 2.75 inches
- Overall Length 5.2 inches
- Weight 11.4 ounces
- Capacity 10 rounds
Ruger LCP 2 .22LR Review
I was the victim of a firearm theft. Once. The culprit? My wife. I originally purchased the LCP 2 Literack in .22LR as a training gun for my pocket pistols. I’m a .32 ACP man, and that’s stuff’s pricey. The LCP 2 is .22LR offered a cheaper solution to get some serious training. Then she shot, loved it, and she now carries daily because I accidentally found a gun she’s comfortable with.
The LCP 2 provided her super light recoil and a slide that was crazy easy to rack and manipulate. Since it uses a tiny cartridge, you can shove a whole lot of them in the gun. In fact, it packs 10 in the magazine and one in the pipe, giving her P365-type capacity in a much smaller and lighter firearm.
Ruger even saw fit to install nice and big sights. They are all black, so we added a little white to the front sight with a paint pen to make the gun easier to aim. That little bit of white gives her a high-visibility sight that she can see and track while she shoots. Prior to the LCP 2, she didn’t have much interest in shooting or carrying a firearm, but the little .22LR changed that.
What I appreciated about the fella in charge of cleaning the guns was the stainless-steel barrel and chamber. The little .22LR is a dirty little round, so it’seasy to clean and lube. It just wipes right off, making it easy to keep running after a long range day. Trust, the way this thing shoots, you’ll be having long-range days.
Of course, like most semi-auto .22LRs, it requires a hot cartridge to keep running. I used Federal Automatch for training, but it stays loaded with Federal Punch for defensive purposes.
Wanna know more? Go read our full Ruger LCP II 22 review!
Ruger LCP 2 .22LR Pros and Cons
- Super Small
- Packs 10 rounds
- Affordable
Ruger LCP 2 .22LR Deals
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SIG P322 Specs
- Barrel Length 4 inches
- Overall Length 7 inches
- Weight 17.1 ounces
- Capacity 20 rounds
SIG P322 Review
As you browse this list, you’re going to see a lot of micro-sized guns. It makes sense that the .22LR would fit well in pocket pistols. What if I wanted something that took advantage of the .22LR, but also provided a somewhat larger firearm with modern capabilities, modern features, and all the gadgets and gizmos you could want?
If you’re like me and said yes to all that, then the SIG P322 is for you. The SIG P322 gave me all the modern features I wanted in a training pistol, and a pistol capable of defensive use. I can strpa on a light, or red dot, making it well-suited for defensive roles.
I like that the P322 offers me a capacity of 20 rounds. Pair that capacity with low recoil, and we get a gun that’s capable of unleashing an angry swarm of bees at any threats. I can dump the entire magazine in a couple of seconds without the gun drifting off target. You can really lay it down without a problem.
The gun has a hammer-fired design that delivers a fairly crappy trigger. It’s fine, but spongy, and long. It’s as crisp as stale bread. Does it detract from accuracy? No, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t enjoy a nicer overall trigger.
The gun is surprisingly reliable. It seems like bigger guns run better. The stuff chews through Blazer, Federal Automatch, and even the better CCI stuff. It’s an impressive degree of reliability for such a cheap gun. I can’t even remember the last time I had so much as a dud.
The P322 fills a certain market need for a quasi-full-sized rimfire pistol. It offers all the modern touches you could want, at a low price, and all you have to deal with is a sponge posing as a trigger.
You can read the full SIG P322 review here.
SIG P322 Pros and Cons
- Low Recoil
- Optics and Light Ready
- 20 round magazines
- Enclosed Hammer Prevents Manual Manipulation
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Ruger LCR 22LR
High-strength stainless steel cylinder, featuring a PVD finish for excellent durability, is extensively fluted, reducing weight.
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Ruger LCR .22LR Specs
- Barrel Length 1.87 inches
- Overall Length 6.5 inches
- Weight 14.9 ounces
- Capacity 8 rounds
Ruger LCR .22LR Review
Ruger revolutionized revolvers with the LCR series. Ruger implemented polymer to make the LCR lighter without making it expensive. The .22 LR version gives shooters a lightweight, snub nose revolver in a modern configuration. The Ruger LCR gives you a lightweight, easy-to-conceal revolver that’s super simple and fairly rugged from the ground up. While small, it still packs a sting.
That sting comes in the form of 8 rounds of .22 LR in the cylinder. Eight is certainly better than five or six, and that’s the capacity we see in most j-frames. The LCR is a double-action-only gun with an enclosed hammer. This keeps things snag-free and makes your draw smooth and easy.
As a revolver, should a round fail to ignite, you just pull the trigger again without the need to exercise any remedial action. This makes it simple and easy to use for inexperienced shooters. The small nature of the gun and its round nature make it natural for pocket carry.
The downside is that the rimfire version of the LCR lacks the excellent DAO triggers of the centerfire models. It’s heavier and can be tricky to shoot accurately with. The LCR’s heavier trigger does help ensure better reliability but sacrifices some accuracy.
The Ruger LCR offers a pocket carry-ready revolver with a DAO mechanism that’s quite reliable. The eight-round capacity gives the little gun some sting, and the compact, lightweight nature makes it a breeze to carry.
Ruger LCR .22LR Pros and Cons
- 8 round capacity
- Easy to Pocket Carry
- Affordable
Ruger LCR .22LR Deals
Walther PPK/s .22LR
A 1-to-1 scale of the Walther PPK/s in .380, this PPK/s .22LR affords you the look, style, and feel of the original in a rimfire caliber.
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Walther PPK/s 22 Specs
- Barrel Length 3.3 inches
- Overall Length 6.1 inches
- Weight 19 ounces
- Capacity 10 rounds
Walther PPK/s 22 Review
The Walther PPK series is set up for me to love. It’s a metal frame, slim, trim, and even attractive. Plus, it’s a hammer-fired DA/SA gun, which is my favorite system. The problem I have with the PPK and all PP-derived guns is that they most commonly come in .380 ACP. The pesky .380 ACP in a blowback-operated, small, metal gun hits your hand hard and just isn’t pleasant to shoot.
Luckily, Walther seems to recognize the design’s popularity, and we do see that it’s been in production for a long time and has expanded its offerings. One being the little .22LR, which is perfect for the PPK/S series. It’s still straight blowback, but the light recoil makes it so much more pleasurable to shoot. A lot cheaper too.
One thing I love about DA/SA guns is the ability to fire a second time should the gun go click instead of bang. The .22 LR rimfire cartridge has some inherent reliability issues due to the rimfire design. Getting a second strike with the double-action trigger an help ensure my gun fires when I need it to.
Speaking of, when I carry a .22LR i want capacity, and the PPK/S in .22LR packs ten rounds. That’s not a bad load for such a lithe and light pistol. I have no problems with the sights; they might not be Novak sights, but they are large enough to easily shoot with and land your hits.
Hopefully, you have strong hands because the double-action trigger is quite long and heavy. It’s fairly standard Walther fair as far as that goes. The single-action is lighter, and where the real magic lies. It’s short, light, and can fire fast.
There are tons of holsters available for the gun, and it’s a great concealed carry gun, just like the original PPK/S.
Walther PPK/s 22 Pros and Cons
- Sized Well For both Shooting and Carry
- DA/SA Trigger
- 10 Round magazine
- Heavy double action trigger
Walther PPK/s 22 Deals
FN 502
A compact 22LR handgun that is optics, suppressor, and light ready.
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FN 502 Specs
- Barrel Length 4.6 inches
- Overall Length 7.6 inches
- Weight 23.7 ounces
- Capacity 10/15 rounds
FN 502 Review
Have you ever had a gun sneak up on you? Like a gun you never saw coming that impressed the hell out of you? That’s what the FN 502 did for me. I never saw it coming, but I’m glad it’s here. What’s unique about the FN 502 is that FN designed it to be a tactical pistol. It’s a .22LR version of the 509 and a dedicated tactical pistol.
The FN 502 comes with all the modern tactical features. It’s optic’s read with suppressor height sights included. The dust cover has a Picatinny rail that’s well-suited for your lights, lasers, and various other attachments. One underrated feature is the threaded barrel. For home defense, a suppressor can be a very effective tool for preserving your hearing and situational awareness.
Unlike a lot of modern .22LRs, the FN 502 didn’t embrace the new magazine design that allows for a staggered magazine for nearly double the capacity. Instead, we get a single-stack 10-round magazine, which has worked exceptionally well since semi-auto .22LR handguns have been around. There is an extended 15-round magazine that hangs out the bottom of the gun.
The FN 502 is a single-action hammer-fired design with an external hammer. It has ambidextrous manual safeties, slide locks, and magazine releases, which is impressive for a .22LR pistol. We get the FN 509 grip angle and design that’s aggressive, easy to handle, very ergonomic.
The FN 502 could be a great concealed carry option or a home defense gun. It’s a little big for concealed carry but very lightweight. Luckily, the gun can fit the majority of FN 509 holsters, so you have plenty of carry options.
The FN 502 shoots straight and runs like a typewriter. It’s not ammo-picky, and the single-action trigger delivers a light and sweet pull. It’s an impressive sleeper hit.
FN 502 Pros and Cons
- Modern Features
- Great Single Action Trigger
- Accurate
FN 502 Deals
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Taurus TX22 Compact Specs
- Barrel Length 3.6 inches
- Overall Length 6.7 inches
- Weight 16.5 ounces
- Capacity 13 rounds
Taurus TX22 Compact Review
I was utterly shocked by the TX22. I couldn’t believe how reliable, accurate, and capable Taurus made the TX22. The gun was an instant success, and this pushed Taurus to produce many different models, including a competition model and now a compact model. The compact variant is among the most exciting because it offers us a defensive .22LR in a unique size profile.
Most of the .22LRs on this list are either full-sized or pocket-sized. The TX22 Compact sits comfortably in the middle. It features a 3.6-inch barrel, an overall length of 6.7 inches, and a width of 1.25 inches. It’s comfortable to conceal and easy to shoot. The magazine capacity tops at 13 rounds, which isn’t bad for such a small gun.
Do you liek moden features? Of course, you do! With the TX22 Compact, you get all the modern touches, like an accessory rail for a light and optics compatibility. This gives us a modern and versatile home defense and concealed carry option. Dots make it easy to shoot fast and straight, and lights allow you to identify targets in the dark.
Like most .22LRs, recoil isn’t an issue. It just burps along, allowing for fast and accurate shots. I scored a fresh 2.04-second Bill Drill from a holster, which was fast but disappointing because I need to break that two-second mark eventually. The trigger pull is quite long, but it’s also light.
The gun’s accuracy will impress. At 25 yards, I consistently rang 8-inch steel with just iron sight. It’s also a reliable gun that’s far from ammo-picky. I used cheap bulk Remington Gold Bullet, and it worked fine. The barrel’s long enough to get good velocity and consistent penetration. Stick to a premium round, and the TX22 Compact can pull double duty for concealed carry and home defense.
Taurus TX22 Compact Pros and Cons
- 13 Rounds in a flush-fitting mag
- Very Low Recoil
- Modern Accessories
Taurus TX22 Compact Deals
Best 22LR Handguns For Defensive Use – Buyer’s Guide
There are lots of myths regarding using the .22 LR for self-defense, and the most prominent and foolhardy myth is that the .22 Lr will bounce around. The myth states the .22 LR will destroy the insides of a person because it bounces around and shreds them.
This simply isn’t true. Bullets can deflect inside the body, but they rarely do so dramatically, resulting in major damage to the internal organs. The design and slow-moving .22 LR are likely to smash into bone and crush due to the soft projectiles most .22 LRs have.
Don’t rely on the .22 LR to bounce around to stop a threat.
Proper Ammo Prevents Poor Performance
Think of the humble .22 LR like any other round on the market. Your training ammo and defensive ammo shouldn’t be the same thing. Having super cheap training ammo is a huge benefit to the .22 LR, but that cheap, bulk pack stuff doesn’t make for the best defensive ammo. It’s cheap for a reason, and while it’s fine for the range, it’s not as reliable, accurate, or fast as good-quality ammo.
The best choice would be purpose-built defensive ammo from a reliable manufacturer. Federal Punch, for example, is engineered for short-barreled handguns and can penetrate reliably to the FBI standards. Winchester makes some dedicated defensive rounds that look promising as well.
If those are tough to find, the CCI Mini Mags are a good choice and are a premium grade round. However, it’s not designed for defensive use.
Semi-auto owners need to get practice and ensure their ammunition works perfectly in their guns. Some semi-auto guns tend to be more finicky with certain ammo types, and it’s critical you find what works with your individual gun.
Train, Train, Train
Remember how I mentioned cheap ammo? Well, one of the big benefits of the .22 LR is the low price of ammunition. With such a low price, you have no excuse to get out there and train. Since you’re using a .22 LR, every shot counts, and you need to learn how to put those shots where they count.
Get out there and practice more than marksmanship. Practice fixing malfunctions in an automatic, practice reloads, and make sure you know your gun inside and out. That’s sound advice for any concealed carrier, but with a .22 LR pistol, you have to really make it count. Little bullets with poor energy transfer, suboptimal penetration, and limited expansion require lots of practice.
Dry Fire Training
Speaking of training, let’s address dry fire. The unique nature of rimfire pistols requires your firing pin to align with your breach face, and sometimes dry fire can cause the firing pin to strike this breach face. This might break the firing pin. Here’s the thing, some rimfires can dryfire forever and not have issues. Others might break. Some companies advise that dry fire is completely fine. Others say it’s not.
First, address your manual. What does it say? It should let you know if dryfire will be an issue or not. If you can’t find a definite answer or the manual says not to dry fire, don’t fret. Purchase snap caps. These dummy rounds give the firing pin something to hit safely without the risk of damage.
Snap caps are super cheap and perfect for dryfire training.
Carry A Spare
When it comes to carrying a semi-auto .22 LR, you should seriously consider carrying a spare magazine. It’s not because you might run out of ammo. It’s because of the higher probability of a malfunction with .22 LR semi-automatic weapons. You may need to drop the magazine to clear a malfunction, and it’s easier to let it hit the ground and reload with a fresh one than try to juggle a magazine as you fix a malfunction.
The Wee Little .22 LR
Can the .22 LR be used for defensive shooting? Yep, of course. Is it optimum? No, but it’s useable. You have to approach the subject intelligently and focus on how to deal with the downsides of the .22LR as a cartridge. When approached correctly, you can certainly be successful and get a heckuva nice gun in the process.
What should I look for in a .22 LR self-defense handgun?
When picking a .22 LR handgun for self-defense, focus on reliability and comfort. You want a smooth, consistent trigger and a size that feels good in your hand. An adjustable rear sight can also be a big help, allowing for more accurate shots—something important since the .22 LR doesn’t have the stopping power of larger calibers.
How does the .22 LR compare as a defense round?
The .22 LR doesn’t pack the same punch as centerfire rounds like 9mm or .45 ACP, meaning it delivers less force on target. But it’s still a viable option if you can place shots accurately, especially if larger calibers are too much to handle. For some, it’s a manageable and effective choice for self-defense.
Are adjustable rear sights necessary on a .22 LR?
While not a must, adjustable rear sights can really improve your accuracy, especially at varying distances. In a defensive situation, being able to fine-tune your aim could make a big difference, given the .22 LR’s limited stopping power.
Are there self-defense handguns designed specifically for .22 LR?
Yes, there are self-defense-focused .22 LR handguns out there. The KelTec CP33 and Ruger LCR, for example, offer features like higher capacity and reliable feeding, making them solid options. They also support accessories like lasers or optics, which can help you stay on target under pressure.
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