.22 magnum in revolvers...are they something to consider

[dolphin62]

I was just looking at some guns...wish list. I have seen some Smith and Wesson .22 magnums. The question I have is are they something to consider. Do they offer a lot more than just a .22 lr as far as accuracy I know in the power they seem to offer more. I was just curious I have never owned a pistol or rifle in this caliber. The price seems to be a little steep in ammo. Well that's my question of the week.

[LittleLebowski]

They suck to shoot, lots of noise and blast. I'd rather have a .22LR high velocity. Not going to mention cans seeing as what state you're in, sorry.

[GJM]

Smith .22 Magnum revolvers have very heavy triggers.

[Wheeler]

Smith .22 Magnum revolvers have very heavy triggers.

S&W rimfire revolvers have heavy triggers.

[Wheeler]

I was just looking at some guns...wish list. I have seen some Smith and Wesson .22 magnums. The question I have is are they something to consider. Do they offer a lot more than just a .22 lr as far as accuracy I know in the power they seem to offer more. I was just curious I have never owned a pistol or rifle in this caliber. The price seems to be a little steep in ammo. Well that's my question of the week.

The .22 WMR revolvers do not offer an edge in accuracy over the .22LR revolvers. The best benefit a .22 WMR revolver offers is as a companion to a .22WMR Rifle.

[JHC]

If one was comparing a 125 grain .355 caliber bullet going 1200 fps to one going 1350 fps I think the argument that 150 fps gain (11.5%) is not really offering much of a return might be obvious. Similar to the 9mm vs .357 Sig comparison


At some point in the realm of a tiny bullet and much slower velocities compared, 150 fps is going to make more of a difference. At some point you hit a threshold of shit were a 150 fps gets one just outside the threshold of shit.

I don't really know if .22 mag from a snub or other revolver falls into that category or not. The only comparison worth even considering IMO is 40 grain solid vs 40 grain solid. .22 hollow points need not apply.

I think the "real" cartridge construction of the .22 mag vs the .22 LR "probably" gives it some advantage for reliability. I've seen .22 LR duds in a pistol from being stored in high humidity for a period of months.

[Duelist]

My .22 revolver is a Ruger Single Six. It has 2 cylinders, so I can shoot any .22 rimfire I can get my hands on, from CB caps to magnums. I mostly shoot .22 long rifles because they're cheaper, but during the ammo panic, it was common to find other .22, including magnums, but not be able to get a single box of long rifles. I bought the single six for a lot of reasons, including being able to shoot what I could find. I didn't think I'd actually have to exercise that versatility, but was glad to have it.

Ruger single actions don't usually have heavy triggers, and they're easy to fix if they do.

[1986s4]

Smith .22 Magnum revolvers have very heavy triggers.

That has not been my experience with my [example of one] early 80's S&W M18. Very smooth with a reasonable pull weight [not that I've measured it].

[BN]

I attribute some of my hearing problems to my Ruger Single Six in .22 Magnum. It was an exceedingly load blaster. :(

[Glenn E. Meyer]

I had a SW 651 in the 90's. It was a 3 inch SS frame. Very nice gun as a piece of engineering. However, I didn't find it practical for several reasons. The ammo was expensive but that's not a big issue. The gun really wasn't a carry gun - but a belt gun. I did use it as such when out in the field. I suppose one would only consider the newer snubbies for carry. However, rounds at that time made a terrific blast of flame and residue. At the range, one would see a spew of black powder residue all over a target at 7 yards. 50 rounds locked up the cylinder so tightly that it took a significant soaking in a cleaner to free it. Then scrub, scrub. I sold it.

That trigger was not terribly heavy. However, I did have a 317 LS (a 22LR) with a very heavy trigger - sold it.

I also have a NAA Mini 1 5/8 inch barrel revolver in 22 Mag with a 22 LR cylinder also. I fired the 22 mag in an indoor range between the two partitions. I thought it blew up and I blew up. I recall a tremendous flash and felt a pressure wave that hit my face and went under my safety glasses. My eyes slammed shut automatically. I still have the gun and loaded it now with the Hornady Critical Defense 22 Mag - which honestly I haven't shot. I use it a as BUG sometimes (I prefer a J frame). I assume firing it will scare the surrounding villains more than racking a shotgun. :)

I've read that some of our members carry the newer J's with 22 mag and perhaps might comment.

[JHC]

I thought it blew up and I blew up.

That's just hilarious! :D

[OlongJohnson]

22 Mag costs more than inexpensive .38 wadcutters.

In a bolt-action rifle, you can download .223 to 22 WMR levels.

The only place I see a point for WMR is with a semi-auto like a CZ 512, where you may want to take out a bunch of varmints in a hurry (like all five racoons as they come down the tree, as an example that's been posted elsewhere).

[taadski]

Short .22 mag story:

I had a conversation with a fellow in passing while on duty the other day in one of the rural small towns in our County. It took me a couple minutes and his name to put together the reference, but it turns out he was the "victim" in a shooting we investigated about 15 years prior. He and his brother had jumped a visiting Texan (hint) and his son outside a bar after some words had been said inside. Short story is the son was getting his ass kicked on the ground pretty badly in the dark parking lot while Dad was fighting with the other brother. Father, in fear of his son's well being, produced a .22 mag revolver and pressed the trigger thrice. The first two rounds fired and struck dude COM. The third went "click" with a light primer strike. The recipient's comments were that he didn't initially know he'd been shot, but the noise ceased the assault. Twenty or so minutes later, he walked to the ambulance and was transported to the nearest medical facility (about an hour away). He underwent minor surgery and was kept overnight, but was released the following day.

The thread reminded me of the encounter and I figured I'd share. Take from it what you will. ;)

[UNK]

Depends on what you want to do with it but there are some real negatives concerning any caliber being shot in barrels shorter than that which they were designed for. Velocity being number one and associated bullet failure to perform based on velocity. Blast and flash number two I guess?
Here is a link to the numbers. http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/22mag.html

[RichY]

When I was in college decades ago I ran across a 6" barrel S&W M-48 five screw in 22 magnum. I just had to have it, and I had just enough money to buy it. It was, even then, expensive to shoot, and the magnums from a 6" barrel it sounded like a snubby 38 Special when you fired it. Every 18 rounds the cylinder would not want to revolve any longer, so I had to scrub under the ejector star, the front of the cylinder, and the rear face of the barrel. It would then work for another 18 rounds, then repeat the process. I wanted it to hunt with, but quickly found it was essentially a 22 L.R. from a rifle, and all the noise was just wasted powder. It was no more accurate than a K frame in 22 Long Rifle. I sold it off fairly quickly.

Later on my brother bought me a 6 1/2" Ruger Super Single Six Convertible in 22/22 Mag. I used it to hunt with for years, but again, it did nothing for me that a 22 rifle did not offer. I used only the 22 Magnum cylinder virtually the entire time I owned it until just before it was sold. I switched to the 22 cylinder and in all honesty, from a wound ballistic standpoint, if there was any difference in performance, I certainly could not tell it. By the time I sold it I had moderate arthritis in my lower back, and it was no longer fun to carry afield. I went with the Ruger 22/45 with the Pac-Lite factory barrel, but never really liked it either. Then my wife wanted a S&W M&P 22 Compact pistol, and I found it to beat all the previously mentioned handguns, as it is amazingly accurate, reliable, compact, and easy on the lower back. I decided at that point that any rimfire use I would need in a handgun was easily done with the little M&P. Now I need to get me one!

[Malamute]

S&W rimfire revolvers have heavy triggers.

I had a 22 in a J frame, it never had a very good trigger action and the DA pull was heavy. All the K frame Smith 22 LRs thats Ive had or shot have had great triggers.

[Wheeler]

That has not been my experience with my [example of one] early 80's S&W M18. Very smooth with a reasonable pull weight [not that I've measured it].

The Model 18 is a .22LR. The Model 48 is the .22 WMR.

[Wheeler]

I had a 22 in a J frame, it never had a very good trigger action and the DA pull was heavy. All the K frame Smith 22s thats Ive had or shot have had great triggers.

I have a 17-5 and have played around with some 617’s. I’ve always felt as if the DA triggers were heavier in the stock configuaration. My 17 has a pretty good trigger on it due to the custom trigger job of shooting the crap out of it.;)

[Jeep]

When I was the dumbest and most junior 2LT in the Army, I just had to have a .22 Magnum. The nice lady in the gun store tried to warn me off, but I knew better than she did and so bought myself that .22 magnum. The trigger was terrible, the blast was excessive, the ammo was expensive and while its terminal effects on rabbits was more impressive than a normal .22 it was a dog. (Admittedly it was not a S&W).

I think the .22 mag can work well in bolt-action rifles when you want to reach out and touch something but don't want a centerfire. It needs that barrel length to get good velocity, though--it doesn't add much in a pistol, except the psychological effect of the flash and boom.

[JHC]

Trigger is a bit heavy but I was diggin it rolling as fast as I could see sights at 7 yards. My 1970 K-22 DA trigger isn't quite as heavy but not far off.
22895

[Malamute]

I have a 17-5 and have played around with some 617’s. I’ve always felt as if the DA triggers were heavier in the stock configuaration. My 17 has a pretty good trigger on it due to the custom trigger job of shooting the crap out of it.;)

As far as I know they use the same mainsprings as any other K frame.

The old family K-22 has somewhere between 200k and 300k rounds through it. Its fairly decent on the trigger action.

[Wheeler]

As far as I know they use the same mainsprings as any other K frame.

The old family K-22 has somewhere between 200k and 300k rounds through it. Its fairly decent on the trigger action.

As it turns out it seems that I can't find any details showing the various mainspring weights. The replacement springs all seem to be per frame size and not per caliber. This may well be yet another tired gun counter legend that will need to be lain to rest.

My 17-5 has a ways to go before it catches up to yours. ;)

[jandbj]

Though I don't recall the mission of said 22 magnum being listed here...
I think the best answer to this thread is... go read the 43c thread.

If we're instead strictly talking K frames and hunting, then carry on.

[Wheeler]

Though I don't recall the mission of said 22 magnum being listed here...
I think the best answer to this thread is... go read the 43c thread.

If we're instead strictly talking K frames and hunting, then carry on.

That info is only a couple of clicks away... ;)

"I was just looking at some guns...wish list. I have seen some Smith and Wesson .22 magnums. The question I have is are they something to consider. Do they offer a lot more than just a .22 lr as far as accuracy I know in the power they seem to offer more. I was just curious I have never owned a pistol or rifle in this caliber. The price seems to be a little steep in ammo. Well that's my question of the week."

The .22 Mag in a rifle is a vicious little round. It will do a number on soft body armor as well as small game, small predators, vermin, and so forth. It's largest drawback is accuracy and terminal ballistics drop off rapidly after 100 yards. Like most magnum rounds, it has limited utility in a short barreled anything. Bill Rogers used to carry a S&W 351 for vermin dispatch, I think he has swapped over to a LCR 9mm for that use.

I recently acquired a 3" Ruger LCRx in .22 Mag as an affordable companion to a Winchester Model 94 in .22 Mag. The revolver is obnoxiously loud even with good ear plugs. My 43c is easier for me to shoot well, that's directly related to a hand injury and no fault of the gun. I can shoot it with my weak hand as well as any other small framed revolver. It does hit a bit harder than a similar weight high velocity .22LR using the scientific "thunk" test. ;)

[jandbj]

That info is only a couple of clicks away... ;)

"I was just looking at some guns...wish list. I have seen some Smith and Wesson .22 magnums. The question I have is are they something to consider. Do they offer a lot more than just a .22 lr as far as accuracy I know in the power they seem to offer more. I was just curious I have never owned a pistol or rifle in this caliber. The price seems to be a little steep in ammo. Well that's my question of the week."

I was only referring to the OP not mentioning a specified purpose "to consider" for the gun in the quote listed above.

[JHC]

When I get my 351 back from S&W I will have to try it with some earpro other than my Sordins. I didn't think the muzzle blast lived up to it's reputation. For my intended purpose however, the more the better.

[Wheeler]

I was only referring to the OP not mentioning a specified purpose "to consider" for the gun in the quote listed above.
I was busting chops. No malice intended.

:)

[dolphin62]

Im the one who created the thread. I was just woundering if they were a pistol to consider. Meaning something to shoot targets around the yard with, or the gun club. etc. Just good clean fun legal shooting, nothing specific. The caliber just interested me as all, you do hear some urban legends about its ability etc. Mostly from people who never owned or even shot one most likely. I got a lot of good feedback from the thread, enough to keep me from buying something I don't need.

[peterb]

...Like most magnum rounds, it has limited utility in a short barreled anything....

https://ballisticsbytheinch.wordpress.com/2018/01/21/reprise-when-is-a-magnum-not-really-a-magnum/

Good data on the effect of barrel length on .22LR and .22Mag.

[LSP552]

LSP issued the High Standard .22 mag derringer during the 70s-80s. Shooting them at night was always kinda cool, especially followed by .357.

Worthless little gun but it did fit in a pocket OK, and many troopers actually carried them as a backup. I’m aware of more than one ND as a result of the lack of a trigger guard. I still have a nickel plated one packed away in storage somewhere, hasn’t been shot in probably 20 years.

I also have a Colt New Frontier .22 with the interchangeable mag cylinder, and a short Ruger .22 SA with a mag cylinder also. They work well on bunnies and armadillos. I tend to rarely use the mag cylinder, but for some reason I really like having it. Go figure.

[LtDave]

I believe 22 WMR may be a better choice for self defense instead of 22 LR. The quality of the ammo is usually much higher in my experience. I used to weigh and check rim thickness on my rimfire ammo when I was shooting a lot of matches. 22 LR, other than really expensive match ammo, was all over the place and it really paid off to sort it by weight and rim thickness. When I started doing the same for 22 WMR, it soon became apparent I was wasting my time as it was so consistent. I have a bunch of 22 WMR rifles and handguns. I cannot recall a misfire in any of them. Can't say the same for my 22 LR guns. The quality of projectiles available in 22 WMR is another reason to consider it over 22 LR IMO.

[RevolverRob]

I believe 22 WMR may be a better choice for self defense instead of 22 LR. The quality of the ammo is usually much higher in my experience. I used to weigh and check rim thickness on my rimfire ammo when I was shooting a lot of matches. 22 LR, other than really expensive match ammo, was all over the place and it really paid off to sort it by weight and rim thickness. When I started doing the same for 22 WMR, it soon became apparent I was wasting my time as it was so consistent. I have a bunch of 22 WMR rifles and handguns. I cannot recall a misfire in any of them. Can't say the same for my 22 LR guns. The quality of projectiles available in 22 WMR is another reason to consider it over 22 LR IMO.

This is an excellent point and one reason I consider .22 Magnum to be the "superior" rimfire round to .22LR for "defensive" weapons.

My mother isn't much of a shooter and is very recoil sensitive. So keeping her warm at night is a red-dot equipped .22 mag. It works, it's accurate, and I've never had a misfire with it in several thousand rounds. I cannot say the same for the various .22LR guns I've had over the years.

One of my favorite revolvers of all time, was a Colt Frontier Scout in .22 Mag. It shot right to point of aim at 25 yards with most every CCI load. Squirrels, jack rabbits, raccoons, and a moderate size coyote all fell to that revolver when I was growing up.

[Wendell]

.22 magnum in revolvers...are they something to consider? I was just looking at some guns...wish list. I have seen some Smith and Wesson .22 magnums. The question I have is are they something to consider. Do they offer a lot more than just a .22 lr as far as accuracy I know in the power they seem to offer more. I was just curious I have never owned a pistol or rifle in this caliber. The price seems to be a little steep in ammo. Well that's my question of the week.

Bill Jordan thought so...


The one light loading that I would like to see would be the airweight model Cobras and Chief Specials chambered for the new .22RF Magnum load. This is a wicked little cartridge and would add little to the weight of the light models (five .38 Special cartridges weigh about as much as the Chief airweight), and would make a wonderful addition to the "hide-out" field, particularly for officers working in hot countries where a coat is not worn during the hot summer months.

-Bill Jordan, page 77, calibers and loads, No Second Place Winner

https://www.amazon.com/Second-Place-Winner-William-Jordan/dp/0936279095

[RevolverRob]

Bill Jordan thought so...



https://www.amazon.com/Second-Place-Winner-William-Jordan/dp/0936279095

Chic Gaylord really liked the .22LR/.22Mag High Standard Sentinel revolvers. Mentioning them in his book - https://www.amazon.com/Handgunners-Guide-Including-Combat-Shooting/dp/1581601085

And like thise here - seemed to find that .22mag rounds were more reliable.

[Wheeler]

I believe 22 WMR may be a better choice for self defense instead of 22 LR. The quality of the ammo is usually much higher in my experience. I used to weigh and check rim thickness on my rimfire ammo when I was shooting a lot of matches. 22 LR, other than really expensive match ammo, was all over the place and it really paid off to sort it by weight and rim thickness. When I started doing the same for 22 WMR, it soon became apparent I was wasting my time as it was so consistent. I have a bunch of 22 WMR rifles and handguns. I cannot recall a misfire in any of them. Can't say the same for my 22 LR guns. The quality of projectiles available in 22 WMR is another reason to consider it over 22 LR IMO.

Claude Werner has done quite a bit of work studying the efficacy of .22LR for defensive work, most notably out of small frame pistols and revolvers. His general conclusion is that premium ammo does just as well as centerfire ammo.

I think the biggest flaw in your logic is that there is no such thing as bulk .22 WMR, it's ALL premium ammo, whereas .22 LR runs the gamut of having to decide if you can afford the next shot to can I afford another brick.

[JHC]

I believe 22 WMR may be a better choice for self defense instead of 22 LR. The quality of the ammo is usually much higher in my experience. I used to weigh and check rim thickness on my rimfire ammo when I was shooting a lot of matches. 22 LR, other than really expensive match ammo, was all over the place and it really paid off to sort it by weight and rim thickness. When I started doing the same for 22 WMR, it soon became apparent I was wasting my time as it was so consistent. I have a bunch of 22 WMR rifles and handguns. I cannot recall a misfire in any of them. Can't say the same for my 22 LR guns. The quality of projectiles available in 22 WMR is another reason to consider it over 22 LR IMO.

That tipped it for my purpose. $9.95/50 from SGAMMO is economical enough

[feudist]

When I get my 351 back from S&W I will have to try it with some earpro other than my Sordins. I didn't think the muzzle blast lived up to it's reputation. For my intended purpose however, the more the better.

7 flashbangs cum icepicks to the upper chest and face?

[JHC]

7 flashbangs cum icepicks to the upper chest and face?

LOL yeah for 3 yards and closing

[LtDave]

Claude Werner has done quite a bit of work studying the efficacy of .22LR for defensive work, most notably out of small frame pistols and revolvers. His general conclusion is that premium ammo does just as well as centerfire ammo.

I think the biggest flaw in your logic is that there is no such thing as bulk .22 WMR, it's ALL premium ammo, whereas .22 LR runs the gamut of having to decide if you can afford the next shot to can I afford another brick.

I guess that's really the point I was trying to make.

[Hambo]

https://ballisticsbytheinch.wordpress.com/2018/01/21/reprise-when-is-a-magnum-not-really-a-magnum/

Good data on the effect of barrel length on .22LR and .22Mag.

Data is always better than "I think." From the article:


But when you compare the two on the low end, out of very short barrels, there’s very little if any difference: about 10 percent more velocity, perhaps 15 percent more power. What you do notice on the low end is a lot more muzzle flash from the .22 Magnum over .22 LR.

[Hambo]

LSP issued the High Standard .22 mag derringer during the 70s-80s. Shooting them at night was always kinda cool, especially followed by .357.

Worthless little gun but it did fit in a pocket OK, and many troopers actually carried them as a backup. I’m aware of more than one ND as a result of the lack of a trigger guard.

The only reason I had one is that I got it for $25. I cannot imagine an ND though, because mine had what felt like a 30 pound trigger. Whether it was the way they drilled the bores or the shitty trigger I could not get two hits close together at anything but very close range. It was loud though.

[LSP552]

The only reason I had one is that I got it for $25. I cannot imagine an ND though, because mine had what felt like a 30 pound trigger. Whether it was the way they drilled the bores or the shitty trigger I could not get two hits close together at anything but very close range. It was loud though.

Yep, 30 lb sounds right. The NDs were primarily from shoving in a boot or back pocket without a holster covering the open trigger.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

About the NAA Minis - they love to shoot the bullets sideways into a target. Not always but common enough. The new breaktop ones are cute but not cute enough to buy IMHO. I'm sticking with the one I got for half the price, way back when for a tertiary bug, if at all.

[feudist]

In Birmingham back in 1990, 2 utes went into a barber shop to rob it. While overly engaged in threatening the manager, a 70 years old customer stood up behind them and, well executed both of them. He was using an old .22 WMR Hi Standard derringer.
It made me chuckle.

[Wheeler]

I guess that's really the point I was trying to make.

Then I agree with you 100% and apologize for not seeing it as you were pointing it out.

[Boondock Patrol]

I recently went to a store and picked up a Ruger LCR. Took it shooting and fell in love with the trigger! Easiest trigger I have ever felt on a revolver. Not expensive, great trigger! I love .22! As an EMT I once witnessed an autopsy of a guy shot with a .22. I will forever have respect for the round! Look into it before buying. In my opinion, its a great carry revolver. 23601