Lately I've been thinking about "what caliber and gun for recoil sensitive shooters." The elderly, some women, and just those who don't deal well with recoil being the target demographic.
And looking at it, it really seems like .22 TCM would be one of the best off the shelf options for a low recoil defensive pistol.
Using a 4" barrel as a velocity basis, we get the following:
.22 TCM = 40gr @ 2000fps = 355 ftlbs / Power Factor 80
.380 = 90gr @ 1000fps = 200 ftlbs / Power Factor 90
9x19 = 124gr @ 1150fps = 364 ftlbs / Power Factor 142
9x19 = 147gr @ 1000fps = 326 ft/lbs / Power Factor 147
With a power factor of 80, .22 TCM would have a bit less recoil then .380, and 45% less recoil them 9x19, while still retaining comparable energy to 9x19. This is born out by reviews, all of which comment favorably on the low recoil of .22 TCM.
In terms of ballistics performance, while we don't have much data, the data we do have is encouraging:
http://mousegunaddict.blogspot.com/2...ugh-clear.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UZWRsUXZWc
The round produces good penetration and reliable expansion, even through 4 layers denim - something we typically dont see with .380. And of course, thats using the absolute cheapest projectiles possible. Loaded with a 40gr Gold Dot or Federal Fusion JSP, and expansion would likely be even better.
As far as ammo costs, .22 TCM JHP is going for around $0.29-$0.30 per shot. Thats more then 9x19 FMJ, but less expensive then 9x19 JHP. Its right at the point where it would be economically viable to use JHP as your primary training ammo.
The other advantage - especially for women or the elderly - is that the low recoil of the .22 TCM results in a correspondingly light weight recoil spring. Standard Glock is 16lbs; .22 TCM Glock conversion kit uses an 11lb recoil spring, making it that much easier to rack the slide. Similar in concept to the Shield EZ in that regard.
All in all, I think the .22 TCM would make for a really promising alternate caliber for low recoil shooters.
I'd personally love to see a 4" slimline pistol chambered in .22 TCM. Something like the Glock 48, or Kahr TP9: