I was going to write a bit about this article (Is The .22 Mag Overrated?), but after just a little digging in the archives, I discovered that I’ve talked lots and lots about the thing and I wouldn’t want to get boring on the topic.
So y’all can just go and read what Will Brantley has to say. It’s all good.
I like his rifle setup, by the way, even if it does have a plastic fantastic stock:
22 WMR is a great cartridge. I don’t have a 22 WMR rifle (guess I should save and get one).
I do have a Ruger New Model Single Six. This was also mentioned in the article. Kim had a previous post about the Ruger as well.
While I can easily handle 357 and 9MM now, who knows what will happen in 10, 20 or 30 years. Age can bring on arthritis and aches and pains that can make shooting some calibers difficult. 22 WMR has very mild recoil and is also very capable.
The CCI brand 22 WMR are very reliable but there are other good brands too if you can’t find those.
I felt I had to answer this: I’m 84.
I have (at least I had until the boating accident) more than several 10mm pistols, including, yes, the Hi-Point (and a very tolerant wife – I’ve convinced her that they’re assets/investments she can sell at a profit after I’m in the ground) and I take them (usually two at a time) for a walk to the range every couple of weeks.
After a couple of hours (and mucho ammo, but I reload) are my hands tired and achy – yes! but no more so than my legs after walking a mile or so every day with the walker I have to use: both are forms of exercise.
I have an opthalmologist who tells me (when I go for an exam every 6 months) that I need a cataract operation; these new lenses will improve my vision 110%. I keep inviting him down to the range to match me on targets; he keeps telling me he’ll call.
I also have the Ruger single six with the convertible cylinder. Honestly, I don’t know that the WMR adds anything appreciable to the pistol versus regular .22LR. Now in my Winchester lever action, the WMR really shines. Probably take that to my next range day. Just because.
Against paper targets 22 LR is about the same, against predators there is a little more power.
22 WMR has more punch.
I know I am dreaming, but I would love to see an SP101 or a GP100 in 22 WMR, though the LCR in 22 WMR 3 inch barrel is temping…
My brother took a 4″ 22mag to a range in UP Michigan, after firing the boomer (yes it is very very loud out of 4″) the RO came out and asked what the hell he was shooting. Brother said that the muzzle flash was the size of a paper plate and that it was the loudest thing he had ever shot. It is a great farm truck rifle and a pistol with snake shot makes it very good for out west.