For many who want to carry a small, reliable firearm for self defense, don't overlook the .22LR revolver.
Advantages:
No recoil
Easy to shoot very fast
Extremely lethal, especially in trained/skilled hands
The least expensive ammo by far
Higher capacity, typically 8 or 9 rounds (vice 5)
Can train more because of less recoil and ammo cost
No complicated malfunction drills to learn
Less complicated than semiauto
Easier to clean than semiauto
Disadvantages:
Bullet may not penetrate enough to 'stop' bad guy
Wound channel is exceptionally small
Rim fire ammo typically a little less reliable than center primer
Triggers on .22 revolvers are generally harder to pull than others
Is it possible to lighten/replace the trigger on an LCR?
Are there any compact .22 revolvers with a better/lighter trigger than LCR?
Related article, but about .357/38 revolvers: http://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/best-j-frame-smith-wesson-model-640-pro-series/
Advantages:
No recoil
Easy to shoot very fast
Extremely lethal, especially in trained/skilled hands
The least expensive ammo by far
Higher capacity, typically 8 or 9 rounds (vice 5)
Can train more because of less recoil and ammo cost
No complicated malfunction drills to learn
Less complicated than semiauto
Easier to clean than semiauto
Disadvantages:
Bullet may not penetrate enough to 'stop' bad guy
Wound channel is exceptionally small
Rim fire ammo typically a little less reliable than center primer
Triggers on .22 revolvers are generally harder to pull than others
Is it possible to lighten/replace the trigger on an LCR?
Are there any compact .22 revolvers with a better/lighter trigger than LCR?
Related article, but about .357/38 revolvers: http://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/best-j-frame-smith-wesson-model-640-pro-series/