Originally posted by Grand58742
View Post
A .22LR is not very effective in creating temporary crush cavities or cavitation. In fact, most hand gun rounds that I know do not have the velocity and muzzle energy to where temporary cavitation is a factor. Rifle rounds, however, can cause considerable damage to surrounding organs without hitting them due to temporary cavitation and hydrostatic shock.
As far as permanent crush cavities the .22LR is not as effective as a larger round at creating a permanent would cavity. The .22LR is lethal and can cause damage that is not measured by some of the factors you mentioned. In the case of my cousin the .22 penetrated the lower abdomen and caused too much damage for the surgeons to repair. If the surgical team were more skilled perhaps they could have saved him. Keep in mind that although he died, it did not cause immediate incapacitation. He responded to the threat and was active until hospitalized. This activity could have contributed to the internal bleeding. I am not a doctor, and am only speculating on the extent of his injuries and repair. But he did die later.
The transference of energy into the body is very important regarding stopping power, as it creates a shock to the system, as well as fragmentation. A bullet that penetrates may be more lethal causing two holes where blood escapes but at the same time not has as much shock to the nervous system. The .22LR although it can be lethal, it cannot be considered or classified as a defensive round.
As far as everyone agreeing that the .22LR is not an ideal defensive round, you would be surprised. There are people who argue that it is. There is a person in this thread that claim if a round were used as a defensive round it is classified as a defensive round. A person could use a pencil or a sharp stick in a defensive situation and win a conflict - would anyone consider a pencil or a sharp stick a defensive weapon - look at my concealed weapon defensive stick. I am just highlighting that there are people out there that are not aware. There are people out there who constantly ask about the defensive nature of the .22LR.
I owned several martial arts schools and taught bodyguards, LE, Military, etc. I am well versed in bladed weapons including knives. But if I planned in advance, I would not want to take a knife to a gun fight. Why are people planning to carry a .22LR in a bug out situation, where defense may be one of the most critical factors. Preppers are supposed to be prepared ahead of time. So why plan on bringing a .22LR to a gun fight? I am merely highlighting the limitations of the .22 RL in relation to stopping power for preppers in a self defense situation.
Yes a .22LR is better than a sharp stick or screaming bad words at an enemy. But is that really a standard for measuring its defensive capability? In other words, any weapon better than a sharp stick or screaming bad words can be classified as an effective self defense weapon.
Comment