Opinion by Alan J Chwick
Every now and then, carrying a full-sized pistol is a problem, and a compact alternative is necessary.
Selecting a pocket pistol for personal self-defense involves evaluating multiple factors, including caliber performance, ammunition availability, recoil, stopping power, penetration, and overall firearm reliability. The primary focus here is on their effectiveness in self-defense scenarios, particularly for concealed carry applications.
Among the calibers commonly considered for ultra-compact pocket firearms are the .22 Long Rifle (.22LR), the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR), the .25 Automatic Colt Pistol (.25 ACP), and the .32 Automatic Colt Pistol (.32 ACP). These are the main contenders for pocket pistols.
However, each of these cartridges has distinct advantages and drawbacks that influence their effectiveness for personal defense.
Ballistically, Each of These Rounds Are Very Different.
The .22 Long Rifle (.22LR), is one of the most commonly used cartridges in the world due to its affordability and versatility. Developed in the 19th century, it remains a staple for target shooting, small game hunting, and even self-defense. Standard .22LR rounds achieve muzzle velocities between 950 and 1,400 feet per second (fps), depending on the load and barrel length. Bullet weights typically range from 30 to 40 grains. While the .22LR lacks significant stopping power, shot placement and rapid follow-up shots can compensate for its limitations. However, an important consideration is rimfire primer sensitivity and occasional reliability issues in semi-automatic pistols. This can be a notable drawback.
The .22LR does not deliver significant penetration compared to centerfire rounds, but high-velocity hollow point (HVHP) loads can provide reasonable effectiveness in self-defense situations. Studies have shown that .22LR rounds fired from a short-barreled pistol can penetrate approximately 8 to 12 inches into ballistic gelatin, meeting the lower end of the FBI penetration recommendations (Kleck, 1991).
.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR)
The .22 WMR round is an improvement over the .22LR in terms of velocity and penetration. Introduced in 1959, the .22 WMR offers a significant increase in muzzle energy, often reaching between 1,200 and 1,800 fps, depending on barrel length and load type. Bullet weights typically range from 30 to 50 grains. The enhanced velocity and energy improve penetration and expansion, making it more effective against soft targets. Some modern defensive loads, such as the Speer Gold Dot .22 WMR, have been engineered for optimal performance in short-barreled handguns.
One key drawback of .22 WMR is its excessive muzzle flash and blast when fired from very short barrels. Additionally, like the .22LR, rimfire ignition still presents reliability concerns, although quality ammunition manufacturers have improved primer consistency in recent years. In ballistic gelatin tests, the .22 WMR defensive loads can achieve penetration of 12 to 14 inches with significant expansion, making it a viable option for self-defense (Roberts, 2015).
.25 Automatic Colt Pistol (.25 ACP)
The .25 ACP round, designed by John Browning in 1905, was intended to be a more reliable centerfire alternative to the .22LR or .22 WMR for small, easily concealable handguns. With bullet weights of around 35–50 grains and muzzle velocities ranging from 750 to 1,000 fps, the .25 ACP is underpowered compared to modern self-defense calibers but has an advantage in reliability due to its centerfire primer ignition system.
The .25 ACP’s ballistic performance is weak, only generating between 60 and 80 foot-pounds of energy. Standard FMJ loads struggle to penetrate beyond 8 inches into ballistic gelatin, often failing to meet FBI recommendations. Hollow point loads, in this caliber, frequently under-penetrate due to insufficient velocity. Despite this, some argue that the .25 ACP remains a better option than rimfire alternatives because of their superior ignition reliability. (Marshall & Sanow, 1992).
.32 Automatic Colt Pistol (.32 ACP)
Finally, we have the .32 ACP round, introduced in 1899 by John Browning. This round was once a very popular law enforcement and military cartridge in Europe. With bullet weights typically ranging from 60 to 73 grains and muzzle velocities between 900 and 1,200 fps, it offers a balance of penetration, energy, and manageable recoil. Compared to the .25 ACP, it delivers greater stopping power and penetration, making it more effective for self-defense.
While the .32 ACP generates muzzle energy of approximately 125 to 160 foot-pounds, defensive loads such as the Fiocchi 73-grain FMJ or Hornady 60-grain XTP provide sufficient penetration to reach vital organs.
Live Inventory Price Checker
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Hornady 32 ACP 60 Grain XTP Ja | Midsouth Shooters Supply | $ 24.16 |
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Speer Gold Dot 32 ACP 60 Grain | Midsouth Shooters Supply | $ 31.08 |
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Fiocchi .32 ACP 60 Grain JHP (Case) | Ammunition Depot | $ 760.49 |
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PMC Bronze .32 ACP 60 Grain JHP (Case) | Ammunition Depot | $ 530.49 |
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Ballistic tests indicate that the .32 ACP achieves penetration between 12 and 16 inches with FMJ loads, making it a better defensive choice than the .25 ACP and .22LR (Fackler, 1987). However, the lack of widespread adoption of hollow points in this caliber due to concerns about expansion and penetration trade-offs remains a point of contention. A major drawback of the .32 ACP is the possibility of a Rimlock, so the selection of a firearm and its proper ammunition is critical.
Firearm selection for all of these calibers is pretty decent. Pocket pistols chambered in .22LR and .22 Magnum are typically lightweight, easy to carry, and have minimal recoil. Some notable models include the Ruger LCP II, the North American Arms (NAA) Mini-Revolver, and the Kel-Tec P17. These are all very lightweight, highly concealable, and have good ammo capacity.
Firearms chambered in .25 ACP are known for their small size and centerfire ignition reliability. Common models here include the Beretta 950 Jetfire, the Raven MP-25, and the Baby Browning or its clone, the Bauer .25 ACP. These pocket pistols offer classic, reliable options, though the Raven is of lower quality. The Baby Browning is known for its durability and its concealability.
.32 ACP Pistols.
Finally, we have the .32 ACP Pistols. These provide a very reasonable balance between power and concealability. Notable pocket pistols here include the Kel-Tec P32, the Beretta Tomcat 3032, and the Seecamp LWS .32. The Kel-Tec is one of the lightest .32 pistols and is very concealable; the Beretta Tomcat offers ease of loading, and the Seecamp offers high-quality with a focus on deep concealment.
The .32 ACP stands out as the best overall choice for self-defense in a pocket pistol due to its balance of penetration, stopping power, and reliability. The .22 WMR is a close second, offering higher velocity but with rimfire reliability concerns. The .22LR and .25 ACP are the weakest choices, with the .25 ACP having a slight reliability advantage.
My favorites are the Baby Browning, the Kel-Tec, and the Seecamp. The Baby Browning is so small that it’s a great vest/pocket pistol. The Kel-Tec is so light that, dropped in a back pocket with trigger protection, you’ll forget it’s there. And the Seecamp is like carrying a piece of exquisite jewelry.
However, the best self-defense caliber is one that the shooter can fire accurately and reliably. Training, shot placement, and firearm selection remain the most critical factors in self-defense effectiveness.
Live Inventory Price Checker
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Kel-Tec P17 22 Long Rifle 3.8in Burnt Bronze Cerakote Pistol - 16+1 Rounds - Brown Compact | Sportsman's Warehouse | $ 224.99 |
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Kel-Tec P17 22 Long Rifle 3.8in Black Pistol with Viridian Green Dot - 16+1 - Black Compact | Sportsman's Warehouse | $ 399.99 |
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Kel-tec 22 WMR 30 Round Pistol, Tan Cerakote - PMR-30-CK-TAN | Palmetto State Armory | $ 523.99 $ 418.99 |
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Kel-tec 22 WMR 30 Round Pistol, Tan Cerakote - PMR-30-CK-TAN | Palmetto State Armory | $ 549.99 $ 399.99 |
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Bear Attacks & 20 Instances of .22 Rimfire Used for Survival
References:
- Kleck, G. (1991). Point Blank: Guns and Violence in America. Aldine de Gruyter.
- Roberts, G. K. (2015). Ballistic Performance of Rimfire Defensive Ammunition. Wound Ballistics Review, 12(3), 54-61.
- Marshall, E., & Sanow, E. (1992). Stopping Power: A Practical Analysis of the Latest Handgun Ammunition. Paladin Press.
- Fackler, M. L. (1987). Wound Ballistics: Review and Evaluation of Common Handgun Rounds. Journal of Trauma, 27(5), 442-450.
- Hogg, I.V. (2012). The Cartridge Guide. Skyhorse Publishing.
- FBI Ballistic Research Laboratory (2020). Ballistics Testing Report on Small Calibers.
- Various ammunition manufacturers’ ballistics data.
About the author:
Alan J. Chwick, A.S., B.S., FL/NY/SC Paralegal is known for his involvement in legal articles usually related to firearm regulations and for his contributions to discussions on gun rights. Retired Managing Coach of the Freeport NY Junior Marksmanship Club (FreeportJuniorClub.org). Escaped New York State to South Carolina and is an SC FFL & Gunsmith (Everything22andMore.com).
Let’s face it, any handgun, short of a .44magnum or some other such “Hand cannon”, will almost 100% of the time require follow up shots.
IMOA, the .22 LR and WMR would be effective for self-defense, and I’ll carry a .22 from time to time. The cartridge has been used to take wild game, and it would also work for self-defense.
I have carried and shot a variety of critters with these calibers. Up to deer size animals.
Better then nothing.
But the smallest hand gun I carry now days is a Glock 23
So, you think .22 LR has no umph, even up close? Until inbreeding or genetic science produces a schmuck eager to experimentally be shot with it, and to report findings, I’ll take my chances (at least, at home, where there’ll be less damage) with rimfires.
shot placement with any of these is critical better an lc9 or something similar
Anyone have a Deutsche Werke Ortgies – .25 ACP – Mfg 1919-1923? I got one of these a few years ago and I love it, even though it’s over 100 years old. My Walther PP in .32 ACP is 83 years old and works like a Rolex.