Survival can mean many things to different preppers. Some will prioritize having the most efficient escape route possible. Others would fortify their house to weather any storm. Then, there are preppers whose main focus is having the best firearm for any survival situation.
There is no such thing as a gun suitable for every shooter. People have their preferences, after all. However, one gun just so happens to be considered the Swiss Army knife of firearms: the .22 Long Rifle pistol. (h/t to ModernSurvivalOnline.com)
The gun-of-all-trades
Since its conception in the late 1880s, the .22 LR is certainly one of the most omnipresent American cartridges. Multiple generations of shooters have learned how to shoot a gun using this very handgun. With its non-existent recoil and minimal noise, the .22 LR is an easy gun to pick up for anyone willing to learn. It's simplicity also allows veteran shooters to train their shooting skills and refine their fundamentals before moving on to bigger guns.
While not exactly the best gun for any specific scenario, its jack-of-all-trades status allows the .22 LR to be at least useful in a majority of situations where one would need a gun. From plinking to even hunting, this pistol can get the job done.
The .22 LR pistol is one of the only few calibers capable of taking out small animals without severely damaging the pelt or meat. With its excellent accuracy, even hard-to-hit critters fall to a bullet from this handgun. Additionally, the minimal chance of overpenetration makes this gun suited for pest disposal in both urban and suburban settings.
As previously mentioned, this gun is very effective at refining skills and developing new techniques. It uses a model similar to most "serious" pistols with additional perks that make it worth using as a training gun. The minimal blast is less likely to cause anticipatory reflexes in shooters that train with this gun. In addition, the low cost of .22 LR ammunition allows for better training time at a much lower price tag.
For self-defense, the .22 LR, unfortunately, falls flat when other more powerful cartridges are available on the market. However, if you do need to defend yourself and can't afford to get another gun, this firearm can do the job just fine, provided you supply it with quality ammo. It's lightweight frame and no recoil can make it a very versatile gun for bugging out. (Related: Prepare for common survival scenarios by stocking up on these lifesaving tools.)
One gun to rule them all
The usefulness of the .22 LR seems endless, but a question remains: Which model should you get for optimal survival? The .22 may be a decent general-purpose handgun, but not all models are good for self-defense. Here is a list of semi-automatic and revolver pistols chosen for their reliability and suitability for both survival and defense:
- Walther P22 This pistol, while nearly two decades old, is still a reliable backup gun in case SHTF. Its design departed from the .22's traditional handgun design for a new layout that makes it a handy trainer for other larger but similarly styled pistols. It is accurate, easy to shoot, and the inclusion of sights make aiming a breeze. When it comes to training, you can never go wrong with a P22.
- Ruger Mark iV 22/45 Tactical The 22/45 series of pistols are reliable all-around handguns that handle similar to larger pistols from grip dimensions to even control layout. This handgun can also be configured with a myriad of attachments like laser sights and suppressors so it can be customized for almost any situation. To top it all off, plenty of manufacturers provide support for this type of pistol, allowing you to get better parts to further customize your shooting experience.
- Ruger LCRx .22 LR This pistol combines a new trigger mechanism, polymer trigger housing, alloy frame and barrel shroud with only a steel barrel liner into one small package. Even with its modern aesthetics, it still comes with a traditional exposed hammer like most old-school revolvers, giving it quite an appeal for the older revolver fans. It comes equipped with good sights and an impressive trigger, making this gun a decent primary weapon to keep inside your bug-out bag.
- Ruger GP100 .22 LR This entry from Ruger is famed for its performance in .357 Magnum. The GP100 is one of the strongest and most robust in terms of pistol action. It is also comparatively easy to maintain than older revolver designs. Its trigger mechanism can be detached for easy inspection and replacement. Additionally, the GP100 uses a frame that allows nearly any grip to be mounted. No matter what style of grip you prefer, this handgun can adapt to your needs.
From sharpening your skills to defending yourself, the .22 pistol proves to be a reliable tool that any prepper should have in their arsenal. Look up more gear you can use to keep yourself alive at SurvivalGear.news.
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