I have been an avid gun collector for many years, and throughout my experience, I have come to appreciate the value of owning guns that are suitable for concealed carry. In fact, I have owned a variety of firearms over the years that have been specifically designed for this purpose, each one serving its own unique drive.
One of the things that I have always looked for when selecting a concealed carry gun is a .22 version of my favorite firearm. This is because I believe that there are many benefits to owning a .22 that make it a worthwhile investment for any gun enthusiast. Here are six reasons why you should own a .22:
1.It helps you practice the fundamentals
Among my most cherished guns are my Smith & Wesson Model 60 Target (.38 SPL) and Model 63 (.22), both of which I shoot regularly and with great enthusiasm.
The Model 60 Target, with its adjustable sights, has been a longtime favorite of mine for target shooting and self-defense training. I have put countless rounds through it over the years, honing my accuracy and developing my shooting skills. The Model 63, with its 2-inch barrel and similar grips and grip adaptor to the Model 60, has proven to be an excellent complement to the Model 60, and I often take them shooting together.
When it comes to training with my .22 firearms, I have found them to be an invaluable tool for improving my shooting skills. I typically put 100 rounds through the Model 63 and 50 through the Model 60, focusing on shooting from the draw, point shooting, and scenario shooting to simulate real-world self-defense situations. By using my .22 firearms for training, I am able to practice my skills in a more cost-effective and accessible manner.
One of the great advantages of my Smith & Wesson firearms is the availability of speedloaders for the Models 34 and 63, as well as the Models 17 and 18. This means that I am able to practice reloading drills with these firearms as well, further improving my skills and readiness for any situation that may arise.
2. It’s excellent for beginners
My journey into the world of firearms began with my first handgun, a .22 auto, a 2nd Model Colt Woodsman with a 4.5-inch barrel. This firearm proved to be an invaluable asset to my training, as it helped me to develop and perfect my basic shooting skills.
One of the things that I loved about the Woodsman was its good sights and a good trigger pull, which made it easier for me to shoot it accurately. Additionally, its 1911-type magazine release taught me how to press the button to drop the magazine in the same manner as did the later centerfire autos that I used. While the 3rd Model Woodsman has a magazine release at the base of the magazine well, I have always preferred the 2nd Model for its user-friendly design.
Another firearm that has proven to be an excellent training aid for new shooters is my Walther PPK-L .22. When my wife was learning to shoot, she used the PPK-L extensively and it helped her to learn the use of a hammer drop safety and mag release button, to acquire fairly rudimentary sights, to do a mag change, and to release the slide by pulling it back and letting it go. For a while, she even used the .22 PPK-L as her self-defense pistol, but now she carries a .32 Kel-Tec.
It’s worth noting that having a reliable and accurate .22 firearm can be particularly useful for new shooters or those looking to hone their basic shooting skills. These firearms are also great for practicing on the range or engaging in scenario training. As such, they are an excellent addition to any gun owner’s collection and should not be overlooked as a valuable asset.
3. It’s cheaper at the range
As a seasoned gun enthusiast with years of experience under my belt, I have come to appreciate the many benefits of owning and shooting .22 pistols. Among the greatest advantages of these firearms is their affordability, as they are considerably less expensive to shoot than their larger, centerfire counterparts.
In recent years, there was a time period where .22 LR ammo was difficult to find, causing many gun enthusiasts to feel the frustration of not being able to fully enjoy their .22 firearms. However, I am pleased to report that this situation has since improved, and .22 LR ammo is once again readily available for purchase.
When I first began my journey into the world of firearms, my second automatic pistol and my first centerfire was a Browning High-Power. At the same time, I also acquired my first centerfire revolver, a Colt Official Police. As a novice gun owner who did not reload at the time, I found the cost of 9mm and .38 Special ammo to be prohibitive, limiting me to only occasionally firing a box of ammo through each firearm. As a result, I found myself shooting my Woodsman the most, as I could purchase significantly more rounds of .22-Long Rifle ammo for the same amount of money.
Despite the occasional scarcity of .22 LR ammo, I have always found my .22 pistols to be a valuable asset to my collection. Not only do they offer a more cost-effective shooting experience, but they also provide a great platform for honing my skills and perfecting my shooting technique. Whether I am practicing on the range or engaging in scenario training, my .22 pistols have proven to be a reliable and versatile option that I am proud to own and shoot.
4. It’s excellent for indoor range
I have found that there are several real advantages to having a .22 handgun that mimics the operation and feel of your centerfire handgun. Not only can it be a cost-effective way to practice shooting, but it can also provide a great training tool that can help improve your overall accuracy and shooting skills.
One of the key benefits of having a .22 that mimics your centerfire handgun is that it allows you to get a feel for the weapon’s operation, while also being able to shoot it in a more controlled and safe environment. This can be particularly important when using an older range that may have restrictions on the type of ammunition or caliber that can be used. In such cases, a .22 handgun can be an excellent option that allows you to continue practicing and refining your skills, even when other larger caliber handguns might be banned.
Another advantage of having a .22 handgun that mimics your centerfire handgun is that it can be a great way to introduce new shooters to the sport. The reduced recoil and noise of a .22 can be less intimidating for those who are new to shooting, making it easier for them to get comfortable with the weapon and develop their skills. In addition, the lower cost of .22 ammunition can also be a big plus for those who are just getting started and want to practice without breaking the bank.
5. Helps you save time
One of the many benefits of owning a .22 caliber understudy gun is the ability to train with it, even while carrying your larger caliber centerfire gun. This way, you can save time and effort on having to constantly clean your centerfire gun after every training session.
Using an understudy gun allows for more efficient and flexible training sessions. For example, sometimes it may be more practical to train with a .22 caliber gun in a particular range or environment. Additionally, training with a .22 caliber gun can be a great way to build foundational shooting skills, such as trigger control and accuracy, before moving on to larger calibers.
In fact, many experienced shooters prefer to start off with a .22 caliber gun before moving on to larger calibers. This is because shooting with a .22 caliber gun can help improve fundamentals and develop muscle memory, which can translate to better shooting with larger calibers.
When it comes to training with an understudy gun, there are a variety of approaches one can take. Some shooters choose to solely train with their .22 caliber gun, while others opt to switch between their rimfire and centerfire guns. This can provide a well-rounded training experience, as practicing with both guns can help build proficiency with both types of firearms.
Overall, owning a .22 caliber understudy gun can be a valuable investment for shooters of all skill levels. It can help save time and money, improve fundamental skills, and provide more versatile training options.
6. It is great for small game
When considering a preparedness arsenal, it’s important to take into account the versatility of your firearms. This is where the .22 understudy handgun comes into play. Not only is it an excellent training tool for new shooters or those looking to improve their skills, but it can also be used for small game hunting.
One particular .22 handgun that excels in the field is the S&W K-22. Its accuracy and reliability make it a great option for hunting squirrels, rabbits, and other small game. When paired with a larger caliber carry gun such as a 9mm, .357 Mag, or .45 ACP, the combination offers a wide range of uses.
In a survival situation, a .22 understudy gun can provide an important source of food, as well as be used for self-defense. The low cost and availability of .22 ammunition also make it a practical choice for those looking to stockpile supplies for an extended period of time.
Overall, the versatility and utility of a .22 understudy handgun make it a valuable addition to any preparedness arsenal. Whether used for training or hunting, it offers a wide range of uses and can provide an important source of sustenance in a survival situation.
Concluding
The .22 caliber handgun has proven to be an extremely versatile and valuable firearm. Not only is it an excellent training tool for new and experienced shooters alike, but it can also be used for small game hunting and in a survival situation. The low cost and availability of .22 ammunition make it a practical choice for those looking to stockpile supplies, and it’s a great option for shooters looking to get more time on the range without breaking the bank.
One of the key advantages of the .22 handgun is its ability to mimic the operation and feel of centerfire handguns. This is particularly useful for those who own a larger caliber carry gun and want to train with a less expensive alternative, or who want to shoot at ranges where larger calibers may be prohibited.
The versatility of the .22 caliber handgun also extends to its use in hunting small game, where its accuracy and reliability can provide an important source of food in a survival situation. Additionally, the combination of a larger caliber carry gun and a .22 understudy gun offers a wide range of uses and can provide a sense of preparedness and security.
Overall, the .22 caliber handgun has a lot to offer. From its value as a training tool to its usefulness in hunting and survival situations, it’s a firearm that deserves consideration for anyone looking to expand their firearms collection. Its versatility, affordability, and wide range of uses make it a valuable addition to any gun owner’s arsenal.
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