I’m looking for the best .22 pistol for long-term prepping use, ideally something I can depend on in a collapse situation. Not trying to start a caliber war; I already own a 9mm, but I want a .22 for specific reasons:

  • Ammo is cheap and easy to stockpile. I can afford to stack thousands of rounds without going broke.

  • Low recoil. Easy to train with, teach others, and shoot all day without fatigue.

  • Quieter than centerfire options (especially useful if using subsonics or suppressed).

  • Good for small game or deterrence without overkill.

This would be more of a utility pistol: light defense, hunting small game, barter potential, and backup use. I’d like something reliable that can run dirty, doesn’t need constant cleaning, and ideally has a decent mag capacity.

Should I go with a semi-auto like the Ruger Mark IV, SR22, Taurus TX22, or stick to something ultra-reliable like a revolver (Ruger LCR-22 or Taurus 942)? Budget matters, but I’ll spend more if the reliability is worth it.

What do you guys trust in a long-term grid-down scenario?

  • jet@hackertalks.comEnglish
    3·
    14 days ago

    Looking at this again; revolver is going to outlast everything else. Unless you have your own machine shop, the more complicated the weapon the more chances for failure.

    • Donald J. MuskOPEnglish
      24·
      14 days ago

      that what I was thinking, revolver can pretty much be used forever, and .22 ammo is way cheap and easy to stock up on. Last time I went to gunshop here in my city, the guys obviously were trying to talk me into 9mm, and bigger guns. They def weren’t taking me seriously for wanting a .22 pistol. But I already have a 9mm, now I want a .22 pistol. lol So I’ll probably order one online, have it delivered to shop then pic up.

      People seem to downplay them, but even back in the day, a lot of mob kills were done with .22 pistols. It can still get the job done when needed. I don’t plan on killing anyone obviously, but the inexpensive ammo and reliablity of a good revolver appeals to me

      • jet@hackertalks.comEnglish
        2·
        14 days ago

        I’m no gun nut, but a 22 is a plinking weapon. It’s not versatile. It’s not good for a fight because even if you inflict a fatal defensive wound your attacker will still be a threat for minutes. Alot can happen in minutes.

        • Donald J. MuskOPEnglish
          23·
          14 days ago

          True, but my 9mm would be the main personal protection gun

    • Donald J. MuskOPEnglish
      13·
      14 days ago

      Ok, thanks, I will. Not really sure how that helps the conversation regarding pistol choices though.

  • jet@hackertalks.comEnglish
    21·
    15 days ago

    Shotgun so you can pack your own shells. In a collapse scenario being able to produce ammo will be very valuable

    • Donald J. MuskOPEnglish
      23·
      14 days ago

      I never thought of packing my own shells. Ok, I may have to go down that rabbit hole now…

  • Hanrahan@slrpnk.netEnglish
    1·
    11 days ago

    I thought this was a collpase commiity not a prepper community, specifically an American prepper community.

    • Donald J. MuskOPEnglish
      13·
      9 days ago

      Hmmmm, good point, but isn’t the point of it to prepare (prep) for a collapse?