I was watching some videos on the .22 magnum recently and thought it a nice combination of power vs nearly no recoil and thought it might make a good firearm for the wife or even CCW if and when that ever becomes legal. Ruger makes a .22 magnum LCR that had nice reviews but I am asking for any other opinions.

And yes I realize that it is not an ideal self defense round but I am looking at something small, light, and easily controllable. The .22 magnum performs well by itself and depending on what type of bullets you can get it in it certainly isn't something you would want to be shot with.

The main issue with any rimfire, IMHO, is reliability of ignition.  Misfires are far, far more common in rimfire ammo than in centerfire.  In a semi-auto, that means malfunction clearing.  If i were to choose a rimfire for carry, either for myself or for my boo, I'd choose a revolver for that reason.  No tap, rack ritual; just pull the trigger again!

The main issue with any rimfire, IMHO, is reliability of ignition.  Misfires are far, far more common in rimfire ammo than in centerfire.  In a semi-auto, that means malfunction clearing.  If i were to choose a rimfire for carry, either for myself or for my boo, I'd choose a revolver for that reason.  No tap, rack ritual; just pull the trigger again!

I was thinking the same thing.

The LCR is probably the best choice. However, Charter Arms makes a nice 22 WMR revolver and North American Arms makes a derringer size revolver in 22 WMR as well. Taurus makes one but I don't have any experience with it. If you like single actions Ruger also makes a Single Six model but it is probably not a good choice for CCW and/or Self Defense.

BTW, I believe Hornady makes 22 WMR in their Critical Defense line of ammo.

I would at least go for a .380 or 38 spl.  Though I guess a .22 over nothing would do to get you out of 95% of the bad situations.  Just hope you don't run into the 5%.

BTW, I think guys seriously underestimate the abilities of women.  Small women (and children) can handle a 9mm with no problems, grip size probably being most of the problem.  Think it's a macho thing for guys.

The Taurus .22 magnum (model 941, I think) has an 8 shot capacity, and is in the same size and weight class as other revolver contenders.  I've looked at these, and plan on buying one for a bedside companion when funds allow.  And, when CCW passes, this is a contender for the gun I'll buy for my boo and myself. 

I do not own a ruger lcr 22, but I have shot one in 22lr.
The smooth action and accuracy with compact size and light weight impressed me.
I cannot remember the last time I was impressed by any pistol.

I wouldn't recommend a Rimfire cartridge for a carry gun.

A CCW gun needs to be reliable first and most importantly reliable.

Rimfire cartridges have a nasty reputation of not going bang when you need them to.

If you're looking for a CCW revolver with manageable recoil, you can always use a 38 special.

If you're looking for a semi auto with low recoil, go with the .380.

Those 2 calibers are the smallest that you'd want to use for self defense.

With modern bullet designs, they're very effective at discouraging bad intentions in 2 legged predators.

I agree with KK on using at least a .38 or .380 for self defense.

I have a LCR in .22LR, had it for 2 years or so
great gun, no malfunctions whatsoever with the gun, but maybe a few due to bad ammo.
trigger is smooth, although a little heavy, but manageable.
lightweight, polymer frame and fits right in my pocket with pocket holster.  I would love to get one in .38sp

The LCR is probably the best choice. However, Charter Arms makes a nice 22 WMR revolver and North American Arms makes a derringer size revolver in 22 WMR as well. Taurus makes one but I don't have any experience with it. If you like single actions Ruger also makes a Single Six model but it is probably not a good choice for CCW and/or Self Defense.

BTW, I believe Hornady makes 22 WMR in their Critical Defense line of ammo.

I own the single six, a great gun!

.380 is alright but I was really thinking of something small and light. My wife really isn't a gun person. I supposed I could look at .25 auto revolvers

.22 magnum would have no problems penetrating though, just a matter of how much force it will hit with. One youtube video showed the .22 magnum produced very similar results as the FN pistol with their round.

CCI makes some 30 grain "TNT" round and people on other forums claimed that it appeared to explode squirrels... I figured that the 40 grain would hit with more force but I am not sure whether one would want higher velocity or that extra 10 grains... It shows 1875 fps vs 2200 fps for the 30 grain round.
http://www.cci-ammunition.com/products/detail.aspx?use=1&loadNo=0063
Here is one review
http://www.shootingillustrated.com/index.php/26561/22-wmr-cci-30-grain-tnt/

From a short barrel, the .22 mag doesn't go any faster than a .22lr. 

The review on the ammo shows 732fps out of a 1 inch barrel, which is equivalent to less than 1/2 the energy of a .standard 22lr out of a rifle, or equivalent to a .22 magnum air rifle.  Any firearm would prevent 95% of confrontations since most crime is prevented by just having a gun and not firing it.  But I wouldn't feel comfortable if there was a time when I had to fire it.

Besides buying a gun, make sure she gets professional training on CCW.  I think it's safer to not have a gun if untrained, which sounds like your wife.  Also think about how she's going to carry the gun, holster or specially designed CCW purse.  A lot of my friends and relatives carry pepper spray in their purses, but I know it'll probably take them a good 5 to 10 seconds (non-stressed) to dig through all the crap in their bag to get it out.

http://americanrifleman.org/articles/2013/5/24/the-22-magnum-for-self-defense/

Pretty good article on 22wmr for self defense from American Rifleman.
Includes some ballistic and penetration  info.

http://americanrifleman.org/articles/2013/5/24/the-22-magnum-for-self-defense/

Pretty good article on 22wmr for self defense from American Rifleman.
Includes some ballistic and penetration  info.

Thanks for that, the performance wasn't bad out of the 2 inch barrel in terms of speed. They said they were impressed by the 30 grain CCI TNT round but didn't really elaborate much. I have been trying to find abetter more comprehensive review of that round.

The point made is pretty good that the round will do the job of scaring a suspect and making a suspect feel pain but without real good shot placement it won't disable a suspect quickly. But again I am aware of the limitations of the round.
.25 auto is an option but kinda harder to find. .380 would be alright too but I am just looking for something very small and light.

Thanks for that, the performance wasn't bad out of the 2 inch barrel in terms of speed. They said they were impressed by the 30 grain CCI TNT round but didn't really elaborate much. I have been trying to find abetter more comprehensive review of that round.

The point made is pretty good that the round will do the job of scaring a suspect and making a suspect feel pain but without real good shot placement it won't disable a suspect quickly. But again I am aware of the limitations of the round.
.25 auto is an option but kinda harder to find. .380 would be alright too but I am just looking for something very small and light.

compact .380's are already pretty small. is it even wise to go smaller than that?  i'd imagine your grip would suffer.

that said, i have no knowledge of .22 WMR pistols outside of the kel tec PMR 30, but its not small.

S&W 351 PD I think it weights 11 oz 7 shot 22 mag. Great Gun I bought 1 for my daughter for her 21 BD She carry's it for here CCW in Ohio. Most people say a 22 is not enough gun. get shot in the head with a 22 mag you'll die. Young's guns had 1 a while back. Not Cheap but what's your life worth...
davek42