For a .22 rifle to be common in most American households, it must be something. So check out the whys and why not's of this humble hunting firearm here!
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In this article:
22 Rifle Review: Is It a Keeper?
Should You Keep One?
The .22 Rifle has long been one of my favorite rifles to shoot. It's not as powerful as a .308, but the 22 assault rifle has been around for a long time and for good reason.
The .22 Long Rifle rim-fire cartridge is considered innovation and a legend among gun enthusiasts since it was introduced in 1887. In fact, gun owners consider it to be better than the .357 ammunition revolver. Is it true?
That may not be the case as some see the .22 rifle as a mere air rifle. Let's zoom in on what it can and cannot do.
It is not as efficient for short-range distance like the shotguns and pistols, but its effectivity comes out when used on medium-to-long-range distances. The only downside is it might be too heavy to carry around and is not suitable for survivalists.
The Two-Fold Achilles Heel of the .22 Rifle
I’ve often heard it said, “If you poke enough holes in something, it’ll go down.” Usually, this is said by avid .22LR ammunition advocates, defending their ancient heritage or new purchase of this reliable long rifle.
You need at least 2,000 fps to get the most out of a gun and disable a target. This can mean grazing, climbing, or pointing guns in your direction.
The .22LR ammunition loads have a power estimate of 1,280 fps at the muzzle. This has been tested on 22 rifles semi-auto with .22 ammunition.
If the bullet reaches 100 yards, the velocity drops to 1,015 fps. That's basically half of what a deadly gun can do, which is why it has comparisons to an air gun by many.
What Is Velocity? It is a measurement of an object's speed relative to its direction of motion.
Also, since it has low velocity, it tends to have accuracy issues. This means a slight breeze will likely cause you to miss the target.
RELATED: Air Rifle Shooting Tips
Why You Still Need a .22 Rifle
Sure, you may opt for an air rifle, semi-automatic rifle, long rifle, or whatever suits your taste. But in choosing a bullet like the .22LR ammunition, it's best to set our expectations right.
Debunk the ‘one-size-fits-all’ belief because every bullet has its pros and cons including the .22LR. and, the .22LR ammunition does have strengths…lots and lots of strengths.
The idea of carrying over 1,000 rounds of ammunition is music to the ears of every survivalist. The .308 is really heavy, but the .22LR is so light you can bring massive amounts of this bullet.
The secret behind its featherweight is it doesn't contain any brass, lead, or powder. Besides, it's available almost everywhere.
Since the bullet lacks velocity, you may not be considering this bullet for hunting, right? The interesting part is the .22LR caliber rifle is better than other hunting cartridges exactly because of its low velocity.
The meat does not mess up upon penetration – thanks to the absence of hydrostatic shock. Sure, it lacks firepower but sometimes, less is more.
For these reasons Brad Zozak from the TruthAboutGuns, named the Ruger 10/22, “the single most popular firearm of all time.”
Out to buy your first .22 rifle? Watch this video by PaulsWackyWorld to make sure you buy the right gun for you:
Many people have misconceptions or preconceived notions about .22 rifles. It's a fun rifle to shoot and an economical choice for the ammo conscious survivalist.
The .22LR is a fantastic survival cartridge, but it shouldn’t be your only option. Stay safe, keep your guns ready, knives sharp, and never forget to memorize the basics of preparedness.
Do you own a .22 rifle? Tell us about your own thoughts about this rifle in the comments section below!
Up Next:
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Modern Shooter: 22 Long Rifle
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on April 18, 2018, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.