Choosing the right caliber for a concealed carry weapon is an important decision. You want a firearm that is effective for self-defense, while also being small and lightweight enough to carry comfortably. The .22 LR caliber gets overlooked by some but it has a lot to offer in a compact package.
While not as powerful as larger calibers, modern .22 LR ammunition has improved significantly. With proper shot placement and the right loads, a .22 can still be an effective last resort for personal protection. The main advantages of .22 LR handguns are their petite size, light weight and mild recoil. This makes them ideal to stash in a pocket or purse.
In this guide, we will cover some of the best .22 LR revolvers and pistols optimized for concealed carry.
Best .22 LR Revolvers for Concealed Carry
Revolvers have a reputation for being simple and reliable. This makes them a popular concealed carry choice, including in rimfire calibers like .22 LR. Here are some top .22 revolvers for self-defense on the go:
Ruger LCR .22 LR
The Ruger LCR series sets the benchmark for snag-free concealed carry revolvers. The .22 LR version packs eight rounds into a featherweight package tipping the scales at just 15 ounces. This potent palm pistol hides easily, yet brings reliable firepower right at hand.
Overview
- Price and availability: Around $536. Readily available from major online retailers.
Features and Specifications
- Action: Double-action only revolver
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Capacity: 8 rounds
- Barrel Length: 1.87 inches
- Weight: 15 ounces
- Grips: Hogue Tamer Monogrip
- Sights: Integral U-notch rear, ramp front
This snubnose revolver utilizes a polymer frame and monolithic aluminum cylinder for lightweight carry. The enclosed hammer allows smooth draw strokes from concealment. Rubber Hogue grips soak up recoil while aiding retention.
Pros
- Ultra lightweight at just 15 ounces loaded
- Smooth, non-stacking double-action trigger
- 8+1 rounds of .22 LR on board
- Easy to operate under stress
- Comfortable Hogue grips
- Reliable with quality ammo
Cons
- Limited stopping power compared to larger calibers
- Not the most affordable option
User Experience
The LCR .22 garners rave reviews as an accurate soft-shooting concealed carry revolver. It conceals easily thanks to its lightweight polymer frame and smooth contours. The action cycles smoothly and the grippy Hogue inserts keep it firmly in hand. Users report excellent reliability when using quality .22 LR ammunition.
The LCR lives up to the Ruger reputation for robustness. It handles hyper-velocity .22 LR
loads without issue while soaking up felt recoil. Small-statured shooters in particular appreciate the easy handling traits that encourage practice. The smooth double-action trigger promotes precision while permitting rapid follow-up shots if needed.
While no barn-burner, eight rounds of .22 LR on tap provide adequate defense capability in a super compact package. Overall, the LCR .22 hits the sweet spot for deep cover carry.
Smith & Wesson 43C
The Smith & Wesson Model 43C is a venerable .22 LR revolver that has been carried concealed for decades. Slim, lightweight and utterly reliable, it provides eight rounds of mild but capable firepower.
Overview
- Price and availability: Approximately $739
Features and Specifications
- Action: Double-action revolver
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Capacity: 8 rounds
- Barrel Length: 1.875 inches
- Weight: 11.5 ounces
- Construction: Carbon steel frame, stainless steel cylinder
- Sights: Fixed notch rear, pinned XS Sights 24/7 front
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Compact, fast handling, smooth trigger, excellent reliability
- Cons: Higher price tag, limited stopping power
User Experience
The J-frame Smith & Wesson Model 43C garners consistent praise from owners as an eminently concealable and shootable .22 LR revolver. Typical of small-frame Smith wheelguns, the double-action trigger is quite heavy. However, it stacks smoothly for precision shots once you master it. The grip frame accommodates all but the largest mitts for controllable handling.
The reliability of the Model 43C approaches perfection with high-velocity loads such as CCI Mini-Mags. The full steel construction absorbs felt recoil for fast follow-up shots. Owners report the Model 43C rides comfortably inside the waistband yet brings 8+1 rounds of .22 LR to bear rapidly. While stopping power is limited, shot placement at close range can still neutralize threats. For those seeking an all-American revolver that disappears under light clothing, the Smith Model 43C shines.
North American Arms Black Widow
The North American Arms Black Widow sets a new standard for powerful palm pistols. Chambered in both .22 LR and .22 Magnum, this mini-revolver carries five rounds in a package measuring just over five inches overall. When ultimate concealment and lightweight firepower are key, the Black Widow delivers.
Overview
- Price and availability: About $307
Features and Specifications
- Action: Single-action revolver
- Caliber: .22 LR / .22 Magnum (swappable cylinders)
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Barrel Length: 2 inches
- Weight: 8.4 ounces
- Construction: Stainless steel
- Sights: Fixed notch rear, blade front
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Extremely compact, versatile dual calibers, surprisingly accurate
- Cons: Small capacity, challenging grip may frustrate some
User Experience
Make no mistake – the Black Widow’s miniscule size brings limitations, including stout recoil with .22 Magnum loads. However, its rounded wood boot grips permit a full three-finger hold for most hands. The single-action trigger breaks cleanly for precision shots inside 7 yards. The Black Widow draws attention for its tiny size but also puts rounds on target thanks to its fixed sights.
Reliability does depend on ammunition choice. Light primer strikes can plague cheaper .22 LR bulk packs. However, CCI Mini-Mags cycle smoothly and expand aggressively from the short barrel. With these loads, the Black Widow serves as an easily concealed last ditch firearm. Step up to .22 Magnum rounds and it effectively eliminates pests out to 5-7 yards. Truly a powerful palm pistol, the Black Widow’s versatility matches its diminutive size.
Best .22 LR Semi-Auto Pistols for Concealed Carry
Revolvers aren’t the only wheelguns suitable for concealed carry. Several semi-automatic pistols chambered in .22 LR offer slim profiles and decent capacity for personal protection:
Ruger LCP II .22 LR
Building upon the success of the original LCP, the Ruger LCP II in .22 LR improves upon its predecessor in every way. A versatile concealed carry pistol with mild manners.
Overview
- Price and availability: Around $349
Features and Specifications
- Action: Semi-auto
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Capacity: 10 rounds
- Barrel Length: 2.75 inches
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
- Grip: Glass-reinforced nylon
- Slide: Alloy steel
- Sights: Fixed front and rear
- Safety: Thumb safety, internal trigger safety
Pros and Cons
- Pros: High capacity for a .22 LR, lightweight, easy to operate controls, very concealable
- Cons: Smaller sight picture, limited stopping power
User Experience
The Ruger LCP II .22 LR has earned a solid reputation for being a reliable and easy-to-handle pistol. People really like its ergonomic grip and the mild recoil, which lets you keep the gun steady when you're shooting fast. It also has bigger sights and a better trigger than the older models, making it easier to shoot accurately.
The type of ammo you use does make a difference, though. Cheaper, bulk ammunition might not always work perfectly, causing jams or slow cycling. But if you use high-quality ammunition like CCI Mini-Mags or CCI Stingers, you'll find they shoot cleanly and powerfully from the short barrel. With a capacity of 10+1 rounds, this pistol offers a good amount of firepower for its size, making it an excellent choice for a backup gun. Plus, it’s compact enough to easily hide away in your pocket.
Beretta 21A Bobcat
With its iconic tip-up barrel, the Beretta 21A Bobcat is easy to load and shoot. Chambered for .22 LR, it’s a slick choice for concealed carry when size and weight matter most.
Overview
- Price and availability: Approximately $545.99
Features and Specifications
- Action: Blowback semi-auto with tip-up barrel
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Capacity: 7 rounds
- Barrel Length: 2.4 inches
- Weight: 11.8 ounces
- Grip: Plastic
- Frame: Aluminum alloy
- Sights: Fixed notch rear, fixed blade front
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Easy to load with arthritis, no need to rack the slide, very concealable
- Cons: Lower capacity, limited stopping power
User Experience
The Beretta 21A Bobcat stands out for its tip-up barrel design. This feature allows you to load the chamber without needing to pull back the slide, which is a huge help if you struggle with grip strength. It has a slide release on the top that makes loading simpler. The double-action trigger is notably long, but operates smoothly.
The Bobcat performs reliably and shoots accurately with most .22 LR ammunition, including standard and high-velocity types. Its alloy frame and the strategic placement of the magazine within the grip help reduce recoil effectively. It's straightforward to use and remains concealed easily, thanks to its sleek, snag-free design. Although it holds fewer rounds than some other pistols, its ease of handling has kept it a favorite for concealed carry for many years.
Budget-Friendly .22 LR Option
Concealed carry firearms can become pricey but .22 LR models provide relatively affordable options. Here is one wallet-friendly pick:
Taurus PT-22
The Taurus PT-22 offers an impressive amount of functionality at a budget-friendly price point. Slim, lightweight and easy to operate, it packs 8+1 rounds of .22 LR firepower into a flexible platform.
Overview
- Price and availability: Around $229, making it one of the most affordable .22 LR concealed carry options on the market
Features and Specifications
- Action: Semi-auto with tip-up barrel for easy loading
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Capacity: 8+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 2.8 inches – a useful balance between sight radius and concealability
- Weight: A mere 11 ounces thanks to lightweight polymer frame construction
- Grip: Textured polymer with integrated finger grooves for positive control
- Sights: Fixed front and rear sights with contrasting dots for visibility
- Safety: Thumb safety, internal firing pin block
- Other Features: Last round slide hold open, loaded chamber indicator
Pros:
- Extremely affordable price while still delivering impressive functionality
- Lightweight and slim for easy concealment
- Tip-up barrel allows loading without racking the slide
- Low recoil and comfortable ergonomics suitable for new shooters
Cons:
- Fit and finish not as refined as more expensive models
- Limited sight radius compared to full-size handguns
- Not compatible with some high velocity .22 LR loads
User Experience
The PT-22 garners positive attention for bringing an impressive amount of features to the budget-friendly .22 LR concealed carry market. The lightweight polymer frame helps soak up recoil for very controllable shooting. The grip fills the hand nicely for most shooters. Accuracy is more than adequate for self-defense ranges, delivering respectable groups once the long, smooth double-action trigger is mastered.
Reliability does depend somewhat on ammunition choice. While most standard velocity loads cycle without issue some hyper-velocity offerings may fail to fully operate the action. The fixed sights lack adjustability but provide an adequate sight picture. Build quality doesn’t match premium brands but properly maintained the Taurus delivers reliable functionality with useful amenities like a loaded chamber indicator and last round hold open.
While not as refined as pricier pistols, the Taurus PT-22 brings an impressive balance of power, portability and value. For shooters seeking an affordable .22 LR concealed carry piece with everyday utility, it hits the mark.
Revolver vs. Pistol: Which is Better for You?
When it comes to choosing between a revolver or a pistol for concealed carry, your decision really boils down to what you need and how much experience you have. Revolvers are all about reliability and ease of use, while semi-auto pistols offer more bullets due to their larger capacity.
Revolvers are simple by design, having fewer parts, which means fewer things can go wrong. Their rotating cylinder setup sidesteps common issues like feed ramps and magazine jams. You can trust a revolver to shoot every time you pull the trigger, giving you a solid sense of security. They're also easy to take apart for cleaning, no tools necessary.
On the downside, revolvers can't hold as many bullets as semi-autos. Most small revolvers fit only about 5 to 8 rounds. Also, loading them up again is a slow process, whether you’re using a moon clip or loading each bullet one by one.
Semi-auto pistols make up for this with capacities of about 9 to 10+1 rounds. This extra ammo helps bridge the gap in stopping power between smaller and larger calibers. Plus, swapping out magazines is quick, which can be a lifesaver in a pinch. Brands like Ruger and Smith & Wesson make some reliable .22 LR semi-autos that perform well with good ammo.
Both types of guns have their place in concealed carry. If you want a gun that’s easy to keep in a glove compartment, a revolver’s simplicity might be what you need. But if you’re after something that can carry more rounds and stay out of sight, you might lean towards a semi-auto. Think about what feels right for you, what you're trained to handle and the kind of situations you expect to face.
Ammunition Recommendations for .22 LR Handguns
While .22 LR is an affordable training caliber, not all loads are created equal. Bulk packed cartridges can suffer misfires or fail to cycle semi-auto actions. For defensive purposes, proven performance ammunition is crucial.
Most experts suggest using established brands like CCI, Federal, Remington or Winchester. Mainstream loadings like Federal AutoMatch or CCI Standard Velocity fire consistently in handguns. The use of copper-plated rounds is also beneficial for preserving the barrel’s rifling.
For more stopping power, high velocity hollow points add expansion. The CCI Stinger and Mini-Mag HP push over 1,200 fps to penetrate deep. Winchester also offers a 42 gr Hyper Velocity and 45 gr JHP load topping 1,100 fps. The tradeoff is louder sound levels from shorter barrels.
When testing .22 LR defensive loads, consistency is key across multiple guns. Any failure to fire, feed, extract or other malfunction is unacceptable. Mark problem brands to avoid. Bulk packed cartridges may suffice for practice on paper but defensive carry demands 100% reliability. Invest in premium ammunition tailored for short barrel expansion.
With miniaturization in firearms, .22 LR pocket pistols and revolvers have taken on more serious roles lately. But their terminal ballistics still lag compared to larger calibers. Selecting proven loads for flawless functioning helps tilt the odds in your favor.
Federal .22 LR 36 Grain Copper Plated - Box of 525
$41.90
at Proarmory
Prices accurate at time of writing
Conclusion
The .22 LR caliber gets overlooked by many as too small for self-defense. However, technology advancements have boosted the terminal effectiveness of modern .22 loads. Capable of reaching vital organs out to 7+ yards, pocket-sized .22 handguns can still serve as emergency last ditch firearms.
Top .22 LR revolvers and pistols for concealed carry offer a balancing act of portability, capacity and stopping power. The Ruger LCR, Smith & Wesson 43C, Beretta Bobcat and others highlighted here provide ample rounds on board with maneuverability. While no replacement for a full-power handgun, advancing ammunition technology keeps the .22 LR round still relevant for backup duties.
When selecting a concealed carry .22 LR, be diligent in testing different loads for reliable functioning. Choose high quality defensive ammunition from reputable brands for optimal performance. With smart ammo selection and a little practice, petite yet potent .22 LR handguns can still come through when you need them most.
The ability to conveniently carry lethal protection brings confidence and peace of mind. And in critical moments, that may prove more valuable than sheer firepower alone.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Are .22 LR handguns effective for self-defense and concealed carry?
While not as powerful as centerfire cartridges, modern .22 LR ammunition has improved to provide adequate penetration and expansion for defensive use when proper bullets are selected. Advanced loads like the CCI Stinger can be effective stoppers out to 7-10 yards. The main advantages of .22 guns are their compact size, light weight and ease of carry.
Is a revolver or semi-auto pistol better for concealed carry?
Both platforms have pros and cons. Revolvers are known for utter reliability and simplicity, while semi-auto pistols offer increased ammunition capacity and fast reloads. For deep concealment, revolvers tend to have a slimmer profile. Consider your personal mindset, skills and expected threats when deciding.
Why choose a .22 LR specifically for concealed carry purposes?
The .22 LR caliber offers very compact, lightweight defensive handguns that can be carried comfortably on your person at all times. While giving up some stopping power compared to larger calibers, advanced .22 loads have closed this gap considerably. Availability and cost savings of .22 LR ammunition also promotes more practice.
What features should I look for in a .22 LR concealed carry handgun?
Key features that aid concealability include small size, low visual profile, snag-free sights and controls, grip texturing and a smooth double-action or easy-to-rack slide. Look for durable construction, reliable feeding and function and a capacity of at least 6+1 rounds. Revolvers should have a protected or shrouded hammer.
What kind of ammunition should I use in a defensive .22 LR handgun?
For critical defensive use, stick to high-quality loads from reliable manufacturers like CCI, Federal or Winchester. In particular, the CCI Mini-Mag line is held in high regard for functioning well in both revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. Premium options like CCI Stinger expand aggressively for maximum stopping power.
Are .22 LR pistols safe to use as everyday concealed carry weapons?
While not ideal as primary firearms, quality .22 LR handguns can still serve effectively as deep concealment backup guns. With modern ammunition technology improving lethality, they are safer for defensive use than in years past. As always, proper training and shot placement are key to stopping threats rapidly.
What holsters work best for pocket-sized .22 LR handguns?
Look for holsters designed specifically for subcompact revolvers or micro pistols. Key features that aid concealment include minimal material for a low profile, sweat guards to protect the gun and sticky outer layers to keep the holster secure inside a pocket during draws. Kydex or leather construction are good options.
References
https://www.pewpewtactical.com/best-22-lr-pistols-pocket-carry/
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