How to Train With a .22 Version of Your Carry Gun

Back in 2011, I wrote an article on the use of .22 caliber firearms for training. In that article, I indicated that I thought a .22 was appropriate for use in training new shooters and for more experienced shooters to practice their skills. The reasons that I listed for this were:

• Lack of recoil and muzzle blast/noise
• Low cost of ammunition
• Widespread availability of ammunition
• Inherent accuracy of ammunition
• Lower cost of guns

Since then some of these reasons have changed, particularly with regard to the cost and availability of .22 caliber ammunition, but things are slowly improving and returning to normal. The price of .22 Long Rifle ammunition — the most popular caliber — is about 8¢ to 9¢ per round for “plinking” ammunition and 14¢ to 18¢ per round for premium “match-grade” ammunition, much higher than the “glory days” when .22 ammo cost about 2¢ to 3¢ per round. Even at these higher prices, .22 rimfire ammunition remains cheaper than centerfire ammunition. However, supplies remain limited both in terms of the variety from the different manufacturers and in the total quantity customers are able to purchase at any one time. However, the other reasons that I listed remain valid.

The lack of recoil and muzzle blast produced by the .22 rimfire cartridge makes it much less intimidating to new shooters. Without these distractions new shooters are able to concentrate on the fundamentals of shooting — proper stance, aiming (sight alignment and sight picture), hold control, breath control, trigger control, and follow-through. The inherent accuracy of .22 caliber ammunition means greater satisfaction on the part of new shooters. Success in hitting their targets provide positives reinforcement and make it more likely that they will continue to practice to hone their shooting skills.

Many firearms manufacturers offer similar models of their handguns in both rimfire and centerfire chamberings, with some offering caliber conversion units that allow the same gun to fire both types of ammunition. Thus shooters are able to practice with the lower-cost rimfire ammunition and then use the centerfire ammunition for hunting, personal defense, etc.

However, with the rise in concealed carry and the use of handguns for self-defense, many trainers moved away from the concept of using a .22 as a training substitute for larger caliber handguns. The idea was you need to “train with what you carry.” But, with the trend to smaller and smaller carry guns in larger calibers (such as the “mini-9mm” semi-automatic pistols), most shooters no longer looked forward to a day of practice on the range. The increased recoil and muzzle blast is just too much “wear and tear” resulting in a decline in trips to the range and a loss of shooting proficiency. So, we have come “full circle” back to the point where the use of a .22 handgun for training makes sense again. And while it is true that exclusive use of the light-recoiling .22 can make the shooter “sloppy” in terms of their grip and stance, it does enable the shooter to focus on the other fundamentals. Of course, at the end of each range session, the shooter should fire a few rounds from their full-caliber carry gun just to make sure they know how to manage recoil, etc.

Quality .22 caliber “understudy” guns are available from most major firearms manufacturers. For instance, Smith and Wesson offers the M&P 22 to go with their full-caliber M&P 9mm, .40, and .45 ACP pistols and, for those more interested in self-defense rifles they offer the excellent M&P 15-22 to mimic the AR-15 style rifles. Smith and Wesson also offers .22 revolvers that match their larger caliber offerings. You can get .22 caliber versions of the Colt Model 1911 and Beretta Model 92. There are conversion kits that you can buy that allow you to convert your Glock pistol into a rimfire practice gun. Ruger offers .22 caliber versions of their SP-101 and LCR revolvers. Walther offers .22 caliber versions of some of their centerfire pistols. I’m especially fond of their .22 Long Rifle version of the PPK/S to go with their .380 ACP version of the same gun. Unfortunately, .22 “clones” are not yet available for the popular “mini-9’s”. Availability of .22 caliber versions of the small revolvers is much better than it is for small semi-autos.

So, yes it will cost you more to duplicate your full-caliber self-defense handgun with a .22 “clone” (or conversion unit), but it is good “insurance” so you will be able to apply your shooting skills when and if you should need them!

Gary Evens is a NRA-Certified Instructor and Range Safety Officer.