New dilemma, 22 mag or 5.7 x 28

I have a large handgun collection and seldom get excited about any new gun offering. I finally broke down and bought a 10mm last year, wonderful gun in every way, but not much different than the 400 Corbon, and works the same as every other 1911 from 22-45.

Revolvers, I have a bunch tiny ones to large ones. Love my 44s and 45s.

But I have never own a semi-auto 22 mag pistol. So, when the KelTec PM30 came along two buddies bought them and claim they are a hoot. They are both guys with lots of guns, but carry those darn 22 mags all the time. But the KelTec just did not appeal. So along come the 22 mag that looks like a 1911 by Armscorp. Thin, lightweight and feels great in the hand, holds 14 rounds, same as the single stack magazines in my 1911-22. I played with one today, really feels like a fine little 1911-look a like.

But when Smith and Wesson announced their new M and P, a 22 mag that holds 31 rounds, I was hooked, or I thought.

So, today in my local military gun store, I was admiring he RIA when the manager whom I know came by and I inquired when the new SW would be on the shelf. So, while holding the RIA 22 mag, I noticed 2 other guns nearby, the Smith and Wesson and Ruger 5.7 by 28. Botho felt great in the hand and both had great triggers and both had that natural point of aim. Wow. Why get the 22 mag which is the same size as the Ruger and SW 5.7?

So, I came home and have been running the reviews. Apparently a 5 inch 22 mag only gets a 40 grain bullet up to about 1,500 fps or less. That same 5.7 centerfire, gets that 40 grain bullet over 2,000 fps in a 5 inch barrel.

The power difference is about double. The 22 mag can only produce about 200 foot pounds, the 5.7 can produce 350-400 foot pounds of energy. A totally different animal, and it holds 23 rounds, the Ruger holds 22 rounds. That seems like plenty.

So, who owns 22 mag and 5.7 pistols? I really want to hear from people who own both. Ammo cost is not really an issue, I already have lots of 22 mag ammo for rifles that I have. And the 5.7 ammo is $40-$5- per box, I get that. Like most new guns, I would likely shoot it 400-500 rounds then only occasionally down the road. I would reload once I got a supply of brass.

So, who owns them and what is your advice. I wanted the 22 mag until I saw the other two. I would likely carry the 5.7 some for defensive use, the 22 mag probably not, I have 380, 9mm, 10mm, 38, 40, 44 sp, 44 M, 357, 38 Sup, 45 Colt, and 45 acp, that are available for defensive carry, so a 22 mag, not much chance. And I have zero interest in the new Walther 22 mag pistol.