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New dilemma, 22 mag or 5.7 x 28

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35K views 54 replies 24 participants last post by  hardluk1  
#1 · (Edited)
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.


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Suggestions? It would have no special purpose, just a new fun gun.


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#47 ·
You have a point. With the SW 22 mag I am getting over 1,500 fps with some loads where the 5.7 is 1,700-1800 fps. That is still a power difference but for targets not a measurable difference.

What people like is to put rounds down range a long way, maybe 100 yards without recoil and still enough power to kill things. Shooting without recoil is fun, I add a suppressor and it is more fun.

Practically, most people will not be shooting through bullet proof vests, so the original hot ammo that pierces them has no practical value at all.

As far as adding another caliber, us old guys just let it happen. During the ammo crunches, over the last couple decades, I can always choose between 13 handgun rounds that I own. No, I do not shoot the 32 Seecamp much, but I do have an old stash of ammo when other rounds get scarce. I think some guys like the 5.7 in both an AR and a pistol, I do not, but i have several handguns and rifles in 22 mag, and I like that. 22s get boring and have limited range, the 22 mag doubles that, which sometimes is just OK.

All about personal preference I suppose. As an old guy, I like the variety.. 22 mag today, 45-70 tomorrow, the 9mm and even 10mm is boring after a decade or two. Just saying...
 
#49 ·
Ranger4, This thread was a lot of suspenseful reading to see what you finally decided on. I guess it's too late to suggest 7.62x25? I ran across an old J and G barrel that fit right into a 1911. Lots of 32 caliber bullets to choose from but I like casting and powder coating for lots of cheep shooting. Starline makes brass. 38 super mags work like a charm.

After I started reading about the history of the round I had to get a PPS-43c, what a fun gun to get out at the range! Everyone wants a turn! Finally I got an AR barrel made and 16" really gets that bullet going. I've shot a boat load of Prairie Dogs with it in just one trip out.

As much as you like 400 Cor bon I would think Tokarev would be a natural for you? The road less traveled and all.
 
#54 ·
[QUOTE="Ranger4


Just an opinion.
I find nether cartridge to be anything special when fired from a handgun , More of a fun to shot handgun than a smart defensive or hunting choice . In a long gun !!

Just an opinion , like yours .
[/QUOTE]
Yesterday, I got an add from Palmetto, a 5.7 for $299 OTD. So, I ran some numbers again. Bottom line from the 5.7 Palmetto or Ruger or SW, most rounds will get 275 fpe. Better than 38 Special Plus P and low end short barrel 9mm. Much better than little guns like the 380. But much less than say a 40 with 400 fpe or a 357 with 500 fpe. Those of us who carried 38 wheel guns in harms way, would have no problem with 23 of these 5.7 rounds for people defense.

The 22 mag was nearly exactly 100 fpe, less, about 175 fpe. That said, it is equal to the 380 and short barrel 38 special, and you have 31 of those. A 40 grain bullet at 1,400 fps or a 30 grain bullet over 1,50 0 fps is where they fall.

The 50 grain bullets in both calibers could make a difference in penetration. I watched several gel test of both. The 22 mag will work for personal defense against people.

Neither are going to become my carry gun. I had not interest in the Palmetto at $299 because it is not threaded, I shoot suppressed. And it does not have the optics cut, for that option.

Across the board in the 5.7 the Smith and Wesson is probably the best option. At $650, I am not interested, since I already have the 22 mag. Which I highly recommend, more fun and accuracy that you can imagine. You cannot miss with that one.


Just my updated opinion.
 
#51 ·
OK, I'm confused. For years all I heard was "the biggest problem with the 22lr is that it is RIMFIRE, and therefore less reliable and too dirty." Now, along comes a new 22 CENTERFIRE that is twice as fast and 4x the muzzle energy of a 22rimfire, and yet no one likes it. What gives??? Did you all say the same thing about a .223 rifle cartridge being no better than a 22 magnum rimfire cartridge? I don't think so.