It would also be beneficial to know what you are thinking of upgrading to? A nicer 22? 9, 40 or 45?
As a new shooter I’d think they’d find it beneficial to go with 9mm. It’s an acceptable self defense caliber but has lighter recoil. That will help keep you from developing bad habits of anticipation. It’s also cheaper to shoot which means it’s more affordable to train a lot.
Welcome!
I was where you were 14 months ago when I began my journey last May 2017.
I had a background with some gun familiarity in my 20s and 30s with the smaller calibers: 22LR, .25, .32, and with a few .38 specials.
Like you, I have a Walther P22Q, but I have several .22LRs but none for self-defense purposes and are strictly range toys.
I recommend a small 5 shot "J" frame .38 special revolver, unless you can carry a 6 shot (bigger frame).
I use the S/W 642 hammerless .38 special snubbie "J" frame 5 shot.
That is my primary CC, but I'm old and the most of the younger guys grew up on the 9mm.
I have a few of them, the S/W M/P Shield 9mm beat out a dozen other 9mm at the range, and I have the Glock 26 9mm, as well.
I tried out many to get to those and you will have to figure out what fits best for you, as well.
I also have a .380 in the Glock 43 and an old Colt Mustang .380, and I had the S/W M/P Bodyguard .380 that I enjoyed.
The .380 is a smaller caliber (but better than the .22LR for personal defense), and I only use it for when I need the smallest for concealment.
You will find a wealth of material and advice here on this site, and the guys have been quite helpful and patient with me.
I have 8 pages of threads here journaling my progress.
I hope you are smarter than me and can do it in less.
Yes my p22 is my every day carry. And what I don't like about it is that I don't feel like it would be enough stopping power. The thing I like about it the most is how cheap the ammo is. So when I do upgrade I don't want a caliber that is going to be that much more expensive but have the reassuring stopping power.
22lr can be ammo picky. For 22lr handguns I use high velocity ammo (CCI mini mags) which seems to work great for me.Another question I have about my walther p22 is that I normally buy Remington gold bullet for target practice. But I noticed that occasionally I get a jam on the ejecting case. Would that be a ammo problem or a gun problem?
Not trying to jump on your toes, as I enjoy reading your reports and reviews, however the G 43 is 9mm, not .380. The .380 is the G42. I just didn’t want the OP to be confused!
I’m going to start by saying, don’t ever trust what doddg has to say! While I won’t ever put down what another member has to say, he’s Not the one to trust on Carry matters. Decide what you actually want to use as a defense gun (22lr ain’t the best choice) Go to a range that has several guns that you may be interested in and rent/shoot them. Ask other members here if they may meet you at a range for you shoot their guns. Most are pretty accommodating to help/ let You shoot their gun to help you out. Get some training (I can’t emphasize this enough) with some quality instructors on this forum. Hopes this may help in your quest.
If you can get free on the 27th stop by Parabellum in Avon and see what the guys that actually practice/train use, and how well the gear works. Coach's next Carry Gun Match starts at 6PM there. There's usually an INGO member there shooting a 5 shot 38 but most of the people are using 9MMs. Also a good place to see what gear (holsters, belts) seems to work well for most people. Doddg why don't you sign up and see how your revolver fares against the autos. Again I'll quote BBIs, "you don't know what you don't know". Unless you've actually tested your gear and yourself you will never learn what you don't know.
My guess would be that 90% of the people carrying guns for self defense have never drawn and fired at so much as a piece of paper. This match is the place to separate what you think you know from what you can actually do.
[FONT=&]NRA Life Member / [/FONT]Basic Pistol instructor[FONT=&] / RSO[/FONT][FONT=&]
[/FONT][FONT=&]"Under pressure, you don't rise to the occasion, you sink to the level of your training. That's why we train so hard" [/FONT][FONT=&]
[/FONT][FONT=&]Unnamed Navy Seal[/FONT][FONT=&]
“Ego is the reason many men do not shoot competition. They don't want to suck in public”
[/FONT][FONT=&]Aron Bright[/FONT]
Yes my p22 is my every day carry. And what I don't like about it is that I don't feel like it would be enough stopping power. The thing I like about it the most is how cheap the ammo is. So when I do upgrade I don't want a caliber that is going to be that much more expensive but have the reassuring stopping power.
Then your search is over before it began. As far as “stopping power”, you’re better of buying a big truck with a huge sturdy bumper. Cheap and potentially life saving equipment should NEVER be used in the same paragraph.So when I do upgrade I don't want a caliber that is going to be that much more expensive but have the reassuring stopping power.
Why? They are more difficult to shoot for beginners, the sights, in general suck, the recoil on some is no fun with full power loads, shall I continue? The J-frame is an excellent gun, I own several, but it’s not really a beginners/newbie gun.2. I recommended a .38 special revolver: "I recommend a small 5 shot "J" frame .38 special revolver." Fairly basic and obvious recommendation.