.22 Magnum=scratch awl @ 950 fps

I know for a fact that a .22 WMR from a Marlin 983S (22" barrel) will drop a deer with a headshot out to 110 yards, and probably a little bit bit farther (125-130 range).

Would it be my first choice? No, but if all I had to defend my home from an intruder was a .22 WMR bolt action, I wouldn't necessarily feel underpowered, just really concerned about getting that first shot where it needs to go for immediate incapacitation (central nervous system). Impacting exposed flesh as opposed to layers of clothing would be important.

cougar gt-e: the odds of dying from a single .22 shot are lower than from one of the defense calibers (9mm, 357sig, .40s&w, 45acp, etc).
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There are a surprising number of fatalities from .22 wounds every year, most of them AD/ND incidents from unloaded firearms.
 
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Rimfire reliability concerns is the main concern IMHO.

As noted by many, .22lr or .22Mag are not ideal, but will probably work eventually if forced to use, but I would strongly lean towards a revolver.

As for effectiveness, I think simply having a gun in hand for deterent effect is most effective. I remember reports of a study that indicated ~92% of self defence situations where a gun is present no shot is fired. From this argument alone, I think the cartridge debate is blown out of context. (On the other hand, dogs and wild animals may not be impressed :).)

If you have to shoot, shot placement is more important than caliber IMHO. (Obviously the smaller the gun, it is more difficult to shoot accurately.)

Ultimately I have no problem with carrying a .22lr or .22mag from a power standpoint, but I do like the reliability of center fire if I do have to pull the trigger.
 
The gas from a mouse fart, at a skin penetrating contact distantce, might be enough to inspire the assailant to re-think the options.

Mouse guns aren't awful.

salty
 
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