will a .22 long rifle work?

Question

I am going on a hike this weekend, am taking my .22 long rifle, and wanted to know if it would be powerful, enough to kill say a cougar, or if some jerk tries to rob me, I can then defend my self. I don’t hunt I just practice with my rifle so I don’t know what it will really do. Should I instead take my friends 30/30?

iam 20 cant get a hand gun till 21 and i dont think i could get one in under 24 hours

Answer 1

While a 22 is probably enough to discourage or kill a cougar remember they are ambush predators. If one wants to eat you I doubt you'd have time to turn the rifle on him. You'd better check your local laws on carrying fire arms. Be safe.

Answer 2

Take the 30/30, the .22 does not have enough stopping power to kill a cougar or stop some jerk determined to rob you. Some might even argue the 30/30 to be a questionable caliber, though I've killed a lot of deer with mine - the recoil is very maneable and the rifles are generally carbine style (shorter) and thus easier to manage.

One of the most important things to remember when using a gun in defense (or any weapon really), is to NOT assume that one shot (hit, etc.) will stop an attack - once you've made the decision that your only recourse is to shoot to protect yourself, then you should continue shooting until the attacker has been stopeed.

Don't listen to the tree-huggers - you should always take a gun with you if you can, for the same reason that you should always wear a seatbelt. When you realize that you need it, it will be too late to remedy if you're not prepared, and you never know when that situation might arise. Better safe than sorry I say.

Answer 3

This goes way back to the 1800s. The .22CB came first, then the .22short, then the 22 long, then the 22 extra long, and lastly, the 22 long rifle. The long rifle was a long with the heavier bullet of the extra long on it. It became popular because the extra long had a reputation for poor accuracy. So the extra long was the magnum, and the long rifle started as a wildcat. This was when all of these rounds were black powder, so the only way of getting a more powerful round was a heavier bullet with more powder. Magnums usually use a higher performance powder and shoot at a faster velocity.

Answer 4

Take the 30/30

Answer 5

The 22 will work with a very good shot in the right place. the 30/30 is much more power full, but the real answer is don't go looking for trouble, or you will usually find it.

Answer 6

ummmm take the 30/30 the 22 is more likely to piss the cougar off. You want a kill shot not to aggravate it even more.

Answer 7

You probably don't need a gun at all. Find out what to do if you do see a cougar from a ranger/wild life officer in the area.

Answer 8

.22 caliber is considered a varmint cartridge, or a target round, if you want a gun for defense, you gotta go with the thirty thirty, if you have a wild animal charging you, or a crack head for that matter would you want to stop him in his tracks or take the chance of only wounding him,my choice would be a 12 gage with a short barrel and extended magazine.

Answer 9

Why bring a gun at all? Not that I'm against guns, but the cougar will avoid you most likely anyway.

Answer 10

If it didn't kill the cougar it would probably at least injure it enough so that it would not attack you and I'm sure you could keep a criminal away with it.