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While at the range with my 13 year old last week, he asked me if I could carry the .22 he was shooting as my carry weapon. I told him first no, then yes, then finally I said i'm not sure.

I understand the .32 caliber qualification requirement, but does that requirement establish the carry minimum also? I'd question the effectiveness of a .22 as a self defense weapon, but that's not what this about. The min I carry is a .380 and mostly carry .40. Just wondering if there is a minimum legal caliber carry requirement if you have a CHL.

No.

I dont remember ever reading a minimum caliber for Concealed Carry

As you stated, for quals a .32 caliber is the minimum

I do know that our HR Director, an ex-cop, carries a .22 revolver all of the time, so either he is breaking the law, or this is no restrictions, at least down to a .22 caliber

No minimum. Carry what you can shoot. Well placed .22 rounds are better than shooting a 9mm with your eyes closed.

I don't believe there is a minimum - but I defer to the instructors here to correct me if I'm wrong.

No minimum for carry, just has to be .32 or larger for qualification.

Personally, I would not choose to carry a .22 as a regular proteciton piece, but if it is the .22 or nothing, then carry the .22.

There is no caliber restriction as far as what you can carry under your CHL. There IS a minimum caliber as far as what you can use to qualify. In other words you can't take the test with a .22, but once you get your plastic you're legal to carry one.

As far as minimum caliber you should carry, I tend to stick to the old add age about carrying the largest handgun in the largest caliber you ae willing and able to carry concealed and that you can handle".

I could argue for days that a .22 is somewhere between a suboptimal and a downright bad choice. In the end, however, it's their choice to make. Also, there is one even worse choice, to leave the gun at home where it does no good at all.

Itell my students to care what they can shoot well.

That being said carrying a nine,40, 45 that you cant hit what your focusing on at close range 5' ouout to 21"
because you yank the trigger because your trying to get away from the recoil or noise aint what you shoul carry.

carry what you can hit what you focus on..

I carry a .380, not because it is the most powerful or most accurate. It fits in a number of pockets and therefore has a better chance of being carried that a 9mm which generally needs a shoulder holster, fanny pack, or owb holster. If I'm so close in to the bad guy to need something, the .380 with hollow points is going to do just fine.

A .22 is better than harsh words!

Keith B wrote:No minimum for carry, just has to be .32 or larger for qualification.

Personally, I would not choose to carry a .22 as a regular proteciton piece, but if it is the .22 or nothing, then carry the .22.

Although I have been known to carry a .22 as a backup to my backup.

Hmmm..

A secondary auxiliary backup. Good thinking.

.22 is pretty weak, but it's better than a cell phone.

I don't want to be shot with a .22. Those things can run all over your insides before they stop.

jmra wrote:I don't want to be shot with a .22. Those things can run all over your insides before they stop.

Urban Legend, not fact.