H&R 649 "convertible"

[lemko]

I went to the range last night with my Harrington & Richardson 649 which comes with two interchangeable cylinders: 22LR and .22 W.M.R. What a difference in cartridges! When fired, the .22LR sounds almost apologetic; like an air rifle. However, the .22 W.M.R. sounds like a .357 in comparison. I expected the .22 W.M.R. to be louder, but not that much louder! The .22 W.M.R also put a significantly bigger hole in the target than the .22LR.

I've been told that .22 W.M.R. or .22 Magnum is pretty much a dying caliber along with .25 ACP. I see Hornady does make a .22 WMR Critical Defense round.

[knight0334]

I wouldn't call the .22Mag a dying round. It still has quite a following for small game and varmint. For a rimfire round it can deliver a decent amount of energy versus some larger centerfire pistol cartridges.

I think it's major drawback is it's price. I personally cannot justify paying that much for a non-reloadable round when there are some Long Rifle cartridges that are nipping on the heels of the magnum for much less money.

[jamesjo]

Lemko,
The 22 WMRF round isn't going anywhere!
Pricey? yes, but it still has a big following!
Including me! great little varmint round.
There are 2 companies making ammo specifically for the shorter barreled handguns now. I haven't had a chance to try any yet, probably wait until spring now, but I am anxious to see how they work!
Including my 11 H&R convertibles, I have 15 handguns that are 22 magnum capable.
I love em.!!
Here's a few pics.

Model 649 5.5" 1980



Model 649 7.5" 1980


Model 650 1980



Model 686 4.5" 1980



Model 686 12" 1980



High Standard High Sierra 1975

[mythaeus]

Lemko,
The 22 WMRF round is going anywhere!
Pricey? yes, but it still has a big following!
Including me! great little varmint round.
...

...

Hey jamesjo, you got any H&R convertibles?





















Man, that is quite a nice collection.

Al

[cruzans]

I was pretty surprised with the bang from my first 22 mag too ( picked up a NAA Holster Grip for a small pocket gun ) ! I know it's not a first choice for a carry gun, but in the Summer with shorts and a tee, it's nice to have. I get a kick out of those who consider 22 mag as useless for carry - I sure know I wouldn't want to take a couple rounds to the chest or face - lol.
H&R's are nice guns, I have a few and love to come across bargains !

[cruzans]

Model 686 4.5" 1980




"drool" - love that one !

[jamesjo]

Glad everyone likes them.
I enjoy showing them off!
Here's some more.

Model 686 5.5" 1980



Model 686 7.5" 1980



Model 686 10" 1982



Model 676 12" 1980
Same as the 686 except sights



Also have a double of the nickel model 650, and a Model 676 with a 5.5" barrel on the way.
Just 2 more, and I will have all the convertibles offered in 1980.

Here's a couple other 22 mag only pieces.

Model 642 1980



Model 604 1980



And a couple 22 mag semi autos

High Standard AMT Automag II



Excel Arms MP-22 with Leupold VX-III Scope



Love those 22 mags!!

[jamesjo]

ooops double post!

[renalp]

I like making big bangs and flashes with .22 Mags in my Single Six convertible, and as other have said, it's a potent small game round.

As a defensive handgun round, caution is advisable when comparing velocity and energy levels to centerfire handgun calibers. Advertised ballistics for rimfire cartridges are almost always from a rifle barrel. Out of a 6" revolver, they lose about 25% of their velocity and half their energy. From a 1-5/8" mini, most 22 Mags are subsonic and ft-lb energy levels are down in the double digits (data here: http://www.northamericanarms.com/ball_mag58).

To reply to the questions that inevitably come up in this discussion: "Is a .22 Mag better than no gun at all?" Sure, if you absolutely need something you can conceal in your Speedos. "Would you want to get shot with one?" No thanks, but that doesn't necessarily mean it would it stop me if I was a determined attacker.

As a specialized tool, .22 Mag has it's place, but when people argue that it's "as powerful as a .38 Spl"... no.

[Zet70]

If Kel tec ever rolls out the pmr-30 in .22 lr the magnum will surely die.