Phoenix Arms 22 Auto

mackcrane

How about the reliability of these? I want something to carry now that I'm in a wheelchair for the time being, not too expensive if I get bushwhacked from behind and robbed, but reliable. A throwdown or throwaway if you will. All legal on my part.

Bill DeShivs

"Throwdown" guns are something that will get you in much trouble! And it's not legal.
Regardless, the Phoenix guns are the last I would recommend for defense.

charliemeyer007

I would not bet my life on anything less than a properly loaded 38 Special from a good quality maker. Used would be fine if it's in good shape. And it would be on me not on the wheelchair, that holds the scabbard.

beantownshootah

There is nothing illegal about having an inexpensive gun that won't cause you a lot of grief if it breaks or get lost.

That said, I wouldn't rely on a .22 of ANY kind for self defense, and I certainly wouldn't rely on THAT one.

I agree 100% with Charliemeyer. Unless you MUST have a gun so small it will fit into a shirt pocket (which doesn't sound like its the case with you and your wheelchair), there is no reason to go "lesser" than a 38 special.

If you're patient on the auction site, you can still pick up a Ruger p89 9mm auto for under $250 (perhaps WELL under) and although not much to LOOK at, its quite a good gun for the money. You can probably find a good Smith revolver for not that much more, and again, FAR better than any .22 (let alone Phoenix's one).

fordsix

not reliable

mackcrane

Thanks fellows, I remember things written about Pheonix several years back now. I like wheel guns anyway and carried a Smith 42 back when, but don't want to lose the Old Timer if this O.T. gets bushwhacked by the bad guys until I get better use of my legs. I wondered if the sub-sonic 22s with the improved expansion bullets would be good for self-defense? With Arthritis, recoil is a big concern of mine.

Fatstrat

I suppose it would be better than nothing. And as with most all of the "Pac Rim" .22 semi auto pistols, there are ways to improve the reliability. Polishing the ramps & slide surfaces etc. Google it.
And for SD, I would recommend using quality (IE: CCI) solid point ammo.

KAMsales

I wouldn't recommend one for defense for two reasons, first its a 22LR, second is it is single-action amd would need to be carried "cocked and locked" in order to be ready to fire and the HP22 doesn't have a hammer lock like the 1911. I've had one for years and its been super-reliable, but its not a gun I'd carry

nyforester

I have one.......buy something bigger, and different !

nmyers

If you really want a small auto....Berettas are still the best.



Neal