[Libertyman777]

Hi Klaus,
I went back and found some of my reference material. I did get the Makarov and the Tokarev mixed up. The statement I was referring to involved bullet weights from 55 to 124 grains and probably should have stated ?Soviet block service weapons? instead of naming only the 9x18 Makarov. The writer who made the statement was Jim Thompson in Surplus Firearms Vol. V that was on the newsstands during 1997. I guess I could throw in the German WWII sidearms, which were medium powered at best and still accounted for a loin?s share of death and destruction. It isn?t because the weapons or ammunition is superior or inferior as much as because the weapons were so prolific and the regimes so harsh.
Now about the .22 caliber, I was referring to the .22 rimfire. It is the choice of many professional killers, whether they are involved with established governments or criminal organizations. The reasons are obvious, the round is easily suppressed, whether via machining or expedient methods. The weapons are often small and easily hidden, and the ammunition is easily manipulated so that it can be made more difficult to trace back to a given weapon.
All that said, I have a concealed carry permit and carry an AMT 380 backup in my truck and sometimes on my person if I think it?s necessary. Like everything, it was a compromise. The price was right, the pistol fits well in my pocket and doesn?t have a tendency to print. I do understand that if I am in situation that forces me to use this weapon for protection, that in most cases it is not usually a one shot stopper, based on tests performed by Handguns Magazine, April 2000. Neither were the 38 Special or the standard-pressure 9mm?s for that matter. (In this test, one shot is fired and strikes an aggressor. If the aggressor runs, it is no more than 10 feet, this is considered a one shot stop.) I have confidence in my little 380 ACP because I can shoot with it, not because of it's power or lack thereof. I can consistently hit grapefruit sized targets at a combat range of 7 yards. The order of the day for me is to be prepared for the double tap, because of my chosen caliber. But as I stated nothing can take the place of competent marksmanship training. I received mine via the US Marine Corps and am very grateful for it. I urge anyone who is considering owning a weapon for personal defense to get good instruction and practice, practice, practice.