.22 LR vs .32 KF – Which is Better for Self-Defence in India?

When it comes to legal civilian handguns in India, the most common calibres available are .22 LR and .32 calibre (IOF .32 KF). Both are Non-Prohibited Bore (NPB) options under Indian Arms Rules, but they differ greatly in performance, cost, and real-world self-defence effectiveness.

This article compares them side-by-side, using Indian units and practical considerations, so you can decide which is right for you.

1. Overview of the Calibres

• .22 LR (Long Rifle)

  • Originally designed as a small game and target shooting round.

  • Very low recoil, quiet compared to bigger calibres.

  • Widely available and affordable.

• .32 KF ( .32 ACP / .32 S&W Long equivalent)

  • Designed for self-defence.

  • Mild recoil but significantly more stopping power than .22 LR.

  • More expensive ammunition but locally produced by IOF.

    
    

2. Ballistic Comparison (.22 LR vs IOF .32 KF)

Ballistic Chart (Indian Units)

3. Effectiveness in Self-Defence

Stopping Power

• .22 LR: Limited stopping power; can be lethal with accurate placement (head or vital organs) but may not stop an attacker quickly.

• .32 KF: Higher kinetic energy and larger bullet diameter improve chances of immediate incapacitation.

Reliability

• .22 LR: Rimfire ignition is slightly more prone to misfires; hollow-point feeding may be less reliable in semi-autos.

• .32 KF: Centerfire ignition is more reliable; better feeding in IOF revolvers and semi-autos.

Recoil & Control

• .22 LR: Almost no recoil — great for rapid follow-up shots and training.

• .32 KF: Mild recoil — still manageable, but slightly more than .22 LR.

Availability & Cost in India

• .22 LR: Cheaper, more readily available; ideal for regular practice.

• .32 KF: More expensive but still obtainable in most states; suitable for defence carry.

4. Practical Uses

• .22 LR

  • Target shooting

  • Sports competitions

  • Small game hunting

  • Training new shooters

• .32 KF

  • Personal protection

  • Home defence

  • Concealed carry

  • Occasional target practice

5. Verdict

• If your primary goal is self-defense, the IOF .32 KF is the better choice due to its balance of stopping power, reliability, and legality in India.

• If you are recoil-sensitive, on a tight budget, or want to train extensively, a .22 LR pistol is a smart choice — but be aware of its limitations in stopping a determined attacker.

• Balanced Approach: Many gun owners in India practice with a .22 LR to save money and carry a .32 KF for defence.