Unless you are Ironman, you probably don't wanna get shot by a .22.
It's a good first handgun, the ammo is generally inexpensive and available, and it's low recoil so it's easier to put accurate shots on target for new shooters - shot placement matters more with a .22, of course. It's also less expensive as a first gun option.
Most bad guys aren't going to know that it's "only" a .22 shooting at them, however. They're just going to enter FIBSA mode - "Fuck, I'm being shot at!" - and immediately try to extricate themselves from the situation as rapidly as their sagging pants will allow.
Yes, there are absolutely better choices, but there's also way worse choices, and having a gun is better than having no gun.
Unless you're an assassin, you probably don't want to carry a .22.
Unless you are Ironman, you probably don't wanna get shot by a .22.
It's a good first handgun, the ammo is generally inexpensive and available, and it's low recoil so it's easier to put accurate shots on target for new shooters - shot placement matters more with a .22, of course. It's also less expensive as a first gun option.
Most bad guys aren't going to know that it's "only" a .22 shooting at them, however. They're just going to enter FIBSA mode - "Fuck, I'm being shot at!" - and immediately try to extricate themselves from the situation as rapidly as their sagging pants will allow.
Yes, there are absolutely better choices, but there's also way worse choices, and having a gun is better than having no gun.
Rumor has it that training by being shot repeatedly with .22 helps one build an immunity to the larger calibers.