The magnum packs more powder and has a greater velocity and better trajectory. This means less drop over the same distance, so better accuracy. Essentially the magnum is better for greater distance. The two rounds are not interchangeable as it has a slightly longer case to fit the extra powder. The projectile is the same. The .22LR is much cheaper to buy which makes it very popular around the world and is generally the go-to for plinkers and those looking to hunt small game.
That's a basic difference I guess...There is probably other differences.
Hey, @galenkp.
Aha. Okay. More powder in the magnum, velocity, trajectory, better accuracy. All makes sense.
Every time I see a gun like that, or a rifle, I'd really like to get one. I don't see myself traipsing around the forest in October around here when deer season opens, but it would be nice to go a shooting range on a more frequent basis than twice a score, or find some dirt backstop to shoot into.
I've been with @bbrewer before. It was a lot of fun. My wife, though, isn't keen on me owning any type of firearm (found that out way after the fact because the subject never seriously came up until then), even if he would be willing to keep it at his house under lock and key. :)
Plinking is fun and a .22LR (or magnum) is a good way to go. I know loads of people who want to get into it but partners veto that plan...Not uncommon. Seems your wife is very anti-gun. Faith doesn't mind guns at all, however isn't hot on my killing stuff. She just doesn't want to hear about it so I don't talk about it with her. It's a compromise.
Maybe your wife will relent at some stage and you can get a little revolver. They seem so cheap up there it would be a shame not to and have some fun. Good luck.
I'm not sure if she's so much anti-gun as she is not that knowledgeable about them. I'd have to learn quite a bit more about them myself to feel comfortable having them around, too. Once that took place, though, it would be good. We've just primarily relied on location as far as minimizing potential threats like robberies or home invasion—and in order to carry I'd need to get a concealed weapons permit, too. Thankfully, there's generally others walking around with those.
So, maybe one of these days. Having little ones and their parents about on a regular basis isn't so conducive to changing her mind, but once they move on, who knows? :)
Guns never jump up and injure or kill...There's always a person behind it.
Here we have to lock the firearm in an appropriate safe for the firearm different categories of firearm have different safes, and the ammo has to be locked separately. Never together with the gun. It's pretty safe. I don't know what the rules are but assume many keep their firearm loaded, especially if used for security purposes.
I guess it comes down to safety. I mean a firearm should never be left laying about in my opinion, even empty, and no one should touch one without the appropriate safety instructions first. I'm a pretty safe gun owner, observe all the form and safety rules of course. It's as safe as anything could be. A person is more likely to get hit by lightening in my front yard than shot (accidentally) by one of my guns.
I agree with you in that some more education needs to be undertaken before you make any decisions, but guns can be a very safe hobby if approached with responsibility and respect.
Maybe you should do a post about it mate, your decision-making process and reasonings...Pros and cons. That's would be cool. Stick in in The Pew if you want as it's certainly gun-related.