Would a pistol that chambers a .22 Winchester Magnum round be a good self defense gun?

It's too much of a gamble that they're going down. You'll make them spring leaks but it may not even slow them down before they've done you in. Need something bigger.

Safety First! You should take a class on gun safety. I'm not sure where you would go for that.

I grew up in the woods and was taught proper gun safety and handling at a young age. Smith & Wesson is my favorite, very good quality. Did you get a CPC yet?

If you intend on carrying it you will need one. I trust a Bobcat .22 with my life everyday. .22 can be one of the deadliest bullets.

Once it enters the body it can bounce around and hit multiple organs. I would not recommend a .22 for concealed carry in the winter time. Not sure if it would make a big impact on someone with multiple layers on.

You should subscribe to some home defense magazines. There are so many of them out there, all are very interesting and informative. Just a few gun safety pointers... Keep your finger OFF the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

Never point a gun at someone unless you intend to shoot them. ALWAYS IDENTIFY YOUR TARGET, and what is beyond your target! Always make sure you check to see if a gun is loaded, even if you "know" it isn't!

You also need to learn how to disassemble your gun and clean it! I'm sure you can find a youtube video out there. Congratulations on your first firearm purchase!

Be safe!

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.