22LR for self defense VS 25ACP???????? Are Budget pocket pistols any good????? Phoenix HP22A / HP25A

So thanks to the situation that happened in 2020 there are many many more new gun owners. A question we get asked a fair amount is do you think a budget pistol is a good first gun. My opinion is if its what you can afford, or have then yes.
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Would I personally have bought one for my first gun? (NO) Why? Well growing up shooting 22s I know how unreliable they can be. Don't get me wrong they are great for plinking, and less expensive to train with, but I always wanted a 45ACP 1911. So back to the point if I had to pick 1 I would go with the 25ACP! Yes ammo is more expensive/harder to find at times, but centerfire cartridges are so much more reliable than rimfire.
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Something these pistols lack is ease of use. In order to swap mags you have to switch the pistol to safe, then release the mag. The mags don't drop free, but rather have to be pulled out. Once you put a new loaded mag in not only do you have to switch it back to fire, but you also have to rack the slide again. For me that is a deal breaker. Fun to shoot, but wouldn't want to have to rely on one for self defense.
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So why did we get them well because I like pocket pistols, and wanted to be able to give an honest opinion. All in all with close to 2k rounds through the HP22A it has been great.
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