Why a .22 at LHR?

[jamesmsv]

I've not had any luck finding a thread on this as it brings together a few keywords that result in many hits, so apologies if this has already been covered.
I was thinking about the reasons Z would use a .22 at LHR when he used a 9mm for subsequent attacks. Whilst a .22 is capable of killing it is undeniable that it is less likely to result in a fatal wound (unless a headshot is achieved). It seems like an extra chance to take - why not use a gun that is more likely to kill with less shots? Noise volume of the shots could be one factor, but I deem that fairly unlikely due to the remote location, unless he was particularly nervous if it was his first time.
The most likely reasons I can think of are accuracy and the length of the barrel on the suspected brand of pistol used, which allowed Z to add his customized torch.
This is interesting as it implies he was prepared for exactly the situation that occurred - Betty Lou running off and presenting a dark, moving target- so may offer some insight into his preparation of how things went down. Interesting that he did not prepare a torch for BRS, he may have decided not to allow that to happen a second time and fired repeatedly into the car to prevent them exiting at all. Much better to do that kind of shooting through car windows/upholstery etc with a 9mm than a .22 from what I have read online. I've fired .22 rifles and held the rounds in my hand, I certainly wouldn't be confident they would pass through nearly as successfully as a 9mm but I've never fired something of that size so don't know for sure.
I find a .22 rifle an odd choice for Domingos/Edwards as well, again not sure why a low caliber would be the choice weapon.

[morf13]

Both .22 & 9mm are similar in size, strength, and capability. .22 weapons are often used for targets, small game, etc. .9mm has often been used by police officers, but more recently, police have gone to .40 calibers etc because of the lack of strength of a .9mm weapon. When police are shooting at an armed or drug enraged suspect, they often have found that the .9mm is just not strong enough to adquately put down a suspect.

As far as Zodiac's choice of a .22, it may simply have been a weapon that he was driving around with or happened to have with him at the time. The fact that Zodiac used multiple weapons and calibers, demonstrates to me, that he was familiar with and had access to/or owned, multiple weapons. I dont know of the police asked around at various shooting ranges in the SF Bay area, but they should have, because I think there is a good chance that Z may have been a regular to those ranges

[Paul_Averly]

Both .22 & 9mm are similar in size, strength, and capability.

I'm sorry Morf but thats just not true. I've shot both and the 9mm is much more powerful. The .22 wont even shoot through a bail of hay.

Look at the difference in exit wounds:
http://fishnurse.tumblr.com/image/46075635276

I just find it amazing that there were hunters in the area with the same caliber weapon and one was allowed to turn in his own (choice) of gun for testing. I know LE looked at these guys, but who knows how well.

Also in the Domingos/Edwards case, .22 ammo boxes were found at the scene. Meaning the killer was probably already there shooting at small game when Domingos/Edwards arrived.

[Paul_Averly]

Also can someone tell me what the top part of this says?

http://www.zodiackiller.com/LHRPR24.html

Something about shooting a raccoon with a .22 revolver...
Then the bottom says he turned in a rifle.

[xEnigm4x]

says "this revolver was examined and has been eliminated by shell casings of the suspected weapon"

And I have to agree with Paul, Morf...while it's definitely not the most powerful weapon of choice, a 9mm is much more powerful than a .22
Been around guns all my life.

[morf13]

I agree with you, there is no question a .22 & a 9mm have differences in power(I own both), but both ARE on the lower power end of a handgun. .22's are just not good for stopping power, and are never carried by police, and as a matter of fact, .22 bullets once entering a body are known to many times not exit cleanly, but rather ricochet around,and sometimes that can cause damage. As I mentioned above, police are also going away from the 9mm in favor of .40 calibers, and over the years of course, some have carried .38 calibers. The .38, 0r the .40 would both be more powerful than either a .9mm or a .22. I am considering for my next handgun, getting either a .Glock .40 or Glock .45, either I would prefer for protection over a 9 or 22.

[xEnigm4x]

Just a little imagery to go by:



The one thing I will say about a .22lr is that usually they are hollow point...meaning that on impact they will shred or expand and make a larger wound that a regular .22 wouldn't do. But still, not very powerful at all.

[ace ventura]

Was a .22 HP made in the late sixty's ? I do not remember them as
I take it the casings were long rifle . A long will be noticably quieter than a .9mm which could be what he wanted . I have seen that a .22 fragments and many times is destroyed enough that a trace to the gun is unconfirmable . Many cops carry a .32 as there off duty and /or back up which is a down grade from a 9
Also a 22 auto is much smaller than a 9mm and fits in a pocket and is drawn out easier and still pretty lethal at 0-30 ft
the biggest draw back might be the rim fire and jams way easier ,most every body had a 22 back then ,so it would be harder to find the match.

[BuckwheatFlowers]

Take your pick.....

a) overtaken by impulse and only weapon he had available (crazy)

b) totally clueless about fire-arms

c) both

[morf13]

Take your pick.....

a) overtaken by impulse and only weapon he had available (crazy)

b) totally clueless about fire-arms

c) both

Don't forget, the murder weapon used at Lake Herman rd was either a hi standard 101, or a JC Higgins model 80. The JC Higgins model was the exact same gun made by Hi Standard for SEARS to retail at their stores under a different name, for a lower price. Sort of like Tylenol vs Generic(why anybody doesnt buy the generic and save a few bucks boggles my mind, its the same exact thing). Maybe Z shopped at sears, or bought his guns on a budget. Back then, he could have still got them thru the mail. Then again, maybe he stole them from Daddy's gun case, who knows