Handgun for the Ladies?

[Cannon Fodder]

Next month, the wife is getting an expenses-paid trip to the local gun shop where she gets to pick out a pistol or revolver of her choice.

Here's what I know:

- She has trouble fully racking the slide on Glocks (.40), XD(m) (.40), and 1911 platform pistols. About the best she can do effectively is a half-rack.

- She would like a firearm that is comfortable for carrying at the very least around the house, and that she can access quickly. This probably means something light, and easily loadable. (Revolver is what I'm thinking)

Now, for Revolver:

I've been looking at the S&W 340PD .357, and having her fire mostly low pressure .38 at the range for training. But the 340PD is my pipe dream, not hers.

Maybe the 9mm would be a better platform for her. I mainly need to find a good place to try out a good variety of weapons before she buys them. Can anyone recommend a place in Colorado Springs to do this?

Your input is appreciated!

[lebru]

bodyguard 38, taurus revolvers, j-frames.


My gf carries a hunchback j-frame in her purse and it is great for her. Racking the slide isn't her favorite thing to do. They are plenty simple to operate, accurate enough, and light enough. .38 and 9mm are comparable in ballistics, and in reality girls (girly girls) don't carry a spare magazine so a revolver is just fine. Taurus makes a 9mm revolver too if you want a 9mm.

If you want a semi-auto options, try a Kahr cw9. I can't think of a better option for a light, single stack, 9mm. The triggers are great for girls, meaning they are lighter than the lcp or kel-tec. I think they are about 5.5 pounds, it feels about the same as a Glock trigger in weight.

[cebeu]

1M+ opinions, 1M+ answers and a billion threads on the net to consider on this topic. [Tooth]

But;
1. You are on the right track, she needs to get on the line, shoot many options and she, not you, gets the only vote. My bit of advice here, 2-3 distinct range visits before she settles on a her final choice.

2. Have her spend time here: http://corneredcat.com/

FWIW - My gal can shoot most semi-autos, long-guns, etc. but the only weapon she has / likes is her Smith Model 60 stoked with Speer Gold Dot SB in .38

My opinion - Any good ol' Smith or Colt in .38 hits the mark. You mentioned .9mm, an option a bit outside the norm would be to hunt around for an SP101 in nine, they're pretty interesting (and very range time tolerable-fun) at the cost of carry weight. Lastly, don't pass up any decent Security Six's either.

[ChadAmberg]

Rental counter at Whistling Pines. They've got a decent enough selection.
You don't mention if she's looking for a target or a concealed gun, but remember to just let her do her thing and pick what will work for her. My wife's last selection was a Beretta Laramie (5 1/2" barrel with a top break) which she just loves to shoot.

[spyder]

There have been quite a few threads like this one. I will say this if it is for your wife however, the PK380, is a great gun. My wife doesn't have a problem racking any of the slides I have with the way she does it, which has also been gone through in a few threads here. She keeps her right hand (or left if your wife is a SP) on the handle, and puts her other hand on top of the slide near the rear sight or sometimes on top of it (thumbs on the same side, fingers on the same side). It is easier for her that way, uses both arms to push, the one on the handle pushes the frame forward, the one on the slide pushes the slide backwards. I would have her try that first if you haven't already. If it works, it opens the field up to everything out there as it did for my wife. For her personal choice, favorite gun that is, she likes the size and feel of the Walther Pk380. I will have to admit, that is a damn comfortable gun to hold. Like I said though, see if she can rack the slide like I tried to explain, that changes the game I would say. If she can't, go look at a PK380.

[Cannon Fodder]

1M+ opinions, 1M+ answers and a billion threads on the net to consider on this topic. [Tooth]


Certainly! I did try to do a search on this sub-forum, but my search-fu is weak hehe. Thank you for the recommendations!


Rental counter at Whistling Pines. They've got a decent enough selection.
You don't mention if she's looking for a target or a concealed gun...

Very good point. I'm struggling between recommending a lightweight concealable weapon, and a weapon she can shoot at the range till she gets bored and not numb. I'm hoping WPGC can help with that! Overall the emphasis is on defense. I'm also going to pick up a 22LR for plinking.


She keeps her right hand (or left if your wife is a SP) on the handle, and puts her other hand on top of the slide near the rear sight or sometimes on top of it (thumbs on the same side, fingers on the same side). It is easier for her that way, uses both arms to push, the one on the handle pushes the frame forward, the one on the slide pushes the slide backwards.

This is exactly how I taught her to rack it. I think the biggest problem is that under distress I don't want her to have to even think about doing that. Thanks for the weapon recommendation!

Thanks so far. I appreciate the quick responses!

[Irving]

I think with practice, she will be more comfortable racking the slide. Just remember to tell her that with guns, you do all operations like you mean it. My fiance doesn't rack the slide the way I do, but I know that she can do it.

[lebru]

She is cute, and has a few gun reviews. Check her out.

http://www.youtube.com/user/faliaphotography

[SAnd]

Check on training classes. Some classes include range time with a variety of guns they provide. It would be best if it was a womens only class. Check the local gun shops for classes or instructors to contact.

[Cannon Fodder]

She is cute, and has a few gun reviews. Check her out.

http://www.youtube.com/user/faliaphotography

Heh. Go figure she posts a half-hour review of S&W M&P 9c on the day I visit her page. I'm looking at buying a M&P 40c with similar configuration.

So far all these posts reaffirm what I've been thinking thus far. You've all been helpful and I appreciate the insight!

- If you can't afford a gun, afford the training and rent a gun.

One of my limitations is time. Unfortunately I'm out of the States right now, and have a very small window of time in April that I'll be home. There are a few courses that I would love to attend around the Springs but don't occur during this space of time. Chances are some of you will see me and the wife at the range expending massive amounts of ammunition :P

[Woodchuck]

I have a S&W M&P 340 and like it. My wife carried it for awhile after shooting some 38's in it. But last week at the range she tried shooting some 357s and she gave it back to me after one round.

Her favorite gun is the H&K P7 PSP. Safe and easy to operate. The slide is moderately difficult I suppose, but she does fine with it.

[chunga]

My wife cannot rack a slide on any pistol.
She is disabled and shoots from a wheelchair.
We got her a S&W 637--it's one of those titanium alloy framed ones and it's nice but the recoil is a bit much for her because the gun is so light.

I took her to the GS to look at a Ruger SP01. She didn't like it because it looked too much like her other one (women lol). She picked a Ruger GP100.It's a nice gun and very rugged but a little big for CC. My wife is mostly bedridden so she doesn't carry but for HD it is great.

If you go with a revolver --I would avoid the light airweight ones--my hands are pretty tough and calloused but after about 30 rds --I'm starting to feel it too. Might be ok for SD but not good for range time so I would advise an all steel revolver if the revolver is the way you decide to go.
Just my opinion