Quote Originally Posted by Fromk View Post
The car is also a no go. The gun has to be in a locked container, unloaded, with no ammunition touching the gun, and out of reach of the driver. That's the simple breakdown of the law. "Locked" doesn't have to be much, though. My container was a regular, non-descript backpack with a little combination luggage lock and the ammo was in the outer pocket. There may be something about it only being lawful going to and from the range. Since I worked at one I that was almost always the case with me but I can't remember if that was an actual, obscure law or some stupid thing I heard some random idiot say. I have to look that up. Either way, once again the rules make it very hard to get to and use a gun in an emergency situation. It sucks. The people that wrote the laws had no grasp of the realities people face using firearms as a hobby, protection, or breaking the law.

I don't know how experienced she is with shooting but I wouldn't recommend a small .45. It's been my experience that someone who can shoot their gun confidently is in much better shape than someone who can't. That means practice and most people won't do it (especially women) if it means using a punishing gun. These days a good hollowpoint will negate much of the 9 vs 40 vs 45 thing. Maybe a revolver she so she can get range time with 38 special and bump it to 357 magnum for home? Maybe a shotgun? You know her better than I do. Just my 2 cents.
I was just thinking about the 2-3 inch barrel, expanding issues with smaller rounds. I figure if you have a 45 you do not need to worry about expanding issues. As far as gun experience she has none, I am still talking her into the idea of getting one. I explained to her that she needs training, cause without it the gun might end up being used against her. I am going to teach her what I can when I go out, after that I was planning on having her take a class. I am not aware if anything exists like that there do to their stupid laws. Seems like the criminals have more right in Comifornia than the people do. I am thinking that she would be okay with a bigger gun with me teaching her, but I guess I could be way off base.