Need some advice on a handgun.

Today | Meeeeeeee

[GunHoardingCapitalist]

So I am in no mans land here, I am looking for a hand gun for my daughter for concealed carry. I have not bought one for someone else before however we have been to the range many times and she has handled many firearms over the years. I am a stickler when it comes to, "if it's not comfortable in your hand, you will never shoot it right" philosophy. However, I have big huge man hands so all of them are fit for me, and her hands are a lot smaller. For expert opinion, let me describe her.

5'6" On a scale of 1-10 (1=anorexia, 10=morbidly obese) she is a 3 or a 4. Small hands. Doesn't carry a purse, so the flashbang holster would be perfect, plus she is busty so that makes it easier to conceal. She is also Left handed like me. Plus she is halfway across the country so we can't do a "comfort with the grip" thing. Also this is a Christmas Present.

Any opinions would be appreciated.

[anton]

No doubt a Ruger LCR with laser is the thing. Its what I carry. .38 sp +P.

[TXnMA]

I took my wife in for a new carry piece for her birthday, and she handled all the current .380s. Then, the clerk (wisely) handed her a S&W M&P Shield in 9mm. Almost immediately, she said, "That's it!"

It's only 7/8" thick, and is shorter than several of the .380s, and the grip is nice and slim. So -- it conceals nicely. (I've even been eyeing one for myself for when I don't feel like lugging the P7M8... -- it's almost an inch shorter...)

The trigger pull was a little hard & rough, but I've smoothed the stock one down and have it down to about 6.5 lbs. (Check YouTube: drop-in trigger kits are readily available...) The magazine springs are a little stiff, but a Mag LULA magazine loader solved that issue.

Notice that is a lady's hand holding the .40 (same size) in the photo... It comes with two mags; the one pictured is the longer, 8 round mag. The 7 rounder is flush and really conceals well.

If your daughter likes semiautos, I bet she will be impressed by the Shield...

[mabarker1]

If She gets a Semi tell Her to be sure and wear a tight fitting neckline top.

You've never seen a Woman Dance like they do when that HOT BRASS pops out of that ejection port and lands in Cleavage; )

[anton]

Most defensive CC users will not carry a pistol with a round in the chamber. That makes them a two handed defense weapon. Useless. Ergo the revolver. Not much help in an extended gunfight however. I assume I will last about one or two shots.

[reaganaut]

Bersa .380. It is my small CCW, and I carry at the small of my back (no purse either). I am 5’0 and have small hands. It is inexpensive, reliable, good accuracy a great ‘sleeper’ gun.

A few years ago I went out with Freeper Tminusfour (RIP) to test some CC guns with her and we tried out all the usual ones (S&W, Tarus, Glock) and after trying my Bersa, that is the one she chose as a CCW as well.

[reaganaut]

I’m left handed as well.

[reaganaut]

//Both my daughters carry Bersa 380’s, as do I.//

That is my primary CCW, isn’t it just the sweetest gun??

[Ken H]

Fantastic advice, a wheel gun tops the list right now.

They're like point and shoot cameras. Except they're not cameras:)

[Crazieman]

pff, laws.

[corlorde]

Charter Arms .38 or equivalent. A smaller revolver is great for concealed carry, especially for a small female. Easy to hide, always loaded and ready to go and no cumbersome magazines and /or actions to contend with. One or two days at the range and she can be proficient enough to put rounds on target. You could even go hamerless revolver (Ruger LCR, Charter Arms Undercover Lite, Smith & Wesson M&P 640 and the like) as not to have any snag on her clothing when needing to arm herself.

[Pollster1]

It’s a Christmas present, but it’s one that is very hard to return.

I’d get her something either (1) easily customized with alternative grips and an easily replaced trigger, or (2) something different and get the gun later. It’s like getting a bra for your daughter, even with the best advice you’ll probably do it wrong and she’ll end up not wearing it.

Perhaps get her a trip to your local gun shop, where you make the actual purchase after she has handled several?

[Zenjitsuman]

Walther PPS 9mm one of the thinnest grips for CCW and it shoot great.

http://s909.photobucket.com/user/mp_photoshooter/media/Sigs%20etc/pps_33.jpg.html

[Red in Blue PA]

Sig Sauer P238.

Will not have as much of a snap as the oft-mentioned Ruger LCP because of its alloy frame.

[Renegade]

Bersa Thunder .380.

[556x45]

ditto!!

[mad_as_he$$]

Don't buy her a gun unless you and she are absolutely certain she can pull the trigger and take a life. Period end of story. When I used to teach CCW classes I saw hundreds of women that were sure they would just pull their gun and a confrontation would be over. While that is often true being willing to pull the trigger is a different mindset and takes a commitment many don't have.

[Conan the Librarian]

My wife is on 5 foot, and rather petite. She carries a Glock 26 everywhere she goes. She use to carry a 30 round mag around with her too, but, it met with salt water and the spring needs work. She can use my Glock 17, but, the 26 fits on her hip better.

Anyway, whatever you get, practice, practice practice! Take her to the range frequently and let her learn the weapon.

Also get her at least a level 2 holster.

[USNBandit]

Is she strong enough to operate a small automatic?

[Conan the Librarian]

AMEN! Say ON!

[Paperpusher]

Most people I know with a double action holstered pistol carry with one in the chamber.