Six things women should consider when purchasing a firearm for self-defense

adn.com ^ | 11/13/2015 | Brenda Trefren

[rktman]

No gun is a “point-and-shoot” gun.

Most women, by nature, are not fighters, and telling someone to just point and shoot is nonsense. For a woman to pull the trigger, when it could end a life, is an emotional and stressful experience. Even the thought of it makes most women shudder. Advice like this leaves her ill equipped and unprepared for what will be required in self-defense.

[nomad]

Now be certain to do some online research on the model, as a detailed run down of most firearms, reliability, ease of carry, ease of operation and cleaning, is available thru various websites, do your research and try weapons out first. A good firearm is expensive and you`ll be trusting your life to it, it`s worth the time and effort to get it right!

[Beave Meister]

[skimbell]

I'm left handed too. This is the SIG 938 Nightmare. There are a bunch of different models but they are all ambidextrous. I bought this last year and I have found nothing I don't like about it.(other than it does not float, and was therefore lost in a boating accident.)

It's a 9mm (there is also a similar 380 but I wanted the 9). Anyway, it's nice. You may want to check one of these before you buy.

[rktman]

As earlier, see if there’s a gun shop or range that you can try several different types. Guns and calibers. Don’t rule out a revolver as stated in the article. Like somebody else said, little chance of jamming, pull the trigger and it’s go time. Less things to snag on. Unless your car keys or lipstick get jammed inside the trigger guard it should be fine.

[nomad]

Unless she buys a CCW designed purse http://thewellarmedwoman.com/ccw-purses they`re becoming common enough.

[Bulwyf]

Kimber is second to none, very good choice. It’s good news to my ears that she is so proficient with it. I want my wife to shoot my kimber more for practise, but ammo is ridiculous right now.

[paul544]

Someone made a great point earlier, and one an ex-SEAL had made to me years ago. If you’ve got your pistol out, accuracy at 20 yards should be irrelevant. You should either be seeking cover or the person you’re about to drop should be a lot closer than that.

[rktman]

Whew! Thank goodness, otherwise they’d disappear down the stink hole like the U.S. Oh, wait........... Gun free zone——free fire zone-——uh, what’s the difference again?

[Rapunzel]

Conceal carry purses are available. Has its own special compartment for the gun
Very safe. Also has zippers vertically so you can access the gun whether you are right or left handed. Mine arrived a couple of days ago. Came with a steel reinforced shoulder strap. I have been carrying for over 20 years.

[nomad]

Also lookie here: http://thewellarmedwoman.com/ccw-purses that`s for starters. IF shopping is to a lot of women what hunting is to a lot of guys, good ‘hunting’.

[Right Brother]

I would consider the Taurus 850 38 special. Hammerless. Holds 5 rounds. Super concealable and is a joy to shoot. My Wife loves hers.

[central_va]

Practice combat tactics, shoot with both eyes open. Get as much lead down range as possible while seeking cover.

Standing still point at a stationary target with one eye shut is stupid and unrealistic.

[papertyger]

Finding something I like and will be able to use effectively is on my “to do” list!

May I suggest a single stack 9mm such as a Walther or Sig? Stay away from polymer pistols as the reduced weight leads to increased recoil.

[Mrs. B.S. Roberts]

Revolver is easier! Quicker etc. I don’t have arthritis in my hands luckily; but, I cannot see up close well without my
glasses. I can see far things just fine. I own a revolver and a semi. On my semi, I cannot see the safety or details on loading without my glasses. That’s fine for the range. But for saving a life, the revolver is easy to work without sharp sight close up. Tougher trigger pull on revolver but that is the safety of it.

[basil]

I prefer to holster carry—easier to get to than having to deal with a purse. I seldom wear a dress or skirt, so it’s no problem to carry in a holster.

[Labyrinthos]

Neither my daughter nor my ex is willing to give up style (i.e, Coach, CK, etc.) for practicality. They both carry revolvers.

[Rapunzel]

Or this link “www.guntotenmamas.com. I bought mine from. They even feature a chart for gun versus gun compartment. I am carrying a S&W model 66 .357 magnum. My face of all guns.

[basil]

Also, I like having a laser on my gun. Talk about point and shoot—LOL!

I also think a laser might scare off a perp without a shot ever being fired. I really don’t want to shoot anybody if I don’t have to.

[Las Vegas Ron]

Might check out the S&W Body Guard. Wife has one, nice weapon for small hands.

[tumblindice]

No gun is a “point-and-shoot” gun.

All guns are point and shoot. But if we’re talking about using a “bad breath” gun—where the woman can smell the criminal’s bad breath—what I would imagine to be a great deal of the life-and-death situations women might be involved in, we’re talking pure point-shooting.

At least a 9 millimeter, striker-fired, round-in-chamber *if no small children* and practice shooting double-taps, center of body mass (say, at a paper plate) at no more than 7-10 feet.