Looking for a small, reliable pistol/sidearm for a lady

[Mamzelle]

Have small, weak hands and I play an instrument and am an artist and don't want to hurt my hands. Menfolk seem to want to encourage me to pistols too large, heavy and complicated. Seems to me if I cannot handle a weapon properly, it won't matter how big the bullets are that it can shoot because I won't manage to shoot at all. I want something small even if the bullets are small, too, because I'll have more confidence in shooting it.

[Mamzelle]

Gun enthusiasts encouraged to ping.

[mozarky2]

Beretta Tomcat, hands down. You don’t even have to operate the slide with that one; .32 caliber. It was made with women like yourself in mind.

[Parmy]

You might look at North American Arms.

[BGHater]

Walthers P5 compact.

Still might be too large for you. Nice gun.

[Grizzled Bear]

Go to your local dealer/gunsmith. If you have no experience at all, I recommend a revolver. They’re easy to maintain.

[Gone_Postal]

a small .22 auto...small, light, easy to use..and deadly

[fullchroma]

Bookmark. I have the same question. My girly hands aren’t tiny but a broken wrist a two years ago has left my right hand a little weak.

[omega4179]

Ditto on the tomcat and .32 acp.

[RandyGH]

I suggest a quality .22 revolver. A hit with a .22 is better, it has been said, tham a loud miss with a .45

[monkeycard]

I would suggest a revolver from Charter Arms would probably be suitable for you. A call to their Customer Service area may help you decide which of their products to consider.

[meatloaf]

I’d suggest the semi-auto Berreta Tomcat also. You might also want to consider one of the Smith & Wesson Ladysmiths in .38 special.

[genefromjersey]

Ruger Bearcat (.22LR) hands down. Compact, light, simple, shoots where you point it.

[Grizzled Bear]

Consider the 357. It can fire both 357 and 38 rounds.

[Texas_shutterbug]

If I might butt in on your thread, I'm also looking for something fairly small , not outrageously expensive. Ammo should be moderately priced, as well.

And, of course, should be able to stop an intruder dead in his tracks. :(

[Barnacle]

Keep it simple.

Smith and Wesson Chief's special.

38 Caliber, five shot revolver.

You can get you confidence up practicing with light loads. Get trained by a qualified instructor or friend.

Best of luck. Stay safe.

[dr_who]

A Baretta. Q said so.

[Randy Larsen]

.25 auto

Nothing more than a cap gun!

[livius]

Thanks for posting the question. I have that problem too. I have never been able to pull the slide on a gun. I tried a revolver and I could actually shoot it and I liked it, but somebody talked me out of it. I would also like to hear input from other folks here.

[Mamzelle]

re: If you have no experience at all, I recommend a revolver. )))

I have a standard service revolver, I just don't like it. Bulky and I think I shoot better than it lets me. But I intend to get some education shortly.