Posted on 12/07/2008 6:54:45 PM PST by 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.
Hey, I’ve been checking out the youtubes that these helpful folks provide...and then surfing the options that youtube gives you for other videos. LOL. Lots of guys like to make movies of their guns! Recommended.
Yes, very good! Thank you for starting this thread. I’m reading every post!
Revolvers are not sexy and they are for close in shooting. they have short barrels so they are not target shooting pistols. Really for shooting within 20 feet or less.
They are reliable and mistake proof in a defensive situation when people are very stressed. Someone said a Beratta Tomcat semi-auto does not have to have the slide racked. If true check that out.
Find a lady instructor or sales person at you local gun store or the NRA web site.
A boyfriend with a Colt 1911 should do the trick.
Yes, I plan to take a class and get a CCwp, though I don’t know if I’ll actually carry. I guess I’m interested for the same reason that so many people are now purchasing firearms. I never took much interest in it, before. Lately I’ve been taking more.
Kel-Tec is a good suggestion for small and light.
Try a Smith & Wesson with a shielded hammer. I think it is a model 36 and uses a 38 bullet. It can be kept handy in a purse without the fear of accidentally cocking the hammer if you have a concealed carry permit. It is a great first weapon for a woman. Keep in mind, however, to keep it safely away from any children, as it does not take a lot of strength to shoot this weapon.
Also classes are available many places to give people firearms training. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the use of various weapons, so you can make a choice that is best for you. Check with the closest chapter of the NRA and they should be able to direct you to a place where you could practice with several types and then make a choice for what works best for you.
I have small hands and after input from other Freepers, I purchased a S&W .38 Airweight and I love it. :)
I've owned the Ruger SP101. The grip is tiny, yet the gun has sufficient mass to absorb recoil. Buy one in 357 magnum, but load it with 38 specials for practice. They're cheap and recoil is mild. Then you can load it with 357 for self defense.
A revolver is truly the best for someone who doesn't spend a whole lot of time with guns.
Yup good suggestions by Flamenco Lady and nodumbblonde. A women’s perspective and expriences will be the best feedback for the original poster.
I have small hands and osteoarthritis in them, traded my Bersa .380 which I could no longer rack with out pain, for a Tauraus Ultra Lite 48 revolver. Easy to use and maintain. Recoil isn’t to bad, bullets not to expensive either.
Thank you for the Bear Spray advice. I just went to the website and bought one for my daughter, who is a realtor and refuses to carry a gun, even though she goes out into the country and remote parts of town with total strangers and has had at least one close call. Maybe she’ll be willing to blast them with the bear spray. Amazing what one can learn on FR!
The Smith & Wesson 640 Centennial. This is a five-shot .38/.357 revolver with a small frame. Note the smooth lines. It is hammerless, so it is easy to pull out of a purse without getting it snagged on something. You do not need to cock it, or rack a slide, or worry about a safety lever. Just point and shoot.
-ccm
You shot it, and liked it. The person who talked you out of it was foolish. If you can, and still want to have a gun handy, I'd go back to the revolver. .38/.357 seems to be the most popular choice for self-defense; but the best gun is the one you're comfortable with and can shoot accurately.
I’d also reiterate what I’m sure others have already said: Go to a reputable gun shop and HOLD everything!
I’d pretty much decided on another gun when I headed to the gun dealer and I changed my mind almost immediately. I didn’t like the way it was weighted and it just didn’t feel right. No way to know that until I actually held it.
the guy i know in my office building was a prosecutor and went to a good state law school. Super guy. He said it was good to have because if you spray someone you may have less problems versus shooting someone. It all depends on your state law.
Florida’s law used to be if your life was at threat and you had a CCW license you could shoot to kill. If the bad were retreating, you had to back off. Oddly if someone is attacking another person - you can shoot them.
The Castle Doctrine in most states says if the bad guy is in your home - you can shoot them. The joke is if you shoot em outside make sure to drag the body back into your home. This is not a funny subject but people need to be prepared to defend themselves.
I am glad this info helped you. Your daughter needs to be prepared to use it. There are a lot of bad people out there (and many are in the Senate). ;-)
Thanks for bringing this up. I’ve been wanting to get a handgun as well. Something easy enough to use as I’ve been having trouble with my hands lately as well, (beginnings of arthritis, I’m afraid) but effective. And relatively inexpensive ammo.
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