[VANITY] Firearms advice needed

[PinkChampagneonIce]

There is no better place to come for expert advice on firearms than FR!

I am thinking of buying my first firearm. I want it for concealed carry, for self-defense, so I want it small. I have done some research and the Smith & Wesson Centennial Airweight Model 642 looks good to me.

Am seeking any and all advice/comments. I have small hands, and not a lot of upper body strength.

Thanks!

[BipolarBob]

I’d say it is an excellent choice.

[CincyRichieRich]

also take a look at the .38 Ruger Prescott

[papertyger]

How recoil averse are you, cause that thing is going to jump a bit.

[Optimist]

and it appears that they make one for especially for PinkChampagneonIce

[SgtHooper]

Do not get a 380 semi-auto, unless you can muscle it to eject a round and chamber a round, EASILY!!

[FlingWingFlyer]

Like cars and guitars, everybody has their own preference. I chose a Ruger LC9.

I love it. That price is retail. You can get a better price from a dealer.

[Ainast]

XDS 45 4.0

I love this gun, recoil is manageable, its VERY tiny and shoots well. Try it out sometime.

[JoeProBono]

They only carry five rounds of .38 Spl +P ammunition and, at 15 ounces, they weigh about the same as some autoloaders that hold more rounds

[GOJPN]

How does it fit in your hand? Is it too heavy? Don’t get hung up on names or brands. Make sure you are comfortable with it.

[AppyPappy]

Self-defense at home - a .410 shotgun
While away from home - a .357 S&W

Don’t goof around.

[MediaMole]

Find a place to shoot one first. Try it out and make sure you can be accurate and consistent with it.

Small guns are some of the hardest to shoot. Mass really helps control recoil. Snubnose revolvers can take quite a bit of arm strength to shoot consistently.

I would suggest looking at some of the new single stack compact 9mm pistols as well. S&W Shield, Glock 43 or Springfield XDS.

I have a S&W shield and can shoot it easily. I have a bad left hand and can still rack the slide without any problems.

[Shimmer1]

http://concealednation.org/2015/08/top-20-most-popular-concealed-carry-firearms-2015-edition/

It has been recommended to me to get a 380, specifically a Bersa 380. (used)

[SgtHooper]

Agreed!

[gwgn02]

Buy the gun you’re good shooting with, and that you’ll carry all the time because its comfortable. The .38 +P is very good for self defense, it will get the job done. Many LE use the 442 Airweight as a backup. With revolvers you have much less worry about FTF or accidental discharge. I’d carry some +P Buffalo Bore HP for self defense or other comparable HP ammo. Make sure you shoot often and realize what the limitations are of whatever carry gun you choose...the snubbies are an up close an personal defensive weapon.

Cheers.

[umgud]

My small ccw guns, though I do carry larger guns in the cooler months. Kahr PM9 (7 rnds 9mm), S&W Airweight (5 rnds 38Spcl) and Glock G26 (10 rnds 9mm)

[matthew fuller]

Racking the slide back on semi’s require some upper body strength that some can’t handle.

[bmwcyle]

Dominate

[gorush]

My wife carries that gun and loves it, it fits in all but the smallest pockets...but she is looking at small 9mm autos right now, partly so we can use the same type ammo. Try it out and go with your heart.

[gorush]

Taurus Millennium G2, 13 rounds (12+1), same size, maybe a little thicker in the grip. I have smallish hands, fits very well.