I am kind of a low maintenance type of gal. I am 61 with small hands. Have never even been to a gun class but am thinking seriously into considering arming myself
What would you suggest for me?
ALSO....
“Often, someone will put a gun away in a case, or in a safe, only to take it out a few months later to find rust, and pitting. This is caused directly by leaving finger prints on the gun! Wipe every gun down, so that you are not surprised to find your gun’s finish marred.”
Are there stainless steel guns (ones that are stainless inside as well) that can be easily cleaned and not prone to pit and rust?
Also, cost is not an issue to get a stainless piece.
Having taught a bunch of gals to shoot, here’s what I have found time and again:
Too many guys think that women “can’t handle recoil.” Not true.
Women can handle plenty of recoil IF THE GUN FITS THEM.
And there’s the rub.
If you’re looking at handguns, go into a gun store and start handling a lot of guns. Don’t pay attention to semi vs. revolver, caliber or anything else at first. Find what fits YOUR hands.
Now, try to maximize what you can find that fits your hands.
I also strongly recommend to NOT outfit women with a super-light handgun or rifle. This obsession with the super-light handgun or rifle has a double edge: If you don’t have the mass in the firearm, the “equal and opposite reaction” has to find a home somewhere — and when the mass isn’t in the firearm itself, the part of the shooter in direct contact with the firearm is going to have to absorb the recoil’s kinetic energy.
ie, these “featherweight” and “titanium” handguns, or the super-light composite handguns — they kick like a mule because there’s no mass in the gun itself to take the recoil. So don’t get sold into something super-light — because if you’re a) female, b) 61, c) have small hands, I’m guessing you’re not going to have a whole lot of mass on your bones you want to put into absorbing recoil because the firearm won’t do it.
There are MANY fine stainless weapons out there now. It is the only way I’d recommend going now. Lower maintenance is only the first reason. They’re also good if you’re in a high humidity environment or live near the shore where you have salt in the air from the ocean, or you need to take the weapon with you and you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, etc.
My great grandfather’s pistol is ninety years old and though not a show peice, it isn’t damaged by corosion. Put a little gun oil on a rag, not much, and leave the rag for wipe down where you store the pistol. It will last a generation or two unless stored on concrete which wicks sub-grade moisture.
Remember, it is a tool and doesn’t have to look shiny for its working life. Buy from a dealer with a range where you can fire various calibers. Buy the largest caliber you can fire and place back on target after the kick. A defense pistol is stopping power. Concealed carry is another issue.
Keep in mind, if I had been your kid, I could find every gun you have in the house — I did in mine growing up — but the proper respect kept me from outright abuse of them. I consider this with my grandkids now.
I am kind of a low maintenance type of gal. I am 61 with small hands. Have never even been to a gun class but am thinking seriously into considering arming myself
What would you suggest for me?
________________
S&W revolver or a small semi auto. Try them first and make sure you can rack the slide. Some of the semi auto slides can be tough. Sig and Bersa are usually easy. Ruger and Walthers can be hard. The Walther PPK is really hard to rack.
There ya have it! You can get this firearm in several makes and models, it is very versatile, and may set you back a little as a few hundred bucks, less if purchased used..
Give 'er a go, and don't forget the 4 basic rules of firearm safety.
Go to a gun shop that has a range and loaner guns and let the nice guy there help you choose. It takes all of the guesswork out of what you think you can handle. We can say .38, .357, 9mm and .40, revolver vs. pistol, all day but it won't be as good as actually trying them.