Posted on 11/02/2009 7:25:03 AM PST by missycocopuffs
Wondering if anyone has recommendations for a handgun for a petite woman (me...5'2", 110lbs). Have used a small semi-automatic years ago, not sure of caliber. FIL worries that I might lack strength for semi-auto; I worry that loading bullets under pressure vs. loading ammo clip would waste precious time.
Just curious what the ladies here are using? Going to gun range tonight and I think I will have the opportunity to handle a few different guns. Would like input to maybe weed out some choices that would be inappropriate for my size/needs.
Another question: we currently have no handguns in the house. If we could purchase only one gun for self-defense, what would be a good choice that balances stopping power AND ease of use for both me and my husband? Also, a gun that I enjoy taking to the range to actually *practice* shooting is a huge plus. /grin
Thanks in advance, Missy
ping - good suggestions for which gun might be best for me.
That's actually probably due more to the caliber than the platform. The recoil pulse from a .40 is generally described as a sharp, hard kick, very snappy. A .45ACP is often described as more of a push recoil. 9mm can be snappy if it's shot out of a light platform like a Kahr 9mm, but in most reasonably sized platforms or platforms with recoil reducing technology like two-stage springs (glock 26), flat springs with buffers (hk usp c), compensators (pretty much any platform you can convince a gunsmith to screw up) it's extremely manageable compared to the .40. Anyway, I suspect you already knew this, but I wrote it for the woman who started the thread as more evidence of why she shouldn't be worried about trying a .45.
I’ve had the Ruger LCP for about a month now and I’m extremely pleased with the gun. Ain’t it easy to conceal? :)
I’ve put about 75 Winchester 95 grain FMJ’s through it so far. One hang and that was on the second shot fired. I keep Federal JHPs in it when I carry.
I don’t think Missy could go wrong with the LCP. A 380 with good shot placement is as good as a 45 or 357. Hit him in the head and you shut his computer down... Hit him around the heart and shut his hydraulic system down.
Practice, practice practice with the gun you are going to carry. Just standing and plinking away at the target is fine. You get the feel for the gun that way but when that “fight or flight” moment comes, you better know how to move and still put bullets on target while moving.
Go check out the Ruger LCP Missy!
Degarding Dirks.
I have never heard that anything more than a switch blade or kaleidoscope blades are illegal.
Carry it anyway, It is your live. Live it with no fear.
I carry a Kukri and it is not concealable.
A lot of good previous advice. Consider a hammerless .38 revolver. You might also want to consider a simi-auto in 9mm or 40 S&W, but first go to a good shop/range and try both. If you decide on simi-auto you will need more training to be comfortable, but if novice should get good training anyway.
Ladies are welcomed and respected by the pro-gun crowd. And it is sincere, like you were their sister.
Yep, I bought a Ruger SP101 .357 magnum, snub nosed version, the day after the election last Nov.
Gun shop guys recommended it for me — I am not tiny, just average sized 5’6” female.
After many practice rounds fired at gun range, my hands hurt but who would ever shoot that type of weapon that much except in practice?
Yes, you can shoot .38 Spec from it as well. Great little pistol. Whatever you do though, get SOMETHING!
Not so in Florida! Thank the Lord I live in the Gunshine State!
Not enough ‘Gun Pron’ on this thread.
Missy, the most important thing is to "try before you buy". Only you can balance 'felt recoil' versus power, judge how comfortable you are with a semi-auto versus a revolver, and most importantly what is a natural holder and pointer for YOU. It varies. So shoot a wide range of firearms before you come to a decision. In fact, I would finish the course and get some quality range time under your belt before you shell out the first dime for your own firearm.
With that said, be careful not to limit yourself to the smaller calibers and especially not the smaller firearms. A small caliber in a small firearm may well have more felt recoil than a larger caliber in a larger firearm. I have a little Walther PPK/S in .380 (9mm kurz) that I carry in the summer, and that rascal kicks like a mule compared to my full size 1911A1 in .45 ACP. What is more important is how the larger handguns fit in YOUR hand. I have large hands for a woman, so size is not really an issue, but I find that the flat sides of the semi-autos fit my hand better than the curved grip of a revolver. I'll guarantee that your mileage will vary!
If you are going to be a regular range shooter, I would say go with the semi-auto, but if you're just going to carry or keep it in the home without regular practice, I'd go with the revolver. Semi-autos require that you learn clearing drill to quickly clear stovepipes, failure to feed, etc. So long as you're ready to do that and keep in practice, great. If not, the revolver is fairly foolproof (although they CAN jam too, and it's happened to me, it's much more rare).
Personally, if I were not going to be doing a lot of shooting, I would buy a .357 revolver -- NOT an "airweight" but just an ordinary medium frame -- and load it with .38 specials for practice and carry the .357s in it.
But I would suggest taking up a shooting sport of some kind -- not necessarily pistol but even skeet or trap -- because it trains your eye and your hand. Like anything else, you won't be good at this until your motor memory is trained. My current shooting hobby is Cowboy Action Shooting, which I bet you would enjoy. The only downside is you have to buy a buncha firearms (oh rats! < g > ). I shoot .357 revolvers but use downloaded .38s in competition. There's basically no recoil (the first couple of times I shot one, I did a doubletake - "did it go off? was that a misfire?")
Bookmarking.
RE: Post #80
I agree with your post. She is looking for a first time gun for self defense and classes.
She didn’t mention that she was going to practice regularly, compete or get into handgun hunting.
While I agree that anyone can train and safely and accuratly shoot most any caliber, I would not recommend she go purchase a 500 Mag to take to her first class. But that’s just the opinion of a minion. I am not an NRA Ceritified Firearms Instructor with 20+ years of experience.
Check out the line of .410 Buckshot Derringers from Bond Arms. My favorite model is the Ranger, awesome self defense gun, you can score 10 hits with 2 shots.
http://www.bondarms.com/index.php
Mea culpa. I should have also mentioned that anyone taking my shooting classes (ccw too) classes including all the family members I have taught to shoot must start with a 22LR and work UP TO whatever caliber they desire.
With the correct instruction and a sequence of calibers starting with the 22LR any caliber including the big 500 is still within the grasp of any adult female. I myself own the SW XVR 460 magnum second only to the 500 (okay third if you want to include the 480 Ruger) and have taken students that far. I don't care if you're an airborne ranger or a little old lady from South Miami, everybody takes MY class the same way. Start with a 22 and work up. There! Better?
The only diffeence is that my Crimson Trace grips were aftermarket. My gun was one of the first new ones that no longer have that built in trigger lock.
how are you finding 380 ammo?
It’s scarce around here
You said it all Soldier. Well written an nothing to add shy of I agree.
I do take new shooters to the range with a dozen or so handguns so the person can try before they buy per se.
Stay Safe !
The first requirement of selecting a firearm is it must go bang when wanted.
Best thing to do is what you are doing, trying out as many firearms as possible.
There are many, many factors to consider. One that should not be forgotten is that the firearm may have to be used in an emergency when you will lose fine motor skills.
Factors should include (not a complete list):
Intended use of pistol
Price and budget
Availability and price of ammunition
Pistol fit and ergonomics
Size/weight
Recoil
Simplicity of operation and ease of cleaning
Reputation of manufacturer
Reliability record of the make and model
Warranty or guarantee
Availability of repair or aftermarket parts
Firearms that are bought with the idea of mulitiple use using end with the purchase of other firearms. Determine your priority use and make your purchase for it.
Be aware that the best firearm for you may not be the best for your husband.
NRA Instructor (and I teach basic pistol and a handsome devil)
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