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Help choosing a handgun.

Posted on 11/30/2010 7:39:38 PM PST by Elixyveth

Hey Freepers, I am turning 21 soon and was wondering what handgun you would recommend for a girl looking to carry concealed. I’m rather overwhelmed by all the shiny guns at Cabela’s. ;) Thank you very much for your time!


TOPICS: Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: banglist; firearms; handgun; sw357
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1 posted on 11/30/2010 7:39:41 PM PST by Elixyveth
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To: Elixyveth

ruger .380


2 posted on 11/30/2010 7:44:04 PM PST by 1st Division guy
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To: Elixyveth

I have a 9mm Sig Sauer P228. Extremely easy to maintain, fairly low profile, feels great in the hands. However, see if a friend with a few guns will let you try them out to find what feels good in your hands after putting some rounds through it.


3 posted on 11/30/2010 7:45:40 PM PST by fred4prez
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To: Elixyveth

The best gun is the one you are comfortable with. There are so many good ones out there, you will probably get a dozen or more different recommendations. Instead, I would suggest going to a range that has several types you can try out yourself.

Also, think about how you plan to carry it. If it is in your purse, take that with you and see how each one fits and how comfortable you are getting to it.


4 posted on 11/30/2010 7:46:39 PM PST by mnehring
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To: Elixyveth

Have you done much shooting in the past? If not, I’d suggest getting some training and try out some different guns to see what feels right to you.

If you have, you might have a general idea of what you’re interested in buying.

Good luck!


5 posted on 11/30/2010 7:47:46 PM PST by cryptical (The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.)
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To: Elixyveth

A lightweight 38 special revolver.Very safe. Very reliable. Very good stopping power with +p rounds.


6 posted on 11/30/2010 7:48:24 PM PST by rsobin
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To: Elixyveth

Bersa 9mm. not to big not to small and not expensive. Its a Argentine knock off of a Walther PPK. My wife has one. I prefer the 7 shot Nagant Revolver, its cheap it works, and if I ever have to use it and turn it in for evidence I won’t worry about it. Its the home defender, not a carry weapon.


7 posted on 11/30/2010 7:48:24 PM PST by Bringbackthedraft (The candidate they smear and ridicule the most is the one they fear the most.)
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To: Elixyveth
Since you don't have any real friends who are shooters, please get some help from a pro.

Next best is going to a real gun store where you can rent a few and see which ones you like and which carry systems work for you.

8 posted on 11/30/2010 7:49:45 PM PST by kbennkc (For those who have fought for it freedom has a flavor the protected will never know .F Trp 8th Cav)
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To: Elixyveth
The only sure way to find out what pistol is right for you is to find a local range that rents guns and try out as many as you can.

Look for a range near you here:

wheretoshoot.org

9 posted on 11/30/2010 7:50:04 PM PST by voteNRA (A citizenry armed with rifles simply cannot be tyrannized)
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To: Elixyveth

Casul 454. but you will need a bigger purse


10 posted on 11/30/2010 7:50:17 PM PST by beebuster2000
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To: Elixyveth
Yes, Ruger LCP .380


11 posted on 11/30/2010 7:50:23 PM PST by t-dude
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To: Elixyveth

Have you done much shooting in the past? If not, I’d suggest getting some training and try out some different guns to see what feels right to you.

If you have, you might have a general idea of what you’re interested in buying.

Good luck!


12 posted on 11/30/2010 7:50:33 PM PST by cryptical (The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.)
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To: rsobin
A lightweight 38 special revolver.Very safe. Very reliable. Very good stopping power with +p rounds.

+1 on this. I'm no expert on this stuff but that would be hard to beat. If you have small hands you can get one with a fairly tiny frame. Just learn to use your tools, a hammer in the hands of somebody with no experience in hammering leads to smashed fingers.

13 posted on 11/30/2010 7:51:56 PM PST by West Texas Chuck (US out of the UN - UN out of the US)
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To: Elixyveth

You’ll shoot your eye out!


14 posted on 11/30/2010 7:51:56 PM PST by Revolting cat! (Let us prey!)
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To: Elixyveth

15 posted on 11/30/2010 7:52:15 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'hobbies.' I'm developing a robust post-Apocalyptic skill set.)
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To: Elixyveth

I’m a woman. I carry a small .38 revolver, no hammer. Fits in a vest pocket, small purse, or fanny pack. Real easy to conceal.
I have a Judge for shooting snakes. It’s a fun handgun to shoot because it will take cartridges or shells.
I like it’s action. Looks fierce, and makes a big bang, but it’s twice the size of the .38, and heavy. I wear mine in a holster, on a belt.
It’s probably the better gun for defence, but too bulky for easy conceal.
You need to make a decision between fire power, and ease of carry. For me, the .38 wins.


16 posted on 11/30/2010 7:52:15 PM PST by WestwardHo (Whom the gods would destroy, they first drive mad.)
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To: Elixyveth

BRAVA!!!

Someone mentioned the Ruger .380. Great choice for concealment. That class of polymer framed pistol is light small and with enough grip for small hands as to be effective.

There is a whole crop of that class of pistol too. Kel-Tec makes a fine .380, and if you feel like learning the controls for a 1911, the Sig is nice. The Ruger LCR (.38 special revolver) is also a viable small weapon.

All these small guns are nice because of the size and conceal-ability, but they lack everything that will allow one to learn marksmanship. SMALL sights, short sight radius, and less than precise triggers.

Consider buying TWO guns!!!

A .22 revolver or semi-automatic is a great way to practice on the cheap, and learn how to precisely place slugs where they need to be. Then once comfortable with marksmanship, transition to the carry gun and start the practice all over again (great way to spend a year).

Good hunting!


17 posted on 11/30/2010 7:55:28 PM PST by petro45acp (Hey Doc! Don't tell me how to live my life. CURE what ails me so I can live how I choose.)
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To: Elixyveth

18 posted on 11/30/2010 7:55:32 PM PST by oldleft
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To: Elixyveth
Get a good snub-nosed revolver.


19 posted on 11/30/2010 7:56:05 PM PST by umgud
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To: Elixyveth
First, shoot a few different caliber rounds. Once you find out what caliber you are comfortable with, go to a store and hand up a few pistols and revolvers in that caliber. If the gun does not have a consistent and positive feel for you in your hand it's no good for ya...keep looking til you find the “one”. This is different for everyone, IMHO.

My personal favorite is the Springfield XD. I shoot it in both 9mm ad 45acp.

Peace...and happy shopping!
B Cool,

20 posted on 11/30/2010 7:56:15 PM PST by b cool
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