Shotgun, preferrably a pump or at least a double barrel.
Work out your muscles with it.
You have received advice on this thread.
You will learn much from the NRA folks and CHL classes.
http://girlsguidetoguns.com/2011/08/18/massad-ayoob-on-women-and-guns/
old law enforcement saying its better to be tried by 12 (jurors) than carried by 6 (pall bearers)
I consider myself a petite woman, and self-admittedly a weakling. The Moss 500 HS410 is what I keep at home. It’s not the most powerful thing, but it’s a good cheap gun.
Granted... I don’t know much about guns... but I know when I like something.
I hear you on that gun show thing. I want to go, but would rather go with someone and feel a little more comfortable. I got mine at WalMart. It was really cheap.
You’ve provided some usefull information already so lets start from there. You have experience with shotguns so that would be the first firearm I would suggest. You didn’t say if it was a semi-auto, pump or O/U but I would suggest you get one that your used to in the gauge your used to. Once you done that them pickup some shells and find a place to practice and when I say practice I’m not talking about sporting clays or skeet, keep it simple. Practice on fixed objects such as cans a tree or just a spot on the ground until you feel comfortable with it.
I’m not much for recommending specific firearms for people but in this case I will. I’ve got several shotguns and all but one is a side by side or an over and under and it’s a Ithaca Model 37 12ga pump with a 18 1/2 inch barrel. I carried my first one on a limited basis in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971 and carried my next one daily in my patrol car from 1973 to 1978, I’ve had one in the house ever since. The model 37 won’t win any beauty contests and it won’t break the bank when purchased but it will deliver one of the finest, smoothest and reliable actions ever built, it won’t let you down.
Should you decide to take it to the next level and get a hangun again I would keep it simple and nothing is more simple than a fixed sight revolver. There are several companies make them so your real choice is caliber and here where I’ll differ from many. You here people say well thats too small or you have to have atleast a 357 or 40 cal minimum for self defence and I say bunk. What you have to have is a caliber your comfortable with that you can shoot well and that can be as small as a 22 LR or a 45 ACP again thats up to you. The main thing to remember is once you start poking holes in a person it’s a game changer so pick a caliber that makes that easier on you. I hope I’ve helped in some way, stay safe.
1. Join the NRA
2. Go to a firing range and rent some handguns to try out with assistance from the folks there. Look at Glocks, Sigs, Smith & Wesson and others.
3. Purchase pistol, ammo and instruction.
4. Purchase shotgun and rifle
5. Resist tyrants
Here’s some alternate advice.
go buy an inexpensive revolver NOW, like something in a .38.
Go to the range often and learn how to shoot it safely, and keep going, taking time to meet the folks you see there and talk to them about their guns.
Go so much that you HATE the inexpensive revolver - and then get something you want.
Keep the revolver as a spare.
“I live in what is considered a safe neighborhood...”
A word of friendly advice...those days are long gone, there is no such thing as a “safe neighborhood” any longer.
Don’t let your guard down with that line of thinking.
Complacency is one of our worst enemies.
Get training, and decide what is the best fit for you. A firearm that’s too hard for you to handle is not your best choice.
I am certain that before long in this thread there will be recommendations for this lady to buy a .357 magnum or a .45, not taking into account her size. Heck, she might be 5’2” and weigh 110 lbs and on the weak side. But there are some Freepers who are ALWAYS hell-bound to recommend large, powerful handguns. Projection?
Home Defense - Get a shotgun.
Survival - Get a 22.