Posted on 02/03/2016 5:41:11 PM PST by Extremely Extreme Extremist
You might be a woman looking for your first self-defense handgun. Or you might be a lifelong "gun person" that people come to for advice about guns. Either way this article is for you.
Every day, people who have never owned any sort of gun -- perhaps have never even shot one -- decide to get a self-defense handgun. They aren't gun people, they aren't going to become gun people, they aren't going to hunt or target shoot, they aren't going to practice a lot. But they want a home-defense handgun, and they want one suitable for concealed carry if they decide to go that route. In other words they want an effective, easy to use, easy to carry, all-around self-defense handgun.
After all the pluses, minuses, caveats, ifs, ands, and buts are factored in -- this is my bottom-line gun recommendation, along with the reasons for it. This article presupposes that the prospective gun owner is healthy, of normal intelligence or better, and has no inherent fear of guns.
Long-time gun users will undoubtedly find the selection process interesting, and may wish to use this article as a basis for their own recommendations.
In any case, don't be put off because I start with some basics -- it's only a few paragraphs, and they're necessary for clarity.
(Excerpt) Read more at keepandbeararms.com ...
Yeah, it's only .380 but you're more likely to carry it.
Never fails and accurate enough that you can aim for the face.
That’s a good, well-written guide. It mostly ignores exceptions and special circumstances, but that is appropriate for the target audience.
Anybody here have a suggestion( besides the comedians about losing weight. If I could I would already have done it), for a solution. I know in the past I've seen a Sheriff or two at 400 lbs or more and I know they carried a backup or two. I'm sure that there are a few out there like me that have found a good solution.
He suggests going hammerless, but I’d sure miss the hammer on my S&W Model 36.
The weapon you actually carry is more useful than the one you leave at home because it’s too large.
I’m a woman with small hands looking at getting my first gun sometime coming up. I want a 22 so I can practice my aim and shoot a lot of round without busting the bank (I may upgrade to something bigger caliber down the road). I would like a revolver (dual action) because they never jam. Not sure what a good make and model would be.....would greatly appreciate any FReeper recommendations...
I recently purchased SW Bodyguard 380; Pit gun range, I am newbee with guns, but hubby has been using guns for 40yrs. I had read the reviews, etc. However, at the range, my finger got tired quickly as the trigger is very heavy. The Range Officer gave me a Sig P238P to try. Oh wow, I was so amazed. It was so much easier to fire and handle. I took my gun back to the store and got the SIG.
Will be taking CPL class in a couple of weeks. It’s scary and exciting at the same time.
I plan on using indoor gun range frequently to get better and more comfortable over time.
I’ve got a Ruger LCS9mm. Carry it everywhere and with an IWB holster no one knows.
Look at a Smith 351PD, 7 shot .22 magnum, under 11 ounces.
It’s what I got Mrs Slim.
Ruger LCR
It’s not a guide. It tells people to buy one gun - a revolver.
My wife also has small hands. She really likes her S&W 642 in 38 special. But, it only holds 5 rounds.
I have the same problem. I am 6’3” and weigh 305. For a long time I carried but I was much thinner. I do remember a rude awakening many years ago.
I was carrying a standard .45 auto in a Bucheimer shoulder holster. My wife actually made me a light dress jacket just to cover the gun in warmer weather.
I was visiting a guy who was a fairly hardened criminal, tho he and his Brothers were sort of friendly despite the illegal activities.
I was talking to him and he just matter of factually asked what I was carrying. When I told him he said his dog, a doberman would get me before I could get it out.
I assured him I wasn’t planning on testing the dog to see. It did surprise me that he could tell I was carrying, but then he was an experienced type.
Anyway for right now I don’t have a concealed carry license, simply because I don’t want to pay for it. I do have a Domke photographer’s vest which would conceal a small auto if it had something to break up the print.
Then again I read somewhere that a photographer’s vest was a bit of a giveaway that you were carrying.
Depends on what kind of clothing you wear or have to wear.
If you have a jacket or an untucked shirt you sure don’t have to wear “a paddle inside your pants.”
There are plenty of really great holsters out there (try dmbullardleather.com, aka D.M. Bullard of Azle, Texas) that you can wear outside your jeans or slacks.
You might have to go with a smaller handgun if you really have to worry about it never showing...but Ruger (the SP101) and Smith & Wesson (the 640, to name one model) both make terrific little .357 revolvers that shoot straight and make a big hole.
If you have to tuck in your shirt there are still specialty holsters and shirts or you might try slacks with cargo pockets. Probably have to go with a semi-auto in that case, just because you can get them smaller...the little Sig Sauer .380 is tiny and has a safety.
Lotsa options out there. Get that permit and practice with that handgun!
Thanks for the tips. Will have to look up these models. FR rocks when it comes to gun questions and answers! :-)
This is a possibility:
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/red-rock-outdoor-gear-nomad-sling-bag?a=1194600
Try a waistband type of arrangement. It is a wide comfy, elastic type of band that uses velcro to accomodate a pistol or a holster for a pistol. I have one that I use rarely but for some situations, it's a blessing. They cost about 40 bucks or less and do come in XL sizes.
Good luck!
If you want a .22, revolver, get a ruger lcr in .22. 8 round cylinder.
I have one too. I love it. It’s my main carry piece.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.