[seeker41]

Thanks for your advice. The 357 is fine, but I wanted to voyage into the world of semi-autos. I would like to learn to shoot really well and to be honest I just like guns (blushes at such a thought). In this day and age it can't hurt, in Texas we have CCL.

Is there really that much kick with the 45?

[flashbunny]

Recoil isn't that bad. Depending on the launching mechanism, it can be milder than some 9mm's.

Some people like glocks, some don't. I don't like the grip angle. Feels like I'm holding a 2x4.

You're going to get a lot of advise, but no one here can pick the perfect handgun for you. Only you can. Find a range that lets you rent handguns and try out the ones that feel best in your hand. Then go to someplace like The Firing Line and do a search on your choices to see if there are any problems you should know about.

[Mariner]

"Does the .45 kick that much"?

I'm a strong man and experienced shooter......and after 50 rounds at the range my accuracy is way down with the .45.....less so with the .40.......and the .380 and 9mm are about the same due to the predominance of the blowback action of .380's.

In order to shoot well, with confidence, you'll have to shoot alot. Most women won't shoot the bigger calibers much unless they work up to them slowly.

Confidence and sure accuracy are far more likely to save your life than a big bore.

[wardaddy]

A lightweight .357 wheelgun with average loads will "kick" 20% more than a meduim frame .45 auto with average loads.

[sneakypete]

Is there really that much kick with the 45?

No. Seems like a lot of people try to convince others of this for some reason,but I've taught both 50 year old women and 13 year old girls how to shoot,and they enjoyed shooting my 45. I teach people about recoil being exaggerated by shooting a 12 guage shotgun one-handed. Seems like severe recoil is a genuine fear of people who have never done any (or much) shooting,and EVERYBODY has heard the tales about how "that 12 gauge kicked so much it knocked me down." When they see me shoot one with one-hand,they lose their fear of recoil and have fun.