Favorite Handgun Question (Vanity)

http://www.freerepublic.com/ ^ | March 21, 2006 | Me

[tcostell]

I'm in the market for a pistol for my wife and I was hoping I could solicit opinions and suggestions.

She doesn't have any handgun experience, but she's an excellent rifle shot (better than me in fact) and has no trouble handling the recoil of my 12 gauge Benelli when shooting clay. The weight of it does bother her a little however because she's very small. She's 5'1'' and some change, and weighs about 105 lbs soaking wet.

The firearm will be used for personal self defense, but I'm not really expecting a home invasion, and she won't be using it when concealment would be an issue. I just want her to have something portable that she can slip under her car seat and carry with her if it becomes necessary for her to take our daughter and beat feet from the greater NY area.

I think she can handle a cartridge with some stopping power but a .50 cal would probably be out of the question. A light recoil 9mm or .40 cal would probably be OK, but I specifically need something with a gentle slide spring and a relatively small grip because of her size.

I had the Springfield XD-9 recommended to me, so I picked one up at Cabelas this weekend but it still felt a little large for her hands.

I was wondering if any of the ladies (or knowledgeable gents) could make specific recommendation I could have her take a look at?

Thanks.

[Fighting Irish]

...incoming!

[TommyDale]

Ruger .357 Magnum

[Armigerous]

Get her a 9mm...maybe a Baretta or a Walther PPK..or my favorite: an Astra Parabellum

[TXBSAFH]

Glock G21
Kimber Custom Classic 45 acp
Ruger Blackhawk 4 5/8" barrel 45 colt.

[Puppage]

I'm in the market for a pistol for my wife and I was hoping I could solicit opinions and suggestions

Take her to the range & let her try several. My wife has very small hands & what I thought was good for her, wasn't even close. Also, shot placement is more important than caliber....she needs to be comfortable with what she chooses.

[Obadiah]

Glock 45. End of story.

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14792&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y

[verity]

After you make your purchase, do not make her angry.
;- )

[ClearCase_guy]

She's 5'1'' and some change, and weighs about 105 lbs soaking wet.

I think Bonnie Parker was about that size. She preferred an M1918A1 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR). But that's not for everyone.

[Loud Mime]

Sig's P232 is my ante...

[IndyTiger]

If she does not have handgun experience, I would recommend a revolver rather than a semi-auto. If conceal-carry is not an issue, a 4-in barrel .357 magnum revolver such as a Ruger GP100 or S&W 686 would be an excellent choice.

[tcostell]

Double stack 9mm's have that wide grip that would probably be awkward for her. I was hoping for something smaller. If I could get a mini 9mm like those 6 shot .45's out there I think it would be a good fit, but I haven't seen them.

[tcostell]

Like I said, she's already a better rifle shot than me... I already try to avoid angering her.

[from occupied ga]

I'm in the market for a pistol for my wife

What's she look like - Does she have all her teeth? Can she cook? What kind of a pistol do you want for her? :-)

[Eagle Eye]

Wow...gun porn and it's not even Friday!


For an under-the-seat gun for someone who won't be serious about carrying and practicing?

But something utterly reliable and simple in a pinch?

Get a Ruger (or other) .357 4" revolver that can also take .38 special.

[Eagle Eye]

LOL..I tried to get a pistol for my first wife...but the dude wanted an extra $1000 to take her off my hands!

[ko_kyi]

Walther P-99 - light and small gripped, reliable.

[Skooz]

I am seriously considering buying a handgun in the next few months.

I have just about decided on a Walther PPK.

Is that a good choice?

[Mad Dawg]

The advice about letting her shoot several is good. I think starting our with small caliber, like a .22 revolver or a 380 semi, is good. First come technique and accuracy and then you can start thinking about caliber. Tastes change and it takes time to find the handgun that really suits.

Me, myself, personally, I really like a Sig P239 and the 9mm is pleasant to shoot, though I carry 357 or .40. Tupperware guns sure are light. My duty gun is a Glock 22 and, well, it's okay.