[WolfSpirit]

Hi, I am actually new to this site. I am not familiar with hand guns , I am looking to buy one, due to recent safety requirments. Im only familair with the hunting rifles my Uncles have, and not technically knowledgable about them either, so basically, I need help in all areas. I was giving this site buy my uncles friend,,since going to the shop ,,and maybe 1-2 ppl thinking they know whats right for me, and sometimes they arent always knowledgable them selfs. lil example, I went to the shop last week, to look at,,not sure exactly what I was going to actually buy from there,,,they pull out a hand held that , forgive,,I donot know make model ,,not good with that,,yet,,I am learning, so they pull this piece out, I looked at it, but I just didnt "feel" like it was for me,,,so they pull out 3 more, I told them what I wanted and why...which was not the ones they was tryign to sell me,,and nonethe less, me being Female,,going alone,,,hey a sale is a sale,,ya right,,Im not that undermindedd to take whats first tossed my way. I was told by my uncles this is a timely thing,,I do understand that..I wanted them to help, but unfornuatly they only have time at night to talk or on sunday,,and the shops are closed,,,so Heres what I need help with,,I am looking for a easy grip, med-light weight. easy to carry. and something that I dont have to figure out in the dark,,I work in a store as a supervisor whcih recently was attemped at break ins, which they wont get much, but I am not going to chance it. I am independant so I live on my own and need reassurance for saftly, not to mention,,a few months ago,,my cousins BF, took me to a range to get used to the shooting,,which ,,I was petrifyed ,,but then was like,,this is awsome,,I can handle this...so I want my own. SO, WE picked up some magazines,,which I am looking ast these,,,and im like,,how do I know which to get...so I go that narrowed down now...handgun,,lol but I seen the pics of the bigger ones,,,ooo I would like to have them too...anyways,,IF anyone has any advise for me, I am open to any suggestions! and no I dont want a piece to hid in my purse,,lol I dont carry one. I want one to carry on body. I been looking,,I know I need papers,,I am working on that too. I am first needing to know what is best for me. I hope this make sense as to my questions. Thanks for any advice.

WS

[Kaylee]

First -- nice post! You laid out your needs very well.

The standard recommendation for someone in your position is a .38 revolver. There's a good reason for that -- they're VERY simple, and easy for folks new to firearms to intuitively understand. I'd look for an older Smith model 36 in your position, or perhaps a Taurus. Granted it's on the lower end of firepower for what's available on the market now, but it's very concealable, relatively lightweight (the newer alloy ones are VERY lightweight, but thanks to Newton's law recoil can get nasty then), and they've served adequately for decades.

If you're comfortable with a semi-auto, the Glock line is similarly simple. A compact 9mm variant would likely suit you well. I prefer the Kahr to the glock just because it's smaller and carries better for me, but they're similar platforms.

Really, the best thing you can do is go to the shop and see which fits you best, then perhaps post back here for what does and doesn't work for you and why, and we can direct you better from there.

Things to ask to see --

Smith or Taurus "j-frame" .38 special
Glock model 19 or 26 (both relatively small 9mms, though they all are pretty much the same)
Kahr pistol


Things to pay attention to --
- how it feels in your hand
(try closing your eyes and raising the pistol to eye level. See which way the pistol naturally points for you -- too high? too low?)
- how the trigger pull feels to you (too stiff? too gritty? too light? )
- if you can try rentals, the recoil.


Finally... if you call the NRA they can point you to an instructor in your area. You may also find someone on the board in your area that can let you try out their pieces to give you exposure to different weapons.

[SpookyPistolero]

Hello Wolf!

Glad that you had a good time at the range, and the good sense not to let a gun store push you into buying something you didn't fall in love with.

Probably the best advice is to find someone you know who is a knowledgeable shooter and try and shoot as many different models of handguns as you can. Picking a personal weapon is not much different from picking shoes or clothes, all of them aren't going to fit.

If there isn't anyone else you can ask, try going to a range that rents pieces and shoot what you can there.

If your'e new to handguns, I would also definitely stress getting some real training in basics from a professional. Most ranges offer these sorts of classes and the NRA offers many as well.

It will be hard to give advice as to what types of handguns to start looking at until you go and see for yourself what you like and don't like, but an excellent starting point is a good 3" or 4" revolver in .357 magnum. This is versatile because you can learn to shoot with it using very light (not as powerful) .38 special cartridges in it, and after lots of practice and familiarity, you can move up to putting .357 magnum in it for defensive purposes. Smith & Wesson and Ruger are two excellent brands that come to mind.

The revolver is also extremely simple to load and operate. They will not jam as a semi-automatic pistol can do.

If a semi-auto is more to your liking, something in a 9mm, .40 S&W or .45 ACP would be a good choice. Glock pistols are very reliable, simple to operate, and come in three sizes. Sig Sauer also makes an excellent pistol.

Where in Kentucky are you located? There are several good guns stores in Lexington that would be helpful in your search.

Best of luck, and I think you came to the right place! There is a seemingly endless supply of knowledge, advice and friendliness around here!

-Spooky

[Hawkmoon]

Yep.

Alloy-frame revolver in .38 special. Something like a Smith & Wesson Ladysmith, or maybe the equivalent by Taurus if you're on a tight budget.

[yesterdaysyouth]

eaiest way to find what you want is too shoot everything you can get your hands on...

if you're local, i know a group of people :uhoh: that own at least one example of most every handgun available... :D

[wolf]

hi wolfspirit///good to see more wolves here..

the above postings offer good advice....let me add my 2cents

take some safety classes first...what you learn will apply to ALL firearms...rule one being...the gun is ALWAYS loaded

the classes will also build confidence and expose some myths regarding guns of all types...if you have a chance to go to a range that rents handguns do so...many ranges will be more than willing to help you...not try to sell you a gun...it is a major decision so take your time...it is a multi-layered decision...how it feels in your hand...how easy it is to work the controls (safty..decocker...slide stop...disassembly ... mag release) how the trigger feels in double and single action...all these thing take time to digest to a new shooter...dont rush...and of course how it looks :)

there is alot of product out there..you might begin by seeing what you are willing to pay...and what brands of handguns you can afford at that price..then narrow it down to which brands have that price range and what models they offer..it clears alot of the confusion right away...then try to rent the guns in your price range and pick the ones that feel good to your hand and can be operated fairly easy..again take your time...when you narrow it down to two or three..you will make the correct decision..wolves always do

<wolfgrin>

good luck

wolf

[Ford]

I would suggest a Springfield XD-9 (http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-xdpstl-service.shtml). It is maybe the best gun you can buy for under $500. Usually around $425 in my area. Very simple to operate. I recently recommended this to a friend of mine. It was his first handgun. He shoot's great with it.
Also remember when looking at guns. The smaller and lighter the gun is, the more felt recoil you are going to have.

[WolfSpirit]

Thank you all very much for your help. I am going to definetly take my time, Im going to check out some of the some suggested, and in the morning I am going to make some calls to see about the rentals, Ya know the guys at the shop NEVER told me about rentals. Im not looking to spend a fortune, around 4 is good for me, I do have a budget.lol Ia lso agree with the thought about being too light and it recoils, I do want to know I have something in my hand,,oh I know im going to regret that sentence, but I do know I dont want to rush into buying JUST a gun, because its not JUST a gun. I have seen the .38 revolvers and glock, but there just sooo many to choose from, ya know it takes me and hour to choose a pair of Tennis shoes ,,,lol...I have to have the right fit. but these are not shoes!!!! ALso thank you for the comment about my post Kaylee, I try to not be confusing. Nice to see another Wolf too (smiles). Im going to be busy this weekend, going to check out guns, and Im glad I havent rushed into anything, dont want nothing I dont love. oh and as for my hands they are med,,not so small I guess,,im around 5'7.5'8. but in the mean time till I do get my handgun I carry my tire iron,,LOL...I can swing! OH I do agree,,since I been here, checking out this site,,it does give my alot if information and ideas on what is best for me. and I got more help here than I did from the Lone Rangers at ther shop, I think they need a job replacment,,lol. ANd for your Question SPooky ,,Im near Ashland, do you know where that is? well thank you all so very much and for the welcome as well.

WS

[Standing Wolf]

Speaking strictly as one wolf to another: if you hang out at shooting ranges and ask questions, the majority of shooters will be glad to let you try their guns.

I always recommend that newbies start with .22s, since they're the easiest and least expensive to shoot, and good safety habits and accuracy are easier to transfer up the caliber scale than down.

Best of success, eh?

[Al Thompson]

As opposed to getting into makes and models.... :)

Rule 1 - have a gun.
Rule 2 - have a gun that works.

The rest of the rules are waaaaay down the list, priority wise.

IMHO and IMHE, (YMMV) )(:D) a good .22 of any flavor (round or square) can both defend you and help you be an excellent shot.

Ashland - best friend lives down stream of you.

Good luck.. Pay attention to Kaylee, she's a white wolf. :)

[sm]

WolfSpirit, Welcome to THR! :)

I agree with getting in touch with a NRA instructor in your area. I agree with shooting a variety to see what fits you.

I used to assist with teaching new shooters / CCW and we had a variety of guns and holsters for students to actually shoot and try. I like this "try before you buy".

There are many folks willing to let you shoot their guns and try their methods of carry.

I always started a new person out with a .22 Revolver, then transitioned to a med frame .38spl.

Now I have "cheated" especially with new shooters on a budget. I use real light target .38spl loadings to teach. That is the nice thing about a .38spl Revolver. Acually - may great reasons.

-Ammo is affordable
-Many loadings avail ( from light target loads to defense loads)
-One can dryfire with a .good .38spl to better ones trigger use, sight alignment and such.
-NOT dependant on magazines to make the gun work. Which also saves monies and alleviates something else to maintain in order for gun to work.

Kaylee mentioned a J frame, great for CCW. I would ask/ look for a good used one. Another good choice - a bit bigger is a mode 10, this is the next size up ( a K frame) - this in a "snub nose" would work as well.

Understand - short bbls - the gun themselves are just as accurate as one with a longer bbl. It is the shorter sight radius that makes it more difficult...so you would need to work a bit harder to learn the nuances of shorter sight - snubby if you will.

NO big deal , just a bit more dedication and practice is all.

Good Luck! Keep us posted on progress please. :)

[BluesBear]

Welcome Aboard™ WolfSpirit!
I spent 40 years in the Louisville area and I used to drive up to Ashland a lot. :evil:

Glad to see you here.





How 'bout dem Wildcats!

[unspellable]

If you go with a revolver I would say the starting point is a steel framed midsized frame with a four inch barrel and chambered for the 357 Mag. The grips on most can be changed so go by what's available not what's actually on the revolver. A four inch barrel will give good velocity, with a six inch barrel there is too much leverage for a goblin to take the gum away from you. Make the grip the largest that is comfortable for you, the better to hang on to the gun if the goblin makes a grab, and the better to spread the recoil.

Initial practice should be with standard velocity 38 Specials which will work in a 357 Magnum. Then work up to the hotter loads.

All this assumes you are pulling it out of a drawer when you hear a suspicious noise. If you are going to carry it concealed then issues of size and weight may force you to something smaller and/or lighter.

[trickyasafox]

word of caution if you get a auto like the xd9 or a glock, make sure you can rack the slide reliably and quickly. you never know when you might have to clear a stoppage. for a carry gun, have you considered some of the berreta flip ups? they are so small and light they can fit with almost any cloathing. i dont have experience with em myself though maybe some other member can chime in with their function. if you do decide you like auto's dont over look kel-tec. i think theres a lot of value for your dollar in their line.

[sturmruger]

Welcome to the THR Wolf I hope you like it here. You will find people to be pretty laid back adn easy going.

First off do we have any members that live in the Ashland Kentucky area??? I think it would be a great start to get someone to bring a bunch of handguns to the range for her to try.

Second I would check out www.packing.org it has some great training resources and will have some good information concern how you can go about getting a carry permit for the state of KY. Take your time choosing a gun, so far all of the gun recomandations have been good.

Here is what my choices would be in your situation


Taurus Revolver $300
Ruger SP101 $300
Springfield SC XD9 $400

[LiquidTension]

If you're in the $400 price range, that puts you in Springfield XD, CZ, and Smith & Wesson revolver territory. You may be able to get a Glock for that price if you look around a bit. There are others, but those are the first ones that come to mind. Hi Power compacts are nice, and I paid right at $400 for one.

I'm quite sure that there are several people in your area from the board that would go to a shop with you or let you shoot whatever they have...there's lots of nice people here :) I'd take you, but it's kinda a long drive from SC.

As has been stated before, the most important thing about buying a gun is that YOU like it and YOU feel comfortable with it. You could have the most decked out race gun on earth, but it doesn't mean a whole lot if you can't shoot it well! The best thing to do is handle as many as you can, you'll start to get a feel for what you like that way. After that, pick out several and rent them (if available), or get together with some fellow THRers.

Good luck :)

[MrMurphy]

Remember that revolvers can have their grips changed. Just cause you don't like the grip, you can fix that.


Something small and simple is the way to go.

S&W 642, Taurus 85, or similar revolver.

In the automatics, being that you're female and want an on-body gun that's easy to hide, a Kahr PM9 (works like a revolver, point and squeeze) would work.

[Jim PHL]

I wouldn't recommend any specific model without knowing you better. That said, a used Smith + Wesson K-frame is rarely a bad choice. (For any shooter, not just a new shooter!) Ask someone at the shop if they have a used Smith + Wesson model 10, 15 or 64 in .38 special or a model 13, 19, 65, 66 in .357. You may also like a Ruger GP100. I would advise against a lightweight snub for a newer shooter but you make like a small framed steel model such as a S+W 60 or 640 or a Ruger SP101.
The best suggestion I've read so far is from "Yesterdaysyouth". Going shooting with a group and being able to try several types and calibers with people eager to help you is your best bet. Go with a friend or two since you'll be meeting strangers and offer to buy some ammunition. You'll learn a lot and have a ton of fun.

Go back and read a ton of old posts here, too. Good Luck. Be Safe.

[sfhogman]

Excellent magazine: "Women and Guns".

Excellent book: "Armed and Female" by Paxton Quigley, available at Amazon.

Welcome,

and most importantly,

Have Fun!!!!!

Jeff

[obiwan1]

Wolf: You've got a lot of good information here. "Armed and Female" is a good book for you. So is "In Gravest Extreme" by Masad Ayoob.
Try before you buy is good advice in buying a firearm. Don't go for the lightweight and super lights. Newton's laws of Physics haven't been repealed. Buy what you feel comfortable with. Ergonomics matter but remember that revolver grips can be changed. Now my suggestions: Look at K frame S&W or steel framed Kahr. If you think J frame S&W may be OK, buy the steel ones and unless you plan to pocket carry look at the 3" barrel. Better ballistics and sight radius.
You've got a lot of support here. Use it wisely. :cool:

[pax]

Listen to Kaylee -- she's one smart lady. :)

Another great book, considerably less dated than Armed and Female, is a book titled Effective Defense by Gila Hayes. A&F is fine for encouragement and such, but it's not exactly tops on equipment issues.

Women and Guns (www.womenandguns.com) magazine is well worth a look. I like it because it is directed mostly toward shooters who are not very experienced yet; even though it's got lots of info for more experienced shooters, beginners shouldn't feel overwhelmed by the articles.

Shopping advice: When you go to try on guns, try very hard not to get hung up on how a gun looks. How it looks is really the least important thing about it. How it feels in your hand is very much more important -- and much more important than how it feels is how it will perform. You want to avoid anything by Bryco, Jennings, etc (those are the very cheapest of the semi-autos and most of them don't function very reliably). If the gun doesn't feel solid or high quality, look for something else or else come back online and ask about the brand.

How to know if a gun fits your hand well:

1) When you hold the gun in your right hand, the back of the grip should fit solidly into the web between your thumb and the rest of your hand. It should not come into the joint at the base of your thumb -- although you can shoot that way, maybe even shoot well that way, it is not as comfortable and it isn't good for your hand.

2) With the back of the grip firmly in the web, you should be able to place your finger on the trigger so that the tip is flat. You should be able to get the distal joint (the joint closest the tip) onto the trigger without a big stretch and without moving the back of the grip out of the web of your hand. (Sometimes you will come across target shooters who teach that you should use only the very, very tip of your finger to press the trigger, and they will try to convince you that you needn't be able to get the distal joint onto the trigger. But that is not correct for a defense gun.)

3) You should be able to reach and use the external safety (if there is one) with one hand. You should be able to reach and use the magazine release (on a semi-auto) with one hand. You should be able to reach and use the cylinder release (on a revolver) with one hand. Check all these things; if some of the controls are stiff or hard to reach, talk over various options with the sales guy. Don't settle for, "Well you can use your other hand to do that." For a defense gun, you need to be able to reach the controls with one hand, so make sure you'll be able to do that.

4) If you go with a semi-auto, you need to be sure you can pull the top part of the gun to the rear ("rack the slide") and lock it back. If you are a normal, healthy adult and have trouble with this, it isn't because you are too weak -- it is because you don't know the right technique yet. If you need help learning how to do that, ask. Some guns are harder to rack than others, but none of them are going to be too hard for you to do at all unless you have a medical issue or unless you simply haven't been taught how to do it.

Hope that helps! Come back with questions...

pax

[gtd]

PAX and KAYLEE are right on. My only suggestion is -- do not buy a semi-auto, get a revolver. Why? Because one of your own criteria is that it should work for you in the dark without complication, and you are inexperienced.

I like semi-auto pistols, but mine have technical problems at the range from time to time. They are complicated. Revolvers are almost fool proof -- just point and shoot.

Get at least a .32 caliber. A .38 is standard self-defense caliber. Anything less than .32 just makes the other guy mad. Get good quality ammunition so it will be easy to load and to eject spent shell casings, and so it will be more effective.

Here's my suggestion:

Get a simple and inexpensive revolver, preferably a heavier steel one (not titanium). Also get a good holster, and maybe one or two speed loaders, and good ammunition. The total package will be under your budget figure. The heavy revolver will be relatively light on recoil, so it will be more accurate and fun for you. Practice once a week at the range until you are comfortable with it.

If you hate shooting as a sport, you still will have a good defensive system. If you like it, you can add to your arsenal as you see fit.

Good luck!

G