[Brian Williams]

Hi I'm Leigh, Brian's oldest daughter. I am 20 now, but will be turning 21 not soon enough. I like to join my father on the range at times, but am often too busy to do so. When I turn 21 my visits will hopefully become more frequent. Out of all his 11 handguns I like the Glock 19. However I was wondering what y'all thought would be the best ccw for me to get on my b-day(or shortly thereafter depending on how good I am at convincing my father to help me purchase it). :D Thanks for the imput.
Leigh
My daddy says bring enough gun to a gun fight. If neccessary bring friends with bigger guns. That is if you show up.

[braindead0]

A ruger SP-101 ;-).. A lot depends on your temperament, do you become easily 'frazzled' when under serious stress?? Then I'd suggest a revolver... I personally don't get frazzled, but carry revolver anyway... so I'm kinda a wheelgun bigot ;-)

[MJRW]

If you like the G19, then a G19 is in order. If you can't conceal that, possibly a kel-tec P11 or Kahr. What's your revolver experience?

[El Tejon]

Pick what you like, buy another one and lots of magazines, buy a good belt and holster. Get thee to skul.

[Greybeard]

I've had lots of ladies thru CHL classes. Most common "carry gun" is a j-frame. Also lots of Glock 19s. The Kahrs have also come on strong. Lots of choices. Take your time to determine what you are most comfortable with - not necessarily what someone else insists that you need.

[Croyance]

I am no fan of Glocks, but if you like the Glock 19 because you are most accurate and quick with it, I would pick that.
Any carry handgun is a comprimise of power, concealability, weight, and handling qualities.
Many, though not all, consider the 9*19 round to be sufficient for self-defense. The Glock 19 meets that criteria.
Though there are smaller guns, the G19 is relatively lightweight, and is large enough to handle easily. So check on those also.
The controls are also easy to use under stress, no safety levers to work, etc. A factor for some - you know better than us how you react to danger.
I think what is really needed is a good carry system. There are several manufacturers that make holsters better suited for women. I can't think of them off hand, but a search or a new post will find them.
For on body carry, a quality gun belt is a must. There are also purses made for concealing guns.
More stuff to get dad to buy.

[Felonious Monk]

Hiya, Leigh!

I own and love a trio of Kel-Tecs. P-11 and P-32. They're coming out with a .380 the size of the P-32!!!

My wife carries a (purple) P-32 and loves it.
She's a deadeye with it, too.

Gonna carry all the time? P32's great. Nothing like it in terms of light weight, concealability and punch.

G-19's WAY more gun, but can you carry it comfortably concealed? In the summer in shorts & a T-shirt?

First rule of a gunfight: Have a gun.
The P32/P3AT will always be with me.

OTOH, if you like the Glock 19, you're not gonna love the DAO trigger. So get Dad to get you the G19 WITH NIGHT SIGHTS, and
a Kel-Tec for backup.

[incursion]

If you like the Glock 19, try out the HK P7M8. It has a low bore axis like the Glock, but the trigger is much better. It also has lower muzzle flip, and it's thinner. However, it is heavier. Mine weighs 34 oz. fully loaded (8+1).

[MJRW]

That P7 is quite a unique manual of arms. That it was so wildly different than everything else caused me to shy from it.

[Jesse H]

If you like the 19, you may like the 26 as well...just more concealable.

Oh, and welcome to THR.

[Zak Smith]

Hi Leigh,

The Glock 19 is one of my favorite handguns. It isn't pretty or particularly elegant, but it packs a lot of firepower (15+1) in a light package, and is very easy to shoot reasonably accurately, fast. 124gr +P is a good choice for self-defense in this caliber.

However, I find the mid-size Glocks a little hard to conceal comfortably, especially in the summer. For comparison, I'm 5'9" and about 160lbs, and I carry IWB.

I found that I could conceal pistols that were less "blocky", narrower, and had a shorter grip, easier. Thus, though a Browning Hi-Power was havier and longer, it's easier to conceal because the grip is short and the pistol is narrow.

The Sub-compact Glocks (26,27,33) are significantly easier to conceal than the mid-size (19,23,32).

If you want something more powerful (ie, .45ACP), you might look at the Glock 30, 36, or one of the compact or sub-compact 1911-pattern pistols. One of my friends packs a Kimber Ultra Carry (6+1 .45ACP) in her purse and it works quite well.

-z

[10-Ring]

Go w/ what you like. If that's the 19, stick w/ it. If you want something in a diff't caliber, maybe try the Glock 23, 32 & 36.

[sm]

Hello
I'm big on the gun fitting the shooter,
Jim H- has a drill tha might be helpful. Might try dad's guns and holsters, or attend a ladies night and ask to try some of what works for others.

Drill is easy , fold a pc of typing paper in half, fold again (quartered), using a timer/stopwatch, shoot 5 rds from 5 yds. By shooting different calibers, platforms (revolvers, semi's) and Manual of Arms (MOA). Single action, DAO, DA/SA. Take note of times and groups, pretty good indicator of what your better with. Couple that with trying various ladies gear, and all you need is daddy to set you up...with plenty of ammo.

Be safe, have fun, good luck

[Selfdfenz]

Hi Lady and welcome to the "club"

I recently bought a Bersa 380 two tone. It was sort of an impulse actually. It was all of $178 plus tax and I picked up 3 aftermarket mags from CNDD for $11 each. It has run without problem through about 400 rounds of assorded ammo. HPs seem to work ok as well. And most importantly its accurate.

If you can't hit soemthing with it no caliber is better than another.

This pistol has, in about three weeks turned out to be my everywhere all of a sudden, and I have several (many) others to select from. Untill now I never cared for the round or the pistols that are chambered for 380 but that has changed.

If you go to a range that rents this model I recommed you give it a try.
Be safe.
S-

[Stevie-Ray]

Hi Leigh, and welcome. As Jesse already mentioned the Glock 26 to you, it would be my choice as it offers the familiar form you're so fond of in a smaller, easier to conceal package. Recoil is negligible and the weapon is quite accurate. I like mine very much.

[LWCmdr45]

If holstered on the person with an appropriate covering garment, most women I know don't find the G19/23 dificult to conceal. Most people I know who buy the mini-Glocks end up adding a finger rest to the magazine, which defetas the purpose of the smaller frame, IMO. I find that the G26/27 are best used riding in an ankle, vest or (large) pocket holster. if you decide on the G19, spend the extra $$$ and buy some full capacity mag's to take advantage of the longer grip. If you're considering carrying any Glock loose in a conventional purse sans holster, I advise against it. A woman's purse usually has too many objects that may defeat the "Safe Action" trigger lever.

"But, that's just my opinion and I could be wrong."

Steve

[blades67]

You like the G19 and can shoot it well? Get a G19. Simple as that.

[isaidme]

G19 or a browning hi-power

[Soap]

Go with what you know and already like, which is the G19.

My wife in 21 and she prefers the full size 1911 over all the others she has tried, including the G19. It all comes down to personal preference as others have said.

[Kahr carrier]

G19 because you shoot it well and are comfortable with it or a j frame Smith Revolver .:)

[kalibear45]

Hi Leigh -

Go with what you are comfortable with and can shoot best. In your case a Glock 19 would be perfect since you've had prior experience with it. Glocks tend to be good for CCW because the polymer frame helps to lessen the overall weight. Just remember that your "safety" for this particular pistol will be keeping your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. There are a number of IWB type holsters readily available also - I recommend a nicely built leather holster for comfort.

Best.

Chris

[Rally Vincent]

Leigh.

As a fellow women I wish you good on getting your CCW.

If I was you I'd stick woth the Glock19, it's a pistol your familar with so you'll get no suprizes. (I hope) Get some Hi-caps for it and you will be set.

But.........If it was me........I'd go with a Browning Hi-power 9mm. Heh heh. Thing is a kitten. Good for women because it's pretty thin for a double stack.......But if you get a MK III......get rid of those crappy grips with the thumb rests on'em.

^_^

[Devonai]

Can I get a ride in your Cobra sometime Rally?

[Rally Vincent]

Maybe........ ~_^

[Country Boy]

Leigh-
If you like the G19, go with it. Buy a high quality holster and "test drive" carrying your dad's G19. If the gun fits your hand, and you feel comfortable with the round, then by all means go for it. Get in plenty of practice, and keep that finger off the trigger (until you are ready, of course :D) Good luck!

BTW Don't be afraid to get your own screen name and hang out around here!

Rod T.

[Trisha]

Hi, Leigh!

I'd suggest you look into one of the compact Glocks, being you can shoot the G19 well. Also, if you carry a backpack/shoulderbag (and maybe sometimes a good purse, like something made by Coach or Dooney & Bourke), look into a snubbie revolver as a second gun, 'cause it can be fired in emergency through a bag without jamming.

Mine's a S&W 649, and with its' shrouded hammer it slips into and out of anything without snagging.

Carry what you love to shoot, and shoot well, because if the most desperate eventuality ever confronts you and deadly force is an inescapable fact, you'll have complete confidence and be more able to act with precision.

Are you shooting with an IDPA club yet? Are you into martial arts? How do your girlfriends deal with you being a shooter?

Remember, it's never too early to recruit!

Hugs!

Trisha

[Dr.Rob]

I'd recommend a Colt detective Special over a j-frame, the grip is larger, more comfortable and easier to hang onto when firing heavy 38 sepcial loads.

But if you like the Glock, by all means I'd say stick with what you know. I'm not a big fan of them myself, but you can get a single stack Glock that will conceal easier than a model 19. Good luck and good shooting.

Give IDPA a try, you just might like it.

[cratz2]

Of all the guns of mine that my wife has shot, she likes the Glock 23 (same size as the 19) the best of the pistols. She also like the Hogue grip on the S&W 686 that is our house gun. She also generally likes the feel of the grip of the Browning Hi Power and CZ75/EAA series guns. Much to my chagrin, she just does not like the 1911 at all.

If you feel you've tried a pretty good selection and you like the feel of the Glock 19 then go with it. If you're going to carry it on a holster, you might give the Glock 26 a try as it should be a bit easier to conceal and a bit lighter as well.

Point is, you want to arm yourself and you seem experienced enough to safely do it. Get going and good luck. ;)

[Waitone]

Hi Leigh!

My daughter just turned 21 this month. She already had taken the CCH class. Day after her birthday she applied for purchase permits and set an appointment for CCH processing.

What we've been doing is shooting our way through a large rack of different kinds of handguns. Determined revolvers are not her preference so now its on to pistols. She has learned the importance of hand fit, recoil managemnt, trigger feel, sight picture, instinctive aiming. She is also learning the selection of a handgun is an exercise in tradeoffs. We keep circling back to various Glocks. .40 is too jumpy and barky. 9mm is more fun but jumpy. .38 spl feels old fashioned. She loves the trigger on a 1911. She shot better groups faster and more accurately with a .45 ACP 1911. But the 1911 is too big to carry. Now we're into the world of trade-off.

Her solution? Get two handguns. . . .I kid you not. She came up with that solution by herself. Looks like it will be a .45 ACP for fun and a smaller frame for carry. She's ruled out a Kahr, Sig was too pricey. She's showing interest in a Bersa Thunder .380 for packing.

My point is shoot your way through your dad's collection. Narrow your choice down to a range of models then shoot those at a range. There is nothing more fun and frustrating than choosing your first piece.

Keep us all posted.

[Dienekes]

Similar situation here. I ran all kinds of handguns past my daughter when she was about 15 and she liked the Glock 19 the best. We started out with that (after the basics) and she has always been very happy with it. When she was about 20 she took me up on my offer to send her to Gunsite, had a great time. She is now 23, just applied for her CCW in an adjoining state where she works. She is threatening to buy herself a G26 with her income tax refund because the G19 is just a bit large for a fanny pack.

BTW when I was an LEO/firearms instructor most of our female agents purchased their own G19s and were very content with them. They are a compromise, but a good compromise.

Has your father got you started loading your own ammo yet? I gave my daughter all the basics for Christmas in hopes that I could shove the work off on to her...

Good luck.

[ranger7]

My daughter married at 20 and wanted a handgun for home protection and possible occasional carry. We purchased a snubby in 38 Spcl for her and she loves it. She frequently out-shoots me with it. ( I have previously preferred semi-autos for myself,)

I recently bought my own 38 Spcl snubby, mostly so I can develop practice reloads for her. I've been shooting it a lot lately and have now found it to be very accurate for me too. I enjoy shooting it as much as semi-autos now, but still prefer semi-autos for carry (Glock G36 and Kel Tec P-32).

Alan

[Logistar]

I would suggest a Glock 26 if you like glocks. Of course EVERYONE should have a P-32 (or the new .380 from Kel-Tec).

I also suggested that my daughter look into the newer 9mms from Taurus. If their reliabilty is good and she can deal with Taurus service, I really think she will like them.

She likes the idea that the Taurus can be LOCKED if she has to leave the weapon unattended. (I prefer a weapon with NO safeties or locks of any kind most of the time but it makes her feel better to have them.)

Then again, a .38 Special +P might be the perfect carry gun depending on how you carry.

Logistar

[goon]

My experience carrying says that you should pick the lightest, smallest weapon that has sufficient power.
Sounds like the Glock would be a good choice.

[.45FMJoe]

PA!!! You live in PA! NO "y'all" :D :D

That's the only thing I can't stand about Florida. I'm a wop from New York and I just can't get used to the"y'all" LOL

Anyway, you are female so you prolly carry a purse around with you a lot, right? Purse = plenty of storage space = Fullsize Government model 1911. That's my engineering derived solution. And if you only have petite purses, you must redesign the purses to fit the gun, not the other way around ;):)

BTW, you single? ;)

just kidding...no really, don't shoot me. OK, fine...I'm going back to my physics book (it's made of kevlar, you know):D :neener:

[Brian Williams]

Leigh's Dad here the real Perfessr

no purse kinda a tomboy but real cute. She still lusts after my Glock but is looking at the others, has not shot my 1911 yet, gotta get mags.

OBTW I carry a S&W 60-4 38 spec LSWC, looking at a 940 and once I get some new mags for the 1911 it will go it to the rotation

S&W mod 13 3"
S&W 60 3"
1911
G19

[Marcus]

It`s good to hear about young women who are into shooting and CCW. I`ve gotta agree with the guys who said try all the guns you can get your hands on,then decide. I`ve been trying for years to find a gun my wife would be able to shoot well and that would generally suit her. None of the ones I thought would fit the bill worked for her. She has tiny hands and weak fingers (compared to most men) and she`s recoil sensitive. Asthetics also play a role for her (no Glocks or "mean looking guns"). I ended up buying her a Colt Gov`t .380 Pocketlite. It`s different for everyone. Offhand I`d say a Glock 26 would be a real safe bet but a Kahr might end up working better or a Officers Model type 1911 for that matter. Half the fun is in trying them out! :) Marcus

[.45FMJoe]

Still, it's like an integral. You have a problem so you look to completely modify the equation to fit a pre-made solution. You need a gun, especially being female. My little sister (15) obviously can't have a gun. I am 21, and I sorta workout. Thus, I'm bigger and can beat the piss out of any of her supposed boyfriends if the need arises. Things like date rape, and all the other bad stuff that goes around these days in high school and college campuses is horrendous. You must be able to defend yourself. So, in conclusion, you must alter your life around the need for a gun, NOT the other way around. God I love school :D

[Ian11]

Always glad to hear there are other female shooters out there besides......Tamara. :D ;)

Many of us are not fortunate enough to have had a dad that introduced to shooting and had the opportunity to try out so many different guns. Looks like you've found what you like with the Glock 19. Its a great choice. Fantastic pistol. Reliable, accurate for most purposes, quick into action, compact, lightweight, and packs a good punch. If you are gonna CCW a Glock 26 might be a little better but the G19 is not that difficult to carry discreetly.

Shoot safe and I hope you stick around THR. The only possible negative is you might get addicted to buying guns like your dad. :D Oh Well. :evil: :cool:

[Brian Williams]

It's me daddy's girl again. ;-)
Thanks for the imput. I will definitely tryout all daddy's guns before deciding. I'm not set on the G19, but as of now it's my fav. I'm not really into revolvers, but haven't had much difficulty handling any of them. I am single and want to know how to defend myself against unwanted approaches from guys. ;-) Now I am in school so I don't have much freetime. Too much reading and homework. :( When this summer hits I do plan on joining a couple of clubs and also getting into martial arts. My mom was never big on us girls getting into that kind of thing since she still has her hopes set on making me into a true old-fashioned lady who needs a knight in shining armor to protect her. Like my dad said I hardly ever carry a purse, but often have a backpack. So concealing is gonna be a concern when I figure out where I'm gonna carry. No most of my girl friends don't know I even know how to shoot. It'll be fun to surprise them when I get one.

I'll be sure to start putting my own name on here sometime.
Leigh

[stretcharmstrong]

I would think about how you are planning to carry and try out your father's G19 around the house to see if it's comfortable to you. You may want to consider something in a single stack to make it a little more slim like a Sig P239 or a Kahr K9/K40. Try before you buy.

On a side note: Was an HK P7M8 anyone here's first gun? And a gift no less? Anyone know of anybody who's first gun was an HK P7M8? If so, I am extremely jealous. I have been drooling over that HC finished one someone posted somewhere. Breath takingly gorgeous. I just would find it hard to believe that a $1200 +/- gun would be someone's first. My question's are actually sincere and not meant to be taken sarcastically. I am genuinely curious.

[incursion]

HK P7M8 was my first gun. I got it the month before I turned 20.

[Dark Tranquility]

My sister who’s 19 is going through the same dilemma right now. She’s probably going to settle on the Glock 26, as that is the gun we keep coming back to. I wouldn’t go with the Glock 19 for the simple reason of magazine capacity. Why carry the 19 which holds 10 rounds when you can have the 26 which holds 10 rounds. Sure you can get factory Glock 19 15 round mags but you’ll pay $100 plus for them (I’m one of those nuts who conceders 10 mags for a pistol and 50 for a rifle the minimum. I don’t carry all of them, I usualy only carry the mag in the gun for my H&K Compact, but its nice to know I have 4 fully loaded spares in my car). You could have 5 Glock 26 mags for that price. Whatever you do, buy it new, buy only factory mags, and have enough mags that you can rotate them so that the mag springs don’t lose their strength being loaded all the time.

Dan

[jimbo]

Hi Leigh,

A Sig P225 is a MUST try for any female shooter. It is a small 9mm that holds 8 rounds, fits your hand perfectly and is very reliable. They usually run around $450 to $500.

Do not make your selection without getting access to one of these to at least handle, if not borrow from a friend to try.

Jimbo

[arizona]

Where can you find the 225 for $450. to 500. Are they used guns?:scrutiny:

IMHO the 225 is a must try for anyone new or not new to handguns.

[curt]

10 rounds when you can have the 26 which holds 10 rounds. Sure you can get factory Glock 19 15 round mags but you’ll pay $100 plus for them (I’m one of those nuts who conceders 10 mags for a pistol and 50 for a rifle the minimum. I don’t carry all of them, I usualy only carry the mag in the gun for my H&K Compact, but its nice to know I have 4 fully loaded spares in my car). You could have 5 Glock 26 mags for that price. Whatever you do, buy it new, buy only factory mags, and have enough mags that you can rotate them so that the mag springs don’t lose their strength being loaded all the time.

To heck with the gun just buy MAGs...mags ....mags.

[jimbo]

arizona,

I don't have a source right now as I haven't been looking for another to go with the 2 I already own.

But I just bought one last August, AA proofed (for made in 2000) with no night sights for $500 even in Sacramento.

True it is 6 months later and prices have gone up. But California prices tend to be $50 to $100 more than in much of the rest of the US, especially if you don't buy in big cities. If she keeps checking the internet, shotgun news and asks local gun stores to get on the phone to their suppliers, she shouldn't have to wait more than two weeks to get one for $500 new or $450 near-mint used.

[Andrew Wyatt]

I'd definitely consider shooting the 1911, since it's likely to fit you better.

a 1911 with a FLAT mainspring housing, short trigger and thin grips is a very concealable package.

[LiquidTension]

The G19 is an excellent weapon.

Do not discount the HK P7. I think that you should try it BECAUSE it is so different. You never know, you might just fall in love with it. I picked up a hardchromed P7 last year for $650, so they can be found for a decent price. It is very slim, has low recoil, is very accurate (at least as much as my Kimber)...and it's also a conversation piece :D Ended up trading it for an Uzi, but I'm dying to get another one.

The bottom line is that you need to handle and shoot as many different guns as you can and then pick the one that you like best. It's worth waiting a little while to get something that you'll really like instead of getting something you *kinda* like because it's cheaper, IMO.

[Jedi_7.62]

For ladies or people of smaller build who want to carry concealed I recomend .38 or .357 snubbies or my favorite the Makarov 9x18.

Never anything smaller than a .380 like your daddy say's have enough gun.

Allthough, since your not completely new to this go with what works for you. If it's the Glock 19 then go with it.

I've envied women for years they have the option of the best concealment method ever the purse. If men could carry them I'd have a big one with a giant hand cannon like a .44 python with an 8" bbl and lots of ammo probably couple of grenades just for good measure. Throw in a good semi with high capacity mags. Possibilities are endless. A good knife too in a purse a 8" fixed would work.