Help recommend some handguns for the girlfriend...

[Tim Currie]

Ok, first gun for my girlfriend...
Please throw out some recommendations (I know that ultimately whatever fits best/she is comfortable with/ she likes/and she shoots best is important) but I just want to get an idea of what to start looking at.

Here are the guide lines:
She is small and petite, and so will probably want a gun that is smaller and petite. Gotta be reliable, gotta fit small hands, and preferably fairly economical. Open to either auto or revolver.

Please give me some guns to think about and try out.

Thanks.

[Skunkabilly]

Small hands...umm...ergonomic, easy to use....I'd rule out anything big with a bunch of controls...

Only question I really have is, is she mechanically inclined?

I don't have experiences with these things, but maybe a Walther P99, it's ergonomic, affordable and doesn't have a bunch of controls like the USP9C or big like the Beretta?

A lady I taught to shoot picked up an XD, I don't know how it's working out for her.

[Rich357]

SIG 239 9mm She will love it. Can get a "short" trigger option to make it easier to reach the trigger. It is really a thinner trigger.

Walther P99 9mm

Glock 26 9mm

S&W M60 3" barrel Stay with .38 Specials until she feels up to more kick.

S&W M66 4" Again, stay with .38 Specials until she wants to try something more powerful.

Springfield Armory 1911 A1 Champion 4" .45auto. A little more expensive but she may like it.

Good luck,
Rich

[Admiral Thrawn]

I also recommend the SIG-Sauer P239 9x19mm. A great compact handgun.

Other options I highly recommend (all in 9x19mm) are:

Glock 19

Glock 26

SIG-Sauer P228

SIG-Sauer P229

[Tim Currie]

Damn guys... a new Sig or Springfield is gonna break the bank. Need something cheaper yet still reliable. Doesnt have to be fancy.

[Rich357]

Ok, how about...

Ruger MKII MK4 4" .22lr semi auto, accurate, rugged

Ruger SP101 4" .22lr DA small frame revolver

Browning Buckmark 5 1/2" .22lr semi auto


A little more pricy...

S&W 317 Kit Gun 3" .22lr DA revolver

S&W 617 4" .22lr 10 shot DA revolver

Rich

[WhoKnowsWho]

Kel-Tec P32 or P3AT!

[who me]

I bought my girlfriend a ruger 22/45 for her first gun and she loves it. She also liked the taurus 850 (.38 spl) i bought for my grandparents also. It seemed to fit her hand pretty good.

[Nightcrawler]

Everyone says it's best to start new shooters on a .22, and maybe it's true. But it isn't necessary; a person who's never fired a handgun before will get good with any normal handgun round with a bit of practice. .500S&W, or .454 Casull, might not be such great choices, but 9mm/.40/.45/.38/.357 are fine. There are light enough loadings in all of these rounds that a new shooter shouldn't have trouble, unless he/she is extremely recoil sensative (if you find the recoil of a downloaded .38 out of a 4" K-frame to be very unpleasant, I'm not sure how to help, really).

My first and second handguns were .45 Automatics. My third was a .45 Colt sixgun. So it's doable.

When I bought a revolver for a female friend of mine (she's built like a ballerina), I didn't get her a .22. It was to be her ONLY handgun, since we're both college students and money is tight (well, for her, I had plenty, heh). So I went looking for a used .357 revolver (since she already had a .357 magnum lever carbine), and I found her a Smith & Wesson Model 28. That's a 4" N-Frame revolver in .357 magnum.

With .38 plinking ammo, the gun is a pussycat. She doesn't think it's too heavy, either, and the thin factory grips fit her small hands perfectly. She didn't complain of tigger reach problems, though she had to teach her finger how to do the double action trigger pull.

I'd recommend, then, a .22 only if you plan on getting her a second serious gun later, or if she'll buy one herself. If it's going to be her only gun, and you want it to be more useful for self defense, I'd say a 4" K or L framed revolver (or a Ruger Security Six, a used example of which can be had for $200 or so), in either .38 or .357. Plenty of different grips available for those with smaller hands, and there are plenty of "cowboy action" .38 loads out there that are positively anemic, but perfect for just plinking and target shooting.

Best of all, though, a used revolver can usually be had for $200-$350.

As for automatics...I've heard that the Kahr T9, being a 4", single stack 9mm, has a very short trigger reach and is good for female or young shooters. It also has only one control, the slide release (being double action only), so it's simple to operate. It'll cost you a good deal more than a used revolver, though.

[OEF_VET]

I'd suggest a look at either a Taurus 85 (.38 SPL) or Kel-Tec P-32.

I got my fiancee a Taurus 85 for her 21st b-day, and she likes it. For the record, she's 5'5", 95 lbs., and not blessed with a lot of upper body strength to handle the slides on most automatics.

Since her b-day is coming 'round again soon I'm thinking about getting her a P32. I just bought one for myself, and she really likes the feel of it. The slide was a bit tight out of the box, but a little use ought to loosen it up enoough for her.

Frank

[Admiral Thrawn]

I'd also suggest taking her on several trips to the range over a period of a few weeks and letting her hire various different handguns, starting out small and moving up the food chain until she is reasonably proficient with firearms.

By doing this, she can experience first hand what handguns fit her best, instead of trying to guess and ending up spending the money on something which isn't quite right for her.

[winwun]

Colt Police Positive in .38 spl. My wife is about the size you described, and she loves her Colt. The grips are almost teency, just right for a small woman. How men can shoot the thing is beyond me.

[Akurat]

FireStorm Mini 9 or 40!

[hawk0484]

My hubby bought it for me for a "car" gun---to have with me when I had to go through a seedy part of town to get to his warehouse. It was a Taurus model 85.

My next gun was a Ruger 22/45 to use to improve my skills.

For Christmas this year, I got a S&W model 60LS, which has become my "carry" gun (my SC CWP arrived mid-Jan). I like the trigger action on it better than the Taurus, and I can shoot +p's and .357's in it.

I also have a model 65LS that I really enjoy shooting. The heavier frame makes for less recoil, but it weighs 32 oz. unloaded (as opposed to 20 oz. on the model 60) so I don't carry it as often.

[WYO]

Kel-Tec P-11.

[pumpgunn]

Take a look at the Berretta TomCat 32acp. The tip up
barrel for loading and unloading is nice feature. User
doesn't need strong hands to rack the slide, barrel up,
insert round, snap barrel in place. Easy to check for
empty chamber.
Small caliber yes, not everybody can pack a 45. The best
gun is the one you have when it's needed, not the big one
left at home.
Then practace, hit a 4 inch circle at 7 yds.

[hawk0484]

I wasn't very happy with it. I bought it for the reasons you mention: the tip-up barrel, easily concealed, etc. I sold it because I did not shoot it well. The recoil is worse than 38's in a j-frame, and hurt the web of skin between my thumb and fingers. It is only slightly less concealable than a j-frame, and costs much more to shoot.

Becky

[tbeb]

I recommend a .22 long rifle revolver for teaching someone to shoot.

Smith & Wesson Model 34 with 4" barrel; Smith and Wesson Model 18, 4" barrel; Smith and Wesson Model 17 with 4" or 6" barrel. Should be able to find one of these in excellent condition for around $250. If that's too expensive then look for an older Charter Arms Pathfinder with 3" barrel-$145, or a Harrington & Richardson Model 999, 6" barrel-$175. I'd buy the Smith and Wesson if possible.

[Handy]

Whatever you get her should have a light, controllable trigger and a fair degree of built in accuracy. Recoil should be on the light side.

.22 would be ideal. The only down side is that most .22 pistols (Ruger and Browning) are a pain to take apart, compared to a combat gun. But their operation, recoil spring strength, triggers and inherent accuracy would be ideal. Consider the blued Ruger 22/45 5" bullbarrel for $220. Or you could go to a Ruger Bearcat for a Cowboy style revolver.

Centerfire. Revolvers are great, but do recoil a bit (kind a painful smack, rather than a push) which many woman do not like. To that end, a full sized 4" .38 loaded with light wadcutter loads would be very accurate, eacy to deal with and if bought used, cheap. Look around for a used S&W model 10. Less than $200.

Centerfire Auto. Keep It Simple! 9mm is the best for accuracy, price and simplicity. Most 9mms are recoil operated and have a lighter recoil spring than a .380 (she needs to be able to load it). For simple, small and consistant, the basic steel Kahr K9 has minimal controlls, a VERY small grip and light recoil. Used for $300. Or you could look at an FEG made Hi-power, like the P9M, which is wholesaling for $200. Possibly cheaper, a surplus Star B is a very simple 1911 style 9mm.


Be creative, but always consider: will she be able to operate the slide or DA trigger, will the recoil put her off (you have to work up to recoil) and is the gun generally pleasing in accuracy, looks and operation to keep her shooting?

[sanchezero]

For small hands, I'd definitely look into singlestack guns.

The K9 is excellent. It's plenty for defense and good for target/fun shooting too.

[Mikul]

The big problem with double-action revolvers is their long heavy triggers. New women shooters just don't have the finger strength to pull it straight and evenly. I have never seen a novice woman shoot a revolver in a non-shotgun like pattern. Most women can shoot a semi-auto well on the first day. If she's willing to dedicate time to working the trigger, revolvers are okay, but forget it otherwise.

A used Springfield or (even better) used Kimber can be found for under $500. Don't go for the smaller gun because of her size, find a lightweight frame and stick with the 4-inch barrel. The single stack magazine provides a thin grip for small hands. The .45 ACP for all it's power is a push compared to the crack of a .40 or even 9mm.

The Kahrs are nice guns, but still have a long DA pull. They are exceptionally smooth and not particularly heavy. These can work for the right person.

I bet that a lot of women would like the H&K P7M8 if it weren't $1,200 new.

[Graystar]

You didn't say what the gun was for.

For self-defense/carry I'd recommend the sub-compact Glock 26. My girlfriend carried a revolver (S&W Chiefs Special Airweight) and she shot very poorly with it. I got her a Glock 33 and she was much better with it. The Glock 26 (9mm), 27 (.40), and 33 (357SIG) are the same size.

For target shooting it's hard to beat a Ruger Mark II. My girlfriend loves shooting hers. The standard version is lighter than the bull barreled target versions. For an even lighter gun, go with a Ruger 22/45.

I'd stay away from the S&W "22x" series. There are several other really good 22's out there, but they usually cost more than a Ruger.

[Berg01]

J-Frame S&W 317 .22 LR snubbie meets all of your criteria; great 1st gun for a female, and a neat little plinker for anybody.

[Handy]

Perhaps I should have said:

If you get her a revolver, like a model 10, I was expecting it to have an external hammer so she could cock it. A decent revolver will usually have a very decent DA pull, but that's for later.

[Daniel Flory]

I would vote for a Kahr, Sig 225/239/230/232, 1911 (Full or Commander Size), or a Smith J-Frame.

[Tim Currie]

Ok, lets see...

I actually have and carry a Kahr P9. Not sure if she'd like that or not and their pricey.

I was thinking, before I wrote this, of something like a small revolver (like the Taurus 850 you guys spoke of...) or a small auto like a PPK or Bersa. Btw, is the Bersa a generic PPK? And if so, is it a good gun?

I don't want to get her a .22, this would be her one and only gun....at least for quite some time. I would like to try and get her to use it as a carry gun...we'll see.

And dont worry, I do plan on taking her to the range and trying out and practicing everything she is interested in.

[Handy]

As I tried to allude to, you'll find that the blowback PPK, Bersa, Makarov or whatever will tend to have a much stronger recoil spring than a recoil operated 9mm. This will make it even more difficult for her to load and clean it.

Since 9mm ammo is often cheaper than .380, there seems little reason to go with .380, aside from the price of a few of the Makarovs and the like. Also, PPK style guns tend to have much stouter DA triggers, for some reason.

Trust me, in general, there are few advantages moving down to .380.

Try using the search function on Gunsamerica.com. By selecting "less than $250" and searching for "9mm" I came up with some interesting hits, including a Helwan 951, which is a license built version of an older Beretta. Point is, there are plenty of very high quality older pistols out there that are nicely made, shoot well, and are cheap.

[M1911]

You said she has small hands, so on the semi-auto side, look at the single stacks. Glocks are great guns, I've got two of them. But their grips are often too large for people with short fingers to manage. My wife can't comfortably reach the trigger of my Glock 17 and couldn't lock it open to save her life.

I like the Kahrs, but my wife has trouble locking open the slide on mine. A semi-auto with an exposed hammer can sometimes be a bit easier to cycle the slide (you can manually cock the hammer first). A couple to look at include the Sig P239, S&W 3913.

In revolvers, I'd stay away from the lightweight .38s and .357s (aluminum, titanium, scandium, etc.). An all steel revolver will have less felt recoil. Depending on her hand size, the medium-framed revolvers (e.g., S&W K-frame) may be too big. Take a look at the Ruger SP101 and S&W Model 60. I recommend the 3" barrel as it will be easier to shoot (longer sight radius). Definitely load with light .38s, NOT .357s to start.

If you think .38s are too much for her, S&W has a nice .22lr J-frame revolver with a 3" barrel -- model 317 IIRC. Although it is a light aluminum frame, it really has very little felt recoil.

[Frohickey]

Sig P239 in 9mm... Ruger Mk II...

But how the heck would I know. I once convinced a beginner woman shooter to try out 5 shots from a IMI Desert Eagle in 44Mag, using full-house 240gr JSP hunting loads. :uhoh:

[Dr.Rob]

Ruger Sp 101, SW Model 10. Eiether on is "enough" gun to do the job, though mastering the DA trigger requires finger strength.

Cocking the slide on an auto can be confusing for a newbie, whereas a revolver is fairly easy to cock.

[jade]

i would suggest a bersa thunder .380. there are small ( but not tiny, i don't like tiny. ) and comfortable. .380 is more interesting than .22 but not as exciting as 9mm. the bersa costs about $230 in my area, but is cheaper in other areas.

jade

[Kcustom45]

My girlfriend just got a XD-40 and she loves it. It fits her hand a lot better than most other guns, and she also has small hands. The trigger isn't to bad so it is easier for her to shoot. She had problems even pulling the trigger of some revolvers and DA autos. But like you said whatever fits her best is what she should get.

[TreeSquid]

You know you want it. Oh yeah, it's taunting you, haunting you, it's the CZ virus!

:D

[Dr.Who]

A couple of Ladies in our IDPA Club bought XD9's and love them. They fit their hands well. They thought the G17's just a bit too wide.

Enjoy your search...:rolleyes:

[M1911]

A couple friends of mine had Helwans and had lots of problems with them. I don't think I'd recommend them.

I do agree with Handy about most .380s, however. I would skip them. The only one I would recommend is the Colt .380, which has a locked breech (rather than direct blowback). But it's not in production anymore and would be well more than $250. That price limitation is pretty tough. You can find used revolvers for about that (or a bit more). Makarovs are about that price, but I'm not sure whether they are locked breech or direct blowback.

[SRYnidan]

S&W Lady Smith 3913
Glock 19
KelTec P11
Colt Diamondback

[PATH]

A nice .380 like the Beretta Cheetah would be nice in semi-auto. I always recommend a .357 with at least a three inch barrel to most newbies. A .357 can fire .38 spcl, +p, +p+, and .357 for defensive carry. A revolver is very forgiving and is simple to understand and operate. That is my 2 cents worth.

[Trisha]

Hi, Tim!

My last two students were both women under 5'1, and one could not lift her body weight. From that experience, I'd recommend their choices:

HK USP Compact in .40S&W
Ruger Security Six in .357
Kimber Pro Carry HD II in .45acp

One is deliberating on a Kahr K40, the other is saving up for a SIG P232.

Both learned to defeat flinch & recoil with both my Desert Eagle and Super Redhawk (.44mags), and both own American Derringers (.45lc/.410ga)

I don't focus on mouseguns for petite women, as the goblin feels supremely empowered against the physical presentation of a girl who should be absolutely helpless against the testosterone surge - we focus on major calibers (stop the attack). One girl always carries her Glock 36, even though she hates the trigger, because it's accurate and concealable (she goes through hundreds of rounds through her Kimber, and enough through the G36 to satisfy both me and her that she can defend herself with it).

The physically weakest loves the .40S&W caliber, and is lately falling in love with a G27 for an always handgun - though she won't part with her HK. She bought the Ruger completely on her own as something wonderful to shoot at the range, both for DA training as well as the simple delight (it is +99%, and she paid $150 for it!).

Chico, eh? Is CSUC still regarded as the "party campus" of California? Rape used to be quite a problem there. . .

Please, consider martial arts training!

Good luck - and let us know how this works out, OK?

Trisha

[Rich357]

Hi Tim,

What is the purpose of this handgun for your GF?

1. Learn to shoot and have an enjoyable range gun?

2. A carry piece for self defense?

3. Home defense?

4. Competition?

Or, what mix if the above uses? Which is most important, least important, etc.

-----------

Hi Trisha,

You don't like the .357SIG? :)

Rich

[tex_n_cal]

A model 19 Smith comes to mind. So does a Python, but that would be more for you than her, huh?:D

A .22 would be best if she is a total beginner and just wants to target shoot. One friend is quite petite and wants to shoot nothng except her Ruger .22 - she's quite good with it. Between her German Shepherd and her Ruger, any bad buy would likely find himself perforated with 10 .22 bullets and four fangs, so I'd say she's well protected:)

Once she gains proficiency an auto would work, too, if she is comfortable with one.

[Tim Currie]

Hi Tim,

What is the purpose of this handgun for your GF?

1. Learn to shoot and have an enjoyable range gun?

2. A carry piece for self defense?

3. Home defense?

4. Competition?

Or, what mix if the above uses? Which is most important, least important, etc.

1 & 2 mostly.

I have a lot of talking to do, but I want to buy her a gun and have her apply for CCW before we move and leave this county (see my 'Sacramento area' post in General Discussion for that whole story) so that renewing is that much more probable this summer at the new place.

Will be her one and only gun, and a carry gun if I can get her into it, so a .22 is outta the question. She has been to the range a handful of times with myself and a couple of her other guy friends so she's not a total newbie. And so I know that she can at least handle up to 9mm no problem.

I am (of course it really only matters what she ends up liking, will find out tomorrow...) am leaning towards either the Bersa (small, concealable, and dirt cheap) or a some type of snubbie revolver.

We are going to the range tomorrow so we'll rent a couple and look around, and I can show her the Bersa. Then going back on Sunday (hey, maybe to play with her new gun?!?!) for some more.

I'll let ya'll know what she picks.

[stevec]

As a general observation, I'd suggest looking at big guns with small grips, like some of the large framed revolvers. The heavy frame absorbs recoil well, and the small grip makes it fit her hands well. My wife actually likes the low recoil of the SW 625 - I like the fact that I can easily make small groups of big holes with it. Too bad they're kind of pricey. A .38/.357 would probably be more affordable.

For semiautos, based on my wife's preferences, I'd say that a HiPower clone with either Pachmayr or Butler Creek grips will work out well. The CZ-75SA with Hakan grips are also really easy to shoot and fit smaller hands well.
I like the CZ-83, but my wife complains that the recoil is sharp. I haven't shot any of the steel framed CZ-75 compacts, but they feel great in the hand, and seem to have enough weight to dampen recoil. Alloy framed guns like the CZ-75PCR are great for carry, but are light - recoil is mild, but "flippy".

A surprise contender is the Beretta 9000s Funky little sneaker pistol, surprisingly easy to shoot, and fairly compact. The safety is pretty awful, but people say once it breaks in it works well. You can find them pretty cheap because nobody wants them. Perhaps if Beretta got a Pro Athlete's name on it, it would sell better - maybe rename them the "Lead Jordans" or something?

On a budget, you could look into some of the old firestars. I find that the Firestar Plus is a nice little gun - would be more ergonomic as a single stack with palm swells - but the Plus model is all I got to try. The Astra A-70/75 and RAP 401 are apparently in the same category of quality inexpensive compact 9mm - seem to be the same size as the kahr's.

My wife doesn't seem to particularly like the 1911 or similar .45's (blasphemy!)

Steve

[denfoote]

Gotcha covered Bub!!
Glock 26!!
I have smallish hands and it fit like a glove!! I customized it to my specs, only what I didn't know was that my GF (now wife) had designs on it!! It became a monumental "YES DEAR"!! The G26 in question now resides under HER side of the bed!!!! :D

[M1911]

I am (of course it really only matters what she ends up liking, will find out tomorrow...) am leaning towards either the Bersa (small, concealable, and dirt cheap) or a some type of snubbie revolver.I would skip the snubbie. They are hard to shoot accurately. Not a good gun to learn how to shoot with.

If she is going to carry it, how would she carry? If she's going to carry it in a purse, she can carry a J-frame or SP101 with a 3" barrel and that's a whole lot easier to shoot than the same gun with a 2" barrel. The only real point to a snubbie, in my opinion, is that it can fit in a pocket. If she isn't going to carry it in a pocket, then you might as well have the longer barrel.

[TheMariner]

I vote Walther P99, Springfield XD, or a CZ-75. These are easily handled by some one who is small.

[valnar]

The S&W model 60 is the perfect gun for a woman. Small J-frame, but all steel so the kick isn't that bad. Double and single action, as needed. .38sp +P is all she needs to use, but .357Mag can be an option.

If for CCW, then a model 640 may be an option with no external hammer.

Stay away from any superlight guns, like the Airweight S&W revolvers (or polymer 9mm's for that matter) because a new shooter won't like the recoil.

If you can afford it, the perfect 9mm for a woman would be the all steel Kahr K9.

Robert

[valnar]

Regarding all the posts about heavy DA pull:

If the woman in question is complaining about strength needed for a DA pull, a semi-auto may not be a good idea anyway. How would she rack the slide? Even if a round is chambered by the "man of the house" before hand, that won't help her with a jam or stovepipe.

My 2 cents....

-Robert

[firestar]

I would let her try out a Kahr K9 or P9 and some Bersa .380s. They fit small hands well and are concealable. The Bersa is about $200 new.

[Tim Currie]

Alrighty, went to the range today.

Rented a small all steel S&W 2 inch .38 and brought my Kahr P9. Didnt have anything else worth renting, no .380's.

She didnt like the revolver, didnt like the long trigger at all.

And the bad news is she really likes my Kahr :eek:
Loves the size and the way it shoots. Dam,n, them things are expensive... :)

Anyhow, the Bersa they had was sold :rolleyes: so gonna try and find one some where else that she can handle before I buy another Kahr. Also want to see if I can find one of the compact Kahr's and see if she likes them.

Thats all for now. So a revolver is out and a small Kahr size semi-auto is in. Hopefully she'll really like the Bersa :D

[Rich357]

A Glock 26 or 27 may not be much less expensive than the P9, but she may find them interesting. A Pierce grip extension might help.

I'm pretty sure the SIG 239s are less than a P9.

Good luck,
Rich

[Ringer]

My wife is small with not a lot of strength in her hands. She has trouble retracting the slide on a Bersa MiniFirestorm 9mm without putting it in some ackward position. I suspect it's as much learning the technique as strength.

Sounds like your girlfiend has been shooting your P9 and liking it. Just make sure she is comfortable loading the mags and racking the slide herself. If so, that's great!

[litework]

Kahr K9 and Tactical 9 are solid guns, but the tactical nine is a bit pricey. The XD9 in the tactical 5" would probably suit her fine.

[rebbryan]

compact usp in 9mm if recoil's an issue

[Tim Currie]

Well she does not like the Glocks at all, too fat for her hands. Thats why she really likes the Kahr...and hopefully the Bersa.

Found a PPK/S today and let her handle it. She was fine with it and the size. I told her the Bersa was same size and shape but just felt 10x better because of the grip and all. Gonna see if the local store gets another Bersa in. Looks like I might have some luck getting her liking that one :)

[Doc]

Tim:

If you don't have enough suggestions, I feel compelled to give you mine. I took my wife to the range with;
Browning HP in 9mm,
Kahr all metal in 40 S&W,
S&W large frame in 357 (shot 38's),
full frame metal 1911 in 45,
Glock 23 (midsize) in 40S&W,
and my Glock 30 (midsize) in 45.

She likes the Glock 30 in 45 ACP the best.

I thought she would like the Browning or the Kahr.
:rolleyes:

[Mastrogiacomo]

Tim -- female shooter here. I'm small, petite, have piano hands -- I love my Beretta compacts M. Eight rounds, slim grip, low recoil, accurate, great price, never jams, reliable, etc. Had a revolver -- hated it, sold it, won't buy another. The only way you'd take my Berettas is to pry them "from my cold, dead hands." :D

[El Tejon]

Tim, lots of women through my life (not a word from you, Doc!). I second Doc's recommendation of taking a variety out and letting her pick. Borrow from buddies or a rental range are good ideas for variety.

The women that I've taken shooting (just, you know, a few, not a word from you, Doc) have gravitated to the gummit sized 1911 because of grip size and the ease of slide manlipulation. Plus, the weight keeps recoil down.

I always start with a .22 though (after the safety, mechanical lecture). Good luck.

[Mastrogiacomo]

I guess bigger is better...:neener: :D

[Hand_Rifle_Guy]

The early series Rugers like the Police Service Six have smallish grips, have a great balance, are heavy enough to make .38's absolute pussycats, and are a bit smaller than K-frames in overall size. They're indestructible and cheap, too. $200-ish, usually.

But, 1) revolvers seem to be out, and 2) the Kaliforny Drop-test extortion racket means you'd have to hunt-up a private party sale, as Ruger would rather sell new guns than enable Kaliforny buyers to buy their used out-of-production products. Such is life in this stupid state. (No revos? Rats! .38's are so nice to shoot, even out of little guns.)

Hokay, next.

Blowback autos of all stripes have a couple of unpleasant aspects. They can have stiff recoil springs, making them difficult to rack the slide. A firm grip with both hands and a rolling or twisting motion with the shoulders can defeat this, but it'll take some practice. The next nastiest bit about blowbacks is their recoil. Even in small calibers, blowbacks can deliver a stinging slap to the hand when trhe slide stops against the frame. This can make them mighty unpleasant to shoot for newbies. The women that have tried my Makarov, or even my Colt 1903 .32, almost universally disliked the recoil characteristics. Smaller blowbacks are even worse, as they tend to sacrifice a bit of slide mass in the interest of staying small, which makes for even higher slide velocity and consequently worse recoil. Blowbacks are also at the bottom end of the power curve, topping out at the Makarov, which is basically equivalent to a stoutly loaded .380 auto. Makarovs are a bit big, but their mass makes them a tad more user-friendly. They're still pretty snappy though, and guns like the PA-63 can be downright nasty.

That would lead me to reccomend a locked-breech auto, even if it's in a large caliber. Locked breech enables a Kel-tec P-32 to be shootable even though it weighs a mere 6 ounces, while most .45's are eminently controllable by smallish folks. Unfortunately, most locked breech autos are more expensive, and tend to be biggish. 1911's are a good choice to consider, as they have a very slim profile that fits small hands well, with a short trigger reach. In the same vein, a Browning Hi Power has a very friendly grip, although it's double-stack mag can be a bit thick for some. Both of those usually cost a lot also.

Cz-75's, or the Witness series guns have a very comfortable grip, and the triggers are user friendly. They're double-stack guns, however, and fit would need to be verified. If they work, they're best buys in the market, coming in around $300 usually.

Kahrs, Glocks, and Sigs all cost a heap. I wish your girlfriend would just TRY shooting a Model 10 revolver (Rather than a snubby.) that has a nice trigger. I would say run it with both fore-fingers on the trigger. They are cheap, solid, reliable, and .38 is cheap enough for lots of practice. It's nicely effective, too. Police trade-ins abound, and most have very nice triggers.

I'm mostly wishing here, though. If revolvers are just not happening, so be it. Gun selection in Kaliforny stinks. I second the idea of trying out what you can find, but be weary of the blowbacks.

[JeepDriver]

The Bersa 380 Thunder.


It fits all your requirements.

[Newton]

SiG P239 in 9mm - absolutely superb weapon.