[Anna's Dad]

My wife is actually considering carrying a gun so I certainly want to run with this quickly as it will be another gun I can shoot, too.

The only gun of mine she has really gone for is the Ruger P345. The Ruger is, however, too large and heavy for her to carry regularly.

Here are the other guns I have that she isn't so crazy about: Springfield XD-9 sub compact (she hates the trigger safety), Kel-Tec P32 (hurts her hands), Beretta Tomcat INOX (hurts her hands). She likes both my .22s (Browning Buckmark and Sig Trailside) but I don't care for .22 as a self-defence weapon and they are quite large (barrel length).

She has very small hands but insists she finds the P32 and Tomcat uncomfortable. She will be practicing with this gun a lot, so I want it to be one she enjoys shooting.

Given all of this info, I would love suggestions on a gun that I can recommend to her for carry.

Thanks a lot!

[Bazooka Joe71]

How about the Taurus Mil. Pro? .45 10+1 rds, you just can't beat that in that small of a gun.

[pax]

Hmmm, if she hated the trigger safety on the XD, guess I won't bother telling her to try a G26. Drats.

Others ...

Kahr PM9

Springfield Micro Compact 1911 in 9mm, .45GAP, or .45ACP -- 9mm best to my mind, because ammo is cheapest and recoil is near nonexistent. Get a short trigger for it.

Is she set on an autoloader rather than a revolver?

And tell her to visit my site, eh? :)

pax

[MT GUNNY]

I cant count the posts ive seen about girls w/glocks there is somthing about them they like

[Ala Dan]

How a'bout a Bersa DT .380? Good guns, at an economical price~!:cool: :D

[pax]

Anna's Dad ~

A few days back I started some threads about guns for small hands. You may want to keep an eye on these threads for other ideas:

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=222253

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=221957

pax

[hso]

Do you have a gun shop within easy driving distance that she can visit and try the "feel" of a good selection of handguns? Better yet if they have a range and rental guns. If she picks the gun that fits her then she's going to be just like any of us and be more prone to carry it.

[longeyes]

S&W Airweight line. Maybe the 637 (hammer).

[Majic]

Take her shopping. She will learn a lot more by personally holding different guns than listening to your recommendations.

[Air,Land&Sea]

Beretta 85 Cheetah.

[Sidhepro]

Howdy folks,

I'm female (5'7") and I carry a Glock 19 and/or a S&W 342 .38S AirLite.

I find the Smith kicks the crap outta my hands and wrists (because it weighs NOTHING) and while I like it, and would use it as necessary, I don't LIKE to shoot it much more than necessary (such as at the range for practice). I honestly can't see keeping around a weapon that just serves as a paperweight and that doesn't get a work-out when I go to the range to hone my own skills. That said, I've decided that I'll probably be turning it in for a Glock 23 soon (already have one picked out) since it closely matches my second pistol in size, but packs a bigger punch (bonus that I can use all of my current gear with the 23 as well....).

I -love- my Glock 19 (was formerly my husband's, but when he purchased his Glock 35, I took over the 19), and it is by far my weapon of choice. I personally have handled (and fired) several other pistols and revolvers and I can't seem to get past the Glock.

I agree with the other recommendations that you take your wife down to a shop with a good selection and have her handle several different guns before coming to a decision. Additionally, if you can find a range that rents firearms, that might be an idea as well, so that she can see if she still likes her chosen weapon when firing.

Let us know what she decides on!

Kat

[MT GUNNY]

See what I mean Post#4 this thread

[VPJack]

sorry lucas, but my wife won't go near a Glock. she carries a sig 239, and her favorite to take to the range is a commander size 1911. so there are some ladies that don't like Glocks.

Jack

[brett30030]

I thought you were offering a trade:neener:

[Anna's Dad]

Thanks for all the advice so far and I hope it keeps coming! I misposted originally when I said she didn't like the trigger safety of the XD-9--its actually the grip safety she doesn't like. Sorry about that!

This means that the Glock is a possibility although I do know that she likes the idea of a manual safety so that may be a problem. I know its just psycological but she just thinks its best that a gun have one.

We do have gun stores around--there are ranges with rentals, too. I haven't really been to many of them, though, as we are new to the area. The ranges with rentals where we used to live were pretty much 100% Glocks and Rugers. Maybe I'll find a better selection here (in the East Orlando area).

I really like the Kahr myself, but I don't believe they have a manual safety.

The Cheetah is a possibility--I really like the fit/finish of my Tomcat and definately wouldn't be opposed to owning another Beretta.

I like the Taurus suggestion as it is the caliber she prefers. Is the Mil Pro a reliable gun? I know Taurus auto-loaders had a really bad reputation in the past.

The Bersa suggestion is also a possibility despite its lower caliber--I did hold one quite some time ago and liked it. Can I get any feedback on reliability for the Bersa as well?

I really want to make sure that whatever I get her is 100% reliable!

I know she is much more comfortable with auto-loaders than revolvers.

Thanks again for all of the great ideas so far.

[Heavy Metal Hero]

S&W Lady Smith .38 special revolver. IIRC they are made from titanium (light and easy to aim), are hammerless (they don't snag), and not too pricey. Plus, the .38 special loaded with JHP is a fine round for defense.

[weregunner]

As a Taurus and Ruger owner I would recommend the T9 or K9 series or the S&W 909,3913 LadySmiths. Reasoning is thus. Grips are slimmer and reach is shorter. Weight factor is lighter,but enough heft for recoil purposes. Lighter to carry all day.Slimmer profile for discreet carry.Easier to hide.And they are 9 mm. Recoil will be less than .40 and .45 if that is an issue. One can be trained on the big bores to deal with it. This is also a subjective area. There are Beretta .380s and the Bersas are good picks. Beretta has the 84,85,86,models that are the size of most pistols.There are double and single stack models. One even has the barrel type up for loading and unloading. No wracking the slide.Other posters here have all covered anything else. So good luck nad let her chose. The Taurus PT111 Mil/pro I recommend since owning one. Go over to the Taurus Forum-powered by Infopop and search the threads and browse. Ask.However the PT111 is a double stack 12 shooter and may be harder to conceal for the ladies.

[WYO]

One thing I've learned about my wife and guns is that you first have to consider it as a system, including the firearm and the method of carry. If I buy a gun, I know it's going to be on my right hip in some kind of holster, in an ankle holster, or in a pocket. I can't say that about my wife. We ditched the Glock that my wife carried in her running fanny pack, because she wouldn't keep one chambered because of the looseness of the carry system. It became confusing when she would go from pack carry to belt carry to car carry. She prefers the simplicity of DAO revolvers and we have it paired up with an appropriate holster so it works no matter how she carries.

[Just_a_dude_with_a_gun]

Bersa ccw?

http://www.gunblast.com/images/Bersa_380CC/MVC-787F.jpg

[possum]

kahr k9 or k40, my wife does great with both of them!

[Ansgar]

Glock 23. Bought one for my wife. It fits into her purse very well, conceals well, fits her hand well, and she has average hands. She easily handles the kick and easily puts 4 in. groups in the target at 25 yds.

I put her in a dual-spring recoil-rod, and a compensated match barrel. Works really nice, for 13 rnds. of 40 S&W in a small package. She has developed a strong affect for her piece.

I would, though, disuade her from Ruger pistols, although, their revolvers are great.

[wuchak]

What about the Kel-Teck P11? Small size, high capacity, and just as reliable as any other small semi.

No need for a manual safety on the Kahr or the Kel-Tec. Safety is the same as a double action revolver.

[MachIVshooter]

How about the Taurus Mil. Pro? .45 10+1 rds, you just can't beat that in that small of a gun.

As great as these little pistols are, every female that fired mine experienced jams due to limpwristing. And my sister is no weakling, having rather enjoyed my Desert Eagle .50 AE. It's just that .45 ACP in a 23 ouunce gun with a short grip is quite a handful, and requires more wrist strength than most women posess.

Remember, a defensive firearm needs to be usable under the worst conditions. This could very well mean one-handed firing in an awkward postion. The most gun she can handle under the ideal conditions of a shooting range is definitely too much gun for defensive use. She's not gonna have time to align herself in a modified Weaver stance with a solid two handed grip when someone is accosting her from behind.

As a Taurus and Ruger owner I would recommend the T9 or K9 series or the S&W 909,3913

I will second this. The 3913 is small and light enough to carry easily, but substantial enough for even the slight built shooter to manage the 9mm. The Kahr K9 or T9 are also excellent choices.

I tend to steer females away from ultra-compact, ultra light weight autos for defensive guns, as they require much more hand strength and pratice to be useful.

If she is not dead-set on an auto, a J-frame or similar .38/.357 might be just the ticket. Revolvers are not subject to failure resulting from poor recoil management.

[Ichabod]

I will attest that firing before buying is the best method for selecting an appropriate carry weapon. We stayed open to almost anything at first and then narrowed in on the right gun.

The way I see it, there is not a gun that is too expensive if it will be comfortable in my wife's hands and she feels confident about using it to save her life. Likewise, it was worth careful research and patience to have my wife try as many different guns as possible before making a final choice. Beside concealability, the considerations were accuracy and comfort. Some we tried she could keep within a six inch group at 40 feet, but they were not as concealable or caused bruising on her delicate, small hands. Others were comfortable, but not accurate.

We found the best of all criteria renting a Sig P239. Concealable, comfortable, and right-on accurate! So, I ordered one. It arrived two days ago and we'll be shooting it soon.

[GeorgiaGlocker]

Try a Bersa Thunder 380. It's a great little gun for the money.

[scurtis_34471]

The Bersa is a good option for several reasons. It is small enough for easy concealment, but heavy enough that it won't beat you up as bad as some of the other guns mentioned. It has a very comfortable grip, good sites, is easy to field strip and will feed anything. The feed ramp is almost straight-in, which really helps prevent failure to feed. I've only seen mine jam one time and it was due to the worst limp-wristing I have every witnessed when my wife was shooting for the first time. I have yet to make it fail.

The Bersa Thunder Concealed Carry version has some nice features too. They basically took the Thunder .380, made the grip thinner and got rid of all the rough edges that could snag. That means a smaller hammer and a much shorter beaver tail, amoung other things. It also has a tactile loaded chamber indicator, which I like. The only downside is the low profile sites, which are harder to use. They remind me a lot of the sites on a P-3AT.

[Bazooka Joe71]

Anna's Dad:

I like the Taurus suggestion as it is the caliber she prefers. Is the Mil Pro a reliable gun? I know Taurus auto-loaders had a really bad reputation in the past.


Yes, a few years back Taurus did have some reliability issues, but IMO not anymore. I think their quality is up there with the big boys now.

One of my buddies has a mil pro in .40 and he absolutely loves it. He used to carry a titanium Taurus .38 snubby, but ever since he got the mil pro he has been carrying that...I also have a 24/7 pro and have had zero malfunctions in over 3000 rds.

So to answer your question, I would definately say Taurus is a reliable brand to count on.

But thats just my two cents

[Lonestar]

Here is my .02;

1) Bersa .380 or Firestorm .32 , more weight than a Kel Tec but more punch that a .22, a Firestorm is essentially the same as a Bersa.

2) Walthers PPK in .380 or a .32 Same as above but expensive new.

3) Taurus website mentions that they make a .380 and a .32 versions of the Mil Pro...you may want to check that out. As mention before in 9mm and .45 they are fine pistols.

4) Beretta Cheetah .380

5) Try a .38 revolver with target wadcutter for lower recoil. Or if you can find one a .32 H&R magnum revolver.

6) worse comes to worse you can go with a .22lr or .25 auto. .25acp would be more reliable, .22lr would have slightly more stopping power if you get Hi V ammo.

[dispatch]

I know this is not the revover forum, but I strongly believe that a Smith J Frame or Taurus Model 85 (FIVE for sure) in .38 are the best carry weapons for anyone that doesn't shoot an auto at least once a month. The newer Rossi's may also fit the ticket, but I can't personnaly vouch for them.

[Anna's Dad]

I think I'm siding with a Taurus, although probably not the .45, based on all of the posts I've received. At least I'll steer her in that direction--she will, of course, make the final decision herself.

Thanks again for all of the opinions!

[P97]

I wouldn't discourage her on the Ruger P345. After shooting several different guns my Wife liked the P345 best. She uses it for her CCW and shoots it a lot. If she gets one she don't like to shoot she won't shoot much. The P345 can be concealed if you try. I have carried a P97 for years daily without a problem.

[Geronimo45]

The Beretta Cheetah is almost identical to a CZ 83 in size - and a CZ may be cheaper. It's also available in .32, for a lighter recoil. The Beretta does have a tip-up barrel, though.