[Juna]

So my wife wants a CCW gun. She has a hard time shooting a P3AT but likes the size & weight for portability. She doesn't mind shooting a RAMI-P, but thinks it's too big and heavy when it's loaded (but not when it's empty).

So I'm toying with some ideas:

-Bersa Thunder (+/- CCW version)
-Ruger SP101 .357 snub (can shoot .38 if she doesn't like the recoil)
-Kahr PM9 (a little pricey, but single stack polymer and light)
-Small frame 1911 (but probably too heavy for her)

What else should I consider? I think weight is a big issue for her, so I'm thinking single stack if it's a semi-auto so that there's less ammo weight.

[wnycollector]

My wife's current favorite CCW is MY Ruger Security Six snub!!! She also enjoys carrying a S&W Model 36.

[The Lone Haranguer]

IMO there is not much advantage to the PM9 except as a pocket gun. I would suggest the P9. Although larger and no longer produced (hence you will have to get it used), I also recommend the S&W 3913.

[doc540]

1. She likes it
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/doc540/Guns/Model%2036/M36Houge1-2.jpg

2. She can shoot it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/doc540/Guns/DebRange.jpg

[springmom]

The Bersa is nice, but after my recent experience walking the dog, I'm back to carrying a double stack 9mm (XD-9). OTOH, a Bersa in 9mm is double stack but not quite as large and heavy. If she is interested, and will work to get good with it (it's not a natural gift for most of us) a J-frame snubbie can be a VERY easily carried gun. When my health is acting up and I just flat cannot STAND to have anything heavier on me, that's what I carry.

In general, weight is most at issue when (1) summer clothing or thin clothing is needed and it's just hard to hold up the gun in those; (2) there are health issues which make it uncomfortable to have a heavy gun on, particularly IWB; or (3) when you haven't found the right holster yet. If it were my spouse or my daughter I were speaking to, I'd encourage her to find the right holster and carry a slightly heavier gun if necessary to carry more rounds. I know a lot of folks opine that 5 rounds is enough; and often it is. On my dog walk encounter, I needed *none*, thankfully; but had I needed them, I did the math... three guys, eight rounds (with another magazine with me but not easily accessible and certainly not at those relatively close quarters). I didn't like that math much. And there is another thread on S&T about "pack" robberies being on the rise. They certainly are around here.

You never die in a gunfight from having too much ammunition with you. I'd hope she'd work at getting a comfortable way to carry more gun, myself.

Springmom

[Juna]

Thanks for the replies. I'll take a look at the S&W 3913, too. I agree about capacity. I originally bought the RAMI-P for her (10+1) or (14+1), and she loved it when I gave it to her unloaded, but the ammo weight surprised her.

[gp911]

+1 on the 3913. My friend inherited one and he has terrible carpal tunnel issues but shoots it just fine. I found it to be a bit "flippy" in recoil but not harsh at all, and the controls were very intuitive from what I remember. Good gun for smaller hands.


gp911