Ccw For A Newly 21 Year Old Female

[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). 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 ) Good luck!

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

Rod T.