oneounceload
member
Unless they are proficient, a J frame is about the WORST gun to try ans master. Pax's www.thecorneredcat.com explains how to easily work a slide
Read the site
Read the site
Revolver for female concealed carry?
- Thread starter Grumpa72
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RustyShackelford
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My input....
The "my ___ wants a ___ . What kind of __ should I suggest?" posts are common.
Id suggest having the woman rent or borrow a few small guns & see what works best for her. Not just target shooting but field strip, load/unload, function checks, cleaning etc.
A gun is not a prop, a toy, a accessory, a fashion or political statement.
Make sure the woman has the hand strength or dexterity to operate a firearm safely.
Now, some members or gun owners huff & puff about how anyone can learn how to fire a pistol or use a revolver.
I'm aware of 2 organizations that mandate applicants show they can fire a DA revolver or handgun. One was the Washington DC Metro PD, which made police applicants dry fire a S&W model 10 .38spl. The other was a CIA officer who wrote about how her recruiter made her dry fire a unloaded S&W K frame .357magnum, just to see if she could properly use it.
There were recruits or applicants who could not do it.
Cleaning & storage are important too. Dust, lint, grit, etc can cause problems.
I'd add that whatever she picks, advise her to use only factory handgun rounds for personal defense. No reloads or hand loads.
As for what may do best, Id suggest a simple stainless steel J or K frame DA or DA only revolver to start. The Ruger SP101 5 shot DA only .357magnum 2.25" barrel or the newer LCR .22WMR revolver can do great.
A SP101 .357magnum DAO was my 1st handgun in 1993.
The .22WMR is stout, but has low recoil, low flash but offers decent power. A few new personal defense .22WMR loads are out there from Winchester PDX1 & Speer Gold Dot. I saw a good offer: $429.00 for a LCR .22WMR with the Davidson's lifetime warranty.
The S&W model 642, 638 or Bodyguard(with red dot laser) in .38spl can work too.
Blackhawk makes SERPA holsters for J frame S&W snubs. www.Blackhawk.com
Finally, Id advise the woman to take classes or seminars & be aware of the local laws/use of force standards.
The "my ___ wants a ___ . What kind of __ should I suggest?" posts are common.
Id suggest having the woman rent or borrow a few small guns & see what works best for her. Not just target shooting but field strip, load/unload, function checks, cleaning etc.
A gun is not a prop, a toy, a accessory, a fashion or political statement.
Make sure the woman has the hand strength or dexterity to operate a firearm safely.
Now, some members or gun owners huff & puff about how anyone can learn how to fire a pistol or use a revolver.
I'm aware of 2 organizations that mandate applicants show they can fire a DA revolver or handgun. One was the Washington DC Metro PD, which made police applicants dry fire a S&W model 10 .38spl. The other was a CIA officer who wrote about how her recruiter made her dry fire a unloaded S&W K frame .357magnum, just to see if she could properly use it.
There were recruits or applicants who could not do it.
Cleaning & storage are important too. Dust, lint, grit, etc can cause problems.
I'd add that whatever she picks, advise her to use only factory handgun rounds for personal defense. No reloads or hand loads.
As for what may do best, Id suggest a simple stainless steel J or K frame DA or DA only revolver to start. The Ruger SP101 5 shot DA only .357magnum 2.25" barrel or the newer LCR .22WMR revolver can do great.
A SP101 .357magnum DAO was my 1st handgun in 1993.
The .22WMR is stout, but has low recoil, low flash but offers decent power. A few new personal defense .22WMR loads are out there from Winchester PDX1 & Speer Gold Dot. I saw a good offer: $429.00 for a LCR .22WMR with the Davidson's lifetime warranty.
The S&W model 642, 638 or Bodyguard(with red dot laser) in .38spl can work too.
Blackhawk makes SERPA holsters for J frame S&W snubs. www.Blackhawk.com
Finally, Id advise the woman to take classes or seminars & be aware of the local laws/use of force standards.
Rusty,
must of the points you cover in your first paragraph I addressed in my responses and or questions. Unfortunately in my area there are not any gun shops or ranges that rent hand guns. I wish we had some so I could do that myself.
Good comments on the .22 WMR although none of the .22 or .380s are high on my list of self defense guns unless someone insists on one. Like it has been said everywhere, a .22 or .380 in hand is better than a (fill in the blank caliber) in a gun case. My wife's friend will ultimately make the choice.
So, is there anybody in the Pittsburgh, PA area that wants to loan out either a smaller framed Glock or something in .22 WMR?
must of the points you cover in your first paragraph I addressed in my responses and or questions. Unfortunately in my area there are not any gun shops or ranges that rent hand guns. I wish we had some so I could do that myself.
Good comments on the .22 WMR although none of the .22 or .380s are high on my list of self defense guns unless someone insists on one. Like it has been said everywhere, a .22 or .380 in hand is better than a (fill in the blank caliber) in a gun case. My wife's friend will ultimately make the choice.
So, is there anybody in the Pittsburgh, PA area that wants to loan out either a smaller framed Glock or something in .22 WMR?
Consider a KLCR for concealed carry, or the SP101 with the shorter barrel. For home use alone, a 3 or 4" barrel makes sense. I can shoot the KLCR more accurately than the SP101, but only with 38s.
You can get effective 38 loads with light recoil, so there is no reason to go below this power level.
An infrequent shooter is better off with a revolver...think crashing sounds in the middle of the night....
You can get effective 38 loads with light recoil, so there is no reason to go below this power level.
An infrequent shooter is better off with a revolver...think crashing sounds in the middle of the night....
Mastrogiacomo
Member
I commented on the air weight snubs while I waiting on a background check. I told the clerk I didn't understand the attraction of a gun that you can't hit the side of a barn with that also hurts like heck to use. He reminded me that for women, most attacks happen at close range and you're not going to miss at that distance. I agreed with him but for me, I much prefer a gun with weight. A barrel at 2" or 3" is also going to be an advantage.
Laura
Laura
While I admit that the 2" Cobra's barrel makes target practice essential, I can accurately hit a 4" target at 10 yards all day long. However, for any close quarters, I agree that one needs to know how to handle a pistol using instinctive pointing, something I have not practiced.
My wife has decided that she really prefers a revolver over a semi-auto. The reasons include simplicity and the issue of pulling back the slide on the latter.
I would prefer a Colt Cobra or Detective Special, but they are scarce around here, and she likes a CT grip.
She can hit better than she needs to with my Centennial using the laser, but I often have it with me for backup.
So--we went out yesterday to look, evaluating the SP101 and the LCR. She ended up selecting a Ruger SP101--with the 3" barrel. She preferred the balance over that of the snubby. A CT grip is on order.
I think I prefer it to my 3" Model 60 with the adjustable rear sight.
I would prefer a Colt Cobra or Detective Special, but they are scarce around here, and she likes a CT grip.
She can hit better than she needs to with my Centennial using the laser, but I often have it with me for backup.
So--we went out yesterday to look, evaluating the SP101 and the LCR. She ended up selecting a Ruger SP101--with the 3" barrel. She preferred the balance over that of the snubby. A CT grip is on order.
I think I prefer it to my 3" Model 60 with the adjustable rear sight.
sirgilligan
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- Joined
- Dec 21, 2010
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- 895
I posted this earlier on the forum but will include it here again.
My wife bought a S&W 351 .22 WMR and we finally took it to the range.
Here is the results of my wife shooting.
She enjoyed shooting the pistol and she shoot a total of 50 rounds through it. There were no issues of any kind, and even though it is DOA, and the trigger pull is heavy, she could keep things on the silhouette even shooting as fast as she could.
I shot five rounds of some Hornady Critical Defense. It shot 12 o'clock high of the point of aim for me, but that is okay, for the purpose of this firearm it is wait till the target is close and aim at the midsection.
My wife bought a S&W 351 .22 WMR and we finally took it to the range.
Here is the results of my wife shooting.
She enjoyed shooting the pistol and she shoot a total of 50 rounds through it. There were no issues of any kind, and even though it is DOA, and the trigger pull is heavy, she could keep things on the silhouette even shooting as fast as she could.
I shot five rounds of some Hornady Critical Defense. It shot 12 o'clock high of the point of aim for me, but that is okay, for the purpose of this firearm it is wait till the target is close and aim at the midsection.
Sir Gilligan's,
Impressive shooting. After we do some range time, I may suggest something like this. I guess I need to do some reading on .22 WMR for self defense.
My biggest (perceived) issue with light weight pistols of any flavor, Airweight or my Cobra, is the recoil. My wife commented on that when shooting the Cobra after shooting my all steel Colt Commando.
Impressive shooting. After we do some range time, I may suggest something like this. I guess I need to do some reading on .22 WMR for self defense.
My biggest (perceived) issue with light weight pistols of any flavor, Airweight or my Cobra, is the recoil. My wife commented on that when shooting the Cobra after shooting my all steel Colt Commando.
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Yeah, the issue with the J-frame Airweights or something like an LCR in .38 is the recoil. It took me awhile to get used to that - a decade of shooting actually. I love my J-frame now (a 442) but I didn't love the first two I owned.
It's not just a "women" thing either. It has to do with a lot of things, and I was an inexperienced shooter the first time I tried a J-frame (and the second time too). The idea for a .22 magnum revolver may not be bad if your friend can't handle the recoil of a .38 yet. It's not ideal, but it is something and it's light enough and small enough to carry. And of course, the slightly heavier .38 revolvers we've mentioned like the SP-101 or maybe a 3" S&W Model 60 (still a J-frame, but it's headed the right way). But the bigger the firearm gets, the more work you have to put into carrying it.
It's not just a "women" thing either. It has to do with a lot of things, and I was an inexperienced shooter the first time I tried a J-frame (and the second time too). The idea for a .22 magnum revolver may not be bad if your friend can't handle the recoil of a .38 yet. It's not ideal, but it is something and it's light enough and small enough to carry. And of course, the slightly heavier .38 revolvers we've mentioned like the SP-101 or maybe a 3" S&W Model 60 (still a J-frame, but it's headed the right way). But the bigger the firearm gets, the more work you have to put into carrying it.
Hometeached1
Member
I'd suggest a SP101 or a S&W K-frame snub (you can model 64 police trade ins for $300.) or a D-frame Colt.
The k-frame is a great size for carry and has some weight to it but is not bad. The trigger is way better than a J-frame and the K-frame snubs are like your cobra it that they are both way better shooting than the J-frame.
I have a 2" model 10 and carry it a good deal of the time in summer or as a BUG in the winter.
Here it is next to a J-frame.
The k-frame is a great size for carry and has some weight to it but is not bad. The trigger is way better than a J-frame and the K-frame snubs are like your cobra it that they are both way better shooting than the J-frame.
I have a 2" model 10 and carry it a good deal of the time in summer or as a BUG in the winter.
Here it is next to a J-frame.
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RustyShackelford
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NRA; Allegeny County Gun Club....
First, Id check with the NRA, www.nra.org . They have the "refuse to be a victim" class and may know ranges or cadre in the Steel City area where she can get more details. From a qualified trained source.
Id also look into a pistol & rifle club or local IPSC chapter/target shooters.
My good friend is a member of a private club near Penn Hills. I'll ask him if they have any meetings or public events for women/new shooters.
I saw a well run, large range in Jacksonville Florida with programs just for ladies but that's a bit of a reach for you/your friend.
If I can get any other useful data, I'll zip you a PM.
After you go to the range you can get some Permani Brothers sammys or some Mineo's Pizza.
First, Id check with the NRA, www.nra.org . They have the "refuse to be a victim" class and may know ranges or cadre in the Steel City area where she can get more details. From a qualified trained source.
Id also look into a pistol & rifle club or local IPSC chapter/target shooters.
My good friend is a member of a private club near Penn Hills. I'll ask him if they have any meetings or public events for women/new shooters.
I saw a well run, large range in Jacksonville Florida with programs just for ladies
but that's a bit of a reach for you/your friend. If I can get any other useful data, I'll zip you a PM.
After you go to the range you can get some Permani Brothers sammys or some Mineo's Pizza.
Small guns are for experts
I believe Jeff Cooper said that and, after 30 years of shooting experience, I would wholeheartedly agree. Like so many others, the first gun that I bought for my wife was a model 36 J-frame. She hated it and so did I. I have owned several snubbies over the years and have sold most of them off. I even owned one of the first SP 101s in 357 mag and even with stout 38 loads that thing was not fun to shoot. One thing that has not been mentioned here so far is the importance of a good trigger job and good grips. Even that first J-frame benefited a lot from a good trigger job and decent sized grips. I Recently purchased a Lady Smith model 60 in 357 Mag. The grips on this gun are much more conducive to good shooting as is the trigger job that I had done to it, by a gunsmith, of course.
With all of that said, there are many good choices in small to medium framed autos out there right now. The LCP is one of my favorites but it is not for everyone. The Ruger LC-9 might be a very good choice, it is my daughters favorite and I gave her both the LCP and the LC-9. Ruger also has the LC-380 which combines the the size of the LC-9 with the 380 cartridge, making it even more manageable. Ruger has recently introduced the LC-9s, the s stand for striker fired, which may give it a better trigger. The LC-9 has an external safety but, when I carried it, I always left it in the off position. It has a long double action pull like a revolver so, in my mind anyway, the safety is redundant. It is also small and hard to manipulate.
The new Glock 42 feels like a real winner to me, but I am hoping that the 9mm version will be out soon. The 42 has a smoother trigger than most Glocks, I own several so I know. Also, it is not the tiniest of 380s out there so the slide is easier to get a good purchase on when racking the slide, unlike the LCP. My wife has a hard time racking the slide on her LCP for this reason. By the way, I just got a Colt Mustang (I love it) for myself and while I can shoot it quite well, I would not recommend it for a novice. I carry a 1911, all day every day, so to have this as a back-up or pocket gun, just made sense. I might recommend the Sig 238 or, better yet, the Sig 938. They are both a little bigger in the hand and this will help with control especially with the finger extension magazines. I REALLY LIKE THE 938, and it may well be the perfect gun for this, if she is willing to practice.
Remember one thing though, and I even have to reinforce this with my daughter who has been shooting pistols since she was 9 years old, these guns are made for self defense. They are not target guns. You shoot them differently than when you are in a self defense situation and you should practice as such. When my daughter first started shooting with both her LCP and LC-9, she would bring them on target and slowly squeeze the trigger, like you are supposed to, "when you are target shooting". She would get so frustrated, and her targets were horrible, because of the tiny sights and poor triggers. Once I told her to bring the gun up quickly, on a man sized target, get a flash sight picture, and pull the trigger quickly, her groups improved vastly. No, they weren't quarter sized groups at 25 yards but they weren't the 8 inch groups she was getting at ten yards either, only minutes before. They shrank to 2 and 3 inch groups almost immediately. When I put a good 1911 or single action Ruger in her hands she can make those quarter sized groups at 25 yards and beyond, but we both realize that she won't carry either of those guns. If this woman needs a gun for self protection, train her as such, or find someone who can. I hope this helps.
I believe Jeff Cooper said that and, after 30 years of shooting experience, I would wholeheartedly agree. Like so many others, the first gun that I bought for my wife was a model 36 J-frame. She hated it and so did I. I have owned several snubbies over the years and have sold most of them off. I even owned one of the first SP 101s in 357 mag and even with stout 38 loads that thing was not fun to shoot. One thing that has not been mentioned here so far is the importance of a good trigger job and good grips. Even that first J-frame benefited a lot from a good trigger job and decent sized grips. I Recently purchased a Lady Smith model 60 in 357 Mag. The grips on this gun are much more conducive to good shooting as is the trigger job that I had done to it, by a gunsmith, of course.
With all of that said, there are many good choices in small to medium framed autos out there right now. The LCP is one of my favorites but it is not for everyone. The Ruger LC-9 might be a very good choice, it is my daughters favorite and I gave her both the LCP and the LC-9. Ruger also has the LC-380 which combines the the size of the LC-9 with the 380 cartridge, making it even more manageable. Ruger has recently introduced the LC-9s, the s stand for striker fired, which may give it a better trigger. The LC-9 has an external safety but, when I carried it, I always left it in the off position. It has a long double action pull like a revolver so, in my mind anyway, the safety is redundant. It is also small and hard to manipulate.
The new Glock 42 feels like a real winner to me, but I am hoping that the 9mm version will be out soon. The 42 has a smoother trigger than most Glocks, I own several so I know. Also, it is not the tiniest of 380s out there so the slide is easier to get a good purchase on when racking the slide, unlike the LCP. My wife has a hard time racking the slide on her LCP for this reason. By the way, I just got a Colt Mustang (I love it
) for myself and while I can shoot it quite well, I would not recommend it for a novice. I carry a 1911, all day every day, so to have this as a back-up or pocket gun, just made sense. I might recommend the Sig 238 or, better yet, the Sig 938. They are both a little bigger in the hand and this will help with control especially with the finger extension magazines. I REALLY LIKE THE 938, and it may well be the perfect gun for this, if she is willing to practice.Remember one thing though, and I even have to reinforce this with my daughter who has been shooting pistols since she was 9 years old, these guns are made for self defense. They are not target guns. You shoot them differently than when you are in a self defense situation and you should practice as such. When my daughter first started shooting with both her LCP and LC-9, she would bring them on target and slowly squeeze the trigger, like you are supposed to, "when you are target shooting". She would get so frustrated, and her targets were horrible, because of the tiny sights and poor triggers. Once I told her to bring the gun up quickly, on a man sized target, get a flash sight picture, and pull the trigger quickly, her groups improved vastly. No, they weren't quarter sized groups at 25 yards but they weren't the 8 inch groups she was getting at ten yards either, only minutes before. They shrank to 2 and 3 inch groups almost immediately. When I put a good 1911 or single action Ruger in her hands she can make those quarter sized groups at 25 yards and beyond, but we both realize that she won't carry either of those guns. If this woman needs a gun for self protection, train her as such, or find someone who can. I hope this helps.
oneounceload
member
You AND her read Pax's site I linked to above. Most, if not all, of her and your questions will be answered. Written by a woman instructor for women she "gets" it
Black Knight
Member
I have tried several 5 shot J frames and everyone I have tried have had absolutely horrendous triggers. I would not recommend one to anyone no matter their previous firearms experience. If I pay $400+ for a new revolver I want the trigger to be perfect. I do not want to pay good money then send it back and pay more for what should have already been done before it left the factory. I would stick with a medium frame 6 shot revolver from S&W or Ruger. The triggers are much better. That said I know there are many who have them and that is fine. I respect their choice but I simply would not recommend one for someone else. There are many handguns out there that I would recommend but J frames are not on that list.
OrangePwrx9
Member
I've found limpwristing to be a problem with many women and semi-autos. They have to make a conscious effort to overcome it; and even then...
Fighting with a Semi-auto's springs is another issue the ladies have. Sling-shotting the slide sometimes poses a problem, getting the magazine loaded is another, just checking to see if it's loaded can be a struggle for a gal with low hand-strength. For these reasons, I dismiss the SA for first-time female handgun shooters.
OTOH, a J-frame, even with wadcutters, is too harsh in the recoil dept. for most ladies. My Airweight 37 is a challenge to shoot accurately even for me.
However, the Ruger SP101 3-incher seems to be just right. Had a first-time shooting session with my sister about 10 days ago. She loved shooting my SP101 with wadcutter loads and is looking for one of her own. She wanted something compact that didn't kick much. Although small, the heft of the Ruger soaked up the recoil. The XS-Big Dot sight up front helped a lot (the stock front sight is hard to see if eyesight is less than perfect), but the Crimson Trace laser was the clincher. Once the laser was on, she did fantastic with that gun.
Fighting with a Semi-auto's springs is another issue the ladies have. Sling-shotting the slide sometimes poses a problem, getting the magazine loaded is another, just checking to see if it's loaded can be a struggle for a gal with low hand-strength. For these reasons, I dismiss the SA for first-time female handgun shooters.
OTOH, a J-frame, even with wadcutters, is too harsh in the recoil dept. for most ladies. My Airweight 37 is a challenge to shoot accurately even for me.
However, the Ruger SP101 3-incher seems to be just right. Had a first-time shooting session with my sister about 10 days ago. She loved shooting my SP101 with wadcutter loads and is looking for one of her own. She wanted something compact that didn't kick much. Although small, the heft of the Ruger soaked up the recoil. The XS-Big Dot sight up front helped a lot (the stock front sight is hard to see if eyesight is less than perfect), but the Crimson Trace laser was the clincher. Once the laser was on, she did fantastic with that gun.
I am probably in the minority but I don't think a 5 shot revolver is a good first gun for a female shooter. Learned this the hard way. Started my own wife off with a Taurus 85 .38 special. Discovered that my wife has short fingers and can barely reach the trigger on a DA revolver. Problem was partially solved by adding after-market grips that where very thin.
Still trigger pull was tough, as it was very long. Also the gun made alot of noise (revolvers, in my experience at least, tend to be very loud compared to semi-autos). She has to double up on her ear protection to shoot it.
And it's tough to hit something with a 2 inch barrel (although I must say she shoots it pretty well despite this problem).
Long story short she ended up with a Glock 42 and loves it.
Check out the beretta pistols with the flip up barrels, I think they make them in .25, .32, and .380 calibers. Great little guns
Also there are methods that make racking the slide much easier. My wife really struggled with the semi autos until she tried this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbayNc6D9HY
Made a huge difference and now she has not problem with the semis
+1
+1 again, it's one of the most female-friendly guns I've seen, and heck I like it too and am considering buying one for myself as well
A .22LR (or better yet a .25ACP) beats a pointy stick and a smaller gun that she'll actually practice with is better than a larger gun that she doesn't like that collects dust. A .380 is nothing to sneeze at
Still trigger pull was tough, as it was very long. Also the gun made alot of noise (revolvers, in my experience at least, tend to be very loud compared to semi-autos). She has to double up on her ear protection to shoot it.
And it's tough to hit something with a 2 inch barrel (although I must say she shoots it pretty well despite this problem).
Long story short she ended up with a Glock 42 and loves it.
Check out the beretta pistols with the flip up barrels, I think they make them in .25, .32, and .380 calibers. Great little guns
Also there are methods that make racking the slide much easier. My wife really struggled with the semi autos until she tried this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbayNc6D9HY
Made a huge difference and now she has not problem with the semis
+1
+1 again, it's one of the most female-friendly guns I've seen, and heck I like it too and am considering buying one for myself as well
A .22LR (or better yet a .25ACP) beats a pointy stick and a smaller gun that she'll actually practice with is better than a larger gun that she doesn't like that collects dust. A .380 is nothing to sneeze at
Tallball
Member
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2014
- Messages
- 7,806
My wife shoots both of my 32 autos well. The tip-up Beretta can be operated even by someone with unusually weak hands/wrists. She prefers my two 32 H&R magnum revolvers. I also let my ten year old daughter fire any of the four when she gets bored with the 22s, although I limit her to 32acp or 32 S&W long. She wants to shoot some 32 H&R, but I want her to wait a bit longer so she won't develop a flinch (she is headstrong and would jump right onto a 38 if I let her).
Anyway, I am surprised to see so many posters suggesting only 38/380 or 22 as if there is nothing in between. There are several choices in 32 that more effective than a 22 and are still operable by almost anyone.
Anyway, I am surprised to see so many posters suggesting only 38/380 or 22 as if there is nothing in between. There are several choices in 32 that more effective than a 22 and are still operable by almost anyone.
Good comments by all. Thank you for your opinions. How about another question?
What is your opinion on semi-autos with safeties? When I was in my local Fun store and explained that I was in a preliminary mode of just seeing what is out there, he asked "safety or no safety?" Hmm, hadn't thought of that even though my two carry pistols both have them. Perhaps like the single stack S&W 9 or similar? My biggest concern is two fold -
no safety - well, no safety. I hit the range a lot and routinely practice with my safety. Will she remember it doesn't have a safety in the middle of the night?
safety - extra layer of protection but also something goes "bump" in the middle of the night.
In my mind, both sides of this argument have plusses and minuses.
What is your opinion on semi-autos with safeties? When I was in my local Fun store and explained that I was in a preliminary mode of just seeing what is out there, he asked "safety or no safety?" Hmm, hadn't thought of that even though my two carry pistols both have them. Perhaps like the single stack S&W 9 or similar? My biggest concern is two fold -
no safety - well, no safety. I hit the range a lot and routinely practice with my safety. Will she remember it doesn't have a safety in the middle of the night?
safety - extra layer of protection but also something goes "bump" in the middle of the night.
In my mind, both sides of this argument have plusses and minuses.
mornin grumpa72,
the only safety on a firearm is the one between your ears. learn and practice the four gun handling safety rules and your question becomes easier for you to answer.
gun is always loaded
finger off the trigger
don't point gun at things you don't want to destroy
be sure of your target
the guns mechanical safety(s) are there to help you be safe. they won't prevent you from being unsafe.
murf
the only safety on a firearm is the one between your ears. learn and practice the four gun handling safety rules and your question becomes easier for you to answer.
gun is always loaded
finger off the trigger
don't point gun at things you don't want to destroy
be sure of your target
the guns mechanical safety(s) are there to help you be safe. they won't prevent you from being unsafe.
murf
First, if you carry a firearm with a light trigger pull with very short travel, such as a Commander or a "1911", you have to have a safety. And the design of those guns makes disengagement of the safety easy and automatic.
I carried a compact Ruger with a safety similar, but not identical, to the single action Colt design for some time, and I, too practiced. But the first time I drew in a training class, I somehow failed to disengage tthe safety. That gun is gone.
I now believe that if one is carrying a striker-fired pistol, one should not have to disengage a safety with a motion that is not part of the draw-and-fire process.
But it is possible for even the most careful people to have an errant article of clothing--a wind-blown shirt-tail, or a jacket string, or whatever--find its way into the holster when reholstering.
Then, a movement that pulls on the item can activate the trigger.
It happens. Once is all it takes. It is a risk that should be mitigated.
My solution was to start carrying a striker-fired pistol with a grip safety. There is no extra step required to draw and fire, but there is that extra margin of---saftety.
Murf,
Thank you for that unasked for safety lesson. Your post did mention one point that I couldn't agree more with and that is that the safety is there to add to or help you be safe. Thus my follow on question. As I mentioned, both of my carry pistols have safeties whereas my two Sigs don't. I don't carry the Sig P2022 yet but I may and I am comfortable without a built in safety. But I practice a lot.
I couldn't agree more with the safety "between the ears". When I take my 11 year old grandson to the range, each and every time we go over the rules of safety.
Thank you for that unasked for safety lesson.
Your post did mention one point that I couldn't agree more with and that is that the safety is there to add to or help you be safe. Thus my follow on question. As I mentioned, both of my carry pistols have safeties whereas my two Sigs don't. I don't carry the Sig P2022 yet but I may and I am comfortable without a built in safety. But I practice a lot. I couldn't agree more with the safety "between the ears". When I take my 11 year old grandson to the range, each and every time we go over the rules of safety.
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