Revolver for me AND my wife...

[oneounceload]

First YOU shouldn't be picking out your wife's gun - both of you need to read www.thecorneredcat.com about this very topic.

Small J frame guns are hard enough with standard 38 ammo, let alone +p, and especially rough with 357

Take her to a range that rents a wide variety of guns and let HER decide what SHE likes. Remember, when momma is happy EVERYONE is happy...

 

[omaharj]

My wife has no problem shooting the .380 autoloader,but racking the slide and other use problems had her asking for a simple,small,light, revolver for her to possibly use to get her CCW permit and carry full time in her purse. I have the new Bodyguard and a 438 (basically a Bodyguard with a bobbed hammer and without the laser). She loves everything about them but the recoil. 5 shots with +P and she's about done. Regular .38 ammo is still too tough for her to get much practice. I picked up some Georgia Arms cowboy action 125 lead that flies out at 750 fps. She can get lots of practice with that without her arthritis screaming at her. The plan is for her to get competent and comfortable with the 438 and then get her CCW.
The difference between the Cowboy Action load and regular stuff is about as big a difference as regular to +P,very noticeable. I saw some winchester ammo marked as cowboy action at Cabela's but couldn't find any info as to the power. I may try some tomorrow. If anyone knows about a lighter commercially available round,please chime in! The lead bullet has me cleaning the gun after each time out. RJ

 

[ArchAngelCD]

My wife has no problem shooting the .380 autoloader,but racking the slide and other use problems had her asking for a simple,small,light, revolver for her to possibly use to get her CCW permit and carry full time in her purse. I have the new Bodyguard and a 438 (basically a Bodyguard with a bobbed hammer and without the laser). She loves everything about them but the recoil. 5 shots with +P and she's about done. Regular .38 ammo is still too tough for her to get much practice. I picked up some Georgia Arms cowboy action 125 lead that flies out at 750 fps. She can get lots of practice with that without her arthritis screaming at her. The plan is for her to get competent and comfortable with the 438 and then get her CCW.
The difference between the Cowboy Action load and regular stuff is about as big a difference as regular to +P,very noticeable. I saw some winchester ammo marked as cowboy action at Cabela's but couldn't find any info as to the power. I may try some tomorrow. If anyone knows about a lighter commercially available round,please chime in! The lead bullet has me cleaning the gun after each time out. RJ

The trick is, don't cause her any pain! Instead of having your wife suffer using a 15oz revolver get her something a little heavier like an all Steel J frame 21-23oz. That additional weight makes all the difference when firing more than 5 rounds for practice. Also, dry firing will aid in learning good trigger control and do so without pain.

I do the bulk of my live fire practice with a M640 and carry a M442. (because I like a light revolver for pocket carry)

 

[Guillermo]

Too light bites

SHOOT BEFORE YOU BUY

 

[PedalBiker]

I've had my wife to the range with a variety of guns.

The only way to know for sure what she likes is to let her try some.

I don't buy stuff for my wife anymore. If she wants something she will buy it herself.

 

[oneounceload]

I took a variety of guns to the range and let my wife shoot them - the J frame was her most hated gun; my P7 that she gave me for my birthday became her first choice and G26 her second. She shot everything from a MK II 22 target gun to a 4" 45 and made her own mind up - your wife needs to do the same

 

[Fast Frank]

I've been eyeballing the SP101 chambered in 327 federal mag.

It can shoot several lesser .32 loads, and that gives it the ability to go from pea-shooter wimpy all the way up to .40 S&W power.

For a beginner with small hands, it looks to be ideal. Having a pistol that will allow gentle training might accelerate learning and avoid fear.

I believe the .327 mag loads are doing something like 1500 FPS, and a 110 grain hydro-shock at that speed should turn a substantial part of your bad guy into a gooey mess.

The SP101 is a known quality piece and should be quite trust worthy, and in this chambering it's a six shot.

As for you and your big hands, I agree with everybody else- get your own piece.