branrot
Member
I am an avid gun collector/shooter. My fiance is not such a big fan of guns, but after the Connnecticut school shooting, I was finally able to convince her to keep a gun at her place for protection (we live in separate cities right now due to work commitments). She has been to the range with me once, and did OK, but does not want to go back, and does not want to go gun shopping. Concealed carry is not really an issue, at least not now. I read the entire sticky on girlfriend/wife guns, but mine is more specific.
My obvious first choice would have been a steel 5 or 6 shot 357 revolver with a 2-3 inch barrel from S&W or Ruger loaded with 38 specials (good size, good power, not too much recoil, very simple), but the gun I had on me at the time of our discussion (my Kimber Solo) had a manual safety, and she has demanded something with a manual safety (which knocks any of my revolvers out of the running). Personally, I would prefer something without a manual safety, as it would be one less thing for her to worry about. I would really prefer not to go bigger or smaller than 380, 9mm or 38 special, but I am willing to consider other options (I think 40/45/357 will kick too much, and 22 does not have enough stopping power for an intruder). I finally brought her my S&W Model 60 357 loaded with 38's, but she told me to leave her the one with the safety or nothing (she still has the Solo). She can be a little stubborn, as can I.
Anyway, right now, my top choice is my S&W 3913 TSW (3rd gen smith, stainless, single stack 9mm, 8+1, manual safety/decocker). I've also considered the Kimber Solo (too small, too much kick) and Walther PPK (very heavy DA trigger). I also considered a 9mm HK USP compact, but want to stay away from polymer, and think the grip might be too thick due to the double stack mags. I'd prefer something from my existing stash, but will buy another gun if necessary. I will try to get her to the range again in the future, but in the meantime, do you have any words of wisdom?
My obvious first choice would have been a steel 5 or 6 shot 357 revolver with a 2-3 inch barrel from S&W or Ruger loaded with 38 specials (good size, good power, not too much recoil, very simple), but the gun I had on me at the time of our discussion (my Kimber Solo) had a manual safety, and she has demanded something with a manual safety (which knocks any of my revolvers out of the running). Personally, I would prefer something without a manual safety, as it would be one less thing for her to worry about. I would really prefer not to go bigger or smaller than 380, 9mm or 38 special, but I am willing to consider other options (I think 40/45/357 will kick too much, and 22 does not have enough stopping power for an intruder). I finally brought her my S&W Model 60 357 loaded with 38's, but she told me to leave her the one with the safety or nothing (she still has the Solo). She can be a little stubborn, as can I.
Anyway, right now, my top choice is my S&W 3913 TSW (3rd gen smith, stainless, single stack 9mm, 8+1, manual safety/decocker). I've also considered the Kimber Solo (too small, too much kick) and Walther PPK (very heavy DA trigger). I also considered a 9mm HK USP compact, but want to stay away from polymer, and think the grip might be too thick due to the double stack mags. I'd prefer something from my existing stash, but will buy another gun if necessary. I will try to get her to the range again in the future, but in the meantime, do you have any words of wisdom?