I just listened to an informative podcast on snubbys here. Maasad Ayoob and others are in it.
http://proarms.podbean.com/
http://proarms.podbean.com/
642 or 638 for my girlfriend to use, what do you think?
- Thread starter LSU Fan
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Unless your GF is an experienced shooter, I'd say neither.
I've owned a couple J-frame .38's and they can be an acquired taste. Good guns but for a good long while I (a 200+pound 5'10" man who's been shooting for over 20 years) was only good for about 40 rounds before the recoil started to get to me. I'd think that just one or two rounds from one may be enough to talk a new shooter out of ever picking up a gun again unless you were introducing them with very mild loads.
I totally second the idea of several trips to the range and some gunstores to let your GF figure out what she likes.
I sense that you have the best of intentions here but you really are going to have to just sort of set her loose on this.
Your only interaction should be things like "Can you work the slide?", "That's overpriced by $50.", Or the occasional "Jennings?!!! PUT THAT BACK IN THE CASE BEFORE YOU BREAK IT!"
Over the course of a year or so I had my GF (now my ex) to the range with every gun I owned and every one I could borrow for her to try out.
To make a long story short, she was a total newbie the first time we went to the range. She tried everything I owned along with every handgun I could borrow for her to try.
We went to a few gun stores for her to handle guns.
Even with very little experience she was able to decide what handled well for her and what didn't and what fit her hand well.
Ultimately, she bought a Walther P-22. My brother and I helped break it in and zero the sights with her and make sure she could use it but it was her choice from start to finish.
It is underpowered.
But it's pleasant for her to shoot so she probably will.
Ammo is cheap and she still needs a lot of practice.
It fits her hand well and she can work the slide and all controls without struggling.
The controls are ambidextrious - she's left handed so this matters.
It's small and light enough that she can stick it in her purse when she decides to get her permit.
I tested it for her to ensure that it's reliable. It is. I'd carry it.
It's not the hammer of Thor, but loaded with some hot CCI solids, it is at least something.
Maybe not the ideal choice but she's a whole lot better protected now that she has her own gun than she was a month ago when she had no guns...
I've owned a couple J-frame .38's and they can be an acquired taste. Good guns but for a good long while I (a 200+pound 5'10" man who's been shooting for over 20 years) was only good for about 40 rounds before the recoil started to get to me. I'd think that just one or two rounds from one may be enough to talk a new shooter out of ever picking up a gun again unless you were introducing them with very mild loads.
I totally second the idea of several trips to the range and some gunstores to let your GF figure out what she likes.
I sense that you have the best of intentions here but you really are going to have to just sort of set her loose on this.
Your only interaction should be things like "Can you work the slide?", "That's overpriced by $50.", Or the occasional "Jennings?!!! PUT THAT BACK IN THE CASE BEFORE YOU BREAK IT!"
Over the course of a year or so I had my GF (now my ex) to the range with every gun I owned and every one I could borrow for her to try out.
To make a long story short, she was a total newbie the first time we went to the range. She tried everything I owned along with every handgun I could borrow for her to try.
We went to a few gun stores for her to handle guns.
Even with very little experience she was able to decide what handled well for her and what didn't and what fit her hand well.
Ultimately, she bought a Walther P-22. My brother and I helped break it in and zero the sights with her and make sure she could use it but it was her choice from start to finish.
It is underpowered.
But it's pleasant for her to shoot so she probably will.
Ammo is cheap and she still needs a lot of practice.
It fits her hand well and she can work the slide and all controls without struggling.
The controls are ambidextrious - she's left handed so this matters.
It's small and light enough that she can stick it in her purse when she decides to get her permit.
I tested it for her to ensure that it's reliable. It is. I'd carry it.
It's not the hammer of Thor, but loaded with some hot CCI solids, it is at least something.
Maybe not the ideal choice but she's a whole lot better protected now that she has her own gun than she was a month ago when she had no guns...
Kind of Blued
Member
With a 638, I see her (or any "non-gunny") shooting it SA at the range simply because it's more fun.
Just make sure she doesn't FORGET that it can shoot DA.
That could be REALLY bad.
Just make sure she doesn't FORGET that it can shoot DA.
That could be REALLY bad.
The trigger pull on the 642 is a little too much for my wife to shoot comfortably. Moreover, the recoil, even with Hogue grips, is such that it is not at all enjoyable for her to practice with.
I think there are better alternatives. I love the 642 for my purposes, but not for hers.
I think there are better alternatives. I love the 642 for my purposes, but not for hers.
psyprofessor
Member
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2008
- Messages
- 113
If you MUST choose between the 642 and the 638, go with the 642. Most defense situations, SA is not really appropriate. (Too easy to accidentally discharge...with such a light trigger pull on SA mode.)
Although I have the 638...my advice is for you to get the 642 version.
Although I have the 638...my advice is for you to get the 642 version.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
If all else fails you can always buy one of these!
It fires either a .45 Colt round or a 2.5"/ 3" .410 Shotshell. (or one of each)
It fires either a .45 Colt round or a 2.5"/ 3" .410 Shotshell. (or one of each)
Phil DeGraves
Member
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2006
- Messages
- 1,531
Let her pick it out. Consider the steel frame model 49. Shrouded hammer with S/A capability and the steel frame makes recoil more manageable, especially for the novice shooter.
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