she is about 100lbs with small hands
In addition to being able to
shoot her gun, make sure she is able to take it apart for cleaning. This is something that a lot of guys overlook when recommending guns for women, probably because we take it for granted.
*
However, consider the take-down procedure for many semi-auto pistols usually involves something like
[BLOCKQUOTE]
(1) Grip the frame and pull the slide partially back
with one hand
(2) Be careful, because now the recoil
spring is under tension.
(3) Perform some task
with the other hand, while the
recoil spring is still under tension.
(4) Don't loosen the grip with the first hand, because the
recoil spring is still under tension.
[/BLOCKQUOTE]
That may be difficult for someone with small hands, or barely the hand strength to operate the slide. Even those who can
shoot something like a 1911, Glock, or steel-framed Kahr well should not necessarily
own them.
Of course, there are exceptions. Some semi-autos -- such as the Browning Hi-Power and Sig P series -- make this easier by having the slide locked back during take down. The Beretta and Walther P-5 simply require the user to turn the takedown lever. One CZ owner I know simply presses the muzzle down onto a table top, while
pushing the frame forward to align the takedown notches.
* It seems that the 1911 zealots, followed to a lesser extent by the Glock zealots, are the worst offenders in this regard. It's as though they're trying to convert people to their religion, rather than help new shooters find a handgun that works for said new shooter.
:banghead: