Advice on a wheel gun?

[DonP]

Our youngest daughter is in her final year of med school and doing her "rotations", where she goes for 6 weeks at a time to different hospitals and clinics.

Some of the locations are very unsavory (Clinics for the homeless and drug users in really "fun" neighborhoods). She has already been followed to her car and hit up for money several times. We had a serious talk or three about situational awareness as your best defense.

After a short discussion the other night, both she and her mother finally realized that a cell phone isn't really much protection or a deterrent. Hearing your daughter being assaulted on the phone is not an acceptable solution.

I told her that because she wears a white coat to and from work the local druggies think she either: (A) has access to drugs or (B) has money - because she "looks" like a doctor (no money, just a $300,000+ school loan debt!!!)

It's time to get the girl a carry piece. At the range she has trouble working the slide on my Kel-Tec P-32 and Colt Government Pocketlite .380, plus she tends to limp wrist, so an auto loader is out. Even an LDA would be a problem if she ever had to clear a jam.

The girl is only 100 pounds soaking wet, thin as a rail, has small hands and would most likely carry in her lab coat pocket or in her winter coat pocket (with a suitable pocket holster of course).

She'll get the appropriate training and spend the regular range time needed to become proficient with it. We have also had the; "don't carry it if you aren't prepared to use it" and the "don't count on just showing a gun to scare anyone off" discussions.

I'm thinking a smaller and "lighter" "hammerless" .38 spl with 5 rounds (S&W, Taurus)? Is there such a thing as a .380 ACP revolver?

Any and all suggestions are welcomed, as always.

Thanks!

 

[22-rimfire]

Take a look at the Smith 442 or 642 in 38spl. Kicks a bit, but is very concealable and dependable. Not a gun you shoot all the time at the range, but sufficient skills are easily learned out to 10 yds or so without a great amount of practice. Other possiblity is a 32 mag in a Smith airweight. Frankly, I think a 22 would be okay in a pinch, but everyone always says "not enough stopping power".

She may not be allowed to have a firearm in a hospital. Bending the rules is her choice; perhaps keep it in her locker until she exits and has the protection outside the building.

 

[ronto]

A S&W or Taurus 5 round 38 Special light model is exactly what I would suggest. You may also may want to look for a S&W Model 37 Airweight in good condition. The new S&W revolvers have a lock which I think just complicates matters.

 

[Imaginos]

Options

Option #1 - Change clothes before leaving the hospital. If you dress worse than the punks in the hood, you run less risk of being a target.
Option #2 - Ask security to walk her to her car. That is what bullet magnets are for.
Option #3 - Pepper spray and Surefire flash light.
option #4 - Any gun small enough to hide in her skivvies. She may have to change clothes in the locker room and she can't risk exposing a handgun to other workers who might rat her out. She also cannot afford to leave her gun in her locker. If it is stolen, then she loses her job if it is reported. North American Arms makes some very tiny 22lr and 22 Mag revolvers. They are not much, but they are very concealable. Go with the .22 Mag. Maybe the one that fold into the grip to further conceal what it really is. A small frame .38 would be a hell of a lot betterin a pinch, but medical work requires close personal contact that can "out" a concealed handgun very easily.

http://www.naaminis.com/bwmm.html

 

[Jim PHL]

Steel framed snub. Small pocket sized for easy carry in her mode of dress, steel will make shooting easier (and practice more fun) than the lightweights, and the heavier, especially +P .38 outperform any .380 when they need to. Saw a used stainless Taurus model 85 today for $200. Several used S+W model 36's in the same case at less than $300. Good deals. Good guns.

 

[Dienekes]

We have three ladies packing in the family. Their choices have been a M37 S&W airweight .38 Spl., 2" barrel,dehorned (30 years now); a Model 10 3" (2 yrs), and a Ruger SP-101 .357 3", dehorned, (2 yrs). My personal "always" gun is a M442 which I think is ideal--light, but not too light, "hammerless", reliable, and dirt simple.

Realistic training and mindset are fundamental. With those any serviceable piece will probably suffice.

I have learned to get out of the way and let the lady chose what SHE likes (within reason).

Kudos for recognizing the realities and taking steps to deal with them. I too am very protective of the ladies in my family--and I cannot always be there.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Taurus Protector .38spl or S&W 638 38spl

If I were you I'd buy a new Taurus Protector "Ultralight" .38SPL or a Smith and Wesson 638 .38spl.

These models are well made can fire the +P +P+ .38spl loads(that are better than .32ACP or .380ACP, ).

These .38spl revolvers are also lightweight, conceal well and can have CrimsonTrace laser grips added for improved marksmanship.

The Taurus Protector and Smith and Wesson 638 can also be fired SA/DA or shot through a coat pocket if needed.

She could also fire these revolvers SA(single action) if she was sick, wounded or lacked the hand strengh to fire DA/DA only.

A DA only revolver would be best but I doubt she could load/fire a DA only weapon.

Go to a local rental range and shoot different .38spl revolvers to let her feel/learn about the weapon's recoil/weight.

You may want to get the revolver plated by Robar(NP3) or Accurate Plating and Weaponry, www.robarguns.com www.apwcogan.com . This will make the weapons easy to clean, prevent rust and last longer, .

Rusty
www.smithandwesson.com www.taurususa.com www.gunsamerica.com

 

[joneb]

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976659703.htm I'd go in this direction it's as simple as it gets, a S&W would be more desirable. The .32 H&R mag is a thought for calibre it will have six rounds vs five, but with the .38 spl. you can find loadings below and above the .32 mag.

 

[weregunner]

Have her try as many makes,models,and calibers as she can. Some women shoot autos better than revolvers and vice versa. Anticipating the flash and bang were early flinch problems for the women I and others in this part of the country have taught.Time ,patience, and having focus redirected to shooting usually suffices. Experience with the lower powered calibers such as .22,25,.32,and low end .38s is a good way to start them off. Starting here off on regular barrel lengths in 4in. revolvers and 3.5 in. minimum in pistols helps with the noise and aiming issues.Longer sight radius helps in hitting the target.Less percieved wiggle of the barrel. Let other qualified people teach her when you can. I discovered the wife did much better with other instuctors. Women only courses that allow her to handle as many firearms as possible without stress would be a big boon to her acceptance of shooting. Her mind set has to get her to want to shoot. Then there is the mind set of having to use deadly force for protection. I digress. Go to www.nra.org and click on the training section. There are basic women only shoots or basic courses for pistol as well as personal defense. The morality and mind set are discussed in the self defense course. Qualified instructors run every course. Let her pick which make and model she wants to carry if she gets a CCW permit. If she shows interest a .22 rimfire revolver or a .22 pistol would be a good place to start. Women can and do start out with larger caliber guns. Just make sure it isn't something in magnum guise unless it can shoot lesser powerful rounds like the .38 special or .44 special. Any help from knowledgeable gun range shooters or gun club members is most helpful. My wife and daughter started out on .22 rimfire revolvers and pistols. Both now own their own Rugers and CZs. Others will have good input as those here already have . Good luck.

 

[Legionnaire]

I tend to agree with Jim PHL. While an "air light" snubby might be a bit easier to carry and conceal, I would think it would be uncomfortable for a slight woman (who has difficulty with the slide on a P32) to shoot. If you go with mild loads, then you are reducing the effectiveness of the cartridge. Take a look at Ruger's SP101. It's on the heavy end of the spectrum, but that would likely enhance its shootability. But like weregunner suggests, she needs to handle and shoot a number of options.

 

[atlctyslkr]

I think Legionnaire has the right idea. For a person not used to carrying a gun it seems heavy when you first start. I know this because I know several ladies that carry and they carry steel snubs. For some reason a steel snub 357 loaded with 38's just seems to work the best. Reducing felt recoil builds confidence.

 

[Essex County]

I'd opt for a steel J frame in any flavor she prefers........Essex

 

[S&Wfan]

I'd opt for a stainless steel Model 65 with a 3" barrel. Small enough, yet a long enough barrel to be VERY, VERY accurate. Additionally, the added weight makes 'em kick a lot less than a lightweight snubbie . . . so she'll actually ENJOY the amount of time she'll need to get good with it!

There are two wonderful options, the 3" Model 65 and the 3' Model 65LS. LS stands for "LadySmith" . . . and it was designed by S&W to be the (argueably) best choice for a lady (size, reduced kick, great accuracy + easy to conceal).

Occasionally, one can find some GREAT deals on these awesome, used revolvers too!

The FBI's detectives were issued these back in the revolver days. VERY accurate and great confidence-booting revolvers!

Here's a typical 6-shot, 10 yard standing-unsupported target I shot this week with mine. The M65 3" is a wonderful revolver indeed!

T.

 

[XavierBreath]

Imaginos, in post #4, is obviously familiar with the hospital setting.
He is offering some solid advice, the best of which is she should request an escort to her car. Hospitals make a big deal out of having security provide escorts to mitigate their liability in court when a person is harmed on their property. They offer escorts. She should take advantage of them.

If she is going to carry, then almost any gun will be to big in scrubs. A KelTec P32 conceals well, a j frame less so. Her best option is a SmartCarry holster, but the contact with patients will be a problem.

 

[mnrivrat]

While your looking - consider an airweight in .32 H&R Mag.

Recoil is very managable with the .32 Mag even in the lighter guns that are easier to carry than steel frame .38's & power level is about the same as a standard .38 Spl round.

Just another option to look at . I can't fault the choice of a .38 Spl , I just happen to like the Taurus Model 731's and believe they are a good choice for what your talking about.

 

[Control]

+1 on any steel J frame. The LadySmith is quite nice. You can get a used Ladysmith for a very reasonable price and they are often in excellent shape.

Make sure you get moderate .38 loads. My wife (115lbs) did not like the stiff .38 "cheap stuff" when we went to the range to try out her J frame. She was *much happier* with the "low recoil" personal defense stuff.

[Note that my wife has little to no interest in "man things." The LadySmith was a very pretty gun and she liked that. Some women may be insulted with the LadySmith because they have bought into the "115lb women kick ass" propaganda.]

Don't get a light .38 or .357. My wife shot one of these (rental) at the range and she did not like it all all. The weight of the steel made all the difference.

 

[joneb]

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976770536.htm thought I'd though this in the mix North American Arms has a good line up of compact semi-auto's
best jib,

 

[10-Ring]

I had advised a friend to carry some sort of weapon, but she was insulted that I did. She was convinced that carry a traditional weapon was contrary to what she was trying to accomplish professionally She had just finished nursing school and was working in clinics in rougher neighborhoods around the area. She ended up compromising w/ a Taser and a Surefire. GO check'em out before you make up your minds on the right weapon.

 

[Confederate]

I agree that she should have a Surefire or Inova high-intensity LED flashlight whatever she uses. These are small, indestructable lights that can temporarily blind assailants at night. They are easily held in the non-dominant hand and are handy for other uses, too (such as a baton or...well...flashlight).

Shop for a super bright model. Flashlight reviews here.



This Surefire model is popular, but newer, more advanced tactical lights are available.

 

[DWARREN123]

If available and a 38spl is too much, check out a 32 H&R mag with Federal 85gr JHP ammo. Not the best but I know it will do.

 

[weregunner]

One of the posters on another but similar thread who has started her own womens site has suggested a belly band form Galco or one of the other makers. This had to do with carry in scrubs also. The user can adjust and shift the belly band holster to fit. extra ammo and other items can be carried in other pouches or pockets. Just an idea.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

While an "air light" snubby might be a bit easier to carry and conceal, I would think it would be uncomfortable for a slight woman

If the gun's too heavy, she'll just start leaving it at home instead of lugging it around.

The 442 and other light guns are not fun to plink with. But they're easy to carry. Odds are she'll never shoot it in self defence. If she does, I don't think "recoil" will be at the top of her list of concerns, probably wouldn't even notice it.

 

[swampdog]

I sounds like she's mainly concerned with the walk across the parking lot. She'll be carrying her purse everytime, I'd imagine. Any gun she can shoot well and will fit in her purse would be exceptable. I doubt she'll want to carry on her person, especially in a hospital.

One of my ex-girlfriends has managed bars for the last 15 years. She's always carried a model 60 S&W, the sight of which has deterred more than one drunk. It stays in her purse under the bar until she leaves work. If she's had problems that night, she'll walk out with the purse over her shoulder and her hand on the gun, in the purse. This violates all kinds of ABC laws, but she's certainly needed it in the past. You should see all the dents in her car.

This woman is 5' and weighs around 100lbs. I was amazed the first time I took her to the range. She's a very good shot. Never under estimate a woman.

 

[weregunner]

Purses draw criminals to them the way flies come to garbage. Purses are what most are after. There goes the gun. Got to be a better way. Even ankle carry if it came to it.

 

[tenisiejer]

Foodfor thought...

At a gun show, yesterday. I saw some beautiful DERINGERS. Perhaps a 25 Cal. would be perfect for small hands. two shots, should send a message if need be..