Best gun for young lady

[igotta40]

I could not, with a clear conscience, offer a Bersa Thunder as a self defense firearm, based on my own experience. Unless if it were run about 500 rounds without a failure. Many guns will, my Bersa wouldn't. It consistently jammed every magazine on the fifth round, locked open with a shell stuck in the ejection port. I cleaned it, I locked my wrist, it still failed. With a mag of 7 rounds, it still takes a back seat to a snubbie with 5.

If an auto .380 is her preference, I'd find a Baikal 9 x 18 Makarov. Same capacity, same firepower, way more reliable.

 

[Lycidas Janwor]

I know it was discussed many times here, but still like to hear some advices.
My daughter moved out to her own home and now looking to buy a gun.
She was introduced to my guns before, but never had her own yet.
She shoot before various 9mm, .45 ACP, 7.62x39, 308 rifle and shotgun.
She is medium frame 5.4".
I have some suggestion for her,first choice of course my CZ-75, but would appreciate any advices. Budget matter preferable price range $300-$500

 

[USAav8r]

S&W j frame with shrouded hammer in .38 or Taurus equivalent.
Reasons:
-malfunction clearance= pull trigger again which is natural reaction. (Auto loader, not so much. Requires more practice)
-She can carry it in a purse, jacket pocket, etc. and employ it without drawing (autoloader likely to get jammed).

Of course her preference, and what she WILL carry ( make her be honest with herself) is key.

 

[zb338]

No one ever listens to my advice, but I tell any new shooter to
buy a .22 rimfire. Usually a Ruger or similar semi-auto. Make
sure it isn't one that's too heavy and let the person shoot it
a lot. If he/she like to shoot then go for the bigger centerfire gun.

Zeke

 

[Hoppes Love Potion]

Kel-Tec PCM-30. Lightweight polymer semi-auto in .22 Magnum. No recoil and has a 30 round magazine.

 

[Candyman87]

Take her to a range and let her pick... my three most used/carried pistols are a PPK in .380 and my S&W Shield in 9mm and a Taurus 85 in .38 Special. All of them, my girlfriend finds "too small and uncomfortable" and much prefers her own M9.

Yes, my girlfriend has "manlier" guns than me, but then again, she doesn't CC like I do.

 

[Ignition Override]

igotta40 also has a very good solution. My identical Russian IZH-70 is only a little larger than the Bersa Thunder, and the DA trigger isn't as good, but...

this commercial Makarov seems as solid as a rock, and based on many dozens of first-hand reports which I read, it's probably the most reliable semi-auto handgun ever manufactured.
And being in .380 Auto (mine is single stack), there are many more US ammo sources than for the 9x18 (Mak.) round...and any .380 gun is Not as vulnerable to future breakdowns in relations with Russia (the primary 9x18 source).

 

[bannockburn]

I always like to start new shooters out with a .22 revolver or semi-auto before moving on to a .38 Special revolver or 9mm. semi-auto. I also try to let everyone who is getting a gift of a handgun (or rifle), to handle and try out as many different guns that they're interested in before they finally decide on the one that they want. I do offer my knowledge and insights into the decision making process but basically I let them get whatever gun they feel most comfortable with.

 

[JTHunter]

Hoppe's has a good point. I have a PMR-30 as well in the .22 Mag. Recoil is almost non-existant, 30 rounds as Hoppe's mentioned, polymer frame for light weight, integrated rail under barrel for a light/laser, etc.

The only drawback is it may be a bit large for concealment.

 

[TimSr]

Is this for home defense or will she be carrying it?

I would never make a recommendation for what fits a shooter I don't know, but in general small light carry guns are harder to shoot well than larger guns that would be suitable for home defense, but not for carry.

If it is not for carry, I would stay away from snubbies, but consider some revolvers with a little more barrel in addition to the many semis out there.

 

[GEM]

Want to spend some money for a a better purpose than chasing the perfect gun?

Find a good course for her. Pay for it. Then let her choose a quality handgun and stay away from the low priced crap. An extra $150 can get a much better gun.

Pax has it all laid out as stated above.

 

[David4516]

Hard to say totally depends on the size of her hands.

All I can say is that for my wife (small hands, short stubby fingers) she went with a Glock 42 and loves it. She also likes the G43

The Makarov has been mentioned, and I can highly recommend them they are very reliable and robust. Only downsides to Maks are the weight (it's pretty heavy for it's size) and the recoil is a bit "snappy" thanks to the blow-back mechanism. If you can get one in .380 I'd jump on it. Nothing wrong with 9X18 but it's harder to find good ammo for...

If it's not for carry though, maybe a long gun would be better? Like an M1 carbine or AR-15? Or 20ga shotgun?