1911 guy
Member
Just...Don't.
Oh, I fully agree they should be armed if they are agreeable and had some training, but you are probably not the one to do it. Allow me to explain. This is due to my frustration at several "What gun for (insert female of choice) threads. Unless they are under 18 and living in your home, you've got no business whatsoever telling them what to shoot. Here's my steps for helping HER select HER handgun.
1) Don't be pushy. Unless it's her idea, it'll sit in a drawer and gather dust anyway.
2) Take her shooting if she doesn't already. Concentrate on handguns, light recoiling (usually, but not always.) and have at least one of each action type if possible. If she wants to shoot the "big" stuff, go for it.
3) Discuss what she liked and didn't like about action type. This isn't a quizz, you're just compiling a list of attributes she would like in a handgun.
4) Based on action type, talk about caliber. Remember, it's her choice, just provide her information. If you don't know enough, find a third party who does. Then butt out.
5) discuss handgun fit. If you don't know enough, find a third party who does. Then butt out.
6) Find a gunstore that has the widest selection and have her "try on" some likely candidates, based on steps 3-5. If you happen upon a friendly, knowledgeable gunshop employee, butt out.
7) If possible, rent a couple that made an impression on her. Not you, her.
8) If she wants to think about it, buy another day. If she wants to buy right now, get your wallet out. Then butt out.
Perhaps you see a trend of "butt out"? How would you like someone to hand you a pistol of their choosing, often one not suited to your hands or needs, and tell you that's the one, and if you debate it, you'll be talked down to.
Oh, I fully agree they should be armed if they are agreeable and had some training, but you are probably not the one to do it. Allow me to explain. This is due to my frustration at several "What gun for (insert female of choice) threads. Unless they are under 18 and living in your home, you've got no business whatsoever telling them what to shoot. Here's my steps for helping HER select HER handgun.
1) Don't be pushy. Unless it's her idea, it'll sit in a drawer and gather dust anyway.
2) Take her shooting if she doesn't already. Concentrate on handguns, light recoiling (usually, but not always.) and have at least one of each action type if possible. If she wants to shoot the "big" stuff, go for it.
3) Discuss what she liked and didn't like about action type. This isn't a quizz, you're just compiling a list of attributes she would like in a handgun.
4) Based on action type, talk about caliber. Remember, it's her choice, just provide her information. If you don't know enough, find a third party who does. Then butt out.
5) discuss handgun fit. If you don't know enough, find a third party who does. Then butt out.
6) Find a gunstore that has the widest selection and have her "try on" some likely candidates, based on steps 3-5. If you happen upon a friendly, knowledgeable gunshop employee, butt out.
7) If possible, rent a couple that made an impression on her. Not you, her.
8) If she wants to think about it, buy another day. If she wants to buy right now, get your wallet out. Then butt out.
Perhaps you see a trend of "butt out"? How would you like someone to hand you a pistol of their choosing, often one not suited to your hands or needs, and tell you that's the one, and if you debate it, you'll be talked down to.
She is 16 and she can get her permit at 18 in Maine. I will encourage her to do so. She has been shooting with me since she was 5 and I can occasionally get her to go to a gun show or store with me. Every time I have the chance, I get her to handle different guns. I almost bought her a really nice Walther that was fully factory engraved, very pretty, but it looked like there was gonna be a problem with loading and unloading. Anyway, it turned out not to be the right gun for her. She has been shooting my Glocks but I think that the 40 might be a little much for her right now. I even have a Nickled Smith 36 that she has not shot that might be the ticket. She will be shooting that and a friends NAA 32 NAA this summer to see if either of those feel right. I might even use this as en excuse to buy a Kel-Tec to see if she likes that.
I wish that carrying a single action for SD was good idea cause she is awsome with Ruger Vaqueros in 32 H&R Mag and she loves them.
