Confused female (me) needs advice selecting a gun

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I think that you're definitely thinking correctly. Good look in your search. What you'll eventually find is that you will get one gun to carry, and another for the nightstand and who knows from there. :what: Also please get good instruction. Good gun with no knowledge is very dangerous. Mediocre gun with good training increases survivability tremendously. Good gun with training - WOW! ;)
 
Thanks. Yes, I would not get a gun without proper training first. I am actually looking at classes right now and am thinking of taking the C&C class just in case. I am in Minnesota and there appear to be a few decent gun safety/training classes offered within a reasonable driving distance. Some offer classes just for women but I'm wondering if they're too lightweight. I kinda hate that pandering-to-the-airhead-female routine. On the other hand, I wouldn't relish being in a class with all guys and having them roll their eyes at my presence. I'm sure I'll find something good.
 
In addition to the Smiths, Miss Lead (whatta moniker!), you might also take a look at the Ruger SP101. As you settle into final selections, it helps to hold and test the ones you're evaluating. I've been able to rule out many selections this way, because what looks good doesn't always feel right in the hand. A larger revolver for camping and taking on trips and a smaller snub nose you can conceal seems like a good way to bridge the gap between compromises.

As much as I love my S&W 686, it is not a good carry choice for daily wear, and a snubbie is no fun at the range or in competitive shooting.
 
OK, for carrying concealed, whether in a purse, pocket, on a belt, whatever, I agree with others who recommend a S&W j-frame chambered in .38 Special, and marked with ".38 Special+P" on the barrel (so that it can handle shooting the more powerful "+P" self-defense ammunition).

A j-frame is so easy to conceal, and if you decide on one with an enclosed hammer (such as the 40, 442, or 642), it will be much easier to pull from a pocket without snagging. You won't be able to practice single-action shooting (unless you choose the 638 model which has a little knob that you can use to cock the hammer), but in a draw-and-shoot high adrenaline situation, the operation will most likely be double-action, so that's what you should practice with.

But you also mentioned camping in your original post. I don't think anyone else has addressed this yet. I'm not sure where you live, but if you're anywhere near black bear and/or cougar habitat when you camp, you might want to consider protection from dangerous animals. If you want a gun that can double as both protection from 2-legged and 4-legged creatures, a .38 Special just can't do what a .357 Magnum can.

If you want the best (compromise) of all worlds, I recommend taking a look at the Ruger SP101 in .357. It is a heavy gun, which hurts it in the concealed carry category, but helps IMMENSELY in the shooting comfort category. .38 Special ammunition out of an SP101 is so pleasant to shoot, you can do it all day long without any pain, flinching, fatigue, etc. And .357 Magnum from it isn't that bad, and will be much more effective against a possible bear encounter than .38. I should also mention that a brand-new SP101 will only cost you around $450, which is a little less than a comparable S&W or Colt.

For reference, my fiance (very tall and slender) hates shooting my 642 (S&W j-frame), but really enjoys shooting my Ruger SP101. If you don't like shooting the gun you choose, you won't be as likely to practice with it, and that's not good.
 
lots of good answers in this thread... i think you'll find i hope the guys at any handgun training program to be respectful and helpful to a woman shooter... one thing to remember when looking at s&w handguns is the 6 at the beginning of a model number means the gun is stainless steel... if i were looking for a bedside handgun i'd try and get a s&w model 13-2 4" k-frame........ the one i had was great and i would like to get another one for the same purpose you talked about.... that gun will shoot .357 magnum and .38 specials... i am in iowa and pretty close to minn. ...... my wife shoots the old colt det spl she inheritered from her father and she could also give you a little guidance.....
 
As to a K frame being too big for a woman...My wife has carried my M21, M22, both 629s... and her EDC is a 1911. She refuses to carry anything that doesnt start with a .4
She had a GP100 and got rid of it for a 1911.
I think a 3" K frame is CERTAINLY one to look into.
Model 10s are some VERY nice revolvers.


Jim
 
Don't be intimidated by being in a mostly male class. The guys will be intimidated by you because as they and all the guys on this forum know, women usually shoot better than men because women LISTEN to instruction.
 
Welcome to THR. Everybody else has pretty much said what needed to be said, so I won't add to the heap, just extend warm welcomings.

EDIT: Also, once I read that you were Minnesotan, I had to go back through and re-read all your posts with a Minnesotan accent in my head :)
 
hey coromo, show off! LOL.
i'm half way there! and i promise to get 3 S&W. (if only i can find the funds:()
 

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You're getting really good advice in this thread! A .38 revolver is perfect for the person just starting off in guns. They're safe, simple, effective, foolproof and even, if I can say it? Elegant. And if you you google up Jerry Miculek, you'll see that a .38 is a great choice for the real experts as well.

Watch this and prepare for your jaw to drop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uisHfKj2JiI

The only further advice I would give is to also look for a .22 trainer similar to your .38 so you can shoot more rounds for less money (.22's cost perhaps 1/10th as much as .38's). You probably wouldn't want to lay out a lot of money for that, but Taurus and others make inexpensive knock-offs of the S&W's, and you can find those in .22 as well.
 
I find shooting .38s in the J-frame .38 difficult to control, even though the one I have is steel. I like shooting .38s in a K-frame .357. The little J-frame is easier to control with Pachmayr grips and 125 grain JHP (rather than a heavier load), but I shoot much better, at this point, with a steel, K-frame .357 with the four-inch barrel. If one were handy, I'd try a J-frame .357, just to see if that were substantial enough to make shooting the .38s easier.

If you can borrow or rent some to try, it helps to compare the weights, models, barrel lengths, etc., without any pressure to have to decide.

Nice to read of another woman enjoying shooting these.
 
women usually shoot better than men because women LISTEN to instruction
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women also seem to be more likely to have great eye/hand coordination

this weekend I am teaching a father & daughter to shoot and I am willing to bet that the 16 year old female is going to shoot rings around her father. Doesn't happen EVERY time but most of the time.
 
Another option would be to sign up for a good beginners defensive handgun course. There will be plenty of guns there for you to try and getting an experienced instructor to help you in your choice is a great way to go...

I'd also suggest you start with a revolver you can shoot well and learn the fundamentals first. Then you can decide on a carry weapon next. A good K Frame revolver will be great for learning, home defense and range.

Consider the S&W Model 10. These are great guns to start with and very inexpensive on the used market. They are like swiss watches, especially the older pencil barrels. You can get custom grips to dress them up and make them look nice.

Stay safe...
 
Consider the S&W Model 10. These are great guns to start with and very inexpensive on the used market. They are like swiss watches, especially the older pencil barrels.
Click to expand...

Yep, I thought I liked my 686 until I got my hands on my Model 10 with pencil barrel... I think it's my favorite revolver now!
 
Paladin7 said:
... the 357 has way more noise, blast and recoil. Ear-splitting if shot in a confined space like a bedroom in a home defense scenario.
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I've read statements similar to the above before but as someone who is new to firearms I'm always confused by them. Are such statements related to full house magnum loads? In my J-frame, I am using the Gold Dot Short Barrel 357 Magnums (which have only slightly increased velocity compared to Gold Dot Short Barrel 38 Special +P, 990 fps vs. 860 fps) and, at an open air range (the indoor ranges in my area don't allow magnums), I can't see much difference compared to 38 Special in terms of muzzle flash or feel much difference in terms of recoil. Clarification would be appreciated.
 
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Spend some time getting to know the firearm before you buy it. Go to a range that rents guns and try out a variety of the ones that are most striking to you. If you have friends who own revolvers (which is what your primary interest seems to be), invite them along and give their guns a try as well. Eventually you'll find one that best fits your hand and eye; work with that one until you are sure -- and then, and only then, buy it, knowing that you've done your best to select the single revolver that is exactly right for you.

Welcome to The High Road.
 
First, welcome to THR. You'll find a lot of very knowledgeable folks here more than willing to share their expertise. While esthetics are important, don't forget that a gun is a tool to be used for fun but also in the most dire of circumstances. In the latter usage, function is more important than looks. Below is a S&W 642 .38 caliber (blued version is the 442). I found it a little uncomfortable to shoot with the stock 'boot' grips. I changed out the grips with performance center grips and it made the gun more controlable and comfortable to shoot. The third picture is a model 66 'K' frame for comparison. The added weight helps a lot to absorb recoil. As others have said, handle and shoot as many different models as you can before making your selection. Good luck to you.
SW642.jpg
642.jpg
M66left.jpg
 
I suggest not buying anything. I would suggest a NRA Basic Handgun cost for little money (we charge $75.00). One of the last featured sections is handgun selection. In that phase each student is allowed to test a wide range of handguns from 22 up to 45ACP. All ammo is supplied and we usually have well over 40 handguns of all makes and models. While not an extensive test of any one handgun, it's a great start toward what would work for you and something you would not be able to do in the gunshop.
 
rscalzo said:
I suggest not buying anything. I would suggest a NRA Basic Handgun cost for little money (we charge $75.00). One of the last featured sections is handgun selection. In that phase each student is allowed to test a wide range of handguns from 22 up to 45ACP. All ammo is supplied and we usually have well over 40 handguns of all makes and models. While not an extensive test of any one handgun, it's a great start toward what would work for you and something you would not be able to do in the gunshop.
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I think that is a great idea (i.e. to take a course where you can try several different handguns) and that's exactly what I did initially. I fell in love with a big 45 ACP 1911 but as yet haven't bought one because I wasn't convinced it was the most suitable for a self-defense handgun. My first purchase was a J-frame 357 mag revolver (S&W M&P 340 CT) and I have found this to be so practical as it slips into my pocket even in my lightest clothing. For nightstand and camping, though (your stated applications), you could go for something bigger and heavier that would be easier to shoot accurately.
 
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You guys have convinced me that I need to get out and shoot a lot of guns before I make a decision. Thanks for all the great advice.
 
Miss Lead

In addition to being glad that you found The High Road I am also thankful that you have discovered the joy of firearms.

Enjoy
 
The best way to choose is to handle what's available, either in a shop or the ones your friends own.


I have a Model 3" 36, and it's a great gun. It's very accurate, and comfortable to shoot. It's not that bad to carry, either.


Model 10's are great, affordable guns, too.


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For size comparisons -

Left to right.

Smith J-frame Model 36
Colt Detective Special
Smith K-frame Model 10
Ruger GP100


They also happen to be in order of frame size, too.
 
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