Yes, the .22lrf is the way to go under most circumstances. These folks covered why.
There are also many exceptions to that ,but let's cover some other things.
There is this:
www.corneredcat.com
This is a site plumb full of info and data for women only, but there are things in there for guys as well.
www.wagc.com/ -
www.armedfemalesofamerica.com/firingline/sisters.htm -
www.nraila.org/Issues/factsheets/read.aspx?ID...
www.womenshooters.com/wfn/wagc.html
Second Amendment Sisters - Self-Defense is a Basic Human RightMay 23, 2010 ... Second Amendment Sisters is a nonprofit women's advocacy group dedicated to preserving the basic human right of self defense.
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State Sites - Second Amendment Sisters, Inc.Second Amendment Sisters, Inc. is a non-profit organization created to inform, educate and support the development of the self-reliant women, nationwide, ...
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www.womenandguns.com
These are women organizations for shooting.
I would advise, Mopsie, that looking into local NRA accredited Women Only basic classes or something like it be looked at.
This class exposes a women to a wide variety of guns, long guns or handguns. This in a relaxed atmosphere with no guys. Male instructors there may be, but it is geared for the women. This way there are all the calibers to look at and gun safety, proper shooting procedures, and everything else is covered. Gives one a good all around experience and knowledge about firearms.
You can then decide what meets your needs in a caliber or gun/shooter combo.
Local gun stores,gun ranges, and and clubs have access to these. My adult daughter and wife attended several of these as each time there were a bit different set off firearms to look over. There were no fees or low fees for this.
Barring that there are one on one classes for the same thing. The instructor needs to be personable and accredited.
Kathy Jackson who runs corneredcat.com started out, herself, was taught how to shoot a Glock 26 compact pistol. No .22lrf guns at all.
There are exceptions to the .22lrf trail and it can be done if the instructors are personable,patient, understanding, and knowledgable.
Both my wife and adult daughter now shoot bulleye competition and do well.
Both either own a rimfire gun or own a .22lrf pistol and centerfire pistols. The 9x19 cartridge is the main cartridge.
In the state IDPA competitions there are many stout small women who shoot .45ACP pistols well. They beat the guys many times. Hey, it's fact.
My daughter found out that she could control the 9x19 cartridge in a CZ75 or CZ85 and that was the level she was comfortable with.
Others may decide that a larger or more powerful cartridge is their cup of tea or coffee.
It seems that a lot of women like the .357 magnum/38 Special revolvers.
They can tailor the ammo to the event or mission.
Need to fire practice ammo that is not harsh? The 130gr-158gr. standard pressure ammo gets the nod. That or 148gr wadcutters.
Need more power? The .38 Special +P loads form 110-158gr. get the nod.
I also taking a look at the 32 calibers.
The .32 ACP in pistol form is mild, but gives one a decent level of protection, but is not the best round for the job. But if needed and that is all one can handle, then go with it.
I've been playing around and experimenting with the .32 calibers in revolvers as of late.
Starting off with the .327 Federal magnum. The reasoning goes like this.
If power close to or at some of the .357 manum rounds are called for, the .327 Federal can do that for personal defense without the .357 magnum recoil.
There are fast zippy light 85 gr. JHPs to 115gr. JHPs that are moving along at from about 1200 feet per second- a bit over1400fps.. This is way above the .32 ACP.
For practice, a need, or fun the .32 H&R magnum is a step down and less everything from the noise and recoil of the .327 Federal.
Need something a mite less than that? There is a large group of mild .32 S&W Long loads that are available. There are more loads available then in recent past. Just have to know where to look.
I own the Taurus 327 in .327 Federal, of course. It's snub lightweight revolver. Also own a Ruger SP101 in .327 Federal with 3 in. barrel. Add to that a Ruger GP100 in that same caliber. Yet all three .32 rounds can be shot form them.
These all have excellent trigger pulls and accuracy as well.
This is just an example.
I do own many .357 magnum revolvers and .38 Special revolvers and a number of 9x19 pistols. Just one .45ACP pistol,a Ruger P97.
The Ruger 345 looks appealing for the price and reliability.
So go experiment and reseatch to your hearts content.