First Gun - Questions!

[crebralfix]

Glock 26 (or equivalent from S&W or Walther, etc) carried in the appendix location:



I hear the appendix position works well for women.

The draw is fast and you can cover it with a shirt or jacket. The short grip and short barrel make for a very concealable and comfortable combination. This is a picture of a holster I made--it's my daily rig. What's great about the Glock series of guns is the magazines are interchangeable...carry the short mag in the gun for concealability and a long spare magazine with an A&G adapter (on either a G19 magazine for 15 spare rounds or a G17 magazine for 17 spare rounds).

While you're learning (with the Glock 26) you can get Glock 19 magazines and an A&G Grip Adapter. This makes a FULL grip, which is needed while learning (full palm support). Once you're confident with handgun shooting in general, then try it with the short magazine.

Here's what it looks like:
http://www.topgunsupply.com/A-G-c-126.html

 

[Brian Dale]

Welcome to The High Road, Katydid.

I shot one at the range today and absolutely fell in love.

You don't need any other reason than that.

I do agree with those who've written that you should try a bunch of them, then buy the one that you shoot the best. I'll join the others who've recommended Kathy Jackson's site. Here's the link again.

They've told you that the new Member buys the ammo, right?

 

[WayaX]

I recommend holding off on the gun until you've had your safety class. If they class is anything like mine, the instructor will explain the pros and cons of many different types of firearms systems. This will help you make a better decision as to what you want in a gun.

There is no reason anyone should be knocked over with a .45 ACP (even out of small pistols). Get some good instruction on proper grip and stance, these will allow you to shoot just about any caliber effectively. My girlfriend can shoot a GLOCK 20 in 10 mm and shes 5'6" and 120 lbs.

If you really like the Sig style, check out the P239 also. Since this is your first gun, the DAK trigger system may be more appropriate than the traditional DA/SA. The DA/SA system requires the use of the decocker, and being new, you may accidentally forget to use when reholstering.

If you're really having recoil problems then check out the GLOCK 19. It has a lower bore axis which can help reduce muzzle flip (Sigs, by contrast, are one of the highest axis pistols out there). In addition it's a lighter gun so it's more pleasant to carry. Other low bore axis guns include IMI baby eagles and other CZ's and CZ clones, Steyr's (the "other" GLOCK), and H&K P7's.

 

[1911 guy]

Welcome aboard, again.

You're probably tired of hearing the welcomes, but here at The High Road we attempt to be polite in the extreme. It's what seperates THR from 99.9% of the rest of the web. Hope you like it as well here as I do.

I kinda-sorta agree with those telling you to wait until after the class to buy, but then again I don't. Unless the safety class dives into actual CCW issues, you won't be any more informed about how and what to carry than before. You'll be much more informed about how to handle and use your choice, but maybe not about making the choice. Perhaps a phone call to the instructor is in order, to find what material he/she covers.

CCW for women can be tricky. I'm not a fan of off-body carry, but also realize that sometimes it's dang near the only option for some women. My wife has found that business suits (pants/jacket or skirt/jacket) are her best bets unless we're bumming around and she can get away with dressing VERY casual. Read loose jeans and baggy T-shirt. Finding a good holster to fit a womans waist can be a genuine pain the the arse. Size of the handgun can be an issue here, too. Large guns are generally harder for women to conceal than for men. The Equinox is likely a good size, assuming (yeah, I know) you are of average female build. Look at holsters billed as "high ride" or similar terms. They carry the handgun higher on your waist, preventing the barrel from being pushed out by your hip, which helps keep the grip from digging into your ribs.

Congrats on making your way in the world. Big kuddos for taking responsibility for your own safety.

Best of luck.

 

[Chem Geek]

If you already shot the P220 and loved it, get that!!