I just don't think a snubbie revolver is a good gun for a beginner. It is going to be loud, kick extra hard, and be hard to shoot accurately. It will cause major flinch. I dunno, folks, it might be fine for somebody who is a retired LEO or a more experienced shooter, but I think it is a horrible choice for a beginner to learn on.
Good handgun for small, female college student..?
- Thread starter PaisanPrincess
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It may not be illegal or against university policy to carry a handgun concealed on campus. You'll need to investigate the laws. I recommend you go to an attorney rather than the police (who are notorious for not really knowing the law).
That said, if you have a stalker, you should be carrying or have the gun within reach at all times. You should also get a folding knife and learn the basics of its use.
A gun is not a magic talisman to stop bad guys. You MUST learn when you may shoot. Failure to do so may result in a long stay with an ugly lesbian in a cage for a few decades. I hear the food is terrible.
The key here is to get professional training. Start with NRA Basic Pistol or any beginner's course. Make sure to ask the instructors a variety of pistols for you to try. After that, find a two day defensive handgun course. Concealed carry "training" is not about the fight...it is about the state regulations and complying with their licensing scheme (which is important). Do not confuse the two types of training.
Guns:
Avoid revolvers unless you cannot operate the slide. They are more difficult to operate. By "operation", I mean rapid shooting, quick and efficient reloads, malfunction clearance, moving and shooting, close contact shooting, and so forth. Operation is not "opening the cylinder and pulling the trigger". Shooting at targets in a shooting lane is not preparation for a fight with a stalker.
However, if the revolver is your only affordable option, then get one. Go with a gun chambered in 357 Magnum if possible. You can shoot mild 38 Special rounds all the way up through powerful 357 Magnum hunting rounds. If you go with a snub nosed revolver, then 38 Special +P may be the way to go.
All that said, the semi-automatic offers a variety of improvements. The first is faster reloading. Second is shorter trigger pull and short trigger reset for faster shooting with more control. The latter advantage can be overcome with lots of revolver practice, but it will take some time and lots of rounds. The typical advice on caliber is 9x19mm or greater. Small semi-automatic pistols are available in 9x19mm. However, if you're just starting out, it may be better for you to have a gun that fills your hand. It will be easier to learn with.
www.impactguns.com
www.budsgunshop.com
www.jgsales.com
www.topgunsupply.com
www.cdnninvestments.com
Do some browsing.
Some solid brands:
Colt
Smith & Wesson
HK
Glock
Browning
Ruger
Kimber
CZ
SIG Sauer
Beretta
Springfield Armory
I don't like Kel Tec or Kahr. I've had problems with these brands. I also had trouble with Kimber, but they're considered to be good by many folks.
Also remember that your purchase will require more than just the gun. You'll need a holster for the belt. You should have some sort of method to carry the gun off your body. You'll need some practice ammunition and self-defense ammunition, spare magazines or speed loaders, cleaning kit, and hearing and eye protection.
If you buy a used gun, make sure the gun shop will refund your money if the gun turns out to be a problem.
Small gun recommendations:
Glock 26, 27 or 33
S&W M&P 9 Compact or 40 Compact
The good thing about these weapons is that they accept longer magazines for their bigger versions. You can get a sleeve to go around the bottom of the magazine to fill your hand. This will help you learn to shoot and you can put the short magazine in for concealability.
That said, if you have a stalker, you should be carrying or have the gun within reach at all times. You should also get a folding knife and learn the basics of its use.
A gun is not a magic talisman to stop bad guys. You MUST learn when you may shoot. Failure to do so may result in a long stay with an ugly lesbian in a cage for a few decades. I hear the food is terrible.
The key here is to get professional training. Start with NRA Basic Pistol or any beginner's course. Make sure to ask the instructors a variety of pistols for you to try. After that, find a two day defensive handgun course. Concealed carry "training" is not about the fight...it is about the state regulations and complying with their licensing scheme (which is important). Do not confuse the two types of training.
Guns:
Avoid revolvers unless you cannot operate the slide. They are more difficult to operate. By "operation", I mean rapid shooting, quick and efficient reloads, malfunction clearance, moving and shooting, close contact shooting, and so forth. Operation is not "opening the cylinder and pulling the trigger". Shooting at targets in a shooting lane is not preparation for a fight with a stalker.
However, if the revolver is your only affordable option, then get one. Go with a gun chambered in 357 Magnum if possible. You can shoot mild 38 Special rounds all the way up through powerful 357 Magnum hunting rounds. If you go with a snub nosed revolver, then 38 Special +P may be the way to go.
All that said, the semi-automatic offers a variety of improvements. The first is faster reloading. Second is shorter trigger pull and short trigger reset for faster shooting with more control. The latter advantage can be overcome with lots of revolver practice, but it will take some time and lots of rounds. The typical advice on caliber is 9x19mm or greater. Small semi-automatic pistols are available in 9x19mm. However, if you're just starting out, it may be better for you to have a gun that fills your hand. It will be easier to learn with.
www.impactguns.com
www.budsgunshop.com
www.jgsales.com
www.topgunsupply.com
www.cdnninvestments.com
Do some browsing.
Some solid brands:
Colt
Smith & Wesson
HK
Glock
Browning
Ruger
Kimber
CZ
SIG Sauer
Beretta
Springfield Armory
I don't like Kel Tec or Kahr. I've had problems with these brands. I also had trouble with Kimber, but they're considered to be good by many folks.
Also remember that your purchase will require more than just the gun. You'll need a holster for the belt. You should have some sort of method to carry the gun off your body. You'll need some practice ammunition and self-defense ammunition, spare magazines or speed loaders, cleaning kit, and hearing and eye protection.
If you buy a used gun, make sure the gun shop will refund your money if the gun turns out to be a problem.
Small gun recommendations:
Glock 26, 27 or 33
S&W M&P 9 Compact or 40 Compact
The good thing about these weapons is that they accept longer magazines for their bigger versions. You can get a sleeve to go around the bottom of the magazine to fill your hand. This will help you learn to shoot and you can put the short magazine in for concealability.
PASIAN-
As a long time shooter and newish husband take a look at these two websites to learn more:
http://www.io.com/~cortese/firearms/index.html
http://www.corneredcat.com/
The choice of a firearm is very personal and I agree with a lot of the things said here but they may not apply to you! The advice of going to a range with rentals is great advice. I reccomend that you take a firearms saftey class and they are required in some areas for a carry permit as well. I also recommend that you spend money and time at a range practicing with your firearm, this is something where your skills need to be at the top of your game if they are ever needed, some ranges have memberships that allow free rentals so you can try a gun(s) before you buy.
a shot gun for home defense is also high recommended.
This is an area where there is no clear answer and you will have to educate yourself and make an informed decision as there seems to be an equally valid reason against every good suggestion out there. Only you can make the final decision for your saftey. A restraining order is a good idea but they only work as long as the bad guy stays away! and if you move you have to notify the court so they can mail your "attacker" your new address so that he can be notified of where he can't go!
Also everyone has an opinion on everything and you would be remiss to base a decision that your life may depend on from "advice" recieved on a free fourm, I advise that you research the advice you recieve before continuing much further.
Good luck and welcome to the forum
As a long time shooter and newish husband take a look at these two websites to learn more:
http://www.io.com/~cortese/firearms/index.html
http://www.corneredcat.com/
The choice of a firearm is very personal and I agree with a lot of the things said here but they may not apply to you! The advice of going to a range with rentals is great advice. I reccomend that you take a firearms saftey class and they are required in some areas for a carry permit as well. I also recommend that you spend money and time at a range practicing with your firearm, this is something where your skills need to be at the top of your game if they are ever needed, some ranges have memberships that allow free rentals so you can try a gun(s) before you buy.
a shot gun for home defense is also high recommended.
This is an area where there is no clear answer and you will have to educate yourself and make an informed decision as there seems to be an equally valid reason against every good suggestion out there. Only you can make the final decision for your saftey. A restraining order is a good idea but they only work as long as the bad guy stays away! and if you move you have to notify the court so they can mail your "attacker" your new address so that he can be notified of where he can't go!
Also everyone has an opinion on everything and you would be remiss to base a decision that your life may depend on from "advice" recieved on a free fourm, I advise that you research the advice you recieve before continuing much further.
Good luck and welcome to the forum
mljdeckard
Member
If a woman is resorting to off-body carry, she doesn't need to keep a gun micro-sized, she can just as easily get a medium or even full-size handgun in a purse holster.
I tell everyone I'm training, of either gender, start with larger ones. If you later find you can handle smaller ones then you can move on. Smaller guns are NOT easier to shoot at all.
I tell everyone I'm training, of either gender, start with larger ones. If you later find you can handle smaller ones then you can move on. Smaller guns are NOT easier to shoot at all.
Deaf Smith
Member
PaisanPrincess,Does anyone have any recommendations for my first handgun? I don't really know anything about them. I'm looking for something small, powerful, and with a recoil I can handle. I also have an extremely low budget--around $400.I also want something I can carry around, but powerful enough to reasonably take down a very heavy man. I obviously won't be carrying it around my campus, but I have had problems with a stalker who's pretty unstable and pretty big.
Anyway, I hope I'm not being too broad/demanding, but if anyone has a general recommendation, that'd be awesome.
$400 is a good budget! There are several good weapons in that price range.
On the low side I'd investigate:
1) Bersa .380s, especially the CC (concealed carry) version. .380 ammo is now more available than it was six months ago. $300 or so for the Bersa. I have one and it works fine and has a good DA and SA trigger. Yes .380 is kind of weak in power but for close range self defense only, it will do.
2) Taurus Snub 85. Their DAO only one is good, if a bit heavy. It may not last as long as a Smith & Wesson snub, but it to will do. $300+ they go for. I also have one of the DAO ones.
On the more expensive side:
3) Smith & Wesson 640 or 642 (airweight) in .38. Skip the magnum version is the kick badly with magnum loads. I just picked up an original 640 .38, all stainless steel for $400 plus tax. You can look around and find one for $400 if you look hard.
4) Ruger LCR (yes revolver). I don't recommend the RCP, TCP, P3AT, or any of those ultra small guns for primary carry. Just to hard to grab them fast. And yes I have a TCP I use as a backup.
5) SIG 232 .380. Sometimes I see them for $400. Stainless and blued versions made and It’s an excellent top-of-the-line.
And as a interesting one:
6) Makarov 9x18. Yes it's a surplus pistol but an excellent one. About the price of a Bersa but it ammo is less expensive, bit more powerful, and easy to find.
There are others but these are all good ones that I either own, or have owened.
Do go by a shooting range and if possible try before you buy.
Deaf
Old Shooter
Member
I'd agree with post #13. Get the restraining order and also get the gun, lots of good suggestions here about which model and caliber, I'd vote for a 357 or 38 revolver but that's just me.
You wouldn't happen to have a male friend or relative who is big, mean and ugly who might be able to have a little discussion with your stalker friend?
Just a thought, not a suggestion.
You wouldn't happen to have a male friend or relative who is big, mean and ugly who might be able to have a little discussion with your stalker friend?
Just a thought, not a suggestion.
Baba Louie
Member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2002
- Messages
- 3,831
Look at used CZ82 in 9Mak. $250. Anyone can learn to shoot it. Blowback operation has some felt recoil, but anyone can master it. Not the smallest, but a good buy right now.
Take the classes suggested. Know your laws in this regard.
Be aware.
Stay safe.
Take the classes suggested. Know your laws in this regard.
Be aware.
Stay safe.
Totally disagree. The OP didn't ask how to get into recreational Bullseye shooting. She has a potential threat to her personal safety right now, and therefore does not have time to spend weeks or months training with a .22 at the range.
Princess, were this my wife, or a close female friend, I'd recommend the following steps:
1a) Talk to the police and get a restraining order
1b) Immediately take a self defense, handgun training, or concealed carry class
2) Go to a range that rents a variety of .38 special revolvers and try some out
3) Purchase a used revolver from a high quality brand like Ruger or Smith and Wesson
This will get you at least minimally equipped quickly and with the safety training you need to keep from becoming a hazard to yourself or those around you.
I hope this all works out well, without violence or further trauma to you. Congratulations on being willing to take the responsibility of self-defense seriously. Many people get caught in the loop of denial, and it appears you're being very proactive in preparing yourself for what could happen.
Go to a range with a large rental counter.
Find what fits you (see corneredcat.com)
Find a good deal on something within that "family" (1911 family, CZ family, Glock family,...) and join the school gun club (absent one at the school ask a the range) and start practicing.
Find what fits you (see corneredcat.com)
Find a good deal on something within that "family" (1911 family, CZ family, Glock family,...) and join the school gun club (absent one at the school ask a the range) and start practicing.
My Mother thought her 3" J frame was just a biscuit on wheels. Great trigger, good sight radius, small enough to take anywhere, heavy enought to not be punishing. Sweet little gun, think I'll take it shooting in the morning...
First, follow the law in your state.
Next, try to test out at least a couple you are interested in to determine the best size/caliber for you. Small guns = big recoil and they're snappy. My wife won't touch them anymore.
Definitely do something about the stalker, but shooting him probably isn't the best option. Unless of course he is coming right for you.. (can't resist a South Park plug).
http://www.hoffgun.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=H&Category_Code=FEAT near the bottom of that are some inexpensive models.
Next, try to test out at least a couple you are interested in to determine the best size/caliber for you. Small guns = big recoil and they're snappy. My wife won't touch them anymore.
Definitely do something about the stalker, but shooting him probably isn't the best option. Unless of course he is coming right for you.. (can't resist a South Park plug).
http://www.hoffgun.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=H&Category_Code=FEAT near the bottom of that are some inexpensive models.
I'd forgotten she wasn't planning to carry when I suggested a snub. If it's gonna be house gun, yes, a 4-incher would be better.
Ignore the "Don't bet your life on a Taurus" posters; they say that a lot, but never back it up with anything solid. While the Internet can bring out a lot of helpful people, it also brings out people who base their knowledge (and all too frequently, their own life decisions) on what they've read on it.
Ignore the "Don't bet your life on a Taurus" posters; they say that a lot, but never back it up with anything solid. While the Internet can bring out a lot of helpful people, it also brings out people who base their knowledge (and all too frequently, their own life decisions) on what they've read on it.
Sometimes those are mutually exclusive. I would not recommend, for example, a .357 Magnum "fleaweight" revolver, or a subcompact .40. A good compromise is a 9mm compact or subcompact pistol. In your price range are the Kahr CW9 or a used Glock 19 or 26. A used S&W 3913 might come in around this figure. (Also note that this does not include sales tax or other fees.)
bluetopper
Member
S&W 38 Special revolver. There are several models to choose from.
Small to medium frames. It don't get no better.
Small to medium frames. It don't get no better.
My wife carries a S&W 442, it is light to carry about 15oz, RELIABLE, functions perfectly, small and can be purchased brand new in th $400. price range. For valintines day I got her a set of Ivory Grips.
The Bushmaster
Member
Might I suggest a boyfriend who is a gun owner of good standing? He could offer you a chance to learn and try his handguns. It's, also, one way to find out your boyfriends temperment [it takes patience to teach firearms].....
I would be looking at a Taurus 24/7 or Glock 19 / 26. Grip adapters are available for the Glock 26.
PLEASE ALSO remember to get a restraining order / talk to the police about this fella. Pepper spray is also something handy to carry. They make pepper spray rings. Seriously, it looks like a ring, but will spray pepper spray, a 2 second burst I believe. Talk to campus police, but also the city / county LEO's. If you are thinking about carrying a gun, then chances are his behavior is threatening enough to try to get some kinds of legal action. Obviously, this will not stop anything at all, BUT if the worst happens, it will be one more thing on your side of the ledger and hopefully keep you out of the clink.
http://www.defensedevices.com/stunningring.html
PLEASE ALSO remember to get a restraining order / talk to the police about this fella. Pepper spray is also something handy to carry. They make pepper spray rings. Seriously, it looks like a ring, but will spray pepper spray, a 2 second burst I believe. Talk to campus police, but also the city / county LEO's. If you are thinking about carrying a gun, then chances are his behavior is threatening enough to try to get some kinds of legal action. Obviously, this will not stop anything at all, BUT if the worst happens, it will be one more thing on your side of the ledger and hopefully keep you out of the clink.
http://www.defensedevices.com/stunningring.html
2.5 to 4-inch revolver in .38 Special or .357 Magnum. For my money a 3-inch Smith & Wesson Model 13 or 65 with a bobbed hammer.
Glock 19 / Smith & Wesson M&P Compact 9mm / Kahr CW9
For a little more money the Walther PPS 9mm is an excellent firearm.
Some other comments:
Pick the gun that feels right to you.
Buy quality self defense ammunition to carry in your gun.
Spend some money on practice ammunition and familiarize yourself with the firearm. It would be an excellent idea to invest in some self defense training as well.
Invest in a good holster or other carry option (dedicated holster purses).
You need to make a personal decision that you are ready to shoot someone before you deploy a gun for self defense. Only carry a gun once you feel like you are mentally prepared to use it to defend yourself.
Glock 19 / Smith & Wesson M&P Compact 9mm / Kahr CW9
For a little more money the Walther PPS 9mm is an excellent firearm.
Some other comments:
Pick the gun that feels right to you.
Buy quality self defense ammunition to carry in your gun.
Spend some money on practice ammunition and familiarize yourself with the firearm. It would be an excellent idea to invest in some self defense training as well.
Invest in a good holster or other carry option (dedicated holster purses).
You need to make a personal decision that you are ready to shoot someone before you deploy a gun for self defense. Only carry a gun once you feel like you are mentally prepared to use it to defend yourself.
sgt127
Member
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2003
- Messages
- 2,167
http://www.jgsales.com/product_info...d-condition/cPath/16_211_431/products_id/2441
A good clean used Smith .38 revolver will serve you well for the rest of your life. Honestly, if you bought more gun than a good Police trade in Smith and Wesson, I think you would be wasting money at this point. I don't know if you ever want to actually be a "shooter" and take this up as a hobby and try to gain real proficiency or not. But, I have been carrying a gun, in and out of uniform for over 30 years, and, I would never feel unarmed with a good revolver, as a matter of fact, one of my most carried off duty guns is a stainless K frame model 65 (the .357 Magnum version of the gun that is listed above, only because I feel comfortable with the power of a .357 Magnum, I would be just as happy with the .38 Special)
What part of the country are you in?
A good clean used Smith .38 revolver will serve you well for the rest of your life. Honestly, if you bought more gun than a good Police trade in Smith and Wesson, I think you would be wasting money at this point. I don't know if you ever want to actually be a "shooter" and take this up as a hobby and try to gain real proficiency or not. But, I have been carrying a gun, in and out of uniform for over 30 years, and, I would never feel unarmed with a good revolver, as a matter of fact, one of my most carried off duty guns is a stainless K frame model 65 (the .357 Magnum version of the gun that is listed above, only because I feel comfortable with the power of a .357 Magnum, I would be just as happy with the .38 Special)
What part of the country are you in?
My .02
My wife likes to go shooting at the range with me. She has small hands and not very good hand strength so we stuck to revolvers. We tried out a few small revolvers to figure out what she liked, and then I started shopping around for a similar gun.
I found a used .38 Smith and Wesson model 36 with a three inch barrel AND its nickel plated, so it looks pretty.
It is in 99 percent condition (I doubt it had 50 rounds through it), we paid 350 for it.
It really has been the perfect gun for her.
My wife likes to go shooting at the range with me. She has small hands and not very good hand strength so we stuck to revolvers. We tried out a few small revolvers to figure out what she liked, and then I started shopping around for a similar gun.
I found a used .38 Smith and Wesson model 36 with a three inch barrel AND its nickel plated, so it looks pretty.
It is in 99 percent condition (I doubt it had 50 rounds through it), we paid 350 for it.
It really has been the perfect gun for her.
Do you know of any ranges close to where you live/go to school? Also be careful about carrying on campus, I live in Georgia and go to UGA, and CCW on campus is a major no-no.
As for the gun I would suggest either a new or used S&W or Ruger revolver in .38 special, or a used Glock, or M&P in 9mm.
Good Luck!
As for the gun I would suggest either a new or used S&W or Ruger revolver in .38 special, or a used Glock, or M&P in 9mm.
Good Luck!
Revolvers are easier to learn starting out, and you can use snap caps to learn trigger control at home and eliminate flinching while actually shooting.
S&W makes very high quality revolvers, so does Ruger. Taurus, Rossi, etc. are far behind in quality.
Training is a lot more important than what handgun you buy. Learn to fight, with your gun or without it, or you will never be truly safe. Being safe is much more important than feeling safe. Lots of people with guns feel safe, but aren't because they refuse to put in the work. A gun is dangerous in one direction, a few times, before it becomes a paperweight. It takes a lot of work to learn to make the shots count.
S&W makes very high quality revolvers, so does Ruger. Taurus, Rossi, etc. are far behind in quality.
Training is a lot more important than what handgun you buy. Learn to fight, with your gun or without it, or you will never be truly safe. Being safe is much more important than feeling safe. Lots of people with guns feel safe, but aren't because they refuse to put in the work. A gun is dangerous in one direction, a few times, before it becomes a paperweight. It takes a lot of work to learn to make the shots count.
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