Post #8, revolvers & semi autos.....
I
disagree with post #8.
Id say a DA or DA only revolver is safer or better than a semi auto pistol for a new or entry level shooter.
Yes, a new gun owner could learn to use & fire a pistol, but a simple, stainless 5/6/7 round .38/.357 revolver is good to learn the basics.
After a few months or maybe a year or 2 then you can buy a semi auto like a M&P or Glock.
Semi auto pistols are far better than revolvers for most uses
but a J frame revolver or K/L frame size will do just fine.
Many cops, security officers & CCW license holders used .357magnum or .38spl guns for decades.
I'd add that to advise her to get some OC spray or a C2 Taser is smart. The X2 version is good too, for multiple subjects but with a retail price of about $1200.00, it's not for everyone or the budget.
Most US law enforcement agencies use the X26 Taser. The C or civilian version is okay, but for the value & the design, Id choose the C2. Id also suggest a bright color like red or yellow so the women can clearly see it & it's not mistaken for a loaded firearm.
And yes, those incidents
do occur. A female police officer drew & fired her sidearm by mistake
mixing it up with her issued Taser EDW(electric discharge weapon).
Another corrections officer in Texas did the same thing during a violent struggle with a prisoner during a transfer. He rolled on his side, drew his sidearm instead of his X26 Taser, shooting the prisoner in the lower torso.
As for OC sprays, Id advise buying the Zarc Vexor microspin(check local laws/ordinances) or the Saber Green. Vexor is used by many federal state & local PDs & corrections with great results. I own a Mark IV size for security posts.
DO NOT buy the OC Vexor with the yellow safety feature. It's difficult to operate quickly & to use it one-handed or with gloves takes effort.
The Mark III size is fine for most defense uses. The Fox Labs Mean Green is great. It's strong & includes a green dye to mark the attacker. I got the cone style from
www.copsplus.com . They offer many products & cases/gear. The S/H is fast & the prices are good.
I was looking for Saber Green Crossfire(mark III) but the firm does not sell Saber Green Crossfire to single customers, only PDs-corrections or retailers.
A decent white-light or compact defense type light could help her too. I like the new Fenix PD-35. It's very strong & can offer different stages. I like that it includes the strobe feature to distract-disorient a violent subject. I may get a Fenix PD-35 soon. I owned a PD32 series which was okay for most uses. I
lost it during a business trip to western PA in Nov/2013,
. Surefire, Streamlight, Fenix, 5.11 Tactical. They market different styles & power levels.
A good white-light is a "EDC" item many armed professionals or CCW permit holders own,
.