Handgun recommendations

[River Wraith]

I'm looking for a gun for my wife. 5 or 6 years ago, she went shooting with me. All I had were autoloaders and that's what she shot. THe last time we went shooting before moving here, she shot my Walther PPK/S, my Glock 19, and my Glock 29. She was about to let me buy her a gun and pay for her to take a firearms course. She didn't because she got pregnant. If I find out who that guy is, I'm gonna kick his ass. Anyhoo, we went shooting Saturday together for the first time in a long time. We shot my Walther PPK/S first and she did very well. Then we tried my P-99 and she hated it. I should have let her shoot it first because the recoil was heavy to her after the PPK/S. I want to get her a gun. I know chicks dig revolvers and they are easier to operate etc., but my wife doesn't like revolvers. She says she wants guns like mine (autoloaders). Anyone have recommendations? I was thinking of a Bersa Thunder in .380, but I really donbt know at this point, so all suggestions are welcome.


edited to add: I can't get another PPK/S. The German ones are the only ones worth a damn and they just cost way too much. She is petite, has small hands.

 

[ugaarguy]

I know I sound like a broken record, cuz I say this on nearly every thread of this type. Read this; http://www.corneredcat.com/ForMen/BuyForWife.htm. THR moderator Pax (Kathy Jackson) did a heck of a job with that site. She's a mom, shooter, and firearms instructor. I can't say it better so I just post the link. The rest of the site is great too, and her "What Gun For A Man" article is quite funny. Lots of good info for new and old shooters and some very good advice for folks with kids & guns under the same roof. I'll be quiet and let you read now.

 

[River Wraith]

I know Kathy. She's awesome. Thanks for posting the link. I'll check that out.

 

[10-Ring]

Go to a range, have her try a bunch of diff't guns and calibers and get her the one she shoots & likes the best

 

[weregunner]

10 Ring hit the nail on the head. She may be recoil conscious,but there are techniques for dealing with recoil and noise. She could take a NRA basic course offered by a range or club. These would have certified instructors who can either have a class of many or one on one contact. There are also NRA womens only classes annually across the nation. Some clubs may have womens only classes on their own. This would let her try many firearms in a relaxed setting. Go to www.nra.org and click on education and training. This should get you to the people who can help or find training in your area. There is also a womens section at the same site. So good luck on her quest. Let us know how this all turns out.

 

[BullfrogKen]

First thing's first. If she's still pregnant, don't let her shoot. The noise going thru the fluid is bad on the little critter's ears. Sound travels about 4 times more efficiently through water, and you can't muff it out. Don't even let her nearby. Seriously.


My wife loved the Browning Hi Power. All women do it seems, in 9mm. She tried my 1911 Commander in 9mm, a P-11, a few .38 revolvers, a Kahr 9mm. She loved the Hi Power most of all. It seems to work that way. Go figure.

 

[Sunray]

ugaarguy, that should be required reading for everybody. Great writing style.

 

[jeepmor]

Remember this

It's what she likes best, even if it's an ugly ole Glock...sorry, couldn't resist.

Seriously, she will shoot something she likes way more than something she doesn't. My wife whines of the recoil on her PT111 after about 3-4 magazines due to the grip texture. I may have to get me...uh hmmm, I mean her, a nice concealed hammer 357 snubbie with rubber grips that we can put 38spl loads through for practice, then load 357 for nightstand/CCW duty.

Because lets face it, if and when that moment comes when she really needs the gun, recoil won't be a factor unless it's hunting cannon round like 454 casull. She likely won't even recall any recoil, just that it stopped the threat, adrenaline is good for that.

jeepmor