I need a handgun

[Matt King]

If yoare new to firearms (i suspect you are) then what ever you do DO NOT GET A SEMIAUTOMATIC PISTOL. You are much better off gettin a revolver, because of simplicity and reliability.(don't get me wrong i love automatics,but never for a begginer) I would recomednd the .357 Ruger SP101. A .357 can fire both .38's and 357 rounds, so you can practice with the lower recoil of the 38's.

Best of luck new shooter!

 

[pete f]

First of all. worry about what feels good in your hands. What handgun feels like it was made for your hands. Once that is found, then look to see what calibers are available for your desired firearm.

My wife and daughter are very comfortable shooting .45 ball. My wife also really likes a new browning hi power that followed me home one day. The one I bought was a 9mm and my wife is thinking she wants more and we are ordering a 40 from CDNN shortly. Try to handle a hipower, they are very nice postols, very well made and I have found a lot of women who have tried them at the range remark that they like the feeling of it in their hands.

There are a couple of models of Jframes (the smallest size revolver that Smith and Wesson makes, that have a 3" barrel. I find that the 3" barrel over the 2'' barrel makes things really more user friendly with very littly increase in weapon size.

One other topic. be not afraid of planning on buying a .22 cal handgun that is similar in appearance and function to the pistol that you want to carry.

.22's can be shot a lot more frequently that larger calibers in many instances. Less noise and recoil also mean that you concentrate much more on the target and less likely to develop a flinch. I shoot several boxes of .22 a week because it forces me to work on the basics.

 

[Texas Tass]

Howdy Texas!

I've had my CHL for about a year now. I started and currently carry a .38 special revolver. Love it, am able to shoot consistently, but it is not as concealable as I would like (for me). It is a bit heavy when in the handbag, and a bit bulky when IWB. I am looking for a Semi-Auto to carry on my person.

I would also suggest starting with a revolver...get comfortable and then 'add to'.

Tass in Cypress

 

[DPB]

I would also like to respectfully disagree with everyone recommending the snubby revolver, for two reasons.

First, I think it is a mistake to start someone out shooting a gun with a 10-12 pound trigger pull. I believe that this has a high liklihood of them getting discouraged, and not enjoying shooting. As someone pointed out, it takes proportionally more practice to be good with a snubby, so why not start with something that you can get positive results with sooner? A larger (K/L frame/GP100), with real sights, will be easier to hit with for a beginner, even though it has the same heavy trigger pull.

Second, why does everyone assume that a new shooter, and especially a new woman shooter, is incapable of understanding the highly specialized and incredibly complex workings of the automatic pistol? I mean, you drive a car, right? An automobile has far more controls than an automatic pistol. I wouldn't tell someone I had never met "You're too stupid to drive a car," and likewise, I wouldn't tell them "You're too stupid to operate an autoloading handgun."

If you find that you like the revolver better, that's all right. But don't let anyone tell you that you should avoid the automatic becuase its too hard and you're not smart enough.

 

[LeonCarr]

TexasGirl,

Where are you located in Texas? Give us your general location, and we can probably direct you to the gun shops, gun ranges, and quality instructors in your area.

I personally would not recommend a snub nose revolver for a first gun, due to the increased muzzle blast and recoil when compared to standard sized (4 inch barrel or longer) revolvers and pistols. In my experience, most of the ladies I have been shooting with shoot best with the full size (5 inch barrel) 1911 .45, and this includes new shooters. The short, crisp trigger pull makes it easy to shoot for most ladies, and the recoil is manageable with 185 grain ammunition and good shooting form.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr