Input on pistol choice please

[FuzzyBunny]

My sister wants a pistol.

I ask her if she wanted it for sport or home protection. She said HD.
Then I said in the nightstand? Well she says, "I might as well get a CHL so I can carry it also. I kind of like the look of glocks" (I think she held one once)

When she said Glock I just could not see her hiding a glock in her 5 foot nothin frame. I might be wrong as I have not owned or touched a glock since the first one came out 20 years ago. It just did not fit my hand well so I forgot about ever touching one again. She has small hands and does not like big grips.

I'm drawing the line at 9mm as I think that cal is minimum for self defense.
I am sending her to a class to learn to shoot as I will not teach her. I am too much of a PITA when I teach folks. I am happy to teach her advanced shooting but not basic safety and I want someone else to teach her safety dicipline.

After I hear what is good then we will go handle a few brands and rent what she likes. Then we will buy. She has a $500 limit for a gun and a safety class.

Which one is dependable with hollow points and dead simple stupid to operate?

What 9mm auto loader is small enough for a woman to carry concealed?

 

[CWL]

Perhaps a kahr pistol.

Take her to a good gunstore and let her hold them all herself, she may even decide on a revolver.

Let her decide, if she is pushed into a gun she doesn't like, then chances are she'll never practice with it, but if she makes the choice herself, then she'll probably spend more time with it.

 

[FuzzyBunny]

I agree 100% CWL. If shooting is not fun it is not worth doing. To carry a gun it needs to be dependable and one you are comfortable shooting.

I do not carry one that has not run 300 rounds without failure with my carry ammo. The ammo co$t is high doing this but I want the puppy to work when I need it. I have a wide choice of fun guns but they are not 100%. I carry a .45 but that is too much for her I think.

I want to rule out the cheap pistols right off the bat so she never touches them.

I'm going to get her to read this thread in a week, so keep in mind your talking to her also.

If anyone rules out a brand please tell why.

Thanks
FuzzyBunny

 

[The Bushmaster]

Take her to several gun stores and ranges that have handguns for rent or friends that have various handguns and let her choose what fits her best. There are soo many types, styles and calibres to choose from. DO NOT PICK OUT A HANDGUN FOR HER!!! This is NOT an engagment or wedding ring...

 

[FuzzyBunny]

It is her decision.

I just want to avoid the quality of a product like a Jennings .25

 

[Dahwg]

Try the Bersa Thunderer 9, it's a little bigger than the .380 but it's got excellent ergonomics and is reliable at a very decent price. I would also recommend the CZ P-01, except that the double-stack mag may make the grip a bit fat for her smallish hands.

 

[Dismantler]

I found Glocks to be too big for my hand. Double stacked magazine, you see. I did not shoot the compact Glock with the single stack mag, as I did not like the Glock trigger, but I am sure that it would have fit better.

I did not think that the Glock was too awful big until I shot it and had to keep readjusting the gun because it was slipping on me. I found out then that it was too big.

The S&W M&P 9's may be a good choice. They have replaceable back straps for different size hands.

I am a revolver shooter, and I really like the S&W Model 442 hammerless Airweight. You set your lowest level of power at 9 mm. Recoil on a 9 mm is pretty snappy and she may or may not like that. I have read that if you train hard enough, you will become proficient, but I do not endorse that line of thought. I say pick a caliber that you can shoot without having to learn to manage the recoil. You'll have better practice and enjoy the gun more.

I think a revolver is a better choice than an auto for a civilian personal defense gun. But if she wants an auto I certainly would tell her to go for it.

 

[hso]

http://www.corneredcat.com/FirstGun/tryongun.aspx

 

[BlindJustice]

Take a look at the - these might make budget

CZ 75B Compact in 9MM
CZ 75B P01 also in 9MM
I think they're 14 rd mag. capacity
and weigh in just above 30 oz
but reliable/accurate good value for the $$$

On a couple of threads guys have commented that
their wives/girlfriends liked the grip of the CZ
However the P01 ( & Full size SP01 ) have a changed grip
and longer beavertail

THe CZ 75B design can be DA for the first shot, -OR-
Cocked and locked Condition One. repeat shots are SA

Revolvers - unlike the semi-autos where the grip
can't be adjusted a whole lot, the grips can be on a wheelgun.

SOmeone mentioned the airweight S&W 442, - it's a snubbie
and .38 SPecial +P The same hammerless - it's got a hammer it is
just shrouded so it isn't exposed for hanging up on anything, these
are double action only. The stainless steel frame & cylinder/barrel
version of the hammerlesss is the 640 at 23 oz. It is chambered in
.357 Mag. but very controllable with .38 SPecial +P.

Not a hammerless design but also all staijnless steel is the
line of the CHief Special Model 60 also since 1997 offered in .357
Mag. The 3" Bbl. has adj. rear sight, but the barrel length could make
it problematic for CHL. Other Model 60s have a 2 1/8" Bbl. and it
makes a difference for CHL. One more 60 is the 60LS aka the LadySMith
it has grips designed for women who compared to men, besides having shorter fingers also have palms lesser in width. The 642 and 60s may
run just a little over the budget but they are high quality revolvers that are
second to none.

I have the Model 60 .357 Mag. 3" Bbl. it has the adj. sights, I think the
shorter barreled ones may have a fixed rear notch - it has an exposed
hammer so at the range you can cock it for SA slow fire wich is a good exercise for any shooter. I find it comfortable with the following load
.38 Special +P 125 gr. Speer Gold DOt JHP @ 1,000 FPS My 60 3" is
24 oz. SOme may recommend the RUger SP101 it is bigger in the
gripframe and weighs in around 27 oz

Just some options have her handle the S&W J-frames
but if they are the 11-12 oz versions they can be a handful
for experienced shooters.

 

[Northalius]

I agree with the others that're saying to take her to other gun stores and shooting ranges, let her feel which ones she likes, rent them and shoot 'em.

If she likes Glock, and wants 9mm, then I'd definitely suggest the Glock model 26 (smallest, sub compact), or the Glock model 19 (medium size, compact).

There're many people that say "Man, I used to hate Glocks, but... now I love them!"

Rent some out yourself, and see if you like them!

Glocks are known for: simple design, reliability and durability! And yes, they're priced roughly at $500!

Most of all, make sure she has MUZZLE and TRIGGER FINGER discipline, above all else! Look up the four basic firearms rules, print them out, and give 'em to her to read on a daily basis, until she knows them by heart!

 

[Ghost Tracker]

Kahr K9. The weight makes any recoil issues easier to handle (pardon the pun) & the slim profile makes for easier concealed carry. The few, simple operating controls make for a pistol with which she can quickly feel comfortable if she's not a long-time pistolera. The long, DA revolver-like trigger won't allow much of a "surprise" discharge. AND, I like the steel-framed Kahr models much better than the poly (P) models.

 

[springmom]

More to the point, when she goes to shop, she needs to also shop for a holster that will enable her to conceal the handgun.

She should dress as she usually does, and "try on" the guns with a holster that works for her. Unfortunately, most stores do not have terrific selections, but it'll get her started and then she can do what the rest of us do....spend countless $$$ on holsters until we finally find The One.

For simplicity, I like the XD and it was my choice for my first CCW. But that whole concealability thing may rear its head. My most concealable is my m37, but a snubbie is NOT a good first gun.

Ultimately, she should pick the gun that fits her, and worry about dressing around it, rather than not picking the right gun just because of CCW concerns. But neither should she feel like she has to wear a burka to hide the thing. Happy shopping!

Springmom

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Take a look at the - these might make budget

CZ 75B Compact in 9MM
CZ 75B P01 also in 9MM

Amen. If going for a 2-stack, these are probably the most ergo.

BUT. But, the answer depends ENTIRELY on what METHOD of carry she will use. Will it be purse/fanny pack carry? Or IWB holster? Or OWB holster? Or SmartCarry? Or what? THAT is what drives the 1-stack vs. 2-stack decision, as well as other dimensional decisions, and thus the make/model choice. It also matters which action she thinks she might prefer, whether DAO, pre-sprung DAO, DA/SA, or SAO cocked & locked. It's all inter-related and a bit complicated if trying to get the ideal choice.

But going in cold, if she has average hands for a woman (which is going to be on the smallish side), and a $500 budget without tax for gun, and buying new, and is going to carry with an OWB holster, then I'd look at the CZ 75 compact PCR. BUT, IF going with an IWB, then it MUST be a thin gun to be comfortable (I would strongly advise against any type of IWB period - too uncomfortable - but if you must.....). So I'd probably look at a used Kahr K9 or P9, or a K45 or P45 if going IWB. Dang, wish Taurus made its 1911 in a compact - that'd be a good IWB choice for a woman.

 

[FuzzyBunny]

Think I will add that she does have a Moss 500 12ga. She had the stock cut down for a better fit.

I, myself do suggest to women a revolver as it is so safe and simple.

I would sell her my Firestar 9mm but parts are getting rare for these.

Question about the CZ 75B Compact and CZ 75B P01
Are these easy to takedown and get back together?

 

[Northalius]

About purse carry: Please, strongly suggest she not carry in her purse! Purses / bags are huge targets for... PURSE SNATCHERS! Even if securely around her shoulders, if someone tries taking it, the gun will be inside, and it'll be away from her hands, flopping around! Not good!

Always carry concealed ON the person!

I am looking at SmartCarry IWB holsters myself! They look really good! The owner of the company has pictures of him concealing a full sized 1911 IWB with his SmartCarry!

 

[CountGlockula]

Glock 26 subcompact or a G19 compact.

 

[doc2rn]

I saw a Sig in 9mm that looked like one of the Bond Walthers and it had a de-cocker on it. (my personal favorite feature)

 

[Heavy Metal Hero]

"I might as well get a CHL so I can carry it also. I kinds like the look of glocks"

+1 for the CZ75 Compact.

 

[FuzzyBunny]

I knew she needed assistance when she said she liked the look of glocks.

 

[btg3]

M&P compact 9mm
$50 rebate offer thru April so $501-50 = $451 then add your FFL fee.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/31/products_id/41347

9mm is a good choice, but a small gun may not be. Let her shoot whatever it is to be sure she's okay with the recoil - - especially if you intend to go +P.

If you've got to get a class, ammo, holster, CHL fees, range fees, cleaning kit, etc in your $500 budget, then the above will need some rethinking. But the M&P is well worth the money.

 

[.41Dave]

"I might as well get a CHL so I can carry it also. I kind of like the look of glocks" (I think she held one once)

Oh dear... She sounds like she may be aesthetically challenged. She probably thinks Volvos are good-looking too...

 

[Bearhands]

SP101. (there's too much crap in a purse to warrant using a semi)

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I highly recommend Glocks, Kahrs and Smith & Wessons (both the new M&P and the "old-school" DA/SA metal-frame pistols, epitomized by the 3913). The Glock's rather fat and squarish grip is largely made up for by the short reach to the trigger. I also like CZs very much, but the reach to the DA trigger may be a bit long for a smaller person. The compact model with a manual safety can be carried "cocked and locked," however.

Question about the CZ 75B Compact and CZ 75B P01
Are these easy to takedown and get back together?

Not bad. You do have to develop a technique for pinching back and holding the slide - which will be under a bit of spring tension - in the proper position while simultaneously pushing out the slide stop. Smith & Wesson "old-school" autos and Kahrs take down the same way, but with Kahrs you have to pull the trigger to get the slide off the frame. Be certain there is no round in the chamber!

The Glock pistols, especially if you add an extended slide lock, are the easiest IMO. The S&W M&P takes down like a SIG, but there is an additional step in flipping down the sear release lever. However, I would not base a buying decision solely on ease of field stripping.

 

[Blue .45]

Question about the CZ 75B Compact and CZ 75B P01
Are these easy to takedown and get back together?

Here's a video on the disassembly of the CZ75.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMpeCbQibeI

 

[BlindJustice]

Being involved in motorcycling and seeing a lot of newbies
come into the fold it's not unlike a person wanting a first handgun.
THey budget for the motrcycle or in this case the gun. They soon
find out the budget should include the gun or bike as 50% of the entry
price - instead of helmet leathers boots etc. the gun purchase involves
the carry rig, holster and GUN belt not a oh this is a belt it oughta work,
and cleaning kit, and other stuff you didn't think about ear protection for the
range, extra mags,or speedloaders, etc.

It's a brave new world.

R-