Input on pistol choice please

[DEDON45]

Kahr, or look at a Makarov ... or a revolver. Key thing with DA pistols, make sure she can pull the trigger comfortably; I've found (with acquantances of mine) that some DA triggers on some revolvers, etc. are just too heavy them to handle. Definitely important.

 

[hso]

It doesn't matter what we recommend since it's what fits her that matters.

First thing to do is find out what she points naturally and comfortably. That alone will exclude a whole population of handguns and narrow her search because a gun I like or you like or my wife likes may not fit your sister's hand. Check out Pax's corneredcat.com site for fitting guidelines.

Once that's done she'll know which family of handguns to select from for caliber and ease of operation. That fit will allow her to more easily manipulate the weapon and to handle heavier recoil than an ill-fitting handgun.

If it happens that a CZ75 fits her she can choose from polymer or steel or alloy. 9mm, .40cal or even .45. Compact or full size. If she likes the CZ, but can get a better deal on a Witness or Baby Eagle that's no problem because they're pretty much the same gun. If it's the Glock that she fits then she can select from compacts or full size and between calibers. 1911's? Poly or steel? Single stack or widebody? 9mm or 10mm or .45 (yes, a beginner may actually prefer a .45 to a 9mm when the gun fits well)? Maybe the XD? Or, perhaps the venerable BHP in either 9mm or .40? The point is that once she finds out what fits her hand naturally then she can pick from all the guns in that group that fit her and she'll learn to shoot it well much quicker with much more enjoyment than a gun that was selected using different criteria.

 

[Tribal]

Tons of good advice here already. Based on what you've said, let me offer one suggestion:
Let her find the one she really likes...and if it's past your budget, save up for it; it'll be worth it in the long run. If she's in immediate need for something for self-defense, it sounds as though you have a spare gun that she could borrow for a bit. If not, and you just need something to go bang, maybe pick up a Nagant and some ammo for <$100 as a stopgap.

If the gun which works best for her is $700 + holster and CCW, it's worth saving up for. Have the rest of your family chip in a few bucks when it's her birthday.

 

[Ala Dan]

I Agree

that its your sisters decision~! But, whatever see decides too get- she
must train with it (like it or not?) to become proficent with it. With that
said, the 9m/m Kahr CW-9 seems 'bout right; lightweight (25 ozs), easy
to conceal, comfortable to shoot, and cost won't break the bank; as
I sell 'em NIB for $399.88~!

 

[makarovnik]

A small Glock would be fine if it's comfortable to hold and shoot. If you draw the line at 9mm that might be a problem. Has she ever shot a lightweight 9mm? She might not like the recoil.

Personally I would draw the line at .22 magnum. A small seven shot revolver in .22 magnum is a decent defense weapon, easy to shoot, conceal and cheap to feed.

If she can handle a larger caliber all the better.

My wife is 5'-1" and I think her favorite larger caliber gun to shoot is a Colt Officer's model in .45acp.

A small 1911 style pistol in 9mm is also easy to shoot and conceal unless she's really small and skinny.

Good luck!

 

[FuzzyBunny]

She dropped by today and I let her handle 2 pistols.

Para P12 .45 double stack compact mag.
She did not like the reach around she had to do with the wide mag.

Colt 1911 Combat Commander with Crimison Trace grip.
She really liked the fit and feel of this pistol better. It is much easier for her to get a proper hold and finger/trigger fit.

I think something along the lines of the 1911 in size will fit her.
I see a thread about the Stoeger Cougar. I did not even know they existed.
Single action is a better fit but she has not held a DA yet.

When I showed her the laser she really went wild over it. I then told her she was looking at a much more valuable pistol. Also those laser grips are made for most models.

I will take her shopping many models and get her to rent before she buys.
I hope she raises the amount she wants to spend as that will make many more bodels available.

No one has said which brands to avoid because of quality yet.

 

[easyrider604]

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

I totally agree with you on this.

So when you go for your rental "test drive", I suggest including some Double Action revolvers in the mix.

Your sister may like the feel, handling, simplicity, safety, not to mention the accuracy of the better wheelguns, i.e. SP101 or S&W K or J frame with 3-4 inch barrels and fixed sights.