Petite wife possibly interested in a small HD pistol – guidance requested
- Thread starter jad0110
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Although you should let her pick...
This was almost exactly what I was thinking. I think that CDNN or what ever they are called has some trade in SIG 225's for about $350, so you may want to check them out.
Also, don't overlook the Beretta Chettah line. they are nice 380's and the tip up barrel on some of them is a nice feature.
This was almost exactly what I was thinking. I think that CDNN or what ever they are called has some trade in SIG 225's for about $350, so you may want to check them out.
Also, don't overlook the Beretta Chettah line. they are nice 380's and the tip up barrel on some of them is a nice feature.
ilcylic
Member
It sounds a lot to me like a 9mm 1911 is the way to go. If she's already comfortable with the form factor, that's a big hint. 
Obviously, you should find one she can try first, and let her decide, but it seems to me that it might well be worth a little extra money if it turns out to be the best option.
I agree with upstream comments that while the smaller rounds have a lower recoil in an identical gun, the smaller gun form factor you're chatting up will actually tend to lead to a sharper recoil than your .45 1911, instead of reduced recoil.
Good luck!
Obviously, you should find one she can try first, and let her decide, but it seems to me that it might well be worth a little extra money if it turns out to be the best option.I agree with upstream comments that while the smaller rounds have a lower recoil in an identical gun, the smaller gun form factor you're chatting up will actually tend to lead to a sharper recoil than your .45 1911, instead of reduced recoil.
Good luck!
Good for you for wanting to be helpful, and for letting her do the picking.
I own a Kimber Ultra Carry II, a (very) compact 1911 which shoots .45's. The grip is easier for me than is my husband's 5" Springfield 1911. Recoil is something a person can (and does) become accustomed to, and I'd recommend to her that she try one of these if she gets a chance.
Failing that, Springfield's EMP (enhanced micro pistol) shoots 9mm out of the 1911 architecture, redesigned specifically for the 9. You will want to research this one, though, as there are mixed reports about it.
I did have a Bersa .380. IMO, the recoil on it was worse than on my Kimber. But I find the .45's to have a "push" type recoil rather than the "snap" of a .380 or 9mm (maybe that's just me).
Hope she finds one that's just right for her!
Springmom
I own a Kimber Ultra Carry II, a (very) compact 1911 which shoots .45's. The grip is easier for me than is my husband's 5" Springfield 1911. Recoil is something a person can (and does) become accustomed to, and I'd recommend to her that she try one of these if she gets a chance.
Failing that, Springfield's EMP (enhanced micro pistol) shoots 9mm out of the 1911 architecture, redesigned specifically for the 9. You will want to research this one, though, as there are mixed reports about it.
I did have a Bersa .380. IMO, the recoil on it was worse than on my Kimber. But I find the .45's to have a "push" type recoil rather than the "snap" of a .380 or 9mm (maybe that's just me).
Hope she finds one that's just right for her!
Springmom
Legionnaire
Contributing Member
My wife likes the Kahr P9 for many of the features you are looking for, although it is a polymer frame. If you need steel, the K9 would be a good alternative. It should certainly soak up more recoil, but at the cost of being significantly heavier. But it is an excellent, slim, single stack 9mm.
Had a S&W 3913 for a while, but she didn't like the double-action trigger on the first round, followed by light, single-action trigger pulls. She much preferred the Glock trigger, and found the Kahr to be a great compromise.
Let us know what she settles on ...
Had a S&W 3913 for a while, but she didn't like the double-action trigger on the first round, followed by light, single-action trigger pulls. She much preferred the Glock trigger, and found the Kahr to be a great compromise.
Let us know what she settles on ...
usp_fan
Member
I haven't read all the replies, but let me recommend either of the following:
1. Springfield EMP--9mm
2. Kahr P9
3. Sig 239--9mm
All will fit small hands and have reduced recoil from a 5" 1911.
--usp_fan
1. Springfield EMP--9mm
2. Kahr P9
3. Sig 239--9mm
All will fit small hands and have reduced recoil from a 5" 1911.
--usp_fan
The Lone Haranguer
Member
Kahr K9 for sure.
S&W M&P compact with small backstrap fitted, maybe
Beretta 86 (if the DA trigger reach is too long it can be carried cocked and locked)
S&W M&P compact with small backstrap fitted, maybe
Beretta 86 (if the DA trigger reach is too long it can be carried cocked and locked)
Koos Custodiet
Member
If she likes the 1911 and is recoil shy, look at the various Llamas and Stars. 1911 look- and work-alikes. I really like my Llama XV in 22LR. Not much of an SD round, but if the options are carry the 22 vs leave the 45 at home...
gandog56
Member
When in doubt, go SIG!
ronto
Member
Other
The lightest 20ga DB or O/U shotgun you can find and have it sawed off to the minimum legal length...simple, dependable, effective, and no one will argue with a woman pointing a shotgun at them.
The lightest 20ga DB or O/U shotgun you can find and have it sawed off to the minimum legal length...simple, dependable, effective, and no one will argue with a woman pointing a shotgun at them.
JohnMc
Member
+1 to XavierBreath's comments.
A 9x19 Ruger P95 works perfectly and has less perceived recoil for my wife than a .32 PPK.
A 9x19 Ruger P95 works perfectly and has less perceived recoil for my wife than a .32 PPK.
LotI
Member
The PA63 is an aluminum frame and steel slide version of the PPK & P232. Recoil is stout, since it's a blowback action. More recoil than a steel Makarov. Much more than a 1911 and it's a sharp recoil, not a push like a JMB design.
My wife shoots my 1911 best too. Grip, pointability, and, most of all the trigger make it a great pistol.
LightningJoe
Member
I went for the Bersa in .32 Auto. It's blowback, but the .32 should be pretty mild. Effect on BG probably about the same as .380.
jad0110
Member
Sincerest thanks for all the great suggestions! I'll be sifting through them carefully for a while.
As for felt recoil in a blowback operated pistol, perhaps a better comparison would be with a 9mm Glock 19 or Springfield XD9 4" instead of a 5" Government Model. I have experience with both of those, and they are readily available for my wife to rent at local ranges, unlike 380 single stack pistols. Such double stack guns probably wouldn't work, given her child-sized hands, but I am thinking it would at least be educational from a felt recoil perspective. What do you think? If she doesn't like the recoil of a Glock 19, might that rule out a blowback operated pistol from the start?
Felt recoil is highly subjective, of course. She may well prefer the quick, sharp snap of a 380 Bersa to the slow, heavy push of the 1911. For example, there was a young woman at the range beside me this weekend who was shooting both a 5" 1911 45 ACP and a Walther PPK in 380. I asked her which felt better recoil-wise, and she responded the PPK without hesitation. Her father answered the same.
At this point, when and if she decides she is ready (again, she is content with the 1911 for the time being), I am thinking the best bet after reading all the great suggestions may be to go to a gunshow up in Raleigh to let her handle a bunch of the guns you all have pointed us towards to see what she thinks.
A shotgun is a possibility, a 20 ga 18.5" barrel perhaps. She does have more experience with long guns, after all. We'll see ... I'm not going to push her, she'd probably resent that.
As for felt recoil in a blowback operated pistol, perhaps a better comparison would be with a 9mm Glock 19 or Springfield XD9 4" instead of a 5" Government Model. I have experience with both of those, and they are readily available for my wife to rent at local ranges, unlike 380 single stack pistols. Such double stack guns probably wouldn't work, given her child-sized hands, but I am thinking it would at least be educational from a felt recoil perspective. What do you think? If she doesn't like the recoil of a Glock 19, might that rule out a blowback operated pistol from the start?
Felt recoil is highly subjective, of course. She may well prefer the quick, sharp snap of a 380 Bersa to the slow, heavy push of the 1911. For example, there was a young woman at the range beside me this weekend who was shooting both a 5" 1911 45 ACP and a Walther PPK in 380. I asked her which felt better recoil-wise, and she responded the PPK without hesitation. Her father answered the same.
At this point, when and if she decides she is ready (again, she is content with the 1911 for the time being), I am thinking the best bet after reading all the great suggestions may be to go to a gunshow up in Raleigh to let her handle a bunch of the guns you all have pointed us towards to see what she thinks.
A shotgun is a possibility, a 20 ga 18.5" barrel perhaps. She does have more experience with long guns, after all. We'll see ... I'm not going to push her, she'd probably resent that.
.357 magnum
Member
9mm is the way to go!
My wife is petite also. I got her a Taurus 24/7 9mm 6 weeks ago, she loves it and already shoots it quite well. I am Ex-LE and on previous threads I have also been very adamant about going less then a 9mm for any kind of defensive situation-whether it be home defense, car, carry, etc. The other gentlemen that have been advising SIG's and other slightly heavier guns- that is a great idea. With a slightly heavier gun you get very little recoil with a 9mm. I taught my oldest daughter, who is very petite, married and has two children too shoot a 9mm. Worked out great! I was only in LE a little over 8 years. But was in an undercover unit that dealt mostly with drug rings. I could tell you things that happen with these lower caliber guns and they are not good things. Personally all my semi-autos have Hi-Cap mags. The more rounds the better. I am currently looking into the Smith-Wesson MP 9mm-going to get one for myself because ammo is cheaper. [I am still a forever .45 fan!] But I really like the price of ammo and the way a 9mm shoots. My daughters has a Springfield XD. You just cannot beat a 9mm when it comes to a defensive gun with very little recoil and is easy to learn and shoot well with. Remember it is a life you are talking about-too precious to throw away to some scumbag. I know my feelings are bit strong on this subject. But I have seen to many people injured or killed because they could not defend themselves at that crucial moment in time. I have an artificial right hip thanks too being shot with a .45 cal. But I terminated the person who do it with return fire from a .357 magnum, before they could put me away forever. I wish you the best in your search!
Take Care my Friend!
Frank
My wife is petite also. I got her a Taurus 24/7 9mm 6 weeks ago, she loves it and already shoots it quite well. I am Ex-LE and on previous threads I have also been very adamant about going less then a 9mm for any kind of defensive situation-whether it be home defense, car, carry, etc. The other gentlemen that have been advising SIG's and other slightly heavier guns- that is a great idea. With a slightly heavier gun you get very little recoil with a 9mm. I taught my oldest daughter, who is very petite, married and has two children too shoot a 9mm. Worked out great! I was only in LE a little over 8 years. But was in an undercover unit that dealt mostly with drug rings. I could tell you things that happen with these lower caliber guns and they are not good things. Personally all my semi-autos have Hi-Cap mags. The more rounds the better. I am currently looking into the Smith-Wesson MP 9mm-going to get one for myself because ammo is cheaper. [I am still a forever .45 fan!] But I really like the price of ammo and the way a 9mm shoots. My daughters has a Springfield XD. You just cannot beat a 9mm when it comes to a defensive gun with very little recoil and is easy to learn and shoot well with. Remember it is a life you are talking about-too precious to throw away to some scumbag. I know my feelings are bit strong on this subject. But I have seen to many people injured or killed because they could not defend themselves at that crucial moment in time. I have an artificial right hip thanks too being shot with a .45 cal. But I terminated the person who do it with return fire from a .357 magnum, before they could put me away forever. I wish you the best in your search!
Take Care my Friend!
Frank
orionengnr
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Hk P7 Psp
Up until recently, they were probably too pricey ($800 and up) for your consideration.
Recently, several importers have bought and imported a number of German Police trade-ins. They are available for as little as $499 in Grade C, which is still a pretty nice pistol (I bought one )
The P7 is a high quality, all steel, 9mm single stack with a very nice single-action trigger. It is slender enough for small hands, very accurate, but substantial enough that recoil is minimal. Better yet, the gas-delayed blowback design further reduces felt recoil.
Might be just the thing.
Up until recently, they were probably too pricey ($800 and up) for your consideration.
Recently, several importers have bought and imported a number of German Police trade-ins. They are available for as little as $499 in Grade C, which is still a pretty nice pistol (I bought one
)The P7 is a high quality, all steel, 9mm single stack with a very nice single-action trigger. It is slender enough for small hands, very accurate, but substantial enough that recoil is minimal. Better yet, the gas-delayed blowback design further reduces felt recoil.
Might be just the thing.
There has been a lot of good suggestions and advice. I think going with steel is a great idea, but I also think that the 9mm will also be a better choice in most cases. The difference between a sub-compact and a full size as far as recoil is concerned is huge. I personally would check out the used Sig 225 at Gander Mt. or CDNN or Buds depending on where you live and what you can find locally. I would also highly recommend the CZ-75 which would also be right around your budget.
I keep seeing suggestions for the EMP and 1911's in 9mm, but you aren't going to find and EMP for even $700, and most quality 1911's in 9mm will be around $600-1000. If you were to go polymer the Taurus 24/7 would be a perfect fit and the grip would almost certainly work for her, the grip is perfect for smaller hands. The Mill Pro is too compact and means too much recoil. You may also want to check out some of the Ruger's, CZ-75 clones and maybe a used High Power.
If you wanted a steel more compact single stack the Kahr CW9 might also work.
Good Luck and Be Safe!
I keep seeing suggestions for the EMP and 1911's in 9mm, but you aren't going to find and EMP for even $700, and most quality 1911's in 9mm will be around $600-1000. If you were to go polymer the Taurus 24/7 would be a perfect fit and the grip would almost certainly work for her, the grip is perfect for smaller hands. The Mill Pro is too compact and means too much recoil. You may also want to check out some of the Ruger's, CZ-75 clones and maybe a used High Power.
If you wanted a steel more compact single stack the Kahr CW9 might also work.
Good Luck and Be Safe!
Clipper
Member
The best way to reduce the sensation of recoil is not weight as much as fit...A lightweight pistol that properly fits the shooters hand will be more comfortable and controllable than a heavy pistol that doesn't fit. I think you'd be doing your wife a disservice to ignore the Kel-Tecs. My wife and I both have P-3ATs, and I just put a deposit on a PF-9 (sweet!). The light pistols are so much easier to carry that though I really like the PPK/S, I'd never spend the money, because I'm spoiled for the Kel-Tecs and wouldn't want to carry it...
modifiedbrowning
Member
How about a Walther P5? There are some police trade ins out there right now that aren't too expensive and the P5 is a soft shooting pistol.
tinygnat219
Member
9X19 at the least. CZ-75 would be a good place to start.
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