Pistol For The Wife

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Sportfloor

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Great site you have here, a wealth of info. I did a few searches but couldn't find anything specific. We have both been around guns but mostly hunting rifles and shotguns so no pistol experience at all other than an old 22 cal. revolver. Anyway back to the question. The wife is wanting a pistol she is about 5' tall and small built ( I've been married long enough to know that I'm not going to put the weight down) I was thinking something in 9 mm but don't really know enough to make a good choice. Basically looking for something she can handle that is reliable, and affordable. I don't realy have a preferance in manufacturer. Any help? Thanks in advance.
 
Sportfloor,

Welcome to THR. :)

Why does your wife want a gun? Does she want it for self-defense (to carry with her)? Does she want it for home defense (to keep loaded at home)? Does she want it just to enjoy shooting it at the range? What kind of classes is she willing to take and how much practice is she willing to do? The answers to all those questions are more important and useful than just knowing her gender and size, when it comes to recommending a gun for her.

Most importantly of all, why are you looking for her gun? I'm asking not to be insulting, but because unless I really believe that unless she is willing to put in the time and effort to choose her own gun and learn to shoot it, it isn't going to be much use for her to own one.

pax
 
Hello, sir. I respectfully suggest that the wife take part in the selection process and urge you to first look at medium size .38/.357 revolvers. If the handgun's not to be carried, concealment's not an issue and this size revolver is easier for most folks to shoot. You also have the option of firing light-recoiling target wadcutters up through some fairly stiff .357 magnum loads.

The revolver is simple to operate, understand and be safe with ... even under stress.

A 4" barrel offers a bit more velocity, something in short supply with many .38 loads from a snub barrel, adds to the sight radius making it easier for most people to shoot better, and helps damped muzzle flip. Quality revolvers can be found a prices that are inexpensive relative to an equivalent quality semiautomatic. I'd take a long hard look at some clean, used S&W revolvers such as models 19, 65, 13. If you happen to find "only" thirty-eights, the price might very well be less.

Best.
 
This actually comes up quite often here on THR.

Please, do not buy her a gun that she has not selected herself, after having fired it (for more than 5 rounds!)

I personally would think a 9mm would be a bit much for a person of that stature, but I understand that it does happen, so what do I know?

Our range rents guns, so I took my wife there over several week-ends and had her shoot all we could. Started her on .22 revo's and then started on .22 semi-autos. When she hit the Beretta Neos with a holographic sight, she said "We can stop looking now. Get me this one."

In her case it is a range gun, she won't be carrying it. But she will go to the range with me so she can shoot it! :D
 
I knew I had left out plenty of pertinent info, the intended use would be mostly home defense and also some plinking by her and myself. She would like to carry if it was possible maybe some day Kansas will wake up, so concealment may be a need down the road. I'm not real sure what you mean by training exactly? The practice would definately not be a problem as we live out in the middle of nowhere and have lots of areas to shoot, just yesterday the boys and myself went through about 1000 rounds of 22cal and she would be more than glad to join in. She is very comfortable around guns and has shot many of my rifles and shot guns and we both have shot a few pistols over the years. I wouldn't consider either of us highly experienced shooters but wouldn't have any trouble with the proper safety and function of shooting a pistol. No insult taken, I look at the ones she likes after she looks at them, I haven't picked one for her to look at shes done it all so far and I plan on keeping it that way. as a matter of fact she is the one that suggested we go look. We just don't know enough about the differences in manufacturers or models to make a very informed decision. There are good products and bad ones and we would like to get a good one the first time. We thought about the revolvers but they are typically more bulky and if she could carry legally she probably would so I thought we would get something easily carried the first time. I'm sure there are more questions to be answered but hope this helps. Thanks again
 
My wife is 5'-1" tall, has small hands and not much hand strength. Her first handgun was 4" barrel .22 revolver that had a light double action trigger pull. Next up was a Ruger P95 (9mm), which is an ultra reliable pistol. The grip was too big, and I decided to go back to a revolver for its simpler manual of arms. She now has a 2 3/4"Ruger .357 magnum Speed Six. It is loaded with .38 special +P 125 gr. JHP's, because she likes shooting these better than +P 158 gr. bullets. I let her make the choice on bullet weight. It has had trigger work and the double action trigger pull is 8 pounds. It also sports the stock grips which do not cover the front or the back of the grip frame, so she can properly position her finger on the trigger (1st joint of finger on trigger for double action shooting).

Anyhow, I'd recommend a nice used Smith & Wesson medium frame revolver, .38 special (model 10, 64, 15, or 67) or .357 magnum (model 13, 65, 19, or 66), with a 4" barrel. You can't go wrong. Make sure she can rapid fire it in double action mode about 12 times straight. Make sure she can properly position her finger on the trigger. I also like used Ruger Speed Sixes, Service Sixes, and Security Sixes. I recommended a Smith & Wesson because used ones usually have a darn good trigger pull in my opinion.
 
First Welcome to THR!

You have already rec'd great answers, and suggestions...I agree 110% with previous posts.

I would contact and seek proper firearm instruction. Safety is crucial. IMO leave teaching to someone else. When I assisted with CCW, we often had students sit in to learn about guns...later they may attend for CCW. We covered safety, legal etc. We had a variety of guns, revolvers, autoloaders, from 22 lr and up. At the range we started with 22lr revos, then went to 4" kframes ( model 10) with light loads. Did the same with semi's. Now better educated, having shot a variety of guns the student was better informed to make an informed choice.

Yep we had student that jsut came out to learn, and shoot. When after awhile they became comfortable they came for CCW classes. These students were GREAT, they had basics, had a gun that worked everytime, had practiced. Only deal might be getting a snub model 10 for carry, and using the 4" for nightstand use. Same comparisons for semi's.

Note: It is a fact that in our classes the ladies more often did better than men. Also the ladies that had never had any instructions, did not have a family member teach, or a gun bought before any type of exposure to guns...always always did best.
 
Others have advised letting her choose the gun. I can see the logic in this reasoning, however I see some golden opportunities here. I would just keep buying guns I like. "Why do I have so many handguns?" "I bought them all for you honey, you just didn't like any of them." :D

Eventually she may like one of your choices, then you lose just that one.
 
No insult taken, I look at the ones she likes after she looks at them, I haven't picked one for her to look at shes done it all so far and I plan on keeping it that way. as a matter of fact she is the one that suggested we go look.
Click to expand...

You better buy her whatever she tells you to buy her.

Just out of curiosity, did you ask her what to look at when you bought your carry weapon?
 
Since the thread started out in the semi auto forum, I'll take it either you or your wife are leaning in the semi auto direction.

A Browning Hi Power or one of the clones fitted with Craig Spegel's grips would be a decent choice.

The Spegel grips make world of difference in the way the HP feels. Here's a picture from Novak sights showing how thin the back of the HP is wearing them.
hand-matte-back.jpg
 
Hi. Glad you're here.

I definitely agree with trying differrent models.

No, I don't think 9x19 is too much for a woman. I carry a .45. The "too much gun" is generally all in the head, whether planted there by the all-knowing honey or from her own apprehension. However, some firearms don't fit as well in smaller hands and that I'll grant is a legitimate issue with some gals.

A revolver is a good choice for simplicity and ease of use. The only disadvantages that might crop up are difficulty with the DA trigger and the grip. And by grip I mean the physical act of holding it. I think revolvers tend to be more front heavy than autos, and the front weight pulls the revolver down and ruins the grip for shooting. This is easily eliminated with a shooter barrel or one of the lightweight models. But then you run the risk of increasing recoil and muzzle flip. It's a trade-off. Anyhow, I like the Taurus revolvers a lot.

For semi-auto, try a Glock 19 or 26, both in 9mm. The 19 is a medium framed model and the 26 is a super compact model. If those don't fit/feel right, I also like the Ruger P series. The P95 (9mm) is a nice, reliable, rugged firearm. The G26 is probably the easiest to carry concealed of these choices simply because of its size. If she does like it, be sure to get the grip extensions for it so the pinky has somewhere to sit. :D
 
Thanks again for all the info, again I do not intend to pick out her gun. I do like the idea of buying 8 or 10 different ones and she can pick the one she likes though. I didn't ask her what to buy for a carry weapon for myself because I don't have one ( unfortunately). We will check out some revolvers also to see if she likes them. When we looked we were just casually looking so I didn't write down any of the model #'s but they were a Lady Smith, Glock may have been the 26 because the grip was really short, SIG don't know model, and I believe a Ruger all were what I would call Mid to compact sizes. We'll run up there tonight and see what they were, that would probably be a lot more help. If memory serves me well they were priced between $ 400 and $550.
 
Hi Sportfloor, I tend to run into a similar situation for you. Whenever my wife wants something she tells me the specs, then has me research a few different models given her guidelines, then she will test those models I have selected and choose the one she wants. There is nothing wrong with that, and it isn't like you are just going to buy her a gun and give it to her.

I say I am going to just buy her a gun but she said there had better be some earrings hidden in the case (she likes shooting but not as much as I do).

Given your requirements I would suggest a full size 9 mm or full size .357 Magnum revolver. 9 mm and .38 special are probably the cheapest centerfire ammo you can get. "Too much gun" as one other poster said is all in the head. My 75 year old grandmother has a 4" Security Six and loves it.

When Kansas finally passes some CCW laws you and your wife will have a great excuse to go out and buy some new guns :)
 
Well she has narrowed down the field to Semi Autos SIG 239 ($ 550.00) H&K USP 9mm compact ( $ 699.00) Revolvers Ruger SP101 ($389.00) and Ruger 321 X ( didn't catch that price) She thought they would all work fine. The sales guy was nice and seemed very informed. The H&K was really nice but thats pretty spendy. Any opinions on price and guns themselves?
 
Sig 239. The few people that I know that started with the Sig 239 have stayed with the Sig 239. Won't budge.
 
All your choices are nice but won't match her dress. Two other recommendations:

1) Taurus titanium 38 special in bright blue;

2) Kel Tec P32 in baby blue

Both are significantly less than the price of a Sig 239 or an H&K. Both have better trigger than the Sig 239 I looked at a few years ago, neither has a confusing external safety and both look good. Taurus has a hammer lock, which can be ignored for all practical purposes.


rde, I looked at a 239 some time back and its trigger was terrible. I ended up buying a Pro, which had a much better trigger.
 
Out of those listed, I would go with the P239. It will have the same DA/SA action as the revolver, only out of the box, the pull will be smoother and lighter. It's single stack with a thin grip, holds 2-3 more rounds than a revolver at 8+1, it's heavy enough to help dampen recoil yet light enough to comfortably carry should she so choose, different grip options exist, simple manual of arms (will need to teach her how to decock), takes down easy for maintenance, is very reliable, usually quite accurate, ect. ect.....

IMO, the USPc while a fine pistol, has to short of a barrel length for it's size, and as you noted; it costs $150-$200 more than the Sig. Also, should she ever choose to carry, the USP compact is thicker than the P239. I happen to think that for a polymer based pistol they are over priced, JMO though.

I think that the 9mm would be a great place to start. 115gr practice fodder does not recoil bad at all, nor do defense loads like the standard pressure 124gr Gold Dot. Again, a medium size revolver will likely have a 1/2" shorter barrel (3" vs. 3.6"), a heavier trigger out of the box compared to the P239, and basically the same manual of arms as the P239 minus the decocker. Additionally, accessories and parts will also prove easier to find for the P239.

Best, jnb01
 
 
My wife, who is also not a large woman, shoots just about everything I do with comfort and skill. I suspect that most women can shoot whatever they decide they want to shoot. :)

A 9mm semi-auto is a good choice for all-around defensive use. And the two you're looking at are among the best of the class. For that matter, a lot of people would argue that H&K and Sig are the two best handgun makers in the world. You really can't go wrong either way, so let her pick whichever feels best to her and buy it for her.

I carry an H&K P7M8 (9mm) every day as well as shooting it in local IDPA events. I can attest that H&K offers excellent value for the money, even though they don't come cheap. They do not cut any corners on design, materials, manufacturing, or testing. When you buy an H&K you are getting the best and most reliable handgun they know how to make. From my more limited experience with Sig they appear to take the same uncompromising approach with similarly excellent results.

When my wife decided to buy a handgun she spent several hours at a local gun show handling everthing there. She ended up with a full-sized Magnum Research Baby Eagle in 9mm, which has served her well. (She also competes in IDPA.) Recently she got a chance to shoot several of the Glock 9mm models and decided that she needs a Glock 26 too. She says that the smaller and lighter 26 has less felt recoil than the 17 and 19, probably because of the two-stage springs.

Best of luck to both of you!

--Bob Q
 
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Thanks again, just getting over a 3 day bought with the flu. We are probaly going to look at one more place before deciding what to get. Do the pistols with the polymer frames have any problems? Seems like an odd use for plastic. Probably favoring the SIG 239 at this point but who knows.
 
Modern polymers have proven to be every bit as reliable as steel in firearms. They also make for a significantly lighter weapon. I wouldn't have any concerns about buying a polymer handgun (and I do own one).

--Bob Q
 
My wife likes the Beretta Model 85 Cheetah, single stack .380. Its small, light and slim. Its a little pricey, but worth it. In fact, I like this gun for CCW also, but would rather carry a 9MM or more.
 
My wife recently chose a Bersa .380. Although she hasn't gotten to shoot it yet (just acquired a few days ago) she is quite pleased with the ergonomics. I think it is quite comfortable as well, even for my much-larger mits. She was favoring the Glock 27 (sub-compact .40), and preferred it over the same size 9mm, but after she found the Bersa, there was no comparison for her. My wife is also small in stature, and she shoots just about anything as long as it fits in her hands. As everyone else stated, make her part of the decision. Actually, the only role I had in the whole process was answering questions and signing the credit-card receipt. At $200 I was more than happy to pay for the pistol she was happy with, rather than paying 2.5 times as much for one that she just "liked."
 
I will try to make this short.

I tried to get my wife into shooting. She is luke warm about it. She started off with a .22 and liked it. I tried to step her up to a bigger caliber. We went to the range and rented a Glock 9mm. She said it was to much recoil. I told her she just had to get used to it. It COULD'T be THAT BAD. After about 50 rounds her hand was beat red. I felt like a jerk. O then I bought her a .32. It was better but she still didn't care for it. She stopped going to the range with me when I would invite her. Now we are back to the .22. I decided that it is better for her to enjoy shooting, and be accurate and happy with a .22 than have a 9mm or .32 that she will never shoot. So now beside her in bed is a Kimber Rimfire .22 that the both of us shoot the heck out of.

I guess the difference between us though is your WIFE wants a larger caliber and I wanted my WIFE to have a larger caliber.
As far as 9mm's I like Springfields XD line. Kahr is also good.
 
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