Ruger LC380 for the wife

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Chris-bob

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She says the pf9, xd9 and .38 snub nose revolver recoil too much for her. So my next thought was a .380, and there is a LC380 available here. Any thoughts? The other option is going to a .32....
 
She will hate the little .380s if those others you mentioned are already too snappy for her. There is indeed a substantial difference in perceived recoil between one of them and the Kel-Tec P32. Yes, I know firsthand; my Grendel P10, a slightly larger ancestor of the P3-AT, is much snappier than my little Kel-Tec (I also own and carry the PF9.)

Peruse this rather extensive thread; you'll find many agree that the micro-380 isn't for everyone.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=701856
 
Guys, the LC380 is NOT the same as the LCP. Assuming the OP didn't make the same typo twice, he is talking about this gun.
http://www.ruger.com/products/lc380/models.html

The LC380 is essentially an LC9 that is chambered for .380. So it is significantly larger than the LCP.

I'd say that if she likes the feel, and the trigger pull is okay for her, then the LC380 would be fine, recoil-wise.
 
Oh, yeah. My bad. I was indeed thinking of the LCP. The LC380 might indeed be worth checking out. She would probably like the Bersa, but might have a hard time getting used to the DA/SA operation, as many shooters that are so new to the sport they are already used to DAO operations do. The Bersa is also a blowback-operated gun, so it would have more recoil than an identical-weight recoil-operated pistol would (in theory.)
 
Saw my first Lc380 at the gunshop yesterday. I would think it might be perfect for your use. There is a large enough grip and the slide is quite easy to manipulate. I had a LC9 and think the lesser recoil would be a draw for some people
 
You may want to consider the Sig 238 as well. Locking breach guns recoil less than blow back. But then, there's the added issue of activating and de-activating a safety.
 
Another one to consider... The Sig P230 (or the P232, it's successor). My wife has one like the pic below, it's one of the only calibers she felt comfortable enough shooting. Plus she has small hands for a woman so the P230 fits well for her.

I think the key is for your wife to get something that feels comfortable for her, in both the grip and recoil. Good luck!

sigp230.jpg
 
The only gun I own that is truly painful to shoot is my AMT Backup in 380. My wife thought she wanted a small gun too. Then she fired a few rounds in the Backup and a buddy's "snub nose" 38 Special.

She then bought a Ruger KP90 identical to mine. Size matters.
 
If you know of any non-micro .380 pistols that are still in production, throw their names out so I can have a better idea of what options I can look to. Used isn't an option due to very limited used market where I live, and shipping plus a $35 transfer fee is not what I want to pay for used.
 
I would think the LC380 would be a great choice. The Bersa mentioned already is a great one too. I had a Bersa 380 and it had really light recoil. I gave it to my mother in law for self protection when her husband passed.
 
Might check out the S&W Shield in 9mm. For me it was a real comfortable fit - even more so for the wife. By the time it came in - it was her's. And i have no chance of getting it back. Another woman @ the same dealer/range bought it in .40 and she loves hers too.
But as in all guns, she has to try it, not me or U. Don't suppose you got a range/dealer that rents or lets you try out 1st?
 
Just noticed - your in Alaska, that dealer/range might be quite a road trip.
 
If and it's a big if she prefers the simplicity of a revolver and isn't opposed to the size Ruger makes the LCR in .22 mag now. IMHO .22 mag is overlooked for SD potential. The LCR .22 mag is chambered for 6 rounds. And it's a little lighter than the LC380. 2 less rounds as well.

On another website someone posted a video of a news story where a woman emptied her .22lr revolver into a perp and he is no longer alive. She hasn't been charged either.

When selecting our CCWs my wife chose a .25 auto and I chose a KT P11. The P11 printed too big for CC while bicycling. So after a couple of times of her shooting my P11 on our property(we live rural) we swapped and she's put 4-500 rounds down range and is completely happy w/t 9mm. I'm glad she adjusted to the bigger round. So, I've got the .25 now. My point is that usually it's best to have individuals choose their own CCWs. If they don't like them they wont shoot them.
 
Orion8472 writes:

You may want to consider the Sig 238 as well. Locking breach guns recoil less than blow back. But then, there's the added issue of activating and de-activating a safety.
Click to expand...

Not sure if you're comapring the 238 to the LC380 but, if you are, the LC is also a locked-breech design.

Yes, the single-action (1911-style) will trip up some new or less-than-enthusiastic shooters who are seeking basic and safe point-and-shoot simplicity.
 
Bought my wife a S&W M&P 9c and she loves it and can shoot it pretty good to now I have to buy my daughter one
 
Ditto to the idea of a Sig 238. I think I'm starting to sound like a fanboy and I those types usually annoy me. So at the risk of annoying myself, I'll strongly suggest having her try out a P238. The HD model is heavier, but negates recoil even more if weight isn't a huge deal.
They're incredibly accurate and ergonomic for most, reliable and come standard with tritium sights now (if that matters to you).

The lack recoil of my P238HD is hard to believe. I took my Polish P64 to the range the same day as my P238HD once for kicks. Holy cow, try that someday and you'd think the P238 is imbued with some supernatural recoil reduction.

My wife can rack the slide just fine. If the hammer is retracted first, I'm think anyone who has use of their arms and digits could chamber a round.

The P238 is single action only and is anything but inexpensive. However, if you can find a proper rig and stomach the premium, you cannot find a better pistol in the caliber, IMHO.
 
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