Semi-Auto for a Lady

[rellascout]

Well, here we go again. My wife has developed a mild interest in shooting (handguns), and is contemplating a concealed carry license. She's been shooting a S&W Model 36 (.38 sp) revolver with a 3" barrel, and really likes it.
There's no problem with that except that in Texas if you qualify for a concealed carry license with a revolver, you're only allowed to carry a revolver with your license. If you qualify with a semi-auto, you can carry either with your license.
Is there a small (she has small hands), fairly light, relatively soft recoiling semi-auto pistol that anyone could recommend? I'm fairly familiar with what's available but wonder if I've overlooked something. I'd also prefer a manual safety on the pistol, so that kind of leaves out Glocks. I was wondering about a semi auto from S&W. I've got a 6906 (9mm,DA/SA), but it's a double stack so the grips are a little on the large size.

Take her to a range that rents guns. Let her shoot anything and everything that feels good in the hand that is the right size. From there one will seperate itself from the others.

One of the major considerations for women when carrying a gun is method of carry.

I am not a fan of purse carry but many people opt for this. If she is going with this method then I would rule out all Glocks and pre-cocked striker fire guns like the XD. The XD does have a grip safety but I am not sure I would trust it bouncing around in a purse.

Not many women carry in the wast band. If she is going with an OWB carry then pick up a holster design for women.

Here is a great article on the subject. http://www.womensholsters.com/choosing.html

I would suggest a 9mm. People expect the 380 auto to be a better womens gun due to its smaller caliber and smaller guns. I personally find 380 autos to be brutal on the hands. Much more so then the small 9mms due to the straight blow back design. To me the loss in effective caliber characteristics and the harsh recoil makes these poor choices for new shooters IMHO.

All of that said here is my look at list:

Sig P225 9mm (My go to gun when teaching women how to shoot.)
Sig P228 9mm
CZ PCR 9mm
CZ P01 9mm
Sig P239 9mm
BHP 9mm (larger weapon but great grip for smaller hands)
Taurus Mill Pro 9mm
Glock 19 9mm
Glock 26 9mm
XD 3" 9mm

I do not like Keltecs. Many people like them but I detail stripped on this weekend and was less then impressed. To say that it was rough on the inside would be an understatement.

Final point. The smaller and lighter the gun the harsher the recoil.

PS I forgot about the Kahrs.

 

[distra]

Yep. Make sure she shoots a lot of different pistols. My wife attended "Woman's Day" at our club. Best thing she could have done. Figured out what she likes and doesn't like. She likes the BHP, 1911's and Glock 19. She doesn't care for revolvers, Rugers, or BDA 380 (which she wishes I would sell or meltdown)

 

[xenatexas13]

The best thing to do is to spend some time at the range and rent several different guns. I am a woman with smallish hands and I have tried A LOT of different handguns. I was told how wonderful the Bersa 380 was by so many people I was ready to buy one for carry. Then I shot my friends Bersa and HATED IT WITH A FLAMING PASSION! Turns out I hate most pocket pistols. My choice for carry ended up being a Ruger SP101 in 357. It’s small enough to hide but a heavy enough to actually enjoy shooting. I am in Texas as well and will be renewing my CHL license soon. Thanks to their funny licensing laws I will qualify with my full size 9mm that I use a fun range gun, but continue to carry the Ruger revolver.

My favorite 9mm that is currently in production is the CZ 75.