spd1303
Member
My girlfriend is looking for a weapon she can carrry around. I advised her to go with a small frame revolver, but she is hell bent on getting a semi-auto. Maybe you guys and girls could give her some advice on what to get.
semi-auto vs revolver for conceal and carry
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MedWheeler
Member
Let her get what she tries out and likes. I see you've just joined us here.. there are about eleventy-bilion posts and threads on both the "revolver-vs-autoloader" and "gun-for-my-girl" subjects..
Don't push anything on her, and don't let any of us, either. Make a list of possibilities once you've checked some out, then feel free to come back and ask any of us who has tried them what they/we think.
Don't push anything on her, and don't let any of us, either. Make a list of possibilities once you've checked some out, then feel free to come back and ask any of us who has tried them what they/we think.
JBB
Member
A small frame revolver is a poor choice for a number of reasons. They are difficult to shoot well because they have a short sight radius and (usually) small sights. Recoil, even with .38 specials can be daunting for someone with smaller hands. She should try as many guns as possible and choose the one she likes best.
GSCSRET
Member
Agree with what has been said. As for some to try, my wife likes the Ruger SP 101 and the Ruger LCP. There are an infinite number of others you may or should try, just trying to give a starting point.
Im with her about auto's,its all i own for ccw.
There is no right or wrong between the two tho,but an auto can be had thats much smaller and lighter.
Kel-tec P3AT,PF9 as well as the Ruger LCP and i like the Sig P238.Kahr makes several good DAO choices like the P380,PM9 and CW9.
But mostly i suggest .380's and 9mm's.
Some of those mentioned can be expensive,but alot are very reasonably cheap even compared to .38's.
There is no right or wrong between the two tho,but an auto can be had thats much smaller and lighter.
Kel-tec P3AT,PF9 as well as the Ruger LCP and i like the Sig P238.Kahr makes several good DAO choices like the P380,PM9 and CW9.
But mostly i suggest .380's and 9mm's.
Some of those mentioned can be expensive,but alot are very reasonably cheap even compared to .38's.
Quoheleth
Member
Have her check out the Cornered Cat website (google it). Lots of good info for women there. Then, drive up to Bass Pro and handle as many guns as y'all can. You'll figure out pretty quick what feels good vs. what doesn't. Take that list and then go find a place that rents guns and try a couple - different autos and revolvers.
Lots of choices, but some seem to rise to the top pretty fast -
Semi autos: M&Ps have changable backstraps; gives a near custom fit for all hand sizes. Springfield XDs, Glocks, and Ruger SR9s are all high-quality, large-frame autos. The glock and XD line also comes in smaller frames. The SR9 is already pretty thin. Smaller frame guns include Kahr, Taurus 709 (the "Slim") the Ruger LCP and Kel-tec. Smaller frames usually mean more perceived recoil.
Revolvers: Smith & wesson K-frames may be a bit big (model 10, 15, 64, etc.) but make good shooters. J-frames are easier to carry, but harder for rookies to shoot well. Ruger's SP101 is between the K and J frame, has enough mass to absorb recoil, and the grips fit most hands well. The LCR is a nice carry gun, but some find its light weight under recoil to be very punishing.
Have fun...shop around...and watch for a great deal.
Q
Lots of choices, but some seem to rise to the top pretty fast -
Semi autos: M&Ps have changable backstraps; gives a near custom fit for all hand sizes. Springfield XDs, Glocks, and Ruger SR9s are all high-quality, large-frame autos. The glock and XD line also comes in smaller frames. The SR9 is already pretty thin. Smaller frame guns include Kahr, Taurus 709 (the "Slim") the Ruger LCP and Kel-tec. Smaller frames usually mean more perceived recoil.
Revolvers: Smith & wesson K-frames may be a bit big (model 10, 15, 64, etc.) but make good shooters. J-frames are easier to carry, but harder for rookies to shoot well. Ruger's SP101 is between the K and J frame, has enough mass to absorb recoil, and the grips fit most hands well. The LCR is a nice carry gun, but some find its light weight under recoil to be very punishing.
Have fun...shop around...and watch for a great deal.
Q
IMO, the lady needs to become a "shooter" before she becomes a "carrier". Let her gravitate toward what she likes during that process. My wife "likes' a lot of my guns, and dislikes some of them. She's comfortable with most any pump shotgun, but learned to prefer a Mossberg 500 20ga. She'll shoot most any handgun, but doesn't really "like" my 442, or any of my favorite .40s. She "likes" full-sized 9mm autos and carries a S&W 5904. I would have never "picked" that for her, neither would have anyone here, I bet... but that's my point.
Les
Les
Let her try out some semi auto's and see if she can operate the slide or at least be taught to. Many women don't have the grip strength to cycle a semi. Women like men make determinations by what they see on TV and the movies. They often need a reality check.
Next discuss how the gun will be carried. Throwing it in the purse with a makeup and car keys is not the way to. Buying a purse with a gun pocket or finding a holster that fits is the best way to carry and avoids it being jostled around when getting change to pay the grocery clerk.
She also needs to discuss her mindset and determine if she is really a good cnadidate to carry a pistol. Is whe willing to shoot someone or does she think it will just scare off the bad guy? Is she willing to deal with the ramifications of taking another human life?
If there's any hesitation on using deadly force to defend oneself, a person is better off with a less than lethal method like an air taser, pepper spray, etc. All trying to scare off someone with a firearm will result in is an attacker armed with your firearm.
Next discuss how the gun will be carried. Throwing it in the purse with a makeup and car keys is not the way to. Buying a purse with a gun pocket or finding a holster that fits is the best way to carry and avoids it being jostled around when getting change to pay the grocery clerk.
She also needs to discuss her mindset and determine if she is really a good cnadidate to carry a pistol. Is whe willing to shoot someone or does she think it will just scare off the bad guy? Is she willing to deal with the ramifications of taking another human life?
If there's any hesitation on using deadly force to defend oneself, a person is better off with a less than lethal method like an air taser, pepper spray, etc. All trying to scare off someone with a firearm will result in is an attacker armed with your firearm.
Try before you buy....
In my CCW class, half the ladies lacked enough wrist strength to cycle a semi-auto. These ladies managed to jam their Glocks (I didn't know that was possible). For some reason, the range owner insisted that we use his Glocks for the CCW class. I used my own Glock, but others' used the Glocks at the range. None of the guys' Glocks jammed.
Now, I'm not saying no ladies could shoot a semi-auto. The best shot in the class was a lady. She shot nearly a one hold group from 3 yards. She shoots every week.
So, take her to the range and ask her afterwards if the experience was enjoyable enough to go at least once a month. If the answer is "yes," then get her a semi-auto as they are slimmer in profile and easier to conceal on a woman's tight fashion clothes.
If she is not going to practice regularly, then, get her a revolver as you don't need wrist strength to cycle a revolver. Also, revolvers do not need regular magazine changes to avoid permanently compressing a magazine's springs. A lady who lacks practice is probably not going to exchange magazines regularly.
In my CCW class, half the ladies lacked enough wrist strength to cycle a semi-auto. These ladies managed to jam their Glocks (I didn't know that was possible). For some reason, the range owner insisted that we use his Glocks for the CCW class. I used my own Glock, but others' used the Glocks at the range. None of the guys' Glocks jammed.
Now, I'm not saying no ladies could shoot a semi-auto. The best shot in the class was a lady. She shot nearly a one hold group from 3 yards. She shoots every week.
So, take her to the range and ask her afterwards if the experience was enjoyable enough to go at least once a month. If the answer is "yes," then get her a semi-auto as they are slimmer in profile and easier to conceal on a woman's tight fashion clothes.
If she is not going to practice regularly, then, get her a revolver as you don't need wrist strength to cycle a revolver. Also, revolvers do not need regular magazine changes to avoid permanently compressing a magazine's springs. A lady who lacks practice is probably not going to exchange magazines regularly.
R_Thornhill
Member
I think alot of it depends on how familiar/comfortable she is with handguns in general. Revolvers are good for novices as well as experts becuase they are simple to clean and take apart. They can never jam and a misfire can be cured with just another pull of the trigger (usually). Now an auto should be used by a more experienced handgunner (if ccw) because they take more work and demand more attention. But is she is experienced let her get whatever she wants. If she is going to carry it then it must be comfortable for her and also if she doesnt like it she will never shoot it or want to take care of it. (Most cases, yours may obviously be different.)
wnycollector
Member
Years ago my wife picked out a S&W 638 as her CCW. She loved the light weight and small size at the gun shop. Once I took her to the range both of those attributes worked against her. Eventually she found my 2.75" Ruger Security Six .357 and that was that...she had found her perfect gun! The Sixes weight (~32oz) soaked up the recoil and the longer sight radius allowed better accuracy.
As far as my wife and pistols, they just dont mix. She will occasionally will shoot my SIG P6 (small hands + single stack = comfort!), but she thinks that pistols are too complicated. She loves the "idiot proof" design and operation of revolvers.
If your GF wants a pistol, let her get it...the worst thing that happens is that down the road you have an extra gun if her tastes change!
As far as my wife and pistols, they just dont mix. She will occasionally will shoot my SIG P6 (small hands + single stack = comfort!), but she thinks that pistols are too complicated. She loves the "idiot proof" design and operation of revolvers.
If your GF wants a pistol, let her get it...the worst thing that happens is that down the road you have an extra gun if her tastes change!
ByAnyMeans
Member
You must see what she is most accurate with, as well as comfortable operating under pressure. This will mean a lot of shooting different guns but this is good because as said she should become a shooter before a carrier.
The cornered cat website is a great resource for her to read through it's entirety.
Personally my lady is currently carrying either a Keltec p3at with crimson trace laser grip and an extended mag when she can. She also uses a Glock 26 same as me. It allows multiple grip lengths and magazine capacity depending on magazine used. YMMV
The cornered cat website is a great resource for her to read through it's entirety.
Personally my lady is currently carrying either a Keltec p3at with crimson trace laser grip and an extended mag when she can. She also uses a Glock 26 same as me. It allows multiple grip lengths and magazine capacity depending on magazine used. YMMV
DeepSouth
Random Guy
Let her get what she tries out and likes.
A small frame revolver is a poor choice for a number of reasons.
I think alot of it depends on how familiar/comfortable she is with handguns in general.
READ THIS
If she wants an auto, let her get an auto.
All good advice. She has to be comfortable with what she is going to use be it for be it carry or around the house.
I advised her to go with a small frame revolver
I want to elaborate on this a bit. If it were up to many men, women would only carry small frame revolvers or 25 autos. My wife likes "her" (used to be mine) 4" S&W Model 10. A woman I know who is 4-10 and weighs 85 lbs will put most "real man" shooters to shame with her Glock 17, AR, or Mosin Nagant.
A small frame revolver is a poor choice for a number of reasons.
I think alot of it depends on how familiar/comfortable she is with handguns in general.
READ THIS
If she wants an auto, let her get an auto.
All good advice. She has to be comfortable with what she is going to use be it for be it carry or around the house.
I advised her to go with a small frame revolver
I want to elaborate on this a bit. If it were up to many men, women would only carry small frame revolvers or 25 autos. My wife likes "her" (used to be mine) 4" S&W Model 10. A woman I know who is 4-10 and weighs 85 lbs will put most "real man" shooters to shame with her Glock 17, AR, or Mosin Nagant.
armoredman
Member
I got my wife 4 revolvers before we both discovered she likes an auto better. Lots of money spent by Mr Macho I-know-what-I-am-doing before she got her own way. Now she carries either a CZ 2075 9mm RAMI or CZ P01 9mm, and she loves them both. Let her choose, and be supportive - get somebody else to do the training, though. Trying to train a loved one can be just that - trying!
Deanimator
Member
1. Has she shot not just a semi-auto handgun, but the kind she's thinking about getting (if she's selected one)? Can she easily cycle the action without fumbling? Some women have problems with semi-autos with powerful recoil springs.
2. How much experience does she have with handguns? Does she actually have to stop and think about how to clear a malfunction?
3. How often is she going to practice, REALISTICALLY?
4. What kind of semi-auto does she want? A Glock, XD or M&P is going to be simplest to shoot... and to do something negligent with.
I carry revolvers and semi-autos interchangeably, but I've been shooting both for more than thirty years. I've also got strong arms and hands.
If she doesn't have a lot of experience, doesn't have strong hands/arms, and isn't going to practice a lot, she should stick with a revolver, at least to begin with. Pulling a trigger the second time is a lot easier than trying to remember immediate action drills that you can't physically perform in the first place.
2. How much experience does she have with handguns? Does she actually have to stop and think about how to clear a malfunction?
3. How often is she going to practice, REALISTICALLY?
4. What kind of semi-auto does she want? A Glock, XD or M&P is going to be simplest to shoot... and to do something negligent with.
I carry revolvers and semi-autos interchangeably, but I've been shooting both for more than thirty years. I've also got strong arms and hands.
If she doesn't have a lot of experience, doesn't have strong hands/arms, and isn't going to practice a lot, she should stick with a revolver, at least to begin with. Pulling a trigger the second time is a lot easier than trying to remember immediate action drills that you can't physically perform in the first place.
KBintheSLC
Member
My wife is about 5'2" and 105 lbs... she settled on a Kel Tec P32 for daily carry. She also has a Sig 239 9mm for hiking and road trips, but the P32 is always with her. It is the only gun she can carry concealed on her body. Everything else is too bulky... especially because she likes form-fitting jeans.
We have 2 KT P32's (I have one too) and both have been totally reliable. They are easy to operate, and hitting a target at 7 yards is not difficult. I like the locking breach design of the KT as opposed to the old blowbacks. Great little guns for very little money.
My advise... take her there and let her decide.
We have 2 KT P32's (I have one too) and both have been totally reliable. They are easy to operate, and hitting a target at 7 yards is not difficult. I like the locking breach design of the KT as opposed to the old blowbacks. Great little guns for very little money.
My advise... take her there and let her decide.
NMGonzo
Member
Let her pick her own weapon(s)
"But honey, it is ON SALE!"
"But honey, it is ON SALE!"
oneounceload
member
Another vote to have both you and her read TheCorneredCat.com, then let HER rent and make HER decision about what SHE wants to carry....(starting to see the theme yet?)
spd1303
Member
Thank you all for your advice. We went to day and she got a ruger lcp .380 with a fobus holster for $410.00
Elm Creek Smith
Member
I see you let her pick her own gun. Good idea. A more powerful caliber would have been nice though.
My wife picked my S&W 4-inch 681 L-Frame with CT grips.
ECS
My wife picked my S&W 4-inch 681 L-Frame with CT grips.
ECS
The Lone Haranguer
Member
I like compact and subcompact 9mm pistols better than any small-frame revolver, myself. They are easier and more pleasant to shoot, hold more rounds and - depending on the model selected - are not much different in size. The one advantage of a small frame revolver - provided it has a bobbed, shrouded or concealed hammer - is that they are easier to draw from tighter pockets due to their more rounded contours.
ByAnyMeans
Member
LCP is a good gun even if some would like a bigger caliber. I go for 9mm when I can but if my P3AT is all I can carry it's much better than nothing. If it keeps the gun on your girlfriend instead of her car or home than she is much better off.
IF she has problems with accuracy I have found the Crimson Trace laser grip to be a great addition. I thought I had no problems with the gun but after shooting a friends P3AT with the laser I realized my speed and distance significantly improved. I also put on KT-add on recoil pad and grip. They work great and are pre-cut for the p3at.
IF she has problems with accuracy I have found the Crimson Trace laser grip to be a great addition. I thought I had no problems with the gun but after shooting a friends P3AT with the laser I realized my speed and distance significantly improved. I also put on KT-add on recoil pad and grip. They work great and are pre-cut for the p3at.
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