I am looking for a first handgun for my wife. This would be a range gun, something that she can use to learn the basics and develop marksmanship. Then later on, look for a second unit for carry. Because of her relatively small hands, we have settled on 9mm's with single stack mags. We have been to several local gun shops, and they always pull the S&W Shield, SA XDs, and the Kahr from their case for her to try. Just on a whim, I put my 1911 .45 in her hand, and she seemed to like it. So here is my question... I know that a few companies have offered a limited number of 1911's in 9mm. Would it be a good idea to look for one of these, or is that just an insanely bad idea?
Single Stack 9mm
- Thread starter Peoga452
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One quick follow-up, I am not looking to make a funny video of a little girl getting beat around trying to shoot a gun that's too big for her. There are plenty of those already. I am trying to help her entry into an activity that we can do together, hopefully for less than $1000. FYI - she shoots my Ruger Mark-II Govt. like a champ.
doubleh
Member
I can't see anything bad about the idea at all. I recently bought a RIA 1911 tac in the compact size. I handed it to my wife and she liked it. Said she thought she could shoot it just fine. She has been seriously under the weather for awhile and hasn't tried it out yet but I'm confident she will have no problems. I've shot it some and it has no more recoil than other pistols she shoots regularly.
The only draw back I know of is magazines for it are like hen's teeth right now.
Taurus chambers their PT1911 in 9 mil also. Never shot one but I do have one in 45 and it is completely dependable and very accurate with my handloads. Wife can handle it OK too. I might add that she doesn't have a lot of hand strength now due to arthritis and numerous surgeries because of it.
I would say to go for it. If your wife decides she doesn't like it YOU will still have a nice pistol.
The only draw back I know of is magazines for it are like hen's teeth right now.
Taurus chambers their PT1911 in 9 mil also. Never shot one but I do have one in 45 and it is completely dependable and very accurate with my handloads. Wife can handle it OK too. I might add that she doesn't have a lot of hand strength now due to arthritis and numerous surgeries because of it.
I would say to go for it. If your wife decides she doesn't like it YOU will still have a nice pistol.
wally
Member
IMHO hard to beat the RIA Tactical 9mm for a range gun. About $450 if you shop around.
My wife likes it, she's small at 5'2" 110 lbs and the weight of the steel frame really soaks up recoil.
By hand feel alone, she really loves the Shield, but it just jumps too much for her to run more than a mag or two through it at a time.
There are not a lot of options for single stack 9mm pistols that are not sub-compacts. Maybe you can find a used S&W 39 but these seem to carry a price premium these days.
My wife likes it, she's small at 5'2" 110 lbs and the weight of the steel frame really soaks up recoil.
By hand feel alone, she really loves the Shield, but it just jumps too much for her to run more than a mag or two through it at a time.
There are not a lot of options for single stack 9mm pistols that are not sub-compacts. Maybe you can find a used S&W 39 but these seem to carry a price premium these days.
CPO15
Member
Take a look at the Kahrs, slim grips and light recoil. But, if you buy one; read and follow the "proper prep" thread at kahrtalk.com.
http://kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?t=14748&highlight=Proper+prep
http://kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?t=14748&highlight=Proper+prep
wally
Member
No way is a 9mm in a <20 oz. pistol "light recoil". Unless you can find one of their steel frame models, I'd suggest this will likely be too much recoil for most new shooters.
You might want to read some of the recent Kahr threads here before venturing into the land of the Kahr fan boys. Their customer service and support has deteriorated greatly since I got my first ~2003. I'm done with them since they weren't helpful at all when the frame rail on my CW9 broke. They are currently in the EAA-class customer service category
KansasSasquatch
Member
It's not a single stack but you might consider having her check out a Browning Hi Power. Or a Hi Power clone.
W.E.G.
Member
Why would anyone suggest a Browning Hi-Power for a shooter with small hands?
Features of the BHP:
I can hardly think of a worse choice for a diminutive novice.
Features of the BHP:
- just about the fattest 9mm grip that ever existed
- extremely heavy recoil spring
- very-difficult-to-reach safety lever
- horrible factory trigger
- frequently equipped with tiny sights
- expensive
I can hardly think of a worse choice for a diminutive novice.
Old Dog
Member
The only single-stack 9mm I am familiar with that really manages recoil well and that the females in my family and of my acquaintance all agree on ... is the S&W 3913/3914 platform. A truly superb, less well known, mostly underrated pistol.
They can be harder to find on the used market, as most folks who own 'em know and like what they have ...
They can be harder to find on the used market, as most folks who own 'em know and like what they have ...
W.E.G.
Member
+1 for the 39-series Smith and Wesson.
The Model 39-2 feels so good in my hand, I almost wanted to give up my Glock.
...almost.
The Model 39-2 feels so good in my hand, I almost wanted to give up my Glock.
...almost.
RustyShackelford
member
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Women, guns, first time shooters/CCW.....
First, Id suggest your wife shoot a few rental guns or gun club guns(some places only allow private owned firearms due to legal-civil liability issues).
See what models or types she can safely load/unload/fire/field-strip/etc.
Some women lack the hand strength to shoot a semi auto pistol/work the slide.
If she can properly handle a compact or sub-compact pistol, there are a few good CCW choices she could get; a Beretta Nano, the SIG Sauer P290RS, the Walther PPS, the SIG P239 DAK(spurless DA only), the S&W M&P Shield, the XDs, the Kahr CM9.
A DA only model would be better & safer than a SAO(single action only) format. A light trigger or a complex manual of arms isn't ideal for a entry level gun owner(male or female). Keep in mind too, in a real critical incident, she may be hurt, have stress or chaos, be in a low light/night area, etc.
A well made, safe format like the M&P Shield or the P290RS would work. They have been in the US gun industry for a few years & sell a lot to CCW license holders.
A "witness" or PR seeking lawyer couldn't claim she "cocked the hammer" or was careless. This is why a lot of sworn LE agencies mandate DA only weapons.
Teach her how to properly clean & lube the firearm too. She should be aware of how to clear any jams or fix minor problems. Id advise she only use factory made high-quality 9x19mm rounds. No reloads or hand-loads for carry. Brands like Corbon DPX, Hornady Critical Defense or Critical Duty, Speer Gold Dot, Federal HST, PowRball, etc.
Make sure she learns & understands the gun/use of force laws too. To have a family lawyer or legal defense plan is a smart idea for you both, if you have not already.
Rusty
First, Id suggest your wife shoot a few rental guns or gun club guns(some places only allow private owned firearms due to legal-civil liability issues).
See what models or types she can safely load/unload/fire/field-strip/etc.
Some women lack the hand strength to shoot a semi auto pistol/work the slide.
If she can properly handle a compact or sub-compact pistol, there are a few good CCW choices she could get; a Beretta Nano, the SIG Sauer P290RS, the Walther PPS, the SIG P239 DAK(spurless DA only), the S&W M&P Shield, the XDs, the Kahr CM9.
A DA only model would be better & safer than a SAO(single action only) format. A light trigger or a complex manual of arms isn't ideal for a entry level gun owner(male or female). Keep in mind too, in a real critical incident, she may be hurt, have stress or chaos, be in a low light/night area, etc.
A well made, safe format like the M&P Shield or the P290RS would work. They have been in the US gun industry for a few years & sell a lot to CCW license holders.
A "witness" or PR seeking lawyer couldn't claim she "cocked the hammer" or was careless. This is why a lot of sworn LE agencies mandate DA only weapons.
Teach her how to properly clean & lube the firearm too. She should be aware of how to clear any jams or fix minor problems. Id advise she only use factory made high-quality 9x19mm rounds. No reloads or hand-loads for carry. Brands like Corbon DPX, Hornady Critical Defense or Critical Duty, Speer Gold Dot, Federal HST, PowRball, etc.
Make sure she learns & understands the gun/use of force laws too. To have a family lawyer or legal defense plan is a smart idea for you both, if you have not already.
Rusty
David E
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- Aug 3, 2008
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- 7,459
If you reload, you can create some light .45 acp loads.
The 1911 is a modular design and there are many things you can do to make it fit smaller hands.
Getting a 1911 in 9mm is an excellent idea and you'll enjoy shooting it at least as much as she does.
The 1911 is a modular design and there are many things you can do to make it fit smaller hands.
Getting a 1911 in 9mm is an excellent idea and you'll enjoy shooting it at least as much as she does.
needmorecowbell
Member
A 1911 is a great option. However if your purpose is to for her to get used to a firearm to then transition to a CCW gun, I'd identify the CCW gun 1st and make sure the one you're buying now is a similar battery of arms. For example a nice 1911 full size now and then maybe an ultra compact or Sig P938 down the road. If you think her CCW will be striker fired, get her one now that's striker fired.
Madcap_Magician
Member
RIA makes several 9mm 1911s. STI does as well.
chiltech500
Member
Used Sig 225 single stack 9mm, 4" barrel, easy recoil and much better gun than a Ruger - if she doesn't like then you will have a pistol you will like to shoot. It's a double/single with a nice easy pull in single action.
Also Springfield Armory makes a 1911 range officer in 9mm.
Also Springfield Armory makes a 1911 range officer in 9mm.
Chocolate Bayou
Member
Look at the Colt Defender. The grips might be a little big, but i changed out wi a pair of VZ. Now It's a 3" 9mm 1911. Single stack 8+1. Stainless slide with al. frame. I carry it every day and is great to shoot at the range. But you are going to be right at your $1,000.00 limit
JRH6856
Member
If and when Remington gets the bugs worked out of the R51, it is a single stack 9mm+P with a softer and more controllable recoil than my Browning High-Power. Last word is that they should start shipping again after June 1.
Beat Trash
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The new Walther CCP is supposed to be soft shooting and easy to pull the slide.
It's a pit bigger than the Shield. IF it works out as expected, it is targeting the exact market as what you are describing.
It's a pit bigger than the Shield. IF it works out as expected, it is targeting the exact market as what you are describing.
hardluk1
member
Maybe the all steel kahrs would serve well. Enough weight to soften recoil with the T9 is a commander sized pistol. Then as she builds comfort with the large heavier version maybe the tp/ct or cw/p will do .
http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-T9.asp
http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-T9.asp
Rittmeister
Member
I like my Sig P6.
I also just picked up a CZ P07 - despite being a double-stack magazine, it's got a pretty slim grip also.
I also just picked up a CZ P07 - despite being a double-stack magazine, it's got a pretty slim grip also.
maxxhavoc
Member
Let her shoot some before you buy anything.
I took my wife to the range with:
CZ-75b
Sig P6 (single stack 9mm)
Rock Island 9mm Compact 1911 w/Slim Alumagrips
Smith and Wesson SD9VE
I also took out a Taurus 66 .357 w/some 38's to get her started.
In the end, she liked the SD9VE the best of the 9mm options (she said it didn't kick as much...makes no sense, since the rest are all metal.) I expected her to like the thin grip models, and the Sig "felt" the best to her until she pulled the trigger on all of them.
But she burned through all of the 38 Special ammo. She liked everything better about the revolver.
I took my wife to the range with:
CZ-75b
Sig P6 (single stack 9mm)
Rock Island 9mm Compact 1911 w/Slim Alumagrips
Smith and Wesson SD9VE
I also took out a Taurus 66 .357 w/some 38's to get her started.
In the end, she liked the SD9VE the best of the 9mm options (she said it didn't kick as much...makes no sense, since the rest are all metal.) I expected her to like the thin grip models, and the Sig "felt" the best to her until she pulled the trigger on all of them.
But she burned through all of the 38 Special ammo. She liked everything better about the revolver.
Vodoun da Vinci
Member
My Wife and I shot everything we could get our hands on last Summer...bought, rented, or borrowed virtually anything and everything available to weed out possible and impossible. The outcome was not predictable but we have it resolved now and her best choice and favorite, Soul Mate pistol is not what I would have ever picked for her or recommended a year ago.
Let her shoot as many as you can put in her hands.
VooDoo
RustyShackelford
member
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Sig p6....
Guns like the S&W Ladysmith 3913 or the SIG P6/P225 9x19mm are good choices but they are no longer produced.
Used guns or LE surplus sidearms may be out there but Id buy a new 9mm pistol with a lifetime warranty or a good reputation for defense/CCW.
Rusty
edit; For a 1911 type 9x19mm or .45acp carry type, you might want to see the LDA models from Para-USA. They may be around your posted budget & they come with a lifetime service plan. I think Para-USA offers a $100.00 refund or rebate too. See the site for details.
Guns like the S&W Ladysmith 3913 or the SIG P6/P225 9x19mm are good choices but they are no longer produced.
Used guns or LE surplus sidearms may be out there but Id buy a new 9mm pistol with a lifetime warranty or a good reputation for defense/CCW.
Rusty
edit; For a 1911 type 9x19mm or .45acp carry type, you might want to see the LDA models from Para-USA. They may be around your posted budget & they come with a lifetime service plan. I think Para-USA offers a $100.00 refund or rebate too. See the site for details.
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