So the wife needs a handgun

[Aaryq]

Howdy, folks.

My wife wants a handgun. She's only been shooting once in her life and still needs some practice. She does not have an interest (at this time) to get a CWP. I want to get her something that goes "BANG" every time but won't cost an arm and a leg to feed. She doesn't want a revolver and she's not afraid of recoil (as far as I know, the biggest she shot was a Taurus 24/7 in .40 S&W).

Obviously we'll have to shop around and see what feels right in HER hand. Any good ideas as to where to start?

 

[MaterDei]

Best practice handgun is a 22. Cheap to buy and cheap to feed.

Start with the Browning Buckmark. They have gold triggers that she might like (they also happen to feel awesome in the hand and have a great trigger and are very accurate). If that doesn't feel right to her try a Ruger Mark II. I don't like the grip angle on the Beretta Neos but she might like it. Lastly, try the Walther P22.

 

[searcher451]

+1 on a good quality .22, with the emphasis on quality. Mater Dei's suggestion of the Browning is a good one, as is one of the Ruger models. If "going bang" every time out is essential, however, as you indicate, I would not recommend the Walther P22. The gun is made by Umarex, Walther's parent company these days, and is a pot-metal piece that does not come close to exhibiting any sort of standard of excellence for which the Walther name was synonomous of many years. Some folks love their P22s, to be sure, but it's a hit-and-miss proposition at best ... and one best avoided.

 

[MaterDei]

I would not recommend the Walther P22

I did say 'lastly'.

I only suggested it as a last resort. They are very small and the grip is very small hand friendly. I agree that they are not well made compared to the others.

 

[RH45]

a .22 would be the cheapest to buy and shoot.
If you are looking for a centerfire, I think the best value would be a S&W M&P, followed by a Glock.

 

[greener]

The S&W 22A, Ruger MKIII, MKIII 22/45 and Buck Mark's are all good, solid, reliable accurate pistols. I'd put the P22 a notch below them in quality of materials and (my) ability to shoot accurately. However, it is a fun pistol to shoot. If she is willing to look at revolvers, then the Ruger Single six is a great hand gun.

In centerfire, the M&P is a good choice because you can change the grip size. It is also a reliable, accurate handgun.

If it is "for the wife" she should be the one who decides. Some of it is fit and feel. The biggest reason is that if it going to be her handgun, she ought to make the decision.

 

[J Lambs]

My wife fell in love with the Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II at the gun show. I am looking for the new 9mm version for her. I have found it on a couple of websites, but so far my LGS can not get one. Just a thought.