Tell me about revolvers for my 15 year old daughter

[Onty]

BJung - your daughter's physical size will determine her gun choice. I agree with some of the others in that a 4" barrel might be better than a 6". I have a 4" GP-100 as I personally found the 6" to be "nose heavy". The GP-100 may also be heavier than some of the other pistols suggested but I believe that is also one of the guns strengths.

You are right about her selecting the gun. And if we are talking about full underlug barrels, like on GP100 or 586/686, yes, 4" (or 4.2") revolver is significantly less muzzle heavy than 6" one. Those two with 6" barrel have about the same weight as 44 magnum S&W 29/929 with 6" barrel, no full underlug. That is the reason why I've got rid of 6" 686.

However, since Security Six has quite slim barrel, difference in weights between revolvers with 4" barrel vs 6" is small. On top of that, 6" Security Six with its 35 oz is about 5 oz lighter then GP100 or 686 with 4" (or 4.2") barrels. Same applies for 6" S&W M19/66 when compared with 6" GP100 or 586/686.

Difference will be bit less pronounced when comparing 4" (or 4.2") GP100 or 586/686, with revolvers with partial lug 6" barrel, but later ones are not very common, at least used ones.

 

[Old Hobo]

Her hand size will determine the revolver's frame size -- same with an automatic. No one will ever reach their maximum proficiency with a firearm that does not comply with their personal ergonomics. Same thing for barrel length -- what barrel provides her with the best feel, the best balance? One MUST get-in a bunch of practice to become accurate. And too, you want her to have fun while practicing. It shouldn't be a chore! She should have fun while getting to be a better and better shot.

Practicing is developing "muscle memory". The brain-nerve-muscle-feedback-to-brain physical wiring must be established. As one practices, it is NOT just a mental thing getting to be a better shot. Know that your "learning" is the nervous system physically growing the wiring to make this possible. The brain re-wires itself throughout life. I've had conversations with people in their 90s who were intellectually sharper than I when in my 50s. Even as concerns the brain, it is "use it or lose it".
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