IMTHDUKE
Member
Put something like this in a jewelry box and ye can't miss...or at least this is what my wife carries......
The Lady Gun?!?!
- Thread starter skeptiq
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For what it's worth.
I've carried a CZ P01 for awhile, and I was out in the backyard running some rounds. My wife asked to try it (she hadn't shot for years). She liked it, and
was damned accurate at 10 yards "out of the box."
So now we own two. Guess who paid for the second one!
Isher
For what it's worth.
I've carried a CZ P01 for awhile, and I was out in the backyard running some rounds. My wife asked to try it (she hadn't shot for years). She liked it, and
was damned accurate at 10 yards "out of the box."
So now we own two. Guess who paid for the second one!
Isher
Just a couple of suggestions of things to look at and hopefully shoot if you can find a range that has them to rent or a friend who will let you borrow.
Take a look at the Ruger SP101 in .327. She can practice comfortably with regular .32 ammo and use the .327 mags for carry. I find it heavy enough to manage any recoil but not so heavy as to be cumbersome to carry. If you are considering semi-autos, try to find a used S&W 3913LS or a Sig Sauer P239. Both come in 9mm, again have enough weight but not too much. I happen to like the DA/SA mode. You might also take a visit over to the Women and Guns forum for more specific info.
It is important to get something she will enjoy shooting and be willing to practice, practice, practice with. But you already knew that!
Take a look at the Ruger SP101 in .327. She can practice comfortably with regular .32 ammo and use the .327 mags for carry. I find it heavy enough to manage any recoil but not so heavy as to be cumbersome to carry. If you are considering semi-autos, try to find a used S&W 3913LS or a Sig Sauer P239. Both come in 9mm, again have enough weight but not too much. I happen to like the DA/SA mode. You might also take a visit over to the Women and Guns forum for more specific info.
It is important to get something she will enjoy shooting and be willing to practice, practice, practice with. But you already knew that!
zombienerd
Member
1) Yes, I've used biometrics on several occasions. Cheaper ones are quickly fouled by oil, water, etc, better made ones are not as susceptible.
2) Batteries run out, sure, but when you have internal batteries, an external power supply that's plugged into ANOTHER set of batteries (UPS), you're guaranteed to be able to get into it without power for at least 2-3 hours. If the power drops for that long, I'll have my key ready.
3) I agree that the recognition isn't 100% yet, but in the middle of the night, I don't want to have to turn on a light, find a key (or squint to see the keypad), or fumble with a dial combo, I want to swipe a finger and have it open... Crap, finger has a cut, next finger, next finger, next finger... Statistics are in my favor for speedier opening than the other options.
4) On the "pass the key" you've got me there, I'd have to get in my big safe to toss my hard key, or have the wife open it... I don't know many scenarios that would have that happen in MY house... I don't have company often.
5) Price is a factor, I'll agree, but I'd rather know that there is ABSOLUTELY NO CHANCE that my 3 year old daughter can get into it. A manual combo system can be "lucky guessed", a key can be found, etc., but there is no way my kid's fingerprints will open that safe, and I will triple and quadruple check this before I ever put my firearm inside. My standup gunsafe is a dial combo, and the key to the bio box will be inside there.
The only downside is if the locking mechanism doesn't cycle properly, I'm pretty much SOL, but that can happen with any locking device, so I don't think it's any more of a disadvantage.
Out of those, #5 is the big reason I'm going Biometric, nothing else on the market is quick, and has piece of mind at the same time.
Highland Ranger
Member
I had the same thought back when we had to worry about little ones - mounted the safe high on the wall of the closet as a further deterrent. This way they wouldn't be near it or able to get at it without extra effort and they were never out of sight for that long. Especially at that age. Too much capacity for trouble. I remember what the quiet one did with a gallon of bbq sauce and 5 minutes. What a picture, two saucy feet sticking out from under the couch and sauce everywhere.
Any way, its not as handy as right under the bed but leaving it a few steps away guarantees I will be awake and aware if I go for it in the middle of the night. Four legged burglar alarm should make up any time difference.
BHP FAN
Member
"The Lady Smith" is a class act.My little Taurus 85 ss is similar,but a LOT cheaper.It has a lock built into the hammer,I wear the key to mine on a military dog tag chain around my neck. This way,I can keep it ready,but safe. Alot of folks don't like the lock...I'll admit it took some getting used to.Another option is to keep the gun empty,but have speedloaders ready and full of ammo.
CDH
Member
I think there might be a lot of complicated thinking being put into this.
Here's the deal; the wife appears to NOT be "into" guns based on the fact that she was afraid of even having one around.
That means her only interest and intended investment of time and training is for self-defense reasons.
That means that she would be best served by a pistol that is very simple to operate (meaning NO semi-autos), is light for frequent carry on person or in a purse, and has managable recoil but decent stopping power.
And it has to be safe where it would be virtually impossible for it to fire accidentally, but will positively fire when needed.
Being something she really doesn't want to carry but feels that she must, she won't want to clean and maintain it very often, so it needs to be able to be neglected a bit and still function when necessary.
Plus, there can't be anything to snag on clothing or on the inside of her purse.
Bottom line deductive reasoning ends up with a Smith 642.
Small enough for personal carry.
Light enough not to make her purse feel like there's a brick inside.
Simple enough that in a moment of necessity, she only has to pull the trigger and not worry about a safety or racking a slide or dropping a magazine.
Rugged enough to where the hubby only has to grab it once a year and wipe it down.
Powerful enough with HST or Gold Dots (for example) that it will protect her.
The only thing I "might" add is to suggest her carrying it in a simple holster like an Uncle Mikes Sidekick Size 36. It's so light that it adds no weight, it will protect the pistol from dirt and stuff inside her purse, it's handy for both body carry and purse carry, it will keep the pistol perfectly safe by enclosing the trigger guard, but will virtually fall off the pistol when you grab the grip and pull.
I didn't really have to put much thought into this stuff; I just wrote down the story of my wife and the pistol that she loves to carry for all the reasons noted above.
Here's the deal; the wife appears to NOT be "into" guns based on the fact that she was afraid of even having one around.
That means her only interest and intended investment of time and training is for self-defense reasons.
That means that she would be best served by a pistol that is very simple to operate (meaning NO semi-autos), is light for frequent carry on person or in a purse, and has managable recoil but decent stopping power.
And it has to be safe where it would be virtually impossible for it to fire accidentally, but will positively fire when needed.
Being something she really doesn't want to carry but feels that she must, she won't want to clean and maintain it very often, so it needs to be able to be neglected a bit and still function when necessary.
Plus, there can't be anything to snag on clothing or on the inside of her purse.
Bottom line deductive reasoning ends up with a Smith 642.
Small enough for personal carry.
Light enough not to make her purse feel like there's a brick inside.
Simple enough that in a moment of necessity, she only has to pull the trigger and not worry about a safety or racking a slide or dropping a magazine.
Rugged enough to where the hubby only has to grab it once a year and wipe it down.
Powerful enough with HST or Gold Dots (for example) that it will protect her.
The only thing I "might" add is to suggest her carrying it in a simple holster like an Uncle Mikes Sidekick Size 36. It's so light that it adds no weight, it will protect the pistol from dirt and stuff inside her purse, it's handy for both body carry and purse carry, it will keep the pistol perfectly safe by enclosing the trigger guard, but will virtually fall off the pistol when you grab the grip and pull.
I didn't really have to put much thought into this stuff; I just wrote down the story of my wife and the pistol that she loves to carry for all the reasons noted above.
Highland Ranger
Member
Ahhhh, but the 60LS LadySmith says "Lady" on it!
Another vote for a concealed or shrouded hammer 38/357 revolver. Steel models are a little heavier, but they absorb some of the recoil, are easier to shoot, and more pleasant to practice with. Practice is imperative with guns of this configuration.
My wife carries a S&W 642 with standard 38 hollow points. She carried a S&W Model 10 snubbie as a Deputy Sheriff.
Taurus makes versions similar to these, and used S&W's are readily available
They can be carried in a pocket, purse (not recommended) or on the body.
If necessary,these models can be fired from a purse, coat pocket etc. without jamming.
They can be loaded with wimpy wadcutters to hot magnums. Even a properly placed wadcutter is gonna spoil a bad guy's whole day.
Grip options available to fit most shooters.
Also look into Crimson Trace grips. Some new S&W's come with them.
Again choices in CT grips are available for pocket carry or other.
Snubbies aren't as easy to shoot as larger versions but the steel versions absorb some of the recoil and are a good compromise.
Practice and CT grips will make a viable carry weapon for anyone.
My wife carries a S&W 642 with standard 38 hollow points. She carried a S&W Model 10 snubbie as a Deputy Sheriff.
Taurus makes versions similar to these, and used S&W's are readily available
They can be carried in a pocket, purse (not recommended) or on the body.
If necessary,these models can be fired from a purse, coat pocket etc. without jamming.
They can be loaded with wimpy wadcutters to hot magnums. Even a properly placed wadcutter is gonna spoil a bad guy's whole day.
Grip options available to fit most shooters.
Also look into Crimson Trace grips. Some new S&W's come with them.
Again choices in CT grips are available for pocket carry or other.
Snubbies aren't as easy to shoot as larger versions but the steel versions absorb some of the recoil and are a good compromise.
Practice and CT grips will make a viable carry weapon for anyone.
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IMTHDUKE
Member
Have biometric gunvalt bolted to my file cabinet...it has been 99% recognization. I had a problem with the lock...called the company...they sent another new and ask I put the old one in the self paid box to them. Can't beat that CS with a stick.
FoMoGo
Member
Let her try many different guns and decide what works best for her.
My wife learned how to shoot a pistol with a 6" S&W 629 with 240 gr hunting loads.
Her first carry pistol was a 4" GP100 in .357.
She now has 2 more to decide between when she is going out, a taurus 445 in .44 special and a 1911 compact in .45.
Now, I would have never picked these as typical suggestions for the average woman... but it was what happened when she was encouraged to choose for herself and shoot what she liked the best and was most comfortable with.
Jim
My wife learned how to shoot a pistol with a 6" S&W 629 with 240 gr hunting loads.
Her first carry pistol was a 4" GP100 in .357.
She now has 2 more to decide between when she is going out, a taurus 445 in .44 special and a 1911 compact in .45.
Now, I would have never picked these as typical suggestions for the average woman... but it was what happened when she was encouraged to choose for herself and shoot what she liked the best and was most comfortable with.
Jim
HowardCohodas
Member
A great resource for women's need regarding carry is http://www.corneredcat.com/
Kathy Jackson said:
Thanks for the site, I already sent her an email with it...
I may have worded things wrong in my initial post. I am not trying to get a set gun to go buy today. I was more looking for some suggestions to take to her to look at. Choosing a handgun needs to be personal. She needs to pick them up and handle several to see what she feels comfortable holding. With all the choices out there, I was just trying to get a long list for her to look at. I need to get her the range to fire mine though. Depending on what she thinks of that one that, it may give her and I a better idea of what caliber to look at.
Ben
I may have worded things wrong in my initial post. I am not trying to get a set gun to go buy today. I was more looking for some suggestions to take to her to look at. Choosing a handgun needs to be personal. She needs to pick them up and handle several to see what she feels comfortable holding. With all the choices out there, I was just trying to get a long list for her to look at. I need to get her the range to fire mine though. Depending on what she thinks of that one that, it may give her and I a better idea of what caliber to look at.
Ben
saltydog452
Member
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- Aug 1, 2004
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- 1,707
Whatever your lady choses would need to be accessable and reliable in a stressful situtation.
But, before that, she/you, as a team, must be willing to deal with consequences of deadly forcce.
Do some serious soul searching before you start looking at hardware.
My bride has a Colt Cobra. With the Birami Hip-Grip (run a google on it), it can be toted around on her person even when seated. Beats a purse or the special requirements of a holster/belt any day.
My .38s are equally as versatile.
We're both kinda 'portly' in shape and an additional lump or two here or there isn't paticulary appartent.
I sure wish the folks at Federal would bring out another batch of Nyclad.
salty
But, before that, she/you, as a team, must be willing to deal with consequences of deadly forcce.
Do some serious soul searching before you start looking at hardware.
My bride has a Colt Cobra. With the Birami Hip-Grip (run a google on it), it can be toted around on her person even when seated. Beats a purse or the special requirements of a holster/belt any day.
My .38s are equally as versatile.
We're both kinda 'portly' in shape and an additional lump or two here or there isn't paticulary appartent.
I sure wish the folks at Federal would bring out another batch of Nyclad.
salty
searcher451
Member
Make no decisions for her, and don't believe or listen to what the so-called experts -- here or elsewhere -- will happily tell you. The only way to make it work is for her to make the call herself.
Give her the chance to test-drive a number of options. She'll eventually find the gun that fits her the best, that she's most comfortable with, and that's the only gun that she will be happy with. The chances are pretty good, too, that it's a gun that was on no one's Top Five list -- or even their Top Ten list -- at the start of your search.
Give her the chance to test-drive a number of options. She'll eventually find the gun that fits her the best, that she's most comfortable with, and that's the only gun that she will be happy with. The chances are pretty good, too, that it's a gun that was on no one's Top Five list -- or even their Top Ten list -- at the start of your search.
I agree with the sentiments on having the lady in question try the guns herself and decide.
She should feel like "this is my gun" when she hold and uses it, and be comfortable shooting it.
Also, there's a lot of less concrete factors in terms of comfortable weight, action, caliber that is very much an individual choice.
Finally, if possible, get some range rental time in with her choice before the money is spent. Chances are if she shoots well with it from the start, she'll be more confident about carrying it and more inclined to be favorable to the idea.
Confidence and comfort in the weapon counts as much as brand and caliber for a carry gun. Shot placement remains king last I heard.
She should feel like "this is my gun" when she hold and uses it, and be comfortable shooting it.
Also, there's a lot of less concrete factors in terms of comfortable weight, action, caliber that is very much an individual choice.
Finally, if possible, get some range rental time in with her choice before the money is spent. Chances are if she shoots well with it from the start, she'll be more confident about carrying it and more inclined to be favorable to the idea.
Confidence and comfort in the weapon counts as much as brand and caliber for a carry gun. Shot placement remains king last I heard.
boomana
Member
Folks also told me to start with a .22 or said my first gun should be a revolver. After handling and shooting a few guns, my first gun ended up being a Wilson KZ-45 because that's what I shot best with and I loved the way it felt in my hand. I picked up a M&P 9c a couple weeks later for carry, though I still prefer the .45. Because I liked these guns so much, I excitedly signed up for private lessons, which I then enjoyed so much, I signed up for my first tactical class. I'm pretty sure this will lead to more. Had I not found the guns I liked to shoot first, I'm pretty sure I would not be seeking the training I am, and the the guns others had advised me to get would be sitting unloaded in my home.
The best help you can give your wife is to let her shoot as many different guns as she can. You both might end up surprised with what works out best for her. The next best help you can give is to sign her up for a lesson without you there. Let her feel that shooting can be "her thing" and not something she must do with her husband and/or only if her husband is around. After that, enjoy shooting together and/or separately (does your range have a ladies night?) and swiping each other's guns
Oh....and before I handled any guns, I was pretty prepared to buy a Glock 19 or 26 based on all the recommendations I read about how they were great guns for women. After shooting two different Glocks and handling a couple more, I learned that reading won't really help you pick a gun at all.
The best help you can give your wife is to let her shoot as many different guns as she can. You both might end up surprised with what works out best for her. The next best help you can give is to sign her up for a lesson without you there. Let her feel that shooting can be "her thing" and not something she must do with her husband and/or only if her husband is around. After that, enjoy shooting together and/or separately (does your range have a ladies night?) and swiping each other's guns
Oh....and before I handled any guns, I was pretty prepared to buy a Glock 19 or 26 based on all the recommendations I read about how they were great guns for women. After shooting two different Glocks and handling a couple more, I learned that reading won't really help you pick a gun at all.
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pith43
Member
I just recently bought my wife a Bersa 380. I also recently bought my self a S&W 6906 9mm. We went out shooting yesterday and she shot both guns, plus my S&W j-frame .38, Ruger .40, Kimber UC .45. She absolutely hated the Bersa, and the j-frame, but fell in love with the Smith. Guess it's hers now, I learned not to buy gun's for my wife. Anyone interested in a slightly used Bersa?:banghead:
I am interested in a Bersa, PM me.
+1 FOR THE SW442. It's what I prefer.
I've also heard nothing but good comments about the Bersa Thunder 380 and it's on my to get list.
Kids and firearm safety:
1. Take them to a firearm safety class, teach them to shoot, show them how dangerous they are and using things like BB guns or even airsoft, drill safety into their heads.
2. I always know where my guns are. What does this mean? All my guns are either a) locked in a safe b) on my person c) in my reach, or between me and any children in our home (we have lots of nieces/nephews - but not one of our own yet).
The way our house is layed out, our bedroom is on the far south end of the house, and our only unlocked-up guns are in there. Children aren't allowed in the bedroom. We never leave kids in our home alone.... if we did, I would probably lock the guns up before leaving (or carry it for CCW). During the day, I am always aware of where the loaded guns are, and at night, they are in the nightstand next to us. I keep mine in my nightstand, my wife keeps her's in a "dictionary" that is really a hollowed out safe, we got it at wal-mart for $20.
But when I am home, the gun's are ready to go, and as my CCW instructor words it; not accessible to unauthorized persons.
You don't just want to child-proof your guns, you want to make sure criminals can't steal them when you are away from home.
To summarize my lengthy blabber:
1. If you are going to CCW, keep your defense gun on your person or within your reach (or at least, between you and the kid) and be aware of where it is at all times. Obviously, the age of your children and the type of weapon will determine how you deal with this.
2. Drill safety into your kids heads. Maybe buy them a BB/Airsoft gun, and if they do anything unsafe with them, really discipline them until it is habitual to be safe with them.
3. Make sure that if your gun is for home defense, that it can still be accessible in a short, stressful, adrenaline rushed amount of time, possibly at 3 am when it's dark and you are half-awake.
+1 FOR THE SW442. It's what I prefer.
I've also heard nothing but good comments about the Bersa Thunder 380 and it's on my to get list.
Kids and firearm safety:
1. Take them to a firearm safety class, teach them to shoot, show them how dangerous they are and using things like BB guns or even airsoft, drill safety into their heads.
2. I always know where my guns are. What does this mean? All my guns are either a) locked in a safe b) on my person c) in my reach, or between me and any children in our home (we have lots of nieces/nephews - but not one of our own yet).
The way our house is layed out, our bedroom is on the far south end of the house, and our only unlocked-up guns are in there. Children aren't allowed in the bedroom. We never leave kids in our home alone.... if we did, I would probably lock the guns up before leaving (or carry it for CCW). During the day, I am always aware of where the loaded guns are, and at night, they are in the nightstand next to us. I keep mine in my nightstand, my wife keeps her's in a "dictionary" that is really a hollowed out safe, we got it at wal-mart for $20.
But when I am home, the gun's are ready to go, and as my CCW instructor words it; not accessible to unauthorized persons.
You don't just want to child-proof your guns, you want to make sure criminals can't steal them when you are away from home.
To summarize my lengthy blabber:
1. If you are going to CCW, keep your defense gun on your person or within your reach (or at least, between you and the kid) and be aware of where it is at all times. Obviously, the age of your children and the type of weapon will determine how you deal with this.
2. Drill safety into your kids heads. Maybe buy them a BB/Airsoft gun, and if they do anything unsafe with them, really discipline them until it is habitual to be safe with them.
3. Make sure that if your gun is for home defense, that it can still be accessible in a short, stressful, adrenaline rushed amount of time, possibly at 3 am when it's dark and you are half-awake.
If she is new to handguns, I would suggest a revolver.
I bought my wife one of these:
.38/.357 S&W 3" M60
But if I had to do it again, might buy her one of these:
.38/.357 S&W 5" M60
The size of the J frame is comfortable for anyone with a small or petite hand. The all SS construction adds a little weight to tame recoil. My wife can shoot the 3" OK. However, we took a training class & it was apparent that many .38 rounds from the 3" barrel was a little punishing on her. I think the longer tube might be a better choice, & we are considering it. The only question is if she will carry; if no we'll sell the 3". If she will carry, we'll have to hold onto the 3" for that purpose.
I bought my wife one of these:
.38/.357 S&W 3" M60
But if I had to do it again, might buy her one of these:
.38/.357 S&W 5" M60
The size of the J frame is comfortable for anyone with a small or petite hand. The all SS construction adds a little weight to tame recoil. My wife can shoot the 3" OK. However, we took a training class & it was apparent that many .38 rounds from the 3" barrel was a little punishing on her. I think the longer tube might be a better choice, & we are considering it. The only question is if she will carry; if no we'll sell the 3". If she will carry, we'll have to hold onto the 3" for that purpose.
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