Pistol advice, home defense for her

[h20hunter]

So....my wifes close friend and a good friend of mine has decided that she needs to be better prepared for "what if". She has valid concerns with the state of the economy and the possibility that her rights regarding aspects of the 2A and WA state laws may be changed. I've talked with her a bit and answered some questions and asked some of my own. She has never been a hunter or gun owner but has had trigger time on a range from .38 +P, 45 acp, .22, .223, 7.62x39, and for kicks and giggles has pumped a few rounds of 00 thru my 870. She is calm on the trigger and not overly recoil shy.

So..my question is this. She is not as inclined to carry so the pistol will mainly be kept at home for self defense. She is applying for her CPL on Friday and will have the paperwork to carry if she decides but I don't see that as very likely. Any suggestions on what would make a good choice? I think she would like to stay in the range of $500 + or - and have the option to add some CrimsonTrace grips to it.

[300rum]

Not within the budget but a Glock 34 (or something similar that is big) would fit the bill.  The longer sight radius makes a big difference. 

If it isn't going to be carried then I would go with something (at least) full size. 

[CP]

A pistol is a poor choice for home defense, a shotgun or a pistol caliber carbine would be much better.

[turkeyfeather]

Look at a Ruger LC9. Compact if she wants to carry it, and you can get it with a CT laser for around $500. My wife just got one and really likes it.

[h20hunter]

I agree CP.....Have suggested a straight up 870 but she would like the ability to carry via her purse if so inclined. I know.....the purse isn't the best option compared to others.......

[Goldeneye]

My "house" pistol is is a S&W Sigma in .40 cal.  It's not real fancy, but a good shooter and packs a punch.


There is also a FN Police assault shotty for home protection at my place too.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Ruger LCR. Ruger SP101. Colt Cobra or Detective Special. S&W Ladysmith.
 
38spl Black Talons.
 
My wife has a Colt Cobra for just what you mention. She's not a daily shooter, but proficient. Comfortable with her 38 for when and if. No safety to fumble with. No mag or feed issues in a time of need. Just like her camera, point and shoot.
 
-Steve

[jaymark6655]

I agree CP.....Have suggested a straight up 870 but she would like the ability to carry via her purse if so inclined. I know.....the purse isn't the best option compared to others.......

I agree with CP on the house gun.
Only way she should purse carry is if its built for it.  Don't just throw it any old purse at the min it would be hard to access in an emergency (think how long it takes some women to find a wallet in those things), at the worse safeties and trigger could be function and result in a ND.  I like Glock because they are simple, but they are at the top of the price range.

[Fishstiq]

IMO, for a female with limited experience, a 357ish revolver.

Almost no maintenance, no spring fatigue, no racking a slide (tougher for ppl with smaller/weaker hands), easy to tell if it's loaded when stressed versus"Is there a round in the chamber" second guessing, smaller grips for smaller hands, most can use crimson trace grips, easy to wield in indoor environments than a long gun, fits in the price range, plenty of stopping power (357 mag), cheap to practice (.38), can be used as a concealed carry, can be used with one hand, can be used while struggling with someone in close quarters, fits in a small safe for easy storage, fits in a nightstand drawer.....

Lots of positives, and I don't see many negatives.

*edit - forgot no safety to fumble with and no feed/jam issues.

[Huntbear]

Ruger LCR. Ruger SP101. Colt Cobra or Detective Special. S&W Ladysmith.
 
38spl Black Talons.
 
My wife has a Colt Cobra for just what you mention. She's not a daily shooter, but proficient. Comfortable with her 38 for when and if. No safety to fumble with. No mag or feed issues in a time of need. Just like her camera, point and shoot.
 
-Steve

 

You never have to worry about feed jams... revolvers go bang every dang time...

[Bean Counter]

A very pragmatic approach for a woman is a .38 Special revolver. Then you can add a lever action rifle chambered in .38 like a Marlin 1894c for the home. That  way, she only needs to have one inventory of ammo.

• If she goes the route of purse carry, a revolver is ideal as it is less prone to accidental discharge inside the purse with a stronger trigger pull
• Most women I know don't like to target shoot as much as their male counterparts. IMHO if you're going to carry a semi auto, you should practice enough to know how to clear malfunctions, both simple and complex. Revolvers are far less prone to such malfunctions
• .38 Special is much cheaper than .40S&W or .45ACP
• Should Seattle (People's Republic of) enact an assault weapons ban, she would be good to go
• Given the higher number of brain damaged liberals in a jury pool, these two weapons wont look so menacing to a jury should that become a deciding factor

[Machias]

Bersa .380 Thunder, my wife loves it.  Right around $300, not nearly the recoil of the smaller Ruger .380.  very nice gun for carry.

[MADMAX]

 plus one on the .380

[h20hunter]

Good points.....I'll be having her review the thread that way she can do more reading. You guys are coming up with points I have not yet thought of.

[lostbackpacker]

revolver all the way.  .357  would be my choice