Pistol for a lady

[steen]

I have been mulling it over for over a year after getting my concealed as to what to get. I wanted it small enough to carry around but big enough to kill big game. I just bought a Ruger .357 SP 101. It shoots .38's also and I love it! I can target practice with the cheaper ammo but step it up the the .357 ammo. I can also use hollow points for personal protection and big game if I'm close enough. Can't wait to get my holster so I can carry it around!! Good luck!

[MtnMuley]

Ruger LCR in 38 as mentioned earlier. Fool proof.

[Mongo Hunter]

My fiance wants to get a pistol but she has a problem pulling the slide back on semi autos so im thinking a revolver in 380. Anybody know of a good small one for like a purse that wont break the bank?

I always like to recommend the S&W line of air weight revolvers. .38spl has plenty to get the job done and so many load options to customize to your liking. also nothing to take apart for cleaning, never have to worry if there is a round in the chamber, no slide to pull back and they tend to be inexpensive. just pull and squeeze for the most part.

However these guns are a compromise. they are a little bulky compared to the modern single stack 9's. recoil can be a bit sharp and uncomfortable till you get used to the gun or find a load you like. ammo capacity is low for some and training to reload one is a lot tougher compared to a semi auto. the definition of an optimist is someone with a revolver and a "speed" strip 

[splitshot]

   if she cant pull the slide back don't go to a 357 or 38.  go to a 380 or a nine.   got my daughter a walther for the same reason.  a revolver is a good option.  mike w

[REHJWA]

Take her to a gun store with a range, no matter how hard we try it will surprise you how often we get it wrong when trying to pick a gun for our ladies. They are like shoes, let them try them on and answer if that's what you like.....

Also, Not to Jack the thread , but...is she trying to work the slides on new guns at the stores? They can be stiff and if she is new it can take time to learn which techniques work best for her.

[lokidog]

My wife can't pull back an auto slide to save her life (no pun intended).  I ended up getting her one of these which she really likes (light, comfortable to shoot) and..... it's pink  Charter Arms .38.

Mine has one of these as well, though wouldn't be caught "dead" with a pink one.    It was relatively inexpensive and shoots well.  We would recommend hammerless though.

[runamuk]

In all honesty your putting the cart before the horse. Have her take a basic pistol class and go from there. Let her shoot some guns and make her own decision on what she is comfortable with.

Also watch this video and it will give you more info on what I'm talking about

http://concealedcarryconfidence.org/concealed-carry-and-concealment-gear-and-education/?gclid=CIj7heiu5ssCFQ6maQodGw0JNg

Take her to a gun store with a range, no matter how hard we try it will surprise you how often we get it wrong when trying to pick a gun for our ladies. They are like shoes, let them try them on and answer if that's what you like.....

Also, Not to Jack the thread , but...is she trying to work the slides on new guns at the stores? They can be stiff and if she is new it can take time to learn which techniques work best for her.

this and this   

[theleo]

If you are wanting one she'd enjoy taking to the range and shoo,t I'd avoid the Airweight's and LCR's. If she has issues with hand strength, I'm going to generalize and say that she probably won't like the recoil of those revolvers. An all steel "J" frame S&W or a Ruger SP101 would be where to start looking. 

[CP]

If you are wanting one she'd enjoy taking to the range and shoo,t I'd avoid the Airweight's and LCR's. If she has issues with hand strength, I'm going to generalize and say that she probably won't like the recoil of those revolvers. An all steel "J" frame S&W or a Ruger SP101 would be where to start looking.

LCR recoil is very manageable thanks to the grip and the ergonomics; nothing at all like the S&W air-weights. 

.357 mag maybe a bit much but in .38 recoil is hardly noticeable.  They are also chambered in .22 mag & .22 LR with virtually no recoil.  There is no need to lug around a steel brick anymore.

[theleo]

There is no need to lug around a steel brick anymore.

Unless you want something that's enjoyable to practice with from time to time. A 3" model 60 that you can actually fit all fingers on, sights you can see, and enough weight that anybody can control it is a far more rounded handgun than an LCR. Just because it is steel doesn't mean it's a brick, and just because it weighs more doesn't mean it's inferior.

If this is to be her first handgun get something small enough to conceal but heavy enough to enjoy shooting. Help foster the enjoyment of shooting. Then she can get the gun bug and start buying and wanting more guns herself, or at least not care so much when you bring a new one home. 

[Badhabit]

I like my Smith M49, it has never failed to fire in the over 30 years I've owned it. It's tough finding the best self defense ammo as there are not a lot of choices. The FBI likes the Federal 125 grn Nyclad normal load not the +p round but finding that ammo is a task.

[Widgeondeke]

good options above, but here is another in .38
 I LIKE mine and it fits in jeans front pocket if no shirt to cover. They can be found from $400-$450

[ghosthunter]

I know you sad pistol.

But Coastal has LCP 380 on sale. $199.00.

[kirkl]

Our coastal doesn't have guns yet.