Recommendation for my wife

[Chase2008]

Looking for a recommendation for my wife for a pistol to carry while she hikes. She is put a lot by herself and would feel better if she had something to protect her besides bear spray. Not necessarily concern d about animals in the woods as she does not venture too far off trail. More so concerned about people in the woods or at the trailhead. She carries a backpack and probably won't carry on her pants so carry options are appreciated. Any info is helpful

[lokidog]

I think a lot of people will tell you what their wives/girlfriends like to carry, but yours should probably find something she is comfortable with to carry. 

Mine has a little Charter Arms .38 special revolver.  She likes it, but wishes she had gotten the hammerless one, it actually seems to be more accurate shooting it double action than single.

I saw someone post a new Taurus .308 semi that looked like a sweet little carry gun.

[carpsniperg2]

38spl any brand flavor that fits her hand. If she is good with a semi shield or lc9's

[Chase2008]

Should add that she has never shot a pistol so looking to break her in slowly

[Chase2008]

And wanting to keep not reasonably priced

[rasbo]

I bought my wife a smith&wesson .38 special bodyguard with an insight laser from a member,she loves it,its hammerless light,and damn she shoots it well..I would stay with a wheel gun..Price?? I cant put a price on her safety and confidence

[b23]

I'd go with something like a S&W 442 or Ruger LCR. 

When you aren't particularly versed in using a handgun and you get put into a panic situation and need to use a gun, something like either of these two is ideal because there is nothing to remember except point and pull the trigger.  Also, they are both about as compact and light as anything out their yet both are capable of packing a serious wallop.  I wouldn't get all wrapped up in the capacity debate, in the event that she'll ever need to draw it to protect herself five shots with something she's comfortable with and will actually carry all the time is always better than anything with a higher capacity but gets left at home because it's not as convenient to carry.  My wife, ex-wife, mom, and my sister are all carriers of either a SW 442 or Ruger LCR. 

If a semi auto is the direction you think you have to go, I'm partial to the M&P Shield but there are others, like the LC9S and Glock G43, that are very good, too.

[jbauch357]

Since she's not familiar with pistols I'd have to recommend a revolver, probably a Ruger SP101.  Revolver ease, enough weight to tame .38sp down to basically nothing, can handle .357mag if she wants more punch.

S&W 638 is also a good option and way lighter than the SP101, but is still pretty sharp with .38sp so she might not be comfortable with it.

[Mudman]

A good 357/38 special!

[jrebel]

I love my Ruger LCR in .357 and it is very manageable for such a small pistol.  That partnered with a gunfightersinc holster and it is super easy to carry and conceal.  The nice thing about the .357 is she can shoot either .38 or .357.  Very light and very affordable too.  I also own the same gun in .22 mag which would be a great choice for a lady.  40 grain hollow points and 0 recoil....could be a great option if your wife is recoil shy. 

[KFhunter]

Looking for a recommendation for my wife for a pistol to carry while she hikes. She is put a lot by herself and would feel better if she had something to protect her besides bear spray. Not necessarily concern d about animals in the woods as she does not venture too far off trail. More so concerned about people in the woods or at the trailhead. She carries a backpack and probably won't carry on her pants so carry options are appreciated. Any info is helpful

Drop her off at a gun range with highly rated female instructors and go grab a burger while she's in there without you.  Husbands are a big hindrance to women in this regard. 

I know of what I speak. Husbands do a ton of harm to first time women shooters, maybe you're the exceptionally rare exception to this but even so your wife deserves a good female instructor that specializes in teaching new women to shoot.


Worst thing you can do is go buy her a pistol you think is what she needs, fire a couple rounds and send her on her way. 

a website I picked up off google
http://thewellarmedwoman.com/where-to-start

[jrebel]

Looking for a recommendation for my wife for a pistol to carry while she hikes. She is put a lot by herself and would feel better if she had something to protect her besides bear spray. Not necessarily concern d about animals in the woods as she does not venture too far off trail. More so concerned about people in the woods or at the trailhead. She carries a backpack and probably won't carry on her pants so carry options are appreciated. Any info is helpful

Drop her off at a gun range with highly rated female instructors and go grab a burger while she's in there without you.  Husbands are a big hindrance to women in this regard. 

I know of what I speak. Husbands do a ton of harm to first time women shooters, maybe you're the exceptionally rare exception to this but even so your wife deserves a good female instructor that specializes in teaching new women to shoot.


Worst thing you can do is go buy her a pistol you think is what she needs, fire a couple rounds and send her on her way.

Not sure you are correct.  It has worked great for me and it continues to work.  I buy my wife a pistol, take her shooting, and add the pistol to my collection.  What is the problem??   

[C-Money]

My wife likes the Beretta 25acp Bobcat for everyday. When camping, she prefers a S&W shield 9mm. She loves the ease of loading the Bobcat, and easily concealable.