Post by: h20hunter on January 23, 2013, 09:00:26 AM
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.
Post by: 300rum on January 23, 2013, 09:04:17 AM
If it isn't going to be carried then I would go with something (at least) full size.
Post by: CP on January 23, 2013, 09:04:29 AM
Post by: turkeyfeather on January 23, 2013, 09:06:31 AM
Post by: h20hunter on January 23, 2013, 09:06:56 AM
Post by: Goldeneye on January 23, 2013, 09:09:37 AM
There is also a FN Police assault shotty for home protection at my place too.
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 23, 2013, 09:14:03 AM
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
Post by: jaymark6655 on January 23, 2013, 09:18:14 AM
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.
Post by: Fishstiq on January 23, 2013, 09:19:37 AM
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.
Post by: Huntbear on January 23, 2013, 09:20:48 AM
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
:yeah:
You never have to worry about feed jams... revolvers go bang every dang time...
Post by: Bean Counter on January 23, 2013, 09:21:00 AM
- 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
Post by: Machias on January 23, 2013, 09:21:17 AM
Post by: MADMAX on January 23, 2013, 09:21:57 AM
Post by: h20hunter on January 23, 2013, 09:22:58 AM
Post by: lostbackpacker on January 23, 2013, 09:24:02 AM
Post by: turkeyfeather on January 23, 2013, 09:24:20 AM
Bersa .380 Thunder, my wife loves it. Right around $300, not nearly the recoil of the smaller Ruger .380. very nice gun for carry.I will agree with you on the recoil. I just got rid of a Bersa to get the Ruger LCP. Definately more recoil, but it is smaller and fits better in a pocket.
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on January 23, 2013, 09:33:11 AM
Thinking a 380 or a 9mm
Post by: magnanimous_j on January 23, 2013, 09:37:32 AM
Of course, whatever you decide, practice practice practice.
Post by: superdown on January 23, 2013, 09:55:35 AM
Post by: h20hunter on January 23, 2013, 09:55:55 AM
Post by: lokidog on January 23, 2013, 09:59:16 AM
Next week, we will be starting a search for a handgun for Weathergirl. We will be going to Greenes Gun Shop on the north end of Whidbey. They have guns you can try out.
Post by: h20hunter on January 23, 2013, 10:15:38 AM
Post by: hrd2fnd on January 23, 2013, 12:19:27 PM
Pistol? I'll have to go back and double check.....
Post by: h20hunter on January 23, 2013, 12:29:58 PM
I've sent out a "thought process" type email to my friend. Basically once she decides.....revolver vs. semi.....I think the decision will be fairly easy. Heck...already have at least one member of the site offering a piece for sell.
Post by: CP on January 23, 2013, 12:34:09 PM
Post by: headshot5 on January 23, 2013, 12:35:55 PM
Post by: BullMagnet76 on January 23, 2013, 12:37:20 PM
Post by: headshot5 on January 23, 2013, 12:40:51 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on January 23, 2013, 12:45:49 PM
Post by: GoldTip on January 23, 2013, 12:49:04 PM
Post by: h20hunter on January 23, 2013, 12:51:08 PM
Post by: hillbilli on January 23, 2013, 12:53:49 PM
Post by: CP on January 23, 2013, 12:58:20 PM
For similar size and weight she could have a Glock 26, 11 rounds instead of 5, longer sight radius, easier to shoot. For home defense put in a 15 round magazine with the finger extender, easier to handle one or two handed, 3 times the firepower of the little revolvers.
Post by: h20hunter on January 23, 2013, 01:05:40 PM
Post by: Carl on January 23, 2013, 01:16:23 PM
Here’s my :twocents: from recent family experience.
Last week, my 84 year old Mother just bought a Ruger LCR! :yike: She also has the laser grip, but that might put you over your budget. She is very petite and liked the feel of this revolver the best. She will carry, so wanted something small.
Last weekend, without talking to dear-old-dad :'( my 23 year old daughter bought a S&W AirLight, also with a laser grip.
Both revolvers are 5 shots are almost identical in size. Being reliable and small, they are very practical for females to carry.
Mom and daughter are happy! :tup:
Good luck,
Carl
Post by: KFhunter on January 23, 2013, 01:27:22 PM
autos are more prone to misfire, and you can't jam it into someones rib cage if they are on top of you and shoot as it'll disengage the slide.
IN high stress with a fat guy on top of ya I'll take a revolver please thank you very much
Post by: h20hunter on January 23, 2013, 01:28:43 PM
Great point about the slide not being engaged....had not thought of that.
Post by: KFhunter on January 23, 2013, 01:31:17 PM
KF....good input....have you been in a high stress situation with a fat guy....never mind.....PLEASE don't answer.
Great point about the slide not being engaged....had not thought of that.
Ya
I was over at lake stevens and this dude said I had a pretty mouth....you wouldn't know anything about that would you?
Post by: h20hunter on January 23, 2013, 01:35:24 PM
Post by: Fishstiq on January 23, 2013, 01:36:51 PM
I think that you’re really compromising on firepower with a 5 shot snub nose revolver. They have a long, hard trigger pull, short sight radius and a lot of recoil.
For similar size and weight she could have a Glock 26, 11 rounds instead of 5, longer sight radius, easier to shoot. For home defense put in a 15 round magazine with the finger extender, easier to handle one or two handed, 3 times the firepower of the little revolvers.
Devil's advocate...
I don't necessarily disagree, but I really enjoy these discussions.
Short sight radius is negated by crimson trace grips. Long, hard trigger pull in a poop-hits-the-fan situation = irrelevant, with that much adrenalin your average shooter will never notice. Recoil can be mitigated with a couple simple choices, like buying a firearm with a ported barrel or reducing caliber, say from .357 mag down to a .38+P. 5 shot limitation... the average defensive shooting is over in less than 4 seconds, 1.5 rounds are fired, the subjects are 9 feet apart, and it all happens in the dark. I'm not saying more ammo isn't necessary, but odds are you'll never get to the 3rd round in the gun.
Positives - revolvers don't double-feed or stovepipe, don't require the maintenance of a semi auto, don't have a slide to rack, are simple and easy "point and shoot" weapons, are easy to see if they are loaded when the user is under stress, and are less expensive in general.
I think one of the main things to consider in recommending firearms here is the user. From what H2O said, this is mainly a home defense firearm for a woman who is somewhat inexperienced around firearms. That tells you a lot about what firearms will work and what firearms won't. I hope she never has occasion to need it, but if she does, I think the best chance for a positive outcome is with a weapon that is simple, easy, dependable and effective. One that the user can be confident in and comfortable with.
My .02 :twocents:.... again. :chuckle:
Post by: h20hunter on January 23, 2013, 01:38:47 PM
Post by: Shed Stud on January 23, 2013, 02:13:55 PM
Post by: jaymark6655 on January 23, 2013, 04:01:54 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on January 23, 2013, 04:27:16 PM
Post by: weathergirl on January 23, 2013, 04:35:29 PM
And like many women, I'm happy to have the husband do the research and present me with what he thinks is best (at least narrow down some choices). But wouldn't it be great if there was an educational class designed for women on "how to buy a gun" with options to try them? And then some practice sessions? (Or is there something like that?) And almost more importantly, I want to know what cool purse/jacket/holster/etc. I'm going to carry the thing in, which could be part of the class too.
Anyway, just an observation and a thought.
Post by: h20hunter on January 23, 2013, 04:47:54 PM
Also, regarding the CT grips...good point and we have chatted about that. One more thing to fail.
Post by: wranglernqtrhorses on January 23, 2013, 04:51:17 PM
http://www.spokanerifleclub.org/files/pdf/ladiesfun.pdf (http://www.spokanerifleclub.org/files/pdf/ladiesfun.pdf)
Also, Sharp Shooting in Spokane had "Date Night" 2 people could shoot for the price of 1, and you could try all their hand guns - you just paid for ammo.
Post by: jaymark6655 on January 23, 2013, 05:22:29 PM
Post by: DBHAWTHORNE on January 23, 2013, 05:26:06 PM
I like the airweights with the button hammer myself, doesn't snag on stuff like a typical hammer.
autos are more prone to misfire, and you can't jam it into someones rib cage if they are on top of you and shoot as it'll disengage the slide.
IN high stress with a fat guy on top of ya I'll take a revolver please thank you very much
Why would you let a fat guy get on top of you in the first place?
Post by: weathergirl on January 23, 2013, 05:28:27 PM
I though most places had a girls only class. :dunno:
Do they? Of course living on a remote island without even a gas station let alone a store, I miss a lot of things. I guess I was just thinking about a class that teaches women what to look for and think about when buying a gun, but maybe that is part of classes that are out there? I think I'll do some research unless anyone knows of anything in the Skagit/Whatcom/Island type area.
Anyway, I've enjoyed the info on this thread.
Post by: weathergirl on January 23, 2013, 05:38:35 PM
http://girlsguidetoguns.com/2013/01/08/what-gun-should-i-buy/ (http://girlsguidetoguns.com/2013/01/08/what-gun-should-i-buy/)
Post by: 300rum on January 23, 2013, 05:54:50 PM
Post by: h20hunter on January 23, 2013, 06:13:52 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on January 23, 2013, 07:16:59 PM
Quote from: weathergirl
...
And like many women, I'm happy to have the husband do the research and present me with what he thinks is best (at least narrow down some choices). But wouldn't it be great if there was an educational class designed for women on "how to buy a gun" with options to try them? And then some practice sessions? (Or is there something like that?) And almost more importantly, I want to know what cool purse/jacket/holster/etc. I'm going to carry the thing in, which could be part of the class too.
Anyway, just an observation and a thought.
Sounds like you just found yourself a business venture. A class by women, for women. Do it! :tup:
Post by: GEARHEAD on January 23, 2013, 10:39:55 PM
Post by: weathergirl on January 23, 2013, 10:43:17 PM
Quote from: weathergirl...
And like many women, I'm happy to have the husband do the research and present me with what he thinks is best (at least narrow down some choices). But wouldn't it be great if there was an educational class designed for women on "how to buy a gun" with options to try them? And then some practice sessions? (Or is there something like that?) And almost more importantly, I want to know what cool purse/jacket/holster/etc. I'm going to carry the thing in, which could be part of the class too.
Anyway, just an observation and a thought.
Sounds like you just found yourself a business venture. A class by women, for women. Do it! :tup:
I wish it were that easy...sigh...
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 23, 2013, 11:20:56 PM
Quote from: weathergirl...
And like many women, I'm happy to have the husband do the research and present me with what he thinks is best (at least narrow down some choices). But wouldn't it be great if there was an educational class designed for women on "how to buy a gun" with options to try them? And then some practice sessions? (Or is there something like that?) And almost more importantly, I want to know what cool purse/jacket/holster/etc. I'm going to carry the thing in, which could be part of the class too.
Anyway, just an observation and a thought.
Sounds like you just found yourself a business venture. A class by women, for women. Do it! :tup:
I wish it were that easy...sigh...
There used to be a class just for women at Custer Sportsmens Club that discussed just the issues you point out.
-Steve
Post by: KFhunter on January 23, 2013, 11:40:02 PM
I'm just sitting here reading all this, knowing someday it will all mean more to me than it does now (as lokidog mentioned, we are shopping soon, and I am soon to learn a lot). I find it so interesting that the standard seems to be that as soon as the wife/girlfriend gives the word that she is ready for a gun, the husband/boyfriend begins what I assume is happy research and discussions ;) (like this thread here).
And like many women, I'm happy to have the husband do the research and present me with what he thinks is best (at least narrow down some choices). But wouldn't it be great if there was an educational class designed for women on "how to buy a gun" with options to try them? And then some practice sessions? (Or is there something like that?) And almost more importantly, I want to know what cool purse/jacket/holster/etc. I'm going to carry the thing in, which could be part of the class too.
Anyway, just an observation and a thought.
Unless your man has experience with women and guns - together- lol
Leave him at home!
Dudes tend to go way too big, just look at this thread. Often times when the woman is shooting for the first time he'll intimidate the hell out of her, not on purpose of course but she'll most likely be frustrated, he'll be frustrated. Like me, if I took my wife out it'd be very different than teaching a stranger. She'll be intimidated and I'd be frustrated most likely.
I've been around *a lot* of girls, first time shooting a pistol, trust me I've seen some crazy stuff :yike:
So do yourselves a favor, go to a range that has girl classes. Find a female instructor even better!
Don't go to a range though and find an instructor that's only taught dudes. Teaching girls is different, especially first timers.
Don't let your husband/man toy whatever pick you out a gun then take you to some backwoods "range" and shoot old refrigerators, you won't learn a damm thing and you won't want to carry it and 9 times out of 10 it'll be too big.
Start small! You can always sell the gun and upgrade, nothing says you have to keep it forever and can never buy another gun :chuckle: You'll come home with a sweet handling little .380 that's too small and your man is gonna go "huh? you should got xx gun" Smile sweetly and tell him maybe for your next gun ;)
The goal here is to be comfortable, and if a 9mm is too scary and you won't carry it then it won't do you any good will it? I've seen some women shoot a .40 S&W no problem, and I've seen others flinch at a .22LR so the caliber will vary with comfort zones, so build up from it.
Post by: hardcorecarnivore on January 24, 2013, 12:46:29 AM
I think:
.380's should be treated as backups.
Glocks are great but an XD may fit her hand a bit better and they're a bit cheaper.
Lasers are good but practice without plenty so you don't get dependent in case of failure.
Although I think high capacity is good, my vote goes to a .357/.38sp for all the reasons already mentioned.
I'm a carry fan over a purse.
That being said, my wife equipped herself with a XD Sub-Compact .40 w/ either a Galco shoulder rig or a Blackhawk paddle holster. In addition to her .40, a .380 LCP w/ a laser in a Flashbang (bra rig) or Desantis Nemesis for pocket or purse. Not to mention a Benchmade Mini-Griptilian. Oh yeah, the Mossberg 500 for home defense and to keep someone from taking the other guns she doesn't carry. My mom carries the same XD in 9mm which give you a few more rounds and is cheaper to purchase/shoot.
Bottom line, what ever she gets should be shot often!!!
Post by: Fl0und3rz on January 24, 2013, 01:34:07 AM
Well said Joe.....If she leans towards revolvers I think one one be hard pressed to do better than a SP101 in .357 with CT grips shooting +P .38 rounds.
Don't rule out the Ruger GP100 with 4.2" barrel, especially if recoil is a concern.
Post by: huntingfool7 on January 24, 2013, 06:43:20 AM
Post by: Arnbo on January 24, 2013, 07:56:14 AM
Great little gun.
Post by: h20hunter on January 24, 2013, 08:10:35 AM
Post by: JakeLand on January 24, 2013, 03:53:58 PM
Post by: h20hunter on January 24, 2013, 03:56:44 PM
Post by: TheHunt on January 24, 2013, 04:05:24 PM
Her choice for shotgun at home is still up in the air.