Pistol for the ol lady

[bigtimfish]

My wife said she wants a pistol. She has never shot any of mine, and is afraid because my smallest is a 40 s&w. She has all of these theories about the govt and marshall law coming soon, so she decided to get one. should I get her a .380 or a compact 9mm? I am thinking a Walther .380, any suggestions? No revolvers please. I can't stand revolvers

[MattinOK]

I've shot a walther .380 my uncle CC's. They are really small, have a awfully high trigger pull, and it's fairly hard to rack the slide. All of them may not be that way, but that one was. .380 is also way more expensive. I'd go with a kel-tec 9mm if it was me (and I could legally own one that is  ;D)

[Olebiker]

A .380 will just make a bad guy mad.  Go with the compact 9mm.

[skunked_again]

my wife as 2 guns. one is a S&W Model 438 revolver. its .38 and shoots +P if you want. its the perfect lady gun i think. she also has a Ruger LCP .380.  great gun for the money.

[burleytog]

Try to avoid going the lightweight route if at all possible. The recoil on the lighter revolvers is absolutely hellacious.

My suggestions would include a Ruger SP101 in .357 (for versatility, quite accurate with .38 and .38 +P) or a Glock G19. I know you said you didn't want a revolver, but it might be best to at least take a look.

Depending on the size of her hands, take a look at the KelTec P3AT or P11.

As for the Walther, I have found them to be less than ideal for anything other than looking at. They're a pretty gun, but it is poorly designed with regard to ergonomics.

Your selection should be based mainly on the size of her hands and what she can comfortably shoot. As I said earlier, just pay attention to the weight of the gun. It might seem a good idea to go lighter, but in the end it can bite you in the *** (or wrist). My wife found that out with her first pistol (Taurus PT140 in 40 S&W). It was a little too light for her and she could only manage to shoot a couple of magazines before her wrist gave out. We ended up trading it for a Ruger SP101, which when loaded with .38 +P is very comfortable to shoot.

If you live near a range that offers rentals, spend a day letting her try different guns. If nothing else, I would encourage her to try the guns you already have before buying another.

[Catt]

Baby Desert Eagle .40S&W  

[roadwarrior]

I bought this Kimber .45 for my son. Very effective,

easily concealed and fun to shoot:

http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/ultracarry/

8-)

[bigtimfish]

If anyone in my family is getting a Kimber it's going to be me. Those and Wilson Combat are 2 of my favorites. I forgot to mention, I only want to spend around $500 + or - $50.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

My wife found that out with her first pistol (Taurus PT140 in 40 S&W).

Burley, that is the same pistol we got for Lauren.  She loves that thing more than me....

[Siebert Outdoors]

My wife found that out with her first pistol (Taurus PT140 in 40 S&W).

Burley, that is the same pistol we got for Lauren. She loves that thing more than me....

Good little gun.  If she has never shot before I'd look at the 9mm though.

[flechero]

Please don't get her a Kel-tec. If she's shy of recoil, as you stated, that's a mistake... unless you need another option for pocket carry, since she won't like it. ...lol

I know you don't like revolvers but they can be very practical for CC. Especially for someone who won't clean a gun religiously and practice enough to be able to clear a failure in a stress situation. As for capacity, in the smaller carry weapons, you typically only lose 1-2 shots by going with a wheelgun. Lint, dirt and neglect will not normally cause a stoppage. 5 or 6 shots from a .38 will beat 1-2 shots from a 9mm (or any other caliber) that jams up.

I almost hate to admit this but I now carry a small revolver over my Kimbers and other "nice" weapons... because they are more comfortable to carry and easier to conceal. I have one on me 6-7 days a week. When I was dedicated to the other options, I was unable to carry everyday and since I can't know or plan on when I will need it, having something with me all the time is the smartest option for me.

CC weapons are a very personal decision, and no 2 people will have the same needs and comforts.

[ohioriverrat]

Deleted.

You wouldn't understand.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

My wife carries a no numbered 9mm Russian Makarov. It was "procured" from a cop and all numbers have conveniently vanished. It is kept in a velvet bag in her purse- don't even need to take it out of the bag to use it. The idea is to go pop-pop-pop-pop and then toss the spent gun on the body. Done deal.

Sounds morbid, but if you have ever shot someone, you will know the hassle you will go through, whether you were justified or not. It's much easier to just walk away.

WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT?

Are you freaking serious?

[roadwarrior]

flechero,

Excellent points!

If you not a "shooter", a revolver is DEFINITELY the

better option. Automatics need to be used occasionally

and PROPERLY cleaned. The care and maintenance

of a revolver is much less complicated.

8-)

[flechero]

Sounds morbid, but if you have ever shot someone, you will know the hassle you will go through, whether you were justified or not. It's much easier to just walk away.

Where to start?!?!?!?

She's betting large that there will be no witnesses or bystanders or cameras in the area... not to mention, I think a gun with no numbers is a no-no on the streets, should she ever get stopped or checked. And did you load the mag with gloves on since your brass will be in the bag that you toss? Also, have you test fired a mag's worth in the velvet bag to be sure it's fully functional that way.

Sounds like a great way to turn a justifiable self-defense incident into a vigilante style killing and a prison term. I'm thinking that a jury would see the "printless planned toss" as something that was premeditated, not a "legal convenience."

I can only hope she never has to do this.  

[roadwarrior]

My wife carries a no numbered 9mm Russian Makarov. It was "procured" from a cop and all numbers have conveniently vanished. It is kept in a velvet bag in her purse- don't even need to take it out of the bag to use it. The idea is to go pop-pop-pop-pop and then toss the spent gun on the body. Done deal.

Sounds morbid, but if you have ever shot someone, you will know the hassle you will go through, whether you were justified or not. It's much easier to just walk away.

And risk turning "self defense" into felony homicide? Talk about

a "life changing event". Sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.

 :-X

[SirSnookalot]

My wife carries a no numbered 9mm Russian Makarov. It was "procured" from a cop and all numbers have conveniently vanished. It is kept in a velvet bag in her purse- don't even need to take it out of the bag to use it. The idea is to go pop-pop-pop-pop and then toss the spent gun on the body. Done deal.

Sounds morbid, but if you have ever shot someone, you will know the hassle you will go through, whether you were justified or not. It's much easier to just walk away.

Not a real wise thing to say on line, Big Brother may be watching. Several years back after Columbine a kid from New Jerey was talking sh^t on line and the FBI was at his home within minutes, so the news article said. Loose lips sink ships, talkers are usually talkers and doers are silent.

Sorry for going off topic

[roadwarrior]

We have several members who are law enforcement officers,

when they see this thread they should have a few professional

comments and suggestions.

8-)

[bigtimfish]

Wow, I just wanted some recomendations on small pistols. Like the Walther .380, Bersa thunder Ultra compact 9,Bersa .380,that size. I already own a 1911, a Sig p226,A S&W sigma 40. I want to get something for her small frame. She's only 5'3. She has little hands so I don't know if I want a high cap magazine. A single stack clip should be fine. 7 to 9 shots. That's why I am leaning towards the .380

[ohioriverrat]

Deleted my post.

You're right. I'm all talk.

[Siebert Outdoors]

Wow, I just wanted some recomendations on small pistols. Like the Walther .380, Bersa thunder Ultra compact 9,Bersa .380,that size. I already own a 1911, a Sig p226,A S&W sigma 40. I want to get something for her small frame. She's only 5'3. She has little hands so I don't know if I want a high cap magazine. A single stack clip should be fine. 7 to 9 shots. That's why I am leaning towards the .380

You could look at that new Ruger LCR or LCP.  Both are decent firearms.  I've sold a ton of them.  My buddy just picked one up the other day.  

[bigtimfish]

Wow, I just wanted some recomendations on small pistols. Like the Walther .380, Bersa thunder Ultra compact 9,Bersa .380,that size. I already own a 1911, a Sig p226,A S&W sigma 40. I want to get something for her small frame. She's only 5'3. She has little hands so I don't know if I want a high cap magazine. A single stack clip should be fine. 7 to 9 shots. That's why I am leaning towards the .380

You could look at that new Ruger LCR or LCP. Both are decent firearms. I've sold a ton of them. My buddy just picked one up the other day.

I have a question about Ruger. I have held a couple and they seem a bit loose. Like when you shake them it sounds like loose parts are inside. Is this normal? I stopped looking after noticing this on the 3 different models.Clips were out on all three. I don't know if that makes a difference.

[skunked_again]

Wow, I just wanted some recomendations on small pistols. Like the Walther .380, Bersa thunder Ultra compact 9,Bersa .380,that size. I already own a 1911, a Sig p226,A S&W sigma 40. I want to get something for her small frame. She's only 5'3. She has little hands so I don't know if I want a high cap magazine. A single stack clip should be fine. 7 to 9 shots. That's why I am leaning towards the .380

You could look at that new Ruger LCR or LCP. Both are decent firearms. I've sold a ton of them. My buddy just picked one up the other day.

I have a question about Ruger. I have held a couple and they seem a bit loose. Like when you shake them it sounds like loose parts are inside. Is this normal? I stopped looking after noticing this on the 3 different models.Clips were out on all three. I don't know if that makes a difference.

impossible to tell without the gun that "rattles" sitting in front of me. the MK II has a strut that rotated up and down that can rattle a bit and that is normal. my P95 does not rattle at all.

[grizzly1654]

You should check out a kel-tec P32, it is perfect size with very little recoil. I carry mine in my back pocket and noone can see it. I bought it new about 6 months ago and it was only $275 new. I shoot the winchester 60 grain silvertips. When i took the class to get my permit the instructor had a P32, and i asked him why he carried such a small gun he said you dont need a big caliber gun for self defense. Most of the cases where a pistol was used for self defense the people were within 10' or closer and thats where this 32 caliber shines.

[Micro]

I agree with Burley.  The Ruger SP-101 is a fine gun.  I have a 3" version in .357 mag.  It's very pleasant to shoot with .38 Spl +P.

I'm not a big fan of the .380.   I've owned two Beretta Cheetahs and one Walther PPK-S in .380.  I found that the .380 is quite a snappy little round with an ample muzzle flash.  In guns of that size and weight, it recoils like a 9mm.   I'd prefer to just go with a 9mm in a smaller gun.