Calguns.net  

Home My iTrader Join the NRA Donate to CGSSA Sponsors CGN Google Search
CA Semiauto Ban(AW)ID Flowchart CA Handgun Ban ID Flowchart CA Shotgun Ban ID Flowchart
Go Back   Calguns.net > SPECIALTY FORUMS > Ladies Forum
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Mark Forums Read

Ladies Forum A place for our female Calgunners to discuss, share and interact without the 'excess attention' sometimes found in online forums.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #41  
Old 12-29-2012, 5:09 PM
BonnieB's Avatar
BonnieB BonnieB is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 1,969
iTrader: 4 / 100%
Default

OP did not say what the purpose of the gun was: Range shooting, or self defense?

.380's are usually used as concealed carry backup guns, if at all, by LEOs, the main CCW handgun being .40 or .45.

If a woman is just going to range-shoot, the .380 will be a lot of fun. Expensive ammo, though.

If she expects to use it CCW for self defense or for Home Defense, it just won't be adequate, as in "stop a Bad Guy in one or two hits". Read the ballistics tables and you'll know why. People may disagree with this, but it's based on math, not opinion.

If a woman can't rack a slide, she needs to practice, with a thoroughly empty gun, in front of tv for a week, and then she'll be able to, once she finds a technique that works.

BUT, the very first thing anyone needs to do, when considering self defense, is to sit down with yourself and think hard and honestly about the question

" Can I kill another human being if I have to ?"

Not winging a Bad Guy, not scaring him or threatening him. Can you bring yourself to kill him dead and face the fallout, legal and emotional, from that.

If not, you shouldn't have a gun for self defense.
__________________
WHAT I HAVE LEARNED SO FAR, MOSTLY THE HARD WAY
• Do only safe sex. Never have sex with someone crazier than you are.
• Don't marry or move in together before you're both at least 25.
• Don't have children until you're married five years or at least age 30.
• Put 10% of your salary into savings every month no matter how broke you are.
• Don't ever screw around with the IRS.
• Keep a handgun on your bedside table.
• Don't smart-mouth judges, or cops who stop you on the road.
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 01-02-2013, 6:07 PM
BabySig BabySig is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Murrieta
Posts: 8
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by e46sc3 View Post
If your dead set on a .380 auto. Look into the Sig P238 ... I bought one this year for my wife who's alittle bit bigger than your wife and she handles it no problem. It's small and has a alloy frame, comes with night sights, single action trigger and as an exterior safety. She picked out the Titanium finish and I added a Crimson Trace laser to try and make things easier and more to her liking.
Cannot express how significant it is to choose your own firearm, male or female. I have a P238 and I love it to death. I just wanted to point out really quick that while the two-tone version is on the DOJ approved handgun list it is not currently shipping. I stalked it for months but my frustration led me to acquire it through single-shot exemption. If your not LEO this is the only way to get one currently- trust me I looked. The other hang up is that I only found one shop in SoCal willing to perform the SSE for me.

I almost tore the slide off the rail (sarcasm) because it racked so easily. The recoil is much lighter than I expected but I would never buy a handgun without firing it (especially since the P238 is not the cheapest mouse gun on the market). Obviously, unless you're willing to leave the state, you will not be able to find this weapon for rent at any range.

I agree with everyone else on this thread stating that you should leave your biases at the door (not to say that you wouldn't). Everyone has their own preferences and hers should be up to her. I do not agree that 380 is not a "stopping power" round but I understand the math makes a logical argument and is difficult to refute. By the way my husband loves shooting it too .
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 01-02-2013, 6:55 PM
e46sc3 e46sc3 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 673
iTrader: 42 / 100%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BabySig View Post
Cannot express how significant it is to choose your own firearm, male or female. I have a P238 and I love it to death. I just wanted to point out really quick that while the two-tone version is on the DOJ approved handgun list it is not currently shipping. I stalked it for months but my frustration led me to acquire it through single-shot exemption. If your not LEO this is the only way to get one currently- trust me I looked. The other hang up is that I only found one shop in SoCal willing to perform the SSE for me.

I almost tore the slide off the rail (sarcasm) because it racked so easily. The recoil is much lighter than I expected but I would never buy a handgun without firing it (especially since the P238 is not the cheapest mouse gun on the market). Obviously, unless you're willing to leave the state, you will not be able to find this weapon for rent at any range.

I agree with everyone else on this thread stating that you should leave your biases at the door (not to say that you wouldn't). Everyone has their own preferences and hers should be up to her. I do not agree that 380 is not a "stopping power" round but I understand the math makes a logical argument and is difficult to refute. By the way my husband loves shooting it too .
Oh, that's right ... I forgot that the P238 is not an easy firearm to purchase in California. I guess I got alittle spoiled since I was able to pick up two of them from Valkyrie Arms before they went sour ...
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 01-03-2013, 10:34 AM
BabySig BabySig is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Murrieta
Posts: 8
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

I have seen many posts in this thread from men who suggest that a little gun is a waste of time/money and lacks function of any kind. As a small female I must say that a little gun may be a waste for the average man but women gravitate do to the fact that they are functional for us. All firearms have a purpose in life whether or not it is understood to anyone besides its owner.

If your wife wants a little gun let her get a little gun; talking her into something she doesn't want is going to turn her off to shooting altogether and then you may find increased resistance when you want to go shooting. Given that firearms can be expensive you cannot afford her resistance. I agree that guns are not a fashion accessory but does that mean that I cannot choose one that fits my function and looks nice.

At the risk of losing all credibility I have to say that when I filled out my warranty card I listed previous experience with Sig and Sig's reputation and I chose other and filled in "it's cute". My P238 is a beautiful piece of machinery and I bought it for a specific purpose- its cuteness just happens to be a plus. I also think that my .22 rifle is cute and my Savage Model 99 is cute. Why are they cute? We have a personal relationship based on function. My M16 was cute too... Why? It would save my butt if I needed it to. Men please don't discredit a choice of gun by your lady or any other lady because we told you it's cute. (Sorry if that's too much off topic)
__________________
Only the dead have seen the end of war -Jorge Santayana
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 01-03-2013, 10:40 AM
Kreveraux Kreveraux is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 3
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

I recently bought a S&W 442 for my fiance. It's small for her hand, lightweight, reliable and shoots +P ammo. For what she wants it for, it was perfect for her. We looked at several and she loved the fit for her hand.
Reply With Quote
  #46  
Old 01-03-2013, 10:43 AM
Vacaville's Avatar
Vacaville Vacaville is offline
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Auburn
Posts: 4,360
iTrader: 7 / 100%
Default

Manipulating a slide can be just as hard on a .380 as on a .45 depending on the gun. I'd get her a .38 spl revolver. Ruger, Taurus, or Smith and Wesson depending on your budget. I've got a Taurus 85 that I'm very happy with.
__________________
“When governments fear the people there is liberty. When the people fear the government there is tyranny.” - Thomas Jefferson

"We are number one, all others are number two or lower." - The Sphinx

"Why does every discussion of culture always degrade into a discussion of burritos?" - GoZoner
Reply With Quote
  #47  
Old 01-03-2013, 10:48 AM
chiliman21's Avatar
chiliman21 chiliman21 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Fresno
Posts: 234
iTrader: 1 / 100%
Default

My wife like the lcr38 sp
Reply With Quote
  #48  
Old 01-03-2013, 2:51 PM
movie zombie's Avatar
movie zombie movie zombie is offline
Cat-in-a Box/NRA Lifetime
CGN Contributor - Lifetime
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SCruz Mountains
Posts: 14,644
iTrader: 3 / 100%
Default

in 2005 i bought a smith and wesson model 60 snubbie .38/.357.
it was the first self-defense "piece" i bought for myself.
i love the thing.

certainly flies in the face of don't go small for a first gun! however, the model 60 is metal, all metal. makes a difference.
__________________
"The theory that a woman found dead in an alley, raped and strangled with her own pantyhose, is somehow morally superior to a woman explaining to police how her attacker got that fatal bullet wound."-- as seen on a t-shirt
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Shootist View Post
Just use it for an excuse to keep buying "her" guns till you find the right one...good way to check off your wanted to buy list with the idea of finding her the one she wants of course :D
Reply With Quote
  #49  
Old 01-03-2013, 4:23 PM
BonnieB's Avatar
BonnieB BonnieB is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 1,969
iTrader: 4 / 100%
Default

Aha! I get it. Now we must distinguish between 'small' (length x width and grip size), caliber, and weight.

A large (L x W + g) can be light, as in a Glock. Caliber is caliber, but the gun gets heavier when loaded with a large caliber. Generally the heavier a gun itself is (in ounces, such as an all-steel model), the less kick, assuming a given caliber.

This is a complicated question, which is why we have to try them on for size, like shoes or bra's....
__________________
WHAT I HAVE LEARNED SO FAR, MOSTLY THE HARD WAY
• Do only safe sex. Never have sex with someone crazier than you are.
• Don't marry or move in together before you're both at least 25.
• Don't have children until you're married five years or at least age 30.
• Put 10% of your salary into savings every month no matter how broke you are.
• Don't ever screw around with the IRS.
• Keep a handgun on your bedside table.
• Don't smart-mouth judges, or cops who stop you on the road.
Reply With Quote
  #50  
Old 01-03-2013, 4:33 PM
rplusplus's Avatar
rplusplus rplusplus is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Baghdad West
Posts: 2,226
iTrader: 4 / 100%
Default

Ok...

First didn't see anywhere the OP was from. Remember right now... not the best time for anything being in stock especially in CA where the roster adds that extra wedgie.

Everyone here agrees. Let her choose. Most of the ranges (at least in San Diego) have many models/caliber to chose from... let her make her choice after actually firing them.

I have a CZ-75B SA in 9mm that many of my friends say shoots fine and has recoil like a feather (until the +P loads are loaded up). Then she likes to kick like a stallion.

My Ruger LC9 on the other hand takes a masterful hand to keep it in Minute of Cow.

For practice a good .22lr semi (her choice) and a good 9mm for SD/HD should be judged no on what people say on the internet forum but by her at the range.
__________________
US Navy Retired 1987-2007
Reply With Quote
  #51  
Old 01-03-2013, 4:55 PM
section31's Avatar
section31 section31 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 457
iTrader: 184 / 99%
Default

Glock 26 is the perfect compact 9mm
Reply With Quote
  #52  
Old 01-03-2013, 6:06 PM
BoJackUSMC's Avatar
BoJackUSMC BoJackUSMC is offline
Calguns Addict
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,092
iTrader: 61 / 100%
Default

4th gen Glock 26
__________________
“Nobody is gonna hit as hard as life, but it ain’t how hard you can hit. It’s how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. It’s how much you can take, and keep moving forward."
Reply With Quote
  #53  
Old 01-03-2013, 6:17 PM
BabySig BabySig is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Murrieta
Posts: 8
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

Another heads up- 4th gen Glocks are also SSE or LEO only.
Reply With Quote
  #54  
Old 01-03-2013, 9:50 PM
stix213's Avatar
stix213 stix213 is offline
AKA: Joe Censored
CGN Contributor - Lifetime
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Manteca
Posts: 18,957
iTrader: 8 / 100%
Default

If you're going .380, I suggest a Sig P238. You don't want the gun too light and the trigger too stiff or it becomes too difficult to shoot for a novice. The P238 has a pretty good and light single action trigger, and is an all metal gun - still small and light as far as guns go, but not so light that it is too snappy or difficult to keep on target.

You could also go for a .357 magnum revolver of some kind, where she could start with light .38 special loads and work herself up to .38 +P or .357 magnums in the same gun.

If she can't lock back the slide on your glock (are you sure she is even doing it correctly? this is hard to believe) then I can't really suggest any 9mm's or higher because she will have the same problem with any of them IMO.

Last edited by stix213; 01-03-2013 at 9:53 PM..
Reply With Quote
  #55  
Old 01-03-2013, 11:24 PM
tacocat tacocat is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 104
iTrader: 4 / 100%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by chiliman21 View Post
My wife like the lcr38 sp
Agreed. You can check out the Crimson Trace version as well.
Reply With Quote
  #56  
Old 01-04-2013, 12:20 AM
RobertSmith's Avatar
RobertSmith RobertSmith is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Orange County
Posts: 264
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

The Ruger LC22 is perfect for small, mild, or elderly hands. Plastic composite handle, aluminum rail and a stainless steel barrel. Very little recoil. And very easy to cluster multiple rounds in the same spot. Now that is lethal.

__________________
Reply With Quote
  #57  
Old 01-04-2013, 6:41 AM
Brass Balls's Avatar
Brass Balls Brass Balls is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: NorCal
Posts: 541
iTrader: 6 / 100%
Default

I'd want her to handle a Kahr 9mm, fullsize, steel framed. imo the poly frame is only better if you need the weight savings for carry. Otherwise the steel frame helps tame the recoil and I also think the steel frames are just a nicer more well made pistol. This might be a good choice.

http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-K9-w-Night-Sights.asp
Reply With Quote
  #58  
Old 01-04-2013, 8:17 AM
Charlie50 Charlie50 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Somewhere in the grey Bay Area
Posts: 1,114
iTrader: 4 / 100%
Default

Ms. Charlie50 likes a .38 snub. Like others have said have your wife handle and shoot different pistols. BTW: Short barrel revolvers are very difficult to shoot well without practice- but they are simple and will go BANG everytime. Semi autos often have complexities that must be learned, again practice is crucial.
__________________
'I own the guns I own because I acknowledge mankind's shortcomings instead of pretending like they don't exist. There are evil men in this world and there just may be a time when I need to do the unthinkable to protect me or my family,'
Joshua Boston

"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics, is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." Plato
Reply With Quote
  #59  
Old 02-04-2013, 10:22 PM
melissah melissah is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 2
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default 1911 .22

I have a 1911 22 my boyfriend picked out for me and I absolutely love it. I feel it is the perfect size and no kick!! I feel very comfortable I have a also shot the roguer something and that was alot of fun another small gun! And that one had a very easy mag to load!! But a xd9 is still to much for me and I do not find it enjoyable! But this is me Im 5'7 and 240 lbs everyone is different!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_20130202_105234.jpg (48.8 KB, 27 views)
Reply With Quote
  #60  
Old 02-05-2013, 10:32 AM
Steph's Avatar
Steph Steph is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: SoCal / Inland Empire
Posts: 380
iTrader: 6 / 100%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by melissah View Post
I have a 1911 22 my boyfriend picked out for me and I absolutely love it. I feel it is the perfect size and no kick!! I feel very comfortable I have a also shot the roguer something and that was alot of fun another small gun! And that one had a very easy mag to load!! But a xd9 is still to much for me and I do not find it enjoyable! But this is me Im 5'7 and 240 lbs everyone is different!
Wow that's gorgeous, I'm jealous.
Reply With Quote
  #61  
Old 02-05-2013, 6:23 PM
movie zombie's Avatar
movie zombie movie zombie is offline
Cat-in-a Box/NRA Lifetime
CGN Contributor - Lifetime
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SCruz Mountains
Posts: 14,644
iTrader: 3 / 100%
Default

nice grips on that 1911, melissah!
__________________
"The theory that a woman found dead in an alley, raped and strangled with her own pantyhose, is somehow morally superior to a woman explaining to police how her attacker got that fatal bullet wound."-- as seen on a t-shirt
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Shootist View Post
Just use it for an excuse to keep buying "her" guns till you find the right one...good way to check off your wanted to buy list with the idea of finding her the one she wants of course :D
Reply With Quote
  #62  
Old 02-07-2013, 8:32 AM
SilverTauron SilverTauron is offline
Calguns Addict
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 5,699
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

Excuse my fashionably late entry into the discussion.

IMO, the OP should take his lady friend to a gun shop with the largest selection within driving distances. Once there, he should step away from the counter and let HER pick what feels good to her hand. Forget caliber, brand pedigree or cost.

Once she's done there may be anywhere from two to ten guns on the table. Make a list, and have her shoot them if its logistically possible. If not skip to the next stage, which involves purchasing the one she likes best. Don't worry about the caliber.

Once the checks written, step on over to the ammo counter. Buy as much as you can afford. Or nowadays, whatever's on the shelf. Either way that pistol doesn't go on her hip or nightstand until a minimum of 250 rounds are run though it.

If she still likes it, congrats! If she hates it after live fire experience,go back to your list and trade the gun for the runner up and start the process over again.

Don't worry about the caliber, which police agency uses it, or what Joe Tacticool said at the gun counter said. Joe Tacticool won't be there if you need to clear holster.
__________________
The more prohibitions you have, the less virtuous people will be.
The more subsidies you have, the less self reliant people will be.
-Lao-Tzu, Tau Te Ching. 479 BCE

The 1911 may have been in wars for 100 years, but Masetro Bartolomeo Beretta was arming the world 400 years before John Browning was ever a wet dream.
Reply With Quote
  #63  
Old 02-10-2013, 9:27 PM
Dragunov's Avatar
Dragunov Dragunov is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: TEXAS and FREEDOM!!
Posts: 1,920
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by skilletboy View Post
Wife wants to learn to shoot. She is very small, barely 5' tall very small hands.

She can't manipulate the slide on my G-22 or pull the trigger double-action or lock back the hammer on my Colt Mk-III trooper.

I was thinking a .380, like a bersa, or the Taurus 5 shot revolver, or the S&W bodyguard .380. I've researched them and their specific issues but wanted to hear some of the ladies thoughts..

I was leaning towards the Bersa FYI. Heard the Taurus trigger pull is too hard for some.

I'd appreciate any thoughts.
Bersa Firestorm .380 GREAT little sidearm! My wife loves hers.
Reply With Quote
  #64  
Old 02-11-2013, 12:21 PM
SCM's Avatar
SCM SCM is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 36
iTrader: 1 / 100%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BonnieB View Post
OP did not say what the purpose of the gun was: Range shooting, or self defense?
This is probably the best question so far. Home defense or a boot gun (yeah, I said it). Huge difference in what might be appropriate.

Quote:
.380's are usually used as concealed carry backup guns, if at all, by LEOs, the main CCW handgun being .40 or .45.

If a woman is just going to range-shoot, the .380 will be a lot of fun. Expensive ammo, though.

If she expects to use it CCW for self defense or for Home Defense, it just won't be adequate, as in "stop a Bad Guy in one or two hits". Read the ballistics tables and you'll know why. People may disagree with this, but it's based on math, not opinion.
I would be one that disagrees. My wife is deadly accurate with her .380 down to .22. And would fall under the category of "when I put two in your heart and one in the head you won't care what caliber it is". On both sides of the argument you have the "jacked guy takes 12 gauge slugs and keeps coming" and the ".22 that took out 3 attackers." So for me personally I shoot the largest I'm comfortable with (9mm) and at home the 12 gauge is the backup backup.

Quote:
If a woman can't rack a slide, she needs to practice, with a thoroughly empty gun, in front of tv for a week, and then she'll be able to, once she finds a technique that works.
Not necessarily. My wife and I are looking for guns for her, an experienced shooter. But has had hand and nerve problems and arthritis, so it's not practice strength issue. We are not retirement age BTW. She could never rack the slide on my Beretta 92, but in an emergency she can rack it on the counter. She found another method as you mentioned.

Reason like this are why even though a lot of things are in sticky's, its nice to get opinions from people for certain circumstances. Usually I can find the topic using search though (hint for the guys).

Another problem is if you are looking for a smaller pocket gun, they are about impossible to find for rent at the ranges. By searching the threads here and elsewhere sometimes you find out about a gun that you never heard of before. My local ranges have a couple 380s and that's it. And the gun stores have a very limited selection to see what fits. None of my shooter friends have pocket/mouse guns to try.

In my situation, my wife won't be on the forum but will go to the range a few times a year to keep in practice. The biggest concern is she wants something that will fit her hand. But knowing her, unless I do the research to give her some suggestions, we will be going through several guns that I don't want to keep (if she hates them). For example at the range she is great with my 92fs but has trouble with the XD9. So I know once on the range how her hand fits (control under fire - different from holding one in the shop) and trigger pull will become an issue. But at least I can rent a lot of 9s, 38's, .40's for her to try.

She is going to a revolver for home protection now, so trigger pull and recoil are #1 and she'll have a larger caliber. For a new mouse gun, she found she can't rack the slide on the .32 Tomcat, like she could on her Jetfire .25 Though with the pop up barrel she has another option. Her hands won't be getting any stronger.

Since this is a board where things get misunderstood, not picking on BonnieB, just using it to expand the discussion. Thought you had an excellent post.
Reply With Quote
  #65  
Old 02-11-2013, 1:03 PM
movie zombie's Avatar
movie zombie movie zombie is offline
Cat-in-a Box/NRA Lifetime
CGN Contributor - Lifetime
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SCruz Mountains
Posts: 14,644
iTrader: 3 / 100%
Default

SCM, thanks for making a very important statement and i will be very specific with it: the search button is your friend!

actually, a .25 beretta pop up hurts my hand more than higher calibers.......but they are a really nice pistol.

i love revolvers and recommend she stay away from light/air weights! i love the smith and wesson model 60 and would recommend the 3 inch if she isn't doing CCW. the ruger sp101 is a great revolver as well.

youtube has lots of videos re women and racking a slide. i would love to see how your wife utilizes a hard surface to rack a slide.....hint hint hint re pictures!

and i do have to say that if you think things get misunderstood here, well, you haven't spent much time in OT!

excellent post, btw. hope to see you here again.
__________________
"The theory that a woman found dead in an alley, raped and strangled with her own pantyhose, is somehow morally superior to a woman explaining to police how her attacker got that fatal bullet wound."-- as seen on a t-shirt
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Shootist View Post
Just use it for an excuse to keep buying "her" guns till you find the right one...good way to check off your wanted to buy list with the idea of finding her the one she wants of course :D
Reply With Quote
  #66  
Old 02-11-2013, 2:39 PM
Black Widow's Avatar
Black Widow Black Widow is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 6
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

I will sound like a broken record... but I advise you let her hold some, and if at all possible shoot as many as possible. If she's needing to learn, then that can be done too. My husband did most of the research and made a decision on which he bought for me (which at first irritated me... this is why I suggest you bring her in on your research and give her some info on why you think such and such is a good starting point) but after talking with the woman behind the counter (helped that she was female here) and holding it and standing in a stance with it, I discovered it is probably a good beginning point. I do plan on eventually having more than just this firearm. I also will have the opportunities to shoot my husband's weapons such as his .45 and I did also like the .38SP revolver I got to examine. It's all about what she is comfortable with. I know my husband is smart and he chose wisely (I do give him credit for doing a lot of the research and explaining to me that even though the .380 may be seen as a 'too small' type of weapon that with the right ammunition and accuracy it can be what I need it to be.) but I do wish I were more involved. That was MY fault, too as I just sort of let him since I don't know as much. After arming (heh) myself with information and asking the questions I now want to be more involved. So, that will most likely mean more weapons in the future. :P Let us know how it goes!
Reply With Quote
  #67  
Old 02-11-2013, 2:45 PM
spetsnaz's Avatar
spetsnaz spetsnaz is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,502
iTrader: 7 / 100%
Default

kahr 9mm
Reply With Quote
  #68  
Old 02-11-2013, 2:45 PM
SCM's Avatar
SCM SCM is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 36
iTrader: 1 / 100%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by movie zombie View Post
actually, a .25 beretta pop up hurts my hand more than higher calibers.......but they are a really nice pistol.
That's a great point. Many times two people have a very different impression of the same gun. My wife thinks my XD is too heavy and that's why she pulls shots. The Beretta is much heavier and she'll embarrass me with it.

Quote:
i love revolvers and recommend she stay away from light/air weights! i love the smith and wesson model 60 and would recommend the 3 inch if she isn't doing CCW. the ruger sp101 is a great revolver as well.

I really appreciate the advice. Fortunately we have a lot more options for home defense. A lot of people keep recommending the lightweights. But I feel, and probably you know by your suggestions, something a bit heavier would have less felt recoil and she'd be comfortable with that. I haven't shot many revolvers but the last one I tried, I was shocked at how smooth it was compared to ones I tried years ago. Looking forward to trying some out at the range. Think she'll be surprised as well.

Quote:
youtube has lots of videos re women and racking a slide. i would love to see how your wife utilizes a hard surface to rack a slide.....hint hint hint re pictures!
If you think it will be helpful, next month I'll have it with me and maybe we can get some photos posted. Maybe a thread with a few tips/tricks she uses, though chances are they're well known.
Reply With Quote
  #69  
Old 02-11-2013, 3:03 PM
movie zombie's Avatar
movie zombie movie zombie is offline
Cat-in-a Box/NRA Lifetime
CGN Contributor - Lifetime
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SCruz Mountains
Posts: 14,644
iTrader: 3 / 100%
Default

i think there are those that would like to know her tips/tricks.
if not for ourselves, to pass on to those with similar problems.
my mother can no longer rack her .32 .............
__________________
"The theory that a woman found dead in an alley, raped and strangled with her own pantyhose, is somehow morally superior to a woman explaining to police how her attacker got that fatal bullet wound."-- as seen on a t-shirt
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Shootist View Post
Just use it for an excuse to keep buying "her" guns till you find the right one...good way to check off your wanted to buy list with the idea of finding her the one she wants of course :D
Reply With Quote
  #70  
Old 02-11-2013, 7:33 PM
SCM's Avatar
SCM SCM is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 36
iTrader: 1 / 100%
Default

Sounds good. It will be a few weeks but I'll make a note to start a thread when I have the equipment handy.
Reply With Quote
  #71  
Old 02-11-2013, 8:40 PM
movie zombie's Avatar
movie zombie movie zombie is offline
Cat-in-a Box/NRA Lifetime
CGN Contributor - Lifetime
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SCruz Mountains
Posts: 14,644
iTrader: 3 / 100%
Default

thanks, SCM.
__________________
"The theory that a woman found dead in an alley, raped and strangled with her own pantyhose, is somehow morally superior to a woman explaining to police how her attacker got that fatal bullet wound."-- as seen on a t-shirt
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Shootist View Post
Just use it for an excuse to keep buying "her" guns till you find the right one...good way to check off your wanted to buy list with the idea of finding her the one she wants of course :D
Reply With Quote
  #72  
Old 02-11-2013, 9:59 PM
Asphodel Asphodel is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Mt Hamilton, CA
Posts: 1,974
iTrader: 4 / 100%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by movie zombie View Post
in 2005 i bought a smith and wesson model 60 snubbie .38/.357.
it was the first self-defense "piece" i bought for myself.
i love the thing.

certainly flies in the face of don't go small for a first gun! however, the model 60 is metal, all metal. makes a difference.
Just as a personal opinion, I'd say that you made the really optimal choice.......the old S&W 'Chief's Special' was designed to be the most practical handgun for close-range self-defence against a human assailant.

Its meant for 'split-second' instinct shooting, when a fraction of a second may make all the difference in survival or otherwise.

One really, really, important consideration is the quality level of the steel in a Smith........the Smith won't wear out or break down from hundreds, or even thousands, of rounds fired in practice.......you can rely on the Smith to function when needed. (that said, its a good idea to have the side-plate off and clean/oil the working parts every so often)

cheers

Carla
Reply With Quote
  #73  
Old 02-12-2013, 7:16 AM
movie zombie's Avatar
movie zombie movie zombie is offline
Cat-in-a Box/NRA Lifetime
CGN Contributor - Lifetime
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SCruz Mountains
Posts: 14,644
iTrader: 3 / 100%
Default

thanks, carla: i really did do a lot of research before i bought it.
legally, i think its hard to argue self-defense at more than 7 yards [21 feet].
prosecutors seem to think one isn't sufficiently in fear of their life if further away from a bad guy. sigh. or so it seems to me.
my little model 60 snubbie fits the ticket.
i also think that the 3 inch is a great home defense weapon......at one point i swore i would also buy the 3 inch and 5 inch barrel model 60!
thanks for the info re the side-plate and cleaning!
__________________
"The theory that a woman found dead in an alley, raped and strangled with her own pantyhose, is somehow morally superior to a woman explaining to police how her attacker got that fatal bullet wound."-- as seen on a t-shirt
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Shootist View Post
Just use it for an excuse to keep buying "her" guns till you find the right one...good way to check off your wanted to buy list with the idea of finding her the one she wants of course :D
Reply With Quote
  #74  
Old 02-12-2013, 7:46 AM
sealocan sealocan is offline
Calguns Addict
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 9,755
iTrader: 20 / 100%
Default

I first recommendation would be a 442,( or 642 if she likes the silver look) my second recommendation to her would be a Glock 26. try both.
Reply With Quote
  #75  
Old 02-12-2013, 12:02 PM
Asphodel Asphodel is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Mt Hamilton, CA
Posts: 1,974
iTrader: 4 / 100%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by movie zombie View Post
thanks, carla: i really did do a lot of research before i bought it.
legally, i think its hard to argue self-defense at more than 7 yards [21 feet].
prosecutors seem to think one isn't sufficiently in fear of their life if further away from a bad guy. sigh. or so it seems to me.
my little model 60 snubbie fits the ticket.
i also think that the 3 inch is a great home defense weapon......at one point i swore i would also buy the 3 inch and 5 inch barrel model 60!
thanks for the info re the side-plate and cleaning!
Hello again, mz,

Having the side-plate off a Smith to clean/oil the hammer/trigger/sear/cyl stop, cyl latch, etc., is a simple operation you can do easily.......but.....

This is an operation for which one *must* 'follow the recipe' exactly.

First, invest in the 'Shop Manual' for S&W, by Jerry Kuhnhausen. That manual clearly explains the procedure, which is dead easy when done correctly, but that 'correctly' is hard to visualise until you've read the manual....after that, its simple/easy. That manual is easily found on the internet, and will cost $30-something these days.

Also, invest the relatively few dollars in a set of 'S&W' screw drivers, from Brownells. Those are made to fit the side-plate screws exactly, so as not to risk damaging the screw slots or scarring the side-plate. Also, invest in the light 'soft hammer' needed to tap the frame gently without marring, til the side-plate comes free.

If you aren't familiar with using a 'soft hammer', its simply a light hammer with leather or medium-soft plastic striking tips. You could whittle out a soft hammer for yourself from seasoned hardwood 'stove wood', which would work just as well, actually. Envision a wooden mallet with medium-soft leather faces glued to the striking area.

Cleaning the working parts of a Smith is easy. You can use one of the spray-can cleaners sold as 'brake cleaner', but be sure to get the 'non-chlorinated' version. If you use a spray cleaner, do it outside, as the fumes are not good for you. Alternatively, Q-tips and/or little bits of lint-free paper towels gripped in a tweezers will get the grime out of the 'nooks and crannies'.

I use 'Break-Free' brand oil, myself. Yes, the stuff is expensive, but its 'cheap at the price', to have the Smith work smoothly. Use a little bit of oil flowed from a toothpick or an oil-dropper onto every place where any metal part moves relative to any other part. The mechanism should have 'plenty enough' oil without being 'flooded' so to speak.

cheers

Carla

Last edited by Asphodel; 02-12-2013 at 12:07 PM..
Reply With Quote
  #76  
Old 02-12-2013, 2:29 PM
movie zombie's Avatar
movie zombie movie zombie is offline
Cat-in-a Box/NRA Lifetime
CGN Contributor - Lifetime
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SCruz Mountains
Posts: 14,644
iTrader: 3 / 100%
Default

thanks again, carla!


ETA: i see he has several manuals and several for smiths.....the interesting one for me is the specific pre-MIM, J-N Frames......and is less expensive from midway than from amazon......
__________________
"The theory that a woman found dead in an alley, raped and strangled with her own pantyhose, is somehow morally superior to a woman explaining to police how her attacker got that fatal bullet wound."-- as seen on a t-shirt
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Shootist View Post
Just use it for an excuse to keep buying "her" guns till you find the right one...good way to check off your wanted to buy list with the idea of finding her the one she wants of course :D

Last edited by movie zombie; 02-12-2013 at 6:18 PM..
Reply With Quote
  #77  
Old 02-14-2013, 8:09 PM
sjb269 sjb269 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Morgan Hill
Posts: 297
iTrader: 5 / 86%
Default

In my experience, Women are very capable shooters and good shots to boot. Take one giant step backwards and let her go with what her instincts tell her to go with.
I have put many a handgun in my wifes hands and been utterly surprised at how adept she is with them. Someday, I will stop being surprised.
Reply With Quote
  #78  
Old 02-14-2013, 9:38 PM
bubbapug1's Avatar
bubbapug1 bubbapug1 is offline
Calguns Addict
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: South South OC
Posts: 7,958
iTrader: 301 / 100%
Default

Small guns that are light kick badly.

I would recommend an EMP in 9mm or a sig 2022 in 9mm. Both are fairly heavy, have great sights, smaller grips, and are world class guns she would shoot well. The sig is perhaps the best choice in that you can carry it with the hammer down and with one in the chamber as its DA/SA. It also has a decocker.
Reply With Quote
  #79  
Old 02-16-2013, 11:52 AM
Eikbyrnir's Avatar
Eikbyrnir Eikbyrnir is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: NorCal
Posts: 115
iTrader: 4 / 100%
Default

When I took my wife shooting for the first time, she had never held a gun before. I had three handguns I brought with us. My Sig 226 .40, Sig 229 .357with hogue wrap around grip and my Glock 23 .40.

My wife is pretty small, 5'3 and 105 lbs. She shot all three but kept wanting to shoot the .357. She absolutely loved it. She has fairly small hands, but the gun felt comfortable to her and she was completely at ease with it.

So I dont believe that just because someone is "small," that they should be delegated to using a sub-compact or lighter recoil ammo. My wife began the day by shooting the entire silhouette, to shooting in the 4 and 5 rings of it.

Like most are saying, take her to the range with a variety of guns, let her decide if she wants a full size or compact. Don't be surprised by what she can handle.
Reply With Quote
  #80  
Old 02-27-2013, 10:05 AM
KLD83's Avatar
KLD83 KLD83 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 189
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by kel-tec-innovations View Post
If you got the money Kahr p380 single action. My 95lbs 5' girlfriend loves it. The recoil is low compared to the Bersa 380. Even though they are both 380 Kahr handles the recoil better.


I have not shot this gun, but ALMOST bought one at one point. It's very small and could be comfortable for a lady with small hands. That being said, I have VERY small hands. I'm taller but I can't comfortably grip many larger pistols. I can shoot them, but things like slide release, and being able to reach my finger as far as I'd like into the trigger guard, etc vary! My husband's .40 Springfield XD, I'm fine with, but even a small frame Walther P22, just doesn't fit my hand correctly! Some have already said this, but get her into a few gun shops and let her feel what she wants. I thought I wanted a certain gun, but having it in my hand changed my mind and I went an entire different route. I DO have to say this about the grips out there. Small hands like me tend to LOVE a houge overmould or rubber grip, even if its a little larger. It really is very comfortable and many models can be accomodated. BUT this .380 is awesome in the hands and makes me want to consider one again especially as a conceal carry. You could hide this just about anywhere, even on a 95 lbs itty bitty!
__________________
The answer to 1984 is 1776!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 3:27 PM.




Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Proudly hosted by GeoVario the Premier 2A host.
Calguns.net, the 'Calguns' name and all associated variants and logos are ® Trademark and © Copyright 2002-2021, Calguns.net an Incorporated Company All Rights Reserved.
All opinions, statements and remarks made by Calguns.net on this web site and elsewhere are solely attributable to Calguns.net.



Seams2SewBySusy