Self defense handgun while RVing

[rockinobsidian]

[plumbum]

See if your wife can handle the Glock, the XD is a tad slimmer in the grip, but heavier up top. I’d vote for 9mm. And since you’d likely be dealing with wilderness I’d suggest adding a light.

[Unforgiven]

I traveled the country quite a bit in a RV. Lots of great people, a few scary encounters. You have no idea who’s in the campground. You need to teach your wide to handle a gun. I would have a pistol and a shotgun. Never had to use a gun, did have to show the shotgun.

[Spaffo]

Beretta 92? My wife really likes shooting it.

[9Cal_OC]

9mm for sure. Glock would be nice, 17 or 19, whichever feels better in her hand. Something that’s consistent to shoot with (rather than dealing with DA/SA). But try a few and have her decide.

[ldsnet]

Go with something you can conceal or at least carry on your hip (I like the Glock 19). Hopefully it is something your wife can handle safely.

[TrailerparkTrash]

My daughter received her first gun on her 12th birthday. Glock 19. If she can handle that, so can your wife. My wife has a G19 also when she’s at home.

[sealocan]

If you can afford it you might think about getting two of the same type of gun, one for each of you. That not only makes training more fun it's just like having two fire extinguishers ( "one is none and two is one" theory).
And you are already probably going to have a small safe so you might as well put both of them in it and remember in California loaded magazines cannot be inside the magazine well of the guns in vehicles. And other rules apply but you're probably familiar with those as well.

You might consider the RV your home (and it legally it might be if you are stopped, parked and on certain types of the land or private property) but the State of California considers it a vehicle, or at least that's what I believe I have read here.

[unusedusername]

Getting some professional training on how to use a pistol, use of force laws, and mindset will make a much larger difference in ability then choosing one model of firearm vs another.

[sigstroker]

The Smith .380 EZ.

[Hefledthescene]

If you currently own a 9mm, take her out to the range and have her get some rounds downrange. It will give her a chance to get comfortable being around and handling a pistol, and you can teach her the basics of how to use the thing.

Ask her about how it feels in her hand and whether it's too big or small or whatever.

After your range shooting, go directly to a gun store and have her hold the g17 and 19 and any other 9mm contenders.

Takes all the guesswork out of choosing- and she ends up with something that fits her.

[elSquid]

Researching a self defense handgun while camping in our RV. Must be shootable by the wife. Probably 9mm or .40 cal?

What scenarios do you think are more likely than others?

If concealment is not an issue, and it'll be stored in the RV, then I'd want the option of a long gun.

Lever action rifle? 30-30 or 45-70 would be great, but the wife may find a 357 much more fun to shoot. More practice = more better.

Or pump shotgun? 12, 20 or 410, depending. A 12 is probably the best all round choice if you both can handle it, but a 410 shotgun is no joke, and it'll be easier to shoot for the missus ( and you ) than pretty much any handgun under stress.



Also consider that depending upon what state/city that you may find yourself in, a long gun may enjoy more legal protections than a handgun...especially back east.

So that's long guns.

Then perhaps something that can be quickly, safely, and discretely dropped into a pocket for those times when you are unsure of whether you'll need a gun quickly? DAO snubbie revolver such as a Ruger LCR, Smith Airweight, Colt Cobra, etc? One for each of you would be ideal...

I'm not sure of the utility of a full size handgun that won't be carried. If you need to go grab a gun from the RV, it might as well be a long gun.



-- Michael

[elSquid]

I'm not sure of the utility of a full size handgun that won't be carried. If you need to go grab a gun from the RV, it might as well be a long gun.

I completely forgot about the Calgun rifle du jour...

https://ruger.com/products/pcCarbine/models.html

Get one with a standard stock ( so you don't run afoul of CA AW laws ) and unthreaded barrel ( threaded barrel is an AW feature in some eastern states. )

-- Michael

[baranski]

My SO prefers the G17 over the G19, She shoots it very well.



It's usually accompanied by a G29.

[AdiosKali]

I say the Glock. Since you are stuck with neutered mags, the Glock mags seem easier to come by. Glocks are easy to work on and OEM and aftermarket parts are readily available. Like previously mentioned, invest in a good WML. Plus SA is on my do not buy list.