CCW suggestions for the wife?

[tragic59]

I'm new to guns, and even newer to Calguns, so forgive the newbie question.

I promise that I tried to use search to answer this for myself, but didn't come up with anything definitive, as most threads on the subject seemed alot more specific than my question is.

My wife is going to get her CCW permit, and we will be buying our first handgun with the intention of her carrying it with her.

I have a list of criteria that we are looking for in a gun, but have no idea where to begin narrowing down all the choices (not even all the choices available for test drives at the local range) that are out there to meet these criteria.

The criteria, in order of importance to us (her) are:

-reliability & ease of use (is it idiot proof?)
-stopping power (will it stop the bad guy if she has to use it?)
-weight/size (she has smallish hands and doesn't want to lug a cannon around in her purse)
-price (we're not rich, but we don't want to sacrifice the first 3 priorities)

Any recommendations on what to look for? Or other priorities we should consider?

I'm interested in both general recommendations (ie: semi-auto vs revolver or 9mm vs .380) and recommendations for specific makes and models.

She isn't a large woman, but she's not prissy either, so I don't expect her to have problems with recoil...

[Rekrab]

Let's get right to it: go to the range and rent.

People on here will tell you everything from "Get a Bersa .380" to "Get a Ruger Alaskan!"

Reliability will typically be better in revolvers. Something like a sp101 might be a good choice because it's fairly weighty and can be loaded with .357 if that's your desire but still small enough to be concealed.

For an auto-loader I like my Bersa .380. But I'm not a CCW holder. I only carry in the comfort of my own home. It's light and small enough that I can stick it in my back pocket and barely notice it.

Don't automatically assume light/small is going to be best. Light also means more felt recoil. A lot of people make the mistake of giving their wives/girlfriends airsmiths and the recoil is too much because the gun weighs nearly nothing.

I think, considering your criteria of cheap, reliable, stopping power and weight a Ruger SP-101 snub would be very worth checking out. Failing that, the Bersa Thunder .380 is good if you're OK with .380 ACP.

[Miltiades]

Suggestions

I believe that either a short barrel .38 revolver or a small 9mm semiauto would be best, given your list of requirements. Some suggestions would include:

1. S&W model 36 or 60 - 5 shots, .38 special, all steel.
2. Colt Detective Special - 6 shots, .38 special, all steel.
3. Kahr K9 - 9mm, all steel, 7+1 shots
4. Glock model 26 - 9mm, polymer frame, 10 + 1 shots
5. S&W model 3913 - 9mm, aluminum frame, 8+1 shots
6. Sig P239 - 9mm, aluminum frame, 8+1 shots.

Good luck.

[Lucky Scott]

My wife started with a .25 cal Beretta, but we wanted a bigger caliber.
Then she went to a full size 9 mm S & W but it was too big for CCW,
Now she carries a Smith and Wesson Lady Smith 9mm. it is perfect for her.
Smaller than a full size, still has the 9mm caliber, and has two magazines with 8 rounds each.

She has tried my revolvers and .40 cal but prefers the lady Smith 9mm.

[qaz987]

"Reliability will typically be better in revolvers. Something like a sp101 might be a good choice because it's fairly weighty and can be loaded with .357 if that's your desire but still small enough to be concealed."

Rekrab is right on the money! Especially for a new ccw holder.

[tragic59]

Thanks alot. You Calgunners are great.

We intend to go do some "test driving" at the range, but I wanted to get our choices narrowed down a bit, so that we know the gun she likes shooting is one that will actually serve well as a CCW.

I appreciate the insights, and feel free to keep them coming.

What's an sp101?

If I'm correct, I'm seeing a trend toward .357, .380 or 9mm as the calibre, which is what I had imagined it would be. Do those calibres seem to be the best choice for walking the line between stopping power and concealability?

[HCz]

What's an sp101?

Ruger Sp 101

[The Original Godfather]

What's an sp101?

A model of a Ruger revolver.


Never owned nor fired one, but it's a revolver I'm considering. No one around has one to rent, but from what I've read and what I'm looking for (pretty much the same things you're looking for), I think it fits my bill perfectly...

http://www.ruger.com/products/sp101/index.html

1. Is it Idiot proof? - It's Double Action and a revolver, so your wife doesnt have to worry much about jamming or have to remember to cycle the action before shooting. Just point and pull the trigger (and aim of course.)

2. Stopping power - can be loaded with .357 magnum ammo or .38 special. .38 special should suffice for most self defense situations.

3. Weight - see the link above.

4. Price - it's worth it for everything listed above.

[mcsoupman]

OP, welcome to Calguns. The people here are great. Ask any question you want . . . er. . . well make sure it is in the right forum first.

The smaller calibers are easier to handle and you have some natural benefits toward conceal ability.

It will always come down to what she is comfortable with.

I also didn't see where you live. Make sure you know the tendencies of your county on issuing CCWs.

[The Original Godfather]

OP, welcome to Calguns. The people here are great. Ask any question you want . . . er. . . well make sure it is in the right forum first.

The smaller calibers are easier to handle and you have some natural benefits toward conceal ability.

It will always come down to what she is comfortable with.

I also didn't see where you live. Make sure you know the tendencies of your county on issuing CCWs.

I see you're in Fresno county, pretty easy to get a CCW huh?

[Rekrab]

OG,

I believe OC Indoor has the SP-101 to rent but I'm not certain. Also, I've got no idea where you are!

[tragic59]

We are also in Fresno County. Just heard our Sherriff on the radio the other day bragging about 10% of ALL the CCW's in the state coming from her county.

Have also heard that she regularly makes comments about more women needing to attend the CCW classes and learn to shoot.

I don't think the CCW will be too difficult to obtain.

[tragic59]

Another follow-up question. I notice the SP101 is available with "lasergrips"...

Based on what I've heard about lasergrips, they seem like a great choice for my wife's CCW gun. Sort of remove doubt about her aim in the heat of the moment.

Does anyone have any input or experiences with them?

Thanks again for all the input so far!

[The Original Godfather]

Another follow-up question. I notice the SP101 is available with "lasergrips"...

Based on what I've heard about lasergrips, they seem like a great choice for my wife's CCW gun. Sort of remove doubt about her aim in the heat of the moment.

Does anyone have any input or experiences with them?

Thanks again for all the input so far!

In many self defense situations, a laser grip would not be necessary, nor do I think it would be effective.

There are many different scenarios running through my mind, but the common thread with all of them is that a threat would happen and end quickly and happen within close proximity, rendering a laser unnecessary if at all effective.

It wouldn't hurt in a self defense situation, but under stress and the time constraints and objective of use (hit center mass, we're not target shooting...) a laser isn't going to make a significant enough improvement, at least not for the extra money...

[The Original Godfather]

OG,

I believe OC Indoor has the SP-101 to rent but I'm not certain. Also, I've got no idea where you are!

Thanks!

But I'm in Northern CA, where unemployment is near 12%, houses are worth less than half of what's owed on them, and where all the high tech engi-nerds work (if they haven't already been laid off that is...)