Help choosing a gun

[penguin0123]

Hi,

I need some advice on choosing a handgun for a female household member. She has low finger strength and has trouble actuating buttons and the DA-trigger on my P6. Because she has trouble taking off the safety, a 1911 isn't viable.

What are your recommendations?
1) I'm thinking a six-gun in 38. If so, what models do you recommend?
2) What is the difference in muzzle blast between a 4" and a snub?
3) Are there legal ramifications I need to be aware of if I choose to change the springs to lighten the DA pull.
4) I notice most stock grips on a six-gun put the middle finger as high as the trigger finger where as a self loader puts it below the trigger finger. Why is that? I've seen an aftermarket metal piece that can be put on a six-gun to bring the middle finger down below the trigger finger. (don't know the proper terminology... sry)

In case anyone is interested, the beauty shots of my P6 is here and I'll be happy explain the lighting on request.

[drdarrin@sbcglobal.net]

All great questions but the best advise I can give you let her pick it out. She will narrow it down to what fits her.

[g_conway]

Take her to ranges with rental guns to narrow down the field.
Steel vs polymer, revolver vs Semi, grip size, caliber, etc.
You will have a much better chance of making her happy that way.

[glock21fan]

Whichever she can shoot. Yes alteration of trigger pull can be used against you in court

[Atlantaboi2012]

Taser is better. Something to consider. The worst thing is hesitation. Hate to have any lethal weapon turned against you.

[Lovin]

A dog.

[CenterX]

Let her try them and pick one - but like Atlantaboi2012 hints -
Does She Have The Will to Kill in order to Live?

If not then a shocking device would be a better choice. Again let her handle them and make the selection. Most gun shops sell them. Call around.

[drunktank]

Awesome lighting!

Have her try out some S&W revolvers at the range. It's the beat way for her to feel the differences in recoil.

[evolution1974]

In my experience, most new shooters tend to do better with the K frame revolvers. They seem to have the right amount of heft and soak up recoil without being too heavy. Snub nose revolvers will have more felt recoil and muzzle blast than a 4" revolver in the same model.

I think the grip you're referring to is the Tyler T Grip. I recently took out a new shooter to try out various revolvers including a 3" Ruger SP101, 4" Ruger Security Six with Tyler T Grip, 3" S&W Model 60 and 4" S&W Model 13. The shooter liked the Mod 60 because it was lighter than the others but the difference in recoil was obvious when switching between the K and J frame revolvers. She shot mostly 38 special but did try out a few shots with 38 plus P and 357 mag. She had good groups shooting 38 specials out of the Ruger Sec Six.

My recommendation would be to take her to the range and rent as many revolvers as possible. Then have her pick the one that feels best in her hands and that she groups well with. Please note that the grip used on semi auto pistols is different than the grip used on revolvers (YouTube it). I prefer a high grip and low bore axis when shooting handguns but most new shooters grip revolvers lower than they should. Good luck.

Ruger Sec Six with Tyler T Grip


S&W Model 13


S&W Model 60 and SP101