Daughter wants handgun

[G-forceJunkie]

44mag, 454 casull, 10mm...Are you all high or stupid? This is a NEW SHOOTER asking about a FIRST GUN!

I always recommend starting with a .22lr. Good cheap way to learn, gain confidence, learn proper marksmenship without ingraining a flinch, etc.

Then she should probably get some sort of 9mm. GLock 19 would be perfect since she is already familiar with it.

After some classes and shooting at least 1000 rounds of 9mm in practice, then if she wants a large caliber "bear gun", go for it.

[Subotai]

357 with 4" barrel. Works well enough on threats and doesn't kick as much as a .44. Therefore, more chance of rounds on target.

[Pranqster]

44mag, 454 casull, 10mm...Are you all high or stupid? This is a NEW SHOOTER asking about a FIRST GUN!

I always recommend starting with a .22lr. Good cheap way to learn, gain confidence, learn proper marksmenship without ingraining a flinch, etc.

Then she should probably get some sort of 9mm. GLock 19 would be perfect since she is already familiar with it.

After some classes and shooting at least 1000 rounds of 9mm in practice, then if she wants a large caliber "bear gun", go for it.

my thoughts exactly

[Sutcliffe]

[edgerly779]

In Alaska a shotgun with slugs is what pros carry. State troopers, fish & game, a lot of guides and locals.

[BigPimping]

A class and a trip to a rental range would be helpful.

[plinker202020]

Is she planning to hike in the cold months? Not sure how thick layers of clothing affect 9mm penetration on bad guys. Will it still reach the lungs?

[Brush Guard]

A carried 9mm (because its comfortable) is better than a .44 left at home.
Anchorage is a pretty big city and I would be far more concerned with 2 legged predators than 4 unless I was out of the city.
Whatever she is most comfortable carrying and shooting would be the first 2 criteria for me.

A woman was killed by bear on the walking path in Anchorage when I was up there in 2001.

[Epaphroditus]

There are many good reasons to properly instruct ones children from an early age on firearms history, use and safety.

[Puckinhead]

44mag, 454 casull, 10mm...Are you all high or stupid? This is a NEW SHOOTER asking about a FIRST GUN!

I always recommend starting with a .22lr. Good cheap way to learn, gain confidence, learn proper marksmenship without ingraining a flinch, etc.

Then she should probably get some sort of 9mm. GLock 19 would be perfect since she is already familiar with it.

After some classes and shooting at least 1000 rounds of 9mm in practice, then if she wants a large caliber "bear gun", go for it.

This is what I am thinking! Maybe minus the .22 which I forgot to mention she did shoot early on. NO way would I think a 454 casull would be good for her right now. Yes that is the ultimate but we are a little bit away from that.

[Puckinhead]

In Alaska a shotgun with slugs is what pros carry. State troopers, fish & game, a lot of guides and locals.

This is what she has seen on the trails. Lots of people with shotguns.

[FeuerFrei]

Boondocking in AK and getting advice from locals is a common sense first step. "when in Rome..."
If this adult child can't do firearms correctly then AK is the wrong place to visit/live. AK is still critter country and men/women should realize they are not the top of the food chain when they go for a stroll.

*Adult children should sort this stuff out on their own.
I never give advice unless asked and then I leave it alone after I've said my piece.

[finsfan21]

A woman was killed by bear on the walking path in Anchorage when I was up there in 2001.

Ok, an anecdote from 21 years ago? That doesnt really mean much.

[Puckinhead]

Boondocking in AK and getting advice from locals is a common sense first step.

Not sure that you and I have the same definition of boondocking. I would think that would not be a common sense first step??

[kenl]

357 with 4" barrel. Works well enough on threats and doesn't kick as much as a .44. Therefore, more chance of rounds on target.

Agree with this. Advantage is she can train with .38 specials while working up to her full powered .357mag carry load.

Or she can do the same with a .44mag; train with specials while carrying mags. With a semiauto, 10mm is probably the best. Use .40s&w without a barrel swap or a 9mm conversion barrel for training.