So, racking slides...

[wayno21]

+1 for Bonnie,
As an instructor we part knowleged to students, we instruct on basic/fundamentals of firearms. Grip, stance, breath, sight picture etc. OP has overlooked how people learn, three types; see it, hear it and do it. Some may use one or all three methods. I am local to sacamento, well folsom to be exact. If you like i can offer some help.

[Tripper]

Listen to Bonnie
Take her to and Give her the opportunity to do the shopping (not Let her, that seems as he's the boss), forget what you think about calibers, my wife and daughter (of quite small stature) find the 1911 in .45 easier to rack/operate than any other gun I have, as well as having no problem with the recoil, while at the same time hating the recoil of my glock 23 and 30
As to caliber, I know many cops that absolutely swear by their 380 and won't carry anything else off duty, the right ammo makes the diff to them, along with round capacity. The only drawback they ever have on the 380 is accuracy and longer ranges
I'm gonna bet she will probably love a 1911, find a range that has lots of guns for rent, and try them all

[stilly]

Let's not discount the 22 magnum too much here. It can still be a day ruiner AND also carry 8-10 rounds in a wheel gun.

[Caligirl2]

Racking

HI- I had the same issue- and as my man is a Ambassador with Front sights- he taught me to do the "push" method- and I do not pull the slide at all- I push with my other hand and this makes it much easier-
I was using a Springfield XD- 9mm and it was very difficult at first- but with practice and time I can now do it very easily. It was suggested to me by a gun shop to buy a "hand exerciser" to strengthen my hands and wrists and that has helped as well.
I also bought a S & W MP 9mm- and it is much easier to rack....
As a final thought- paint the gun PINK- it helps!!
Good Luck!!

[stilly]

My wife has trouble racking the slide on any 9mm(or 380) that I've had her try. I've heard from numerous people that it is the technique that is wrong, but I've tried to teach her with videos that describe the "correct" way and I cant find what's wrong with her technique.

I'm at a loss. I don't want her carrying anything smaller than a 9mm, and I don't want her carrying a revolver (because of the capacity limitations; 10 rounds is bad enough without cutting it in half) She can shoot my Berretta just fine, and can rack the slide with difficulty, but finds it too heavy and bulky for her taste. The smaller guns are even harder to rack, and come with more recoil.

Any tips? Anyone in Sacramento area want to take her shooting and let her try out some different 9mm's? (I can provide her with ammo if your guns don't mind steel cases)


Thanks for your help!

Stay away from Sar K2s. You only get a half inch of slide to grab on to.

[Blackhorse2010]

Like others have said, It's all about technique.
My wife is tiny and had trouble working the slide on ALL pistols until we worked on her technique.
She now runs and carries an XD-S and has no problems with any of our pistols.

[geedavell]

a six shot revolver is better than a 15 round gun that she cant operate.

+1
If she can't operate it, she shouldn't be carrying it

[David13]

I wonder who knows how many have been killed with one .22 shot to the head?
Anyway, push is usually easier, and is no more strength than required for various other tasks.
She should make her own decisions as to purchase, definitely.
I think practice is what is needed, with a good technique.
Remember those videos about the 100 pound woman who picks the Harley up after it falls over?
It's technique.
The only thing I know is, don't put the finger into the ejection port.
dc

[BonnieB]

I wonder who knows how many have been killed with one .22 shot to the head?
Anyway, push is usually easier, and is no more strength than required for various other tasks.
She should make her own decisions as to purchase, definitely.
I think practice is what is needed, with a good technique.
Remember those videos about the 100 pound woman who picks the Harley up after it falls over?
It's technique.
The only thing I know is, don't put the finger into the ejection port.
dc

In passing and somewhat OT, it IS all about technique. Back when, when I weighed about 128 pounds, I was in the Harley dealership one day with a friend. It was kinda slow, so at my request, the salesman laid some bikes and let me pick 'em up. I topped out at the 1250 cc, about 650 pounds. I could do it, but I was at my limit, my feet were slipping on the linoleum. (It's all about leverage. )Why would I do that? In case I was ever out in the boonies and had to pick a bike up on my own. Ya gotta know where your limits really are....

[vintagearms]

I understand that revolvers are reliable and simple. I don't like the limited capacity. You guys are completely ignoring the multiple attacker argument

Really? Are we in fantasy land now? I will assume while she is carrying a handgun, she will also be on the phone calling/or have called 911. Don't let your paranoia interfere with your wife's safety. Get her a revolver and training....

[tommyfly]

A .380+P Semi-auto would be worth looking at.

id like to second this notion. My Dad was SWAT for 25+ years, and now his EDC is a .380, not a bad little caliber.

hell, i believe most deaths in the U.S. are from .22lr

[scarry scarney]

One option, that no one has mentioned is the "Brass Stacker, Slide Pull"

http://brassstacker.com/glock/Glock-Slide-Pull-Charging-Handle-G-SP.html

Brass Stacker also makes it for XD as well. I known that they are working on designs for other pistols.

The slide pull, looks "funky," but it works, does not mar the finish, and can be removed. Most holsters will still function. I also recommend the slide pull for people with arthritis as well.

[Ritchie8719]

You guys are completely ignoring the multiple attacker argument

Anything else we should consider? Is shooting underwater a possibility?

I bet she could overhand rack with practice (it tightens the grip, the reverse of slingshot)

[CindyASK]

Really, what Bonnie said.

I post this for the other lurking newbie ladies, not necessarily for the OP.

I'm a gal. Started with a .380 because it was 'available'. Tough to manipulate because it IS small. A goodhearted guy showed me how to 'PUSH' to rack. A few goodhearted guys offered lots of try-it-out time on different models.
I said - I like this about this and that about that. Semi-auto and wheels. Tried rental guns at the range. Nothing really spoke to me.

Another clear head said - make a list of features you like, then shop for something that has the most of what you like. Duh. What an epiphany.
My partner had the sense to stay OUT of this process.

I got a 9mm single stack. It fits my hand, my carry style, has enough rounds and caliber that no one gives me s*** at the range. But maybe that's cuz I shoot it enough to be very accurate. . (Ladysmith 3913) It got easier to slide as it broke in, more ammo shot, easier to use, my better technique.

I take it as important to mentor any other ladies who express any shooting interest. There are two types of 'helpers', IME, the one who wants me to do things 'their way' since they know best, versus the one who listens to what motivates me and points me to making my own informed decision.

Thanks to the many CalGunners who have posted informational, stable, reference materials for the newcomers.

[IntoForever]

HI- I had the same issue- and as my man is a Ambassador with Front sights- he taught me to do the "push" method- and I do not pull the slide at all- I push with my other hand and this makes it much easier-
I was using a Springfield XD- 9mm and it was very difficult at first- but with practice and time I can now do it very easily. It was suggested to me by a gun shop to buy a "hand exerciser" to strengthen my hands and wrists and that has helped as well.
I also bought a S & W MP 9mm- and it is much easier to rack....
As a final thought- paint the gun PINK- it helps!!
Good Luck!!

^THIS^
When I seriously sprained my wrist I switched to the punch through. Turn sideways to the pistol keeping the barrel pointed in the safe direction, hold with left and literally punch through to rack, forcing the left to slip off. This also prevents riding the slide forward and keeps the firearm close to my center for more control/strength. With light work out by constantly racking she should get used to it and develop those muscles. Good luck.