Best 9mm for a new female shooter?
- Thread starter bbousa
- Start date
If she isn't even willing to go to shops and try out guns will she really spend time practicing with this weapon and learning how to use it? Honestly, I would probably be telling her to get a revolver if I didn't think she was really going to be using it a lot. They are much better options as 'safe' guns that won't really get used.
Having said that, my sister is a similar build/age as her and she went with the glock 42. Small, easy to conceal, big enough to hold, and pretty low recoil as the 42 is a larger 380. She uses it for concealed carry and home defense.
Having said that, my sister is a similar build/age as her and she went with the glock 42. Small, easy to conceal, big enough to hold, and pretty low recoil as the 42 is a larger 380. She uses it for concealed carry and home defense.
Model12Win
Moderator
Why a 9mm?
Some nasty .380 loads out there that will do the job nicely. Something like a Glock 42 would be about perfect for her.
Some nasty .380 loads out there that will do the job nicely. Something like a Glock 42 would be about perfect for her.
Of course, it's an individual sort of thing. My wife was in a similar situation, although she had some shooting experience. In fact, she has a Taurus Ultra-lite and a S&W Air weight, both in .38 SPL, and both with recoil that she just can't handle (and we're not talking shooting +P); actually hurts her hand after 10 or so shots, even with wadcutters for practice. Now, if you have handguns for self-defense that you hate so much that you don't even want to practice... well, something has to be done.
Off to the range we go where she shot several pistols that were small enough to fit her well including a Glock 43, a Ruger LCP, and a Shield, all in 9mm. Once she shot the Shield, she was sold. Recoil?, I asked. What recoil she answered. Just as expected, the Shield is perfect in size, recoil management, and accuracy for my wife.
Off to the range we go where she shot several pistols that were small enough to fit her well including a Glock 43, a Ruger LCP, and a Shield, all in 9mm. Once she shot the Shield, she was sold. Recoil?, I asked. What recoil she answered. Just as expected, the Shield is perfect in size, recoil management, and accuracy for my wife.
cc-hangfire
New member
Based on the OP's two posts:
- 25 y.o. athletic female shooter
- grip size of Ruger SR22 and even SIG P226 is good, but she prefers the thinner (SR22) grip
- Recoil is not a problem with a full sized, metal frame gun, but single stack 9mm's have way too much recoil for her
- to keep it on her nightstand = home use, not carry
- she wants the OP to decide (oh man, that IS dangerous)
So, a compact or full size gun (night stand gun, absorbs recoil better) with an ergonomic grip, & polymer frame (lighter than the P226) & double stack (wider grip spreads the recoil impulse). Picking from the most commonly available & affordable:
1. S&W M&P 9c or even full size, 1st or 2nd gen
2. Springfield XD 9mm, compact or full size
3. CZ P07
4. SIG P320 - wait till the current drop/discharge issue gets worked out
There are others (Walther, Styer, Ruger, etc) that would work but aren't as common (=easy to find, have plenty of accessories like holsters, magazines, replacement sights, ...).
I have Glocks, and like them, but the grips on the double stacks are like a slightly contoured 2x4 board compared to the competition.
- 25 y.o. athletic female shooter
- grip size of Ruger SR22 and even SIG P226 is good, but she prefers the thinner (SR22) grip
- Recoil is not a problem with a full sized, metal frame gun, but single stack 9mm's have way too much recoil for her
- to keep it on her nightstand = home use, not carry
- she wants the OP to decide (oh man, that IS dangerous)
So, a compact or full size gun (night stand gun, absorbs recoil better) with an ergonomic grip, & polymer frame (lighter than the P226) & double stack (wider grip spreads the recoil impulse). Picking from the most commonly available & affordable:
1. S&W M&P 9c or even full size, 1st or 2nd gen
2. Springfield XD 9mm, compact or full size
3. CZ P07
4. SIG P320 - wait till the current drop/discharge issue gets worked out
There are others (Walther, Styer, Ruger, etc) that would work but aren't as common (=easy to find, have plenty of accessories like holsters, magazines, replacement sights, ...).
I have Glocks, and like them, but the grips on the double stacks are like a slightly contoured 2x4 board compared to the competition.
marine6680
New member
I would argue that pistols as small as a G42 are not the best thing for a new shooters.
The g42 is a soft shooter for it's size, but it's not a short shooter on the whole.
The g42 is a soft shooter for it's size, but it's not a short shooter on the whole.
My youngest daughter is 28 and athletic. Her favorite pistol is her Beretta PX4 Compact in 9 mm. The grip has a nice ergonomic shape, and three backstraps come with the pistol for size adjustment. Recoil is quite mild, due at least in part to the rotating barrel system. It just might be the softest shooting 9 mm I have run across. Not saying it will be the end-all in your situation, but it is worth having a gander if your and she run across one.
themalicious0ne
New member
Actually, my sister loved the PX4 storm too. She decided to go for a sig p938 and likes it for carry but doesnt like to shoot it much.
sigarms228
New member
Has she had any professional one on one instruction on pistol shooting? If not that would be a good place to start and many local ranges offer such for very reasonable investment. Learning basics of stance, grip, trigger control, and sight acquisition can do wonders for her shooting and help immensely in her picking out a pistol that works for her. Many of these sessions also offer the chance to try out a variety of pistols.
IMO the Walther PPS may be something for her to look at while she goes to the local gun store/range to try out what interests her. Glock 19 is also usually a safe bet to try out but there are so many fine choices.
The ladies tend to like the feel of the grip on my Walther PPQ and Steyr L9-A1 the best. They usually like PPQ the best overall because of it being lighter in weight than the L9-A1. When it's a Steyr M9-A1 it's closer to an even split with the PPQ. The Steyr M9-A1 or C9-A1 and Walther PPQ would be a good place to start. The PPQ will be easier to rack and the M9-A1 will have less recoil.
From a woman's perspective, here are a few I enjoy shooting, not in any particular order:
-M&P
-PPQ
-VP9
-P229 (I have 2 P226s i like too, but the P229 fits my hand a bit better)
-Hi-Power
-Not a 9 and might sound odd but S&W 1911SC E series - bobtail grip, commander size and incredible balance, ergonomically sounds and in spite of the lighter scandium frame handles recoil of the 45 like a champ. Try it to believe it. I like the government size too, but find i pull out the SC more often.
-Seriously consider 3rd gennie S&Ws, very nicely balanced and good shooters. 5903 is alloy frame and lighter than the 5906.
-Their forebear S&W 39-2 is a nearly perfect-feeling grip, bobtail just FITS - find one and it will be liked, plus accurate shooter.
-Beretta 92FS compact, tad better fit in the hand than the full-size 92
-CZ75B
I own all of the above mentioned, including the full sizes, so can speak with first-hand knowledge.
I own and carry a PM9, P938, 442 and a Shield. Other than the shield i would NOT recommend any of these as a first gun. The snappier recoil is too much of a distraction while learning. For carry, I do not recommend the P938 for a newbie due to the need for stone cold competency of dealing with a cocked and locked gun with a safery. THe PM9 and 442 revolver are DA so the trigger pull is the safety. The manual safety can be added to the repertory later in the game.
For one gun do-all for both carry and target practice, i would choose the Shield. I like it, and every woman who has shot mine instantly considers getting one, even if it means trading off what they already have. As easy to use as a spoon, good shooting, carryable and not bad on recoil at all.
Notice the absence of Glocks. Not a one in my collection, anywhere. They just do not fit my hand. One day i was at the range, and a couple was in the lane next to me. They had rented a glock of some sort, and a P226. The woman was a first time shooter, and fella was trying to get her interested in one of them to purchase. She liked the Sig, but thought it was a bit on the heavy side. She clearly was uncomfortable with the grip angle on the glock. I offered up the Shield i happened to have with me that day, and she loved it. She said it fit her hand much better than either the sig or the glock. (PS i am a sig fan-girl, and have six in 5 models, so this is not just a shield fan-girl thing)
Those who have recommended renting are spot on. ALternatively, if you can go shooting with other owners who will share, she might be able to experience a variety that way.
The big key is what fits HER hand. The only way to know is to try em all, I say!
-M&P
-PPQ
-VP9
-P229 (I have 2 P226s i like too, but the P229 fits my hand a bit better)
-Hi-Power
-Not a 9 and might sound odd but S&W 1911SC E series - bobtail grip, commander size and incredible balance, ergonomically sounds and in spite of the lighter scandium frame handles recoil of the 45 like a champ. Try it to believe it. I like the government size too, but find i pull out the SC more often.
-Seriously consider 3rd gennie S&Ws, very nicely balanced and good shooters. 5903 is alloy frame and lighter than the 5906.
-Their forebear S&W 39-2 is a nearly perfect-feeling grip, bobtail just FITS - find one and it will be liked, plus accurate shooter.
-Beretta 92FS compact, tad better fit in the hand than the full-size 92
-CZ75B
I own all of the above mentioned, including the full sizes, so can speak with first-hand knowledge.
I own and carry a PM9, P938, 442 and a Shield. Other than the shield i would NOT recommend any of these as a first gun. The snappier recoil is too much of a distraction while learning. For carry, I do not recommend the P938 for a newbie due to the need for stone cold competency of dealing with a cocked and locked gun with a safery. THe PM9 and 442 revolver are DA so the trigger pull is the safety. The manual safety can be added to the repertory later in the game.
For one gun do-all for both carry and target practice, i would choose the Shield. I like it, and every woman who has shot mine instantly considers getting one, even if it means trading off what they already have. As easy to use as a spoon, good shooting, carryable and not bad on recoil at all.
Notice the absence of Glocks. Not a one in my collection, anywhere. They just do not fit my hand. One day i was at the range, and a couple was in the lane next to me. They had rented a glock of some sort, and a P226. The woman was a first time shooter, and fella was trying to get her interested in one of them to purchase. She liked the Sig, but thought it was a bit on the heavy side. She clearly was uncomfortable with the grip angle on the glock. I offered up the Shield i happened to have with me that day, and she loved it. She said it fit her hand much better than either the sig or the glock. (PS i am a sig fan-girl, and have six in 5 models, so this is not just a shield fan-girl thing)
Those who have recommended renting are spot on. ALternatively, if you can go shooting with other owners who will share, she might be able to experience a variety that way.
The big key is what fits HER hand. The only way to know is to try em all, I say!
Last edited:
Doc Holliday 1950
New member
I went through this twice with my wife. She absolutely had to go to a few different ranges and test out about 10 different Pistols. Her final decision was to stick with her LCR 357 loaded with 38 specials. Go figure that one out. I said to her, OK, you made the right decision. Happy Wife, Happy Life.
(Emphasis mine) Key words being highlighted....
.My wife, after trying everything I own, will only consider shooting two guns - her Browning Buckmark Micro and her Winchester 9422 Trapper.
She picked them both out & won't have anything to do with anything else.
To the OP - take as many recommendations as possible, but, understand that in the long run - her gun will be what she decides it will be.
P.S. I'm so glad my wife fell in love with her Buckmark Micro......I got my High Standard Sport King back! She'd glommed onto that right before we got married...
Everyone who's shot it loves my Wife's Pink Taurus 24/7 Pro-C,
17 rds, double-stack mag, light slide & recoil...
problem is it's recalled...LOL
Its safety works just fine...so far...luckily.
Haven't found a G2 in our area to try out, but I'd guess it
would feel pretty much the same, just with better safety
features, and minus the Pink Color so far...but there's
always Cerakote
Smith & Wesson 3rd Gen's are always a favorite...
the 3900, 5900, and 6900 series are all winners!
And at this point, are selling like hotcakes at Bud's,
and other retailers.
As always, get her to at least HOLD a few dozen different ones.
You will know when she finds the right one, as she'll light up
like a Roman Candle. If she's just in it to "Please Pop", nothing
will do. Gun Show Time One way or the other, you'll find out.
And don't be surprised if it's an archaic Star B, which
is basically a 1911 without the grip safety in 9mm.
Lotta gals HATE the 1911 grip safety as it can pinch thier
more thin and delicate palm skin.
17 rds, double-stack mag, light slide & recoil...
problem is it's recalled...LOL
Its safety works just fine...so far...luckily.
Haven't found a G2 in our area to try out, but I'd guess it
would feel pretty much the same, just with better safety
features, and minus the Pink Color so far...but there's
always Cerakote
Smith & Wesson 3rd Gen's are always a favorite...
the 3900, 5900, and 6900 series are all winners!
And at this point, are selling like hotcakes at Bud's,
and other retailers.
As always, get her to at least HOLD a few dozen different ones.
You will know when she finds the right one, as she'll light up
like a Roman Candle. If she's just in it to "Please Pop", nothing
will do. Gun Show Time
One way or the other, you'll find out.And don't be surprised if it's an archaic Star B, which
is basically a 1911 without the grip safety in 9mm.
Lotta gals HATE the 1911 grip safety as it can pinch thier
more thin and delicate palm skin.
I instruct a Women's Only Firearm SD class.
Up front I tell ladies not to buy a gun until they attend the class. Our club furnished just about every hand gun imaginable having the ladies try as many as possible to see what fits them.
We dont push toward any certain gun. Not all people are the same, just like shoes, not all shoes fit the same feet.
TRY AS MANY AS POSSIBLE.
Do not let someone else choose your hand gun.
Up front I tell ladies not to buy a gun until they attend the class. Our club furnished just about every hand gun imaginable having the ladies try as many as possible to see what fits them.
We dont push toward any certain gun. Not all people are the same, just like shoes, not all shoes fit the same feet.
TRY AS MANY AS POSSIBLE.
Do not let someone else choose your hand gun.
Glenn E. Meyer
New member
One must add www.corneredcat.com as an excellent resource for info on these issues.
I would also like to second the suggestion for quality instruction, esp. with a class cognizant of gender issues in firearm usage. That's the best step you could take.
Vicki Farnam gave a great presentation on why men shouldn't pick guns for others. I saw some guy get twisted in knots because his wife didn't like his choice for her of a super compact 1911 - the ultimate stopper.
I would also like to second the suggestion for quality instruction, esp. with a class cognizant of gender issues in firearm usage. That's the best step you could take.
Vicki Farnam gave a great presentation on why men shouldn't pick guns for others. I saw some guy get twisted in knots because his wife didn't like his choice for her of a super compact 1911 - the ultimate stopper.
larryh1108
New member
I haven't seen it suggested but the Remington R51 sounds like it's worth a shot (pun intended). It is single stack, light (aluminum) and due to the design it is easier to rack the slide and recoil is less than a typical blow back design due to the barrel inside the recoil spring design. It also has a nice look to it.