conceal gun for my wife

My wife picked herself a CZ75 compact and she absolutely loves it.

14 rounds of 9mm, cocked and locked, with an all steel frame so there's not much recoil. $550 and it even came with night sights.
 
The question I have is a 38 special too much in a small frame gun, and will it kick too much?
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It can be a handful with certain +P ammo, but it certainly doesn't have to be. There are effective std 38spl loads available that are easy shooting even in a lightweight snub. The Hornady Critical Defense, for one. Federal 125gr Nyclad for another.

My S&W 642 is my favorite carry piece. I've shot almost every 38spl load through it, +P and std. Generally, the lighter bullet weights like 110gr are a lot easier on the hand. If recoil is a concern, I'd stay far away from the fire-breathing +P loads from Buffalo Bore. ;)
 
#1 Rule when talking here about firearms and ladies...

Listen to Pax

That being said, one suggestion for your lady's consideration that I recommend is the Smith and Wesson Model 60 in a 2" or 3" barrel. It is a J-Frame so it's small and compact, but is steel-framed and chambered for .357 magnum. The extra weight will soak up the recoil, and a solid .38 special+P is a perfectly respectable defense load that will most likely perform just fine.

model60large.jpg


~LT
 
Pax has good advice, I made that mistake once. Give her the opportunity to try the guns SHE is interested in then let her pick for her self. My wife has poor hand strength, does not like muzzle blast and will only carry small light guns.

She has a LCR that works for her. The S&W 317 and 442 that she had were both sold, her S&W 422 is the gun she really likes but it is to big for purse carry. You would not want some one to pick out your gun so why expect her to want you to pick one for her. :D
 
+1 on the Smith and Wesson Model 60

I just went through this process with a 60 year old woman (my brother's wife's mother). I found her a new in box model 60 no lock for $475. The single action is fun, gives them confidence, and just works better for her, especially at first. She has so much fun rolling cans with it she is now my shooting buddy.

They can learn to draw with thumb on hammer to prevent snags. Or you could get the shroud hammer model 38, 49, 638, or 649 though they can get lint in the slot behind the hammer.
 
If she doesn't like it, won't shoot it because of.......
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...and the corollary to this is, if she is anything like my wife, if she makes the "wrong" choice (especially if it was against your advice) she will probably work hard to prove it was the "right" choice and it will become so.
 
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