Gun for my wife
- Thread starter ryan huddleston
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carguychris
New member
FWIW S&W discontinued all of their .32 H&R Mag products several years ago. They were slow sellers, but in the world of S&W collecting, this means that they're now coveted collector's items.
S&W has made one 6-shot J frame in .327FedMag, the 632 Carry Comp, but it's somewhat expensive and difficult to find.
I'd suggest the same- a S&W all-steel J frame in .357Mag or .38Spl, Model 36 or Model 60, with a 3" heavy barrel. They also offer their Airweight alloy frame M637 (spurred hammer) and M642 (concealed hammer) in "Power Port Pro" form with ported barrels, which should make recoil more manageable than usual for a lightweight revolver. .38Spl gives you the option of starting out with 148gr target wadcutters and ratcheting up the power as she feels comfortable.
My wife also has very small hands, and she's had good luck with 9mm Kahr products (PM9/CW9) and the S&W M&P9c with the size "small" backstrap insert. The latter is her current favorite.
These guns are usually shipped with the "medium" insert installed. If you want to test out the small insert at the gun store, drop the mag, twist the little tab at the bottom of the grip 90 degrees, then pull the takedown tool straight down; it will probably take a little wiggling. With the takedown tool removed, the insert will pop right out so you can replace it.Robert Johnson
New member
In my experience women shoot better with CZ pistols than any other. The grip is perfect and the reverse slide reduces perceived recoil. Both my Mom (5'2") and my Wife (5'10") obtained there CCW while qualifying with there own CZ PCR 9mm.
I have taught other females how to shoot and in each case the CZ is the easiest to shoot pistol....You cant buy a better quality pistol for less money either.
I have taught other females how to shoot and in each case the CZ is the easiest to shoot pistol....You cant buy a better quality pistol for less money either.
I ditto the suggestions of the .32 Mag and .327 Fed Mag. The S&W J snubbies in the former (431 hammer'd, 432 not) are still out there, occasionally found at "ok" prices...and it hasn't been several but a just a few years. These are very nice with Georgia Arms' 100 gr JHP. The Ruger SP101 .327 shot with a steady diet of .32 Mag should be pretty low on recoil with this heavy(er than J) gun, with .327s reserved for the "real thing" (SD)...taking just enough range time to be familiar with its characteristics.
One of the better deals out there in a new firearm: Rossi has a nice 6-shot .357 "J+" (or comparing to Colt, D) frame'd snubbie that'd be just dandy shooting .38s through as a regular diet...and with parent company Taurus' lifetime warranty. This gun is remarkably close in size and look to the vaunted Colt Detective (D frame) of 6 shot/.38 class snubbies, which market (small frame but 6 shot) has inexplicably gone unanswered for more than two decades--til Rossi--that I know of. And now Taurus is just announcing a new small frame 6-shot snub--presumably like its Rossi cousin--but .38 Special-only...maybe not wanting to hone in on its own (Rossi) territory?
Also, find her a nice pre-lock 3" K-frame .357 - Model 65..more than a "snub" but still a 6 shot .357 and, again, shoot .38s and .38+Ps as its regular diet. These came in a few different forms, including no lug (ejector shroud)--which is most common and least expensive--and the now rare(ish) Lady Smith, perhaps the nicest K made, with its unique blend of fixed sight, 3", full shroud and satin stainless. The 66 Combat Magnum was its regular (shiny) stainless, adjustable sight equivalent. Both of these are getting harder to find and pricier as a result. But, they are not yet that old as to be abused or shot out in most of the examples I've run across. None of these are intended for a steady diet of hot 125 grain .357s (advanced wear if shot enough with) but are fine with the classic 158s..and are relative pussycats shooting the .38s.
One of the better deals out there in a new firearm: Rossi has a nice 6-shot .357 "J+" (or comparing to Colt, D) frame'd snubbie that'd be just dandy shooting .38s through as a regular diet...and with parent company Taurus' lifetime warranty. This gun is remarkably close in size and look to the vaunted Colt Detective (D frame) of 6 shot/.38 class snubbies, which market (small frame but 6 shot) has inexplicably gone unanswered for more than two decades--til Rossi--that I know of. And now Taurus is just announcing a new small frame 6-shot snub--presumably like its Rossi cousin--but .38 Special-only...maybe not wanting to hone in on its own (Rossi) territory?
Also, find her a nice pre-lock 3" K-frame .357 - Model 65..more than a "snub" but still a 6 shot .357 and, again, shoot .38s and .38+Ps as its regular diet. These came in a few different forms, including no lug (ejector shroud)--which is most common and least expensive--and the now rare(ish) Lady Smith, perhaps the nicest K made, with its unique blend of fixed sight, 3", full shroud and satin stainless. The 66 Combat Magnum was its regular (shiny) stainless, adjustable sight equivalent. Both of these are getting harder to find and pricier as a result. But, they are not yet that old as to be abused or shot out in most of the examples I've run across. None of these are intended for a steady diet of hot 125 grain .357s (advanced wear if shot enough with) but are fine with the classic 158s..and are relative pussycats shooting the .38s.
Just something to consider: She doesn't have to use premium high-velocity-super-charge-ultrakill SD rounds. If she's having issues with recoil, there are always effective ammo choices that don't kick as hard. I would certainly consider that before doing something silly like going for a .22 mag.
If she'll train enough to be comfortable...
... with clearing stoppages, then I'd recommend a CZ (in which case stoppage rates are close to zero, but still possible). I agree with a previous poster that the CZ grip contours are very friendly to a wide range of hands; the caveat would be that if she has short fingers, she may have trouble reaching the DA trigger position.
Of course, if she's going to train with it properly, she could go with a B model CZ75 and use it cocked and locked, which takes the DA position out of the equation.
Another SA auto that is very friendly to smaller hands is the Browning Hi-Power. Pricey, but worth it.
However, you really should take her somewhere that will let her try out guns. Don't know where you are, but if you are in MA you can go to NH; if in NY you can go to PA or VT. If you're elsewhere, you can figure it out, but pretty much every unfriendly state has a gun-friendly state or two within driving distance.
... with clearing stoppages, then I'd recommend a CZ (in which case stoppage rates are close to zero, but still possible). I agree with a previous poster that the CZ grip contours are very friendly to a wide range of hands; the caveat would be that if she has short fingers, she may have trouble reaching the DA trigger position.
Of course, if she's going to train with it properly, she could go with a B model CZ75 and use it cocked and locked, which takes the DA position out of the equation.
Another SA auto that is very friendly to smaller hands is the Browning Hi-Power. Pricey, but worth it.
However, you really should take her somewhere that will let her try out guns. Don't know where you are, but if you are in MA you can go to NH; if in NY you can go to PA or VT. If you're elsewhere, you can figure it out, but pretty much every unfriendly state has a gun-friendly state or two within driving distance.
Yankee Traveler
New member
If she is not going to choose for herself...use this as an excuse!!!
Buy yourself a P22 and let her use it.
Then buy yourself a .380 whatever, and let her use it.
Then buy yourself another 9mm whatever and let her use it...
Then go ahead and get yourself a .45...unless you would rather have a .357 in your collection...
You'll either have an AWESOME collection by the time your done, or she'll pick out what she wants...
Buy yourself a P22 and let her use it.
Then buy yourself a .380 whatever, and let her use it.
Then buy yourself another 9mm whatever and let her use it...
Then go ahead and get yourself a .45...unless you would rather have a .357 in your collection...
You'll either have an AWESOME collection by the time your done, or she'll pick out what she wants...
ryan huddleston
New member
^^^^ I like that answer
Im going to look at the m&p as well. I also talked her into going to a gun store with me on friday!
Im going to look at the m&p as well. I also talked her into going to a gun store with me on friday!I kinda like Yankee's strategy, but I see it getting a bit expensive
I've seen a lot of recommendations for .32/.327/.380 calibers, and I'm inclined to disagree. You mentioned that you're not near a gun shop, which means you're going to need a gun chambered in a caliber you can find, say, in WalMart.
That'll mean sticking with a service caliber like 9mm or .38. Sticking with Yankee's logic, everyone does need a good medium-frame .38 in the collection, so consider that. Ditto for a medium-frame .357, which can shoot .38's.
You mentioned she was OK with the recoil of the Sigma. Any 9mm pistol of similar or greater weight will therefore work. The Glock is very similar, though (and I can't believe I'm saying this) it has a better trigger.
I've seen a lot of recommendations for .32/.327/.380 calibers, and I'm inclined to disagree. You mentioned that you're not near a gun shop, which means you're going to need a gun chambered in a caliber you can find, say, in WalMart.
That'll mean sticking with a service caliber like 9mm or .38. Sticking with Yankee's logic, everyone does need a good medium-frame .38 in the collection, so consider that. Ditto for a medium-frame .357, which can shoot .38's.
You mentioned she was OK with the recoil of the Sigma. Any 9mm pistol of similar or greater weight will therefore work. The Glock is very similar, though (and I can't believe I'm saying this) it has a better trigger.
ryan huddleston
New member
well I am near a gun store but no one rents guns.
Don't know where you are, Ryan...
... but I'd be willing to bet, if you started a thread that asked, "where is the nearest range to my area that rents guns?" and then in the body of the thread gave your general location, by the end of the night you'd have some posts giving you some recommendations.
... but I'd be willing to bet, if you started a thread that asked, "where is the nearest range to my area that rents guns?" and then in the body of the thread gave your general location, by the end of the night you'd have some posts giving you some recommendations.
It is a matter of attitude, as much as physical size & strength
My mother was 4'11 1/2", weighed 90-100lbs, wore a size 3 1/2 ring, and could shoot my Dad's 6" S&W Model 28 .357 magnum. She could handle a Colt Govt model (1911A1) in .38 Super. These guns were not ideal for her, but she could do it.
She could not, however, manage an Ortgies .25acp. She did not have the gripping strength in her hands needed to rack the slide (with a small gripping area) against the fairly strong spring.
Her personal choice handgun was a Ruger Super Bearcat (.22LR). She did not ccw a pistol, but would open (holster) carry the Bearcat from time to time. She was comfortable (and quite accurate) with the gun. Also, she was competent with a double barrel 12 ga shotgun, which she would fire "from the hip". Between these two, she felt adequately armed for home defense. I also saw this woman corner an 1,100lb angus bull, and hold it at bay for a couple hours (until Dad got home) with just a pitchfork, when I was a young boy. Its a lot about attitude, and a little about knowing how to do it.
Your wife's gun should be something she is comfortable with, and can operate easily. The specific caliber is the least important factor. Personally, I would see if she can get comfortable with the balance of a mid size .38/.357 revolver. Custom grips and an action/trigger job could make a world of difference. But any gun, even a .22 that she is willing to use, and feels confidence in her abilities with, is better than no gun, or a gun she isn't happy with.
My mother was 4'11 1/2", weighed 90-100lbs, wore a size 3 1/2 ring, and could shoot my Dad's 6" S&W Model 28 .357 magnum. She could handle a Colt Govt model (1911A1) in .38 Super. These guns were not ideal for her, but she could do it.
She could not, however, manage an Ortgies .25acp. She did not have the gripping strength in her hands needed to rack the slide (with a small gripping area) against the fairly strong spring.
Her personal choice handgun was a Ruger Super Bearcat (.22LR). She did not ccw a pistol, but would open (holster) carry the Bearcat from time to time. She was comfortable (and quite accurate) with the gun. Also, she was competent with a double barrel 12 ga shotgun, which she would fire "from the hip". Between these two, she felt adequately armed for home defense. I also saw this woman corner an 1,100lb angus bull, and hold it at bay for a couple hours (until Dad got home) with just a pitchfork, when I was a young boy. Its a lot about attitude, and a little about knowing how to do it.
Your wife's gun should be something she is comfortable with, and can operate easily. The specific caliber is the least important factor. Personally, I would see if she can get comfortable with the balance of a mid size .38/.357 revolver. Custom grips and an action/trigger job could make a world of difference. But any gun, even a .22 that she is willing to use, and feels confidence in her abilities with, is better than no gun, or a gun she isn't happy with.
Ryan, not sure why your wife won't pick for herself, but as a female...and a human being...that just seems like a way, way wrong path to go down.
She is the one who will have to use it.
She is the one who will have to figure out where to put it on her body.
She is the one who has to be comfortable with it.
If she can't/won't pick out her own gun, maybe she shouldn't be carrying?
I don't want to sound like I'm picking on you. Maybe there's all kinds of back story that we don't know. But the difference in shooting some of the weapons that have been discussed here, is huge.
She is the one who will have to use it.
She is the one who will have to figure out where to put it on her body.
She is the one who has to be comfortable with it.
If she can't/won't pick out her own gun, maybe she shouldn't be carrying?
I don't want to sound like I'm picking on you. Maybe there's all kinds of back story that we don't know. But the difference in shooting some of the weapons that have been discussed here, is huge.
One of the better deals out there in a new firearm: Rossi has a nice 6-shot .357 "J+" (or comparing to Colt, D) frame'd snubbie that'd be just dandy shooting .38s through as a regular diet...and with parent company Taurus' lifetime warranty. This gun is remarkably close in size and look to the vaunted Colt Detective (D frame) of 6 shot/.38 class snubbies, which market (small frame but 6 shot) has inexplicably gone unanswered for more than two decades--til Rossi--that I know of. And now Taurus is just announcing a new small frame 6-shot snub--presumably like its Rossi cousin--but .38 Special-only...maybe not wanting to hone in on its own (Rossi) territory?
I have one or these Rossis, but for fear of ridicule, I don't announce it. I love this gun and my wife does as well. Fit and finish are great and it shoots great as well. It comes with an excellent grip that is perfect for smaller hands(my wife is small, about 5 feet, 110lbs). With .38 spec loads you can shoot it all day comfortably. 357s aren't very pleasant, but manageable. After a few rounds you are ready to go back to the 38s.
Here is a target that my wife shot from about 10 yds, maybe a little less. And she does not shoot often. She loves this gun and wants it as her own.
If I were in your shoes, I would be looking at a small revolver. Simple to use. I have shot a Charter Arms Pink Lady. That wasn't a bad little gun. It shot pretty accurately, but the single action trigger pull wasn't very good, had kind of a step in it. Could have been just in the gun I shot, they're probably not all like that. But that would be a good choice. Not as elegant as the Smiths, but darn near half the price. My $.02
I have one or these Rossis, but for fear of ridicule, I don't announce it. I love this gun and my wife does as well. Fit and finish are great and it shoots great as well. It comes with an excellent grip that is perfect for smaller hands(my wife is small, about 5 feet, 110lbs). With .38 spec loads you can shoot it all day comfortably. 357s aren't very pleasant, but manageable. After a few rounds you are ready to go back to the 38s.
Here is a target that my wife shot from about 10 yds, maybe a little less. And she does not shoot often. She loves this gun and wants it as her own.
If I were in your shoes, I would be looking at a small revolver. Simple to use. I have shot a Charter Arms Pink Lady. That wasn't a bad little gun. It shot pretty accurately, but the single action trigger pull wasn't very good, had kind of a step in it. Could have been just in the gun I shot, they're probably not all like that. But that would be a good choice. Not as elegant as the Smiths, but darn near half the price. My $.02
oneounceload
Moderator
I was beginning to think that maybe she is doing this to please her husband? She doesn't sound like she really wants to do this, and if she doesn't, then maybe a can of pepper spray would be a better alternative.
ryan huddleston
New member
I live in charleston wv. If any one knows of a range that rents guns pleas let me know. The only ranges I kow around are, Kanahaw state forest, and a few hunting club ranges. None of these have any type of rental service or even a store. Most people I know that shoot go out into the hills a few miles and have at it.