Handgun for a woman

I agree with everyone that says let her pick, but if you're looking for suggestions to help narrow down the search, pretty much all of the revolvers put forward here are good choices, and since you mentioned cocking the gun as an issue, the Beretta Bobcat in .32 ACP or it's cousin in .380, don't remember it's name, are really good. A friend a long time ago had the Bobcat, I shot it several times, always went bang for us. I know a lot of people say
".380 is the minimum" but don't count the .32 out, especially the Winchester Silver Tip. There used to be a pic going around in the '90s, prior to the assult rifle ban, of a melon getting blown apart by what was claimed to be an AK-47 round. The embarassing truth came out later that it was actually a .32 Silver Tip.
 
Take her to the range. Even if they don't rent, I don't think she'll have much trouble finding pistols to sample. My daughter is 23 and just bought her first pistol. She's been shooting with me for years, but I only have so many to try. Once she made it known she was looking for a pistol of her very own, all the guys at the range were offering to let her shoot anything and everything they owned.

She's not really a "girlie girl" but has kind of gotten to like being on of the few, or often the only, girl on the firing line.....:rolleyes:

She settled on a Smith M&P in 9mm because she wanted the higher capacity for USPSA matches. It was a toss up between that and her usual favorite, a full size 1911 in .45. She's all of about 110 lbs so don't think girls have to just shoot little pistols!:cool:
 
If manipulating the hammer on an auto is a problem, I doubt shed be "comfortable" with the long, heavy pull of a DA trigger of a revolver. I've taken girlfriends and other ladies shooting, and some just can't even PULL the trigger on my 640 (loaded with 38's of course). My mom loves her 642 but it took a lot of work for her to get good with it. I'd recommend some type of striker fired auto with a moderate trigger pull. And she sounds like she should get some instruction/range time.
 
DA only .38spl or .357sig/.40/9mm P-239(DAK)...

I suggest a simple DA only .38spl +P snub like the S&W 638, 640/642, or the Taurus Protector Ti in .357/.38spl.
The Ruger LCR .357 or SP101 DA only .357magnum would be good too. She can carry .38spl +P or +P+ rounds and use more powerful .357magnum rounds as a back-up or reload.

For a well made DA only pistol, I'd pick a SIG P239 DAK or a HK P2000sk. The .357sig would do best but .40 or 9x19mm can work too, ;).
 
My friend absolutely *hates* my older J-frame. She says it recoils too much and hurts her finger. On the other hand she likes my 45acp the best.:cool:
 
Take her to a gun shop, let her pick the gun she wants. Better if she could go to a range that rents them so she can try it out.

I'm not one that believes us guys should pick guns for our women folks. They will be happier with something they pick out.
Click to expand...

+100,000!

Most women I've helped don't like revolvers and don't like recoil. Let her try some of your stuff out, along with the Colt .380, and if she likes none of it, then the hard part starts...

There is no mode of gun too tough for any woman or new shooter to learn on, which is why I don't push the "simplicity" thing. If they can drive a car, they can be trusted to operate any handgun they buy.

Every woman I've ever taken shooting prefers my Beretta 92FS, for some reason. Every one. Even my mother. Even after explaining the DA first shot, they still like it.
 
Since my safe was better stocked than the gun shop, my wife went through and figured she like the pre lock Smith 37 with the longer Uncle Mikes grips better than anything. Not the best for shooting, but you carry an SD weapon more than shooting it. Anything heavier would more than likely be too much for that shopping bag she calls a purse.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top