New to the forum and have a few questions

On the holsters. For a pocket holster the DeSantis Nemesis is very popular.
http://www.desantisholster.com/THE-NEMESIS
There are similar brands, and real "purdy" leather pocket holsters, but the Nemesis does a great job.
For carry on the body, the IWB (inside waste band) type work well. Again, there are some very nice "fashion statement" leather models, but I have found the Kydex/leather hybrid style to work well, and be very comfortable.
The original is the Crossbreed.
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/H.../tabid/113/slug/SuperTuck-Deluxe/Default.aspx
But my choice is the Theis
http://theisholsters.com/productDetails.php?pcID=1
There is a possible option for your wife other than a purse that could be grabbed, gun and all, by a purse snatcher.
The Flashbang, a very interesting design for women.
http://flashbangholsters.publishpath.com/
This video is a bit dramatic to begin, but you'll get the idea.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...&mid=D24DA58D0B4B472424E8D24DA58D0B4B472424E8

As for the S&W Bodyguard VS LCP. Don't get hung up on the gimmick of a laser. You must learn to shoot with the open sights. Simply put, do you want to trust your, and your wife's life to circuits, and batteries?
 
On the holsters. For a pocket holster the DeSantis Nemesis is very popular.

http://www.desantisholster.com/THE-NEMESIS

There are similar brands, and real "purdy" leather pocket holsters, but the Nemesis does a great job.

For carry on the body, the IWB (inside waste band) type work well. Again, there are some very nice "fashion statement" leather models, but I have found the Kydex/leather hybrid style to work well, and be very comfortable.

The original is the Crossbreed.

http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/H.../tabid/113/slug/SuperTuck-Deluxe/Default.aspx

But my choice is the Theis

http://theisholsters.com/productDetails.php?pcID=1

There is a possible option for your wife other than a purse that could be grabbed, gun and all, by a purse snatcher.

The Flashbang, a very interesting design for women.

http://flashbangholsters.publishpath.com/

This video is a bit dramatic to begin, but you'll get the idea.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...&mid=D24DA58D0B4B472424E8D24DA58D0B4B472424E8



As for the S&W Bodyguard VS LCP. Don't get hung up on the gimmick of a laser. You must learn to shoot with the open sights. Simply put, do you want to trust your, and your wife's life to circuits, and batteries?


Thanks for the info and links. I think the flash bang might work for my wife. Maybe they will have some at the gun show..
I don't plan on getting anything with a laser..
 
I think the flash bang might work for my wife. Maybe they will have some at the gun show..
You need to wait until she chooses a gun. They are make, and model specific. As are all really good CCW holsters.
 
I highly recommend you rent as many guns as possible before buying. You can read all the posts and reviews until your eyes pop out, but it doesn't mean a darn thing until you try them for yourself.

Some 9mm pistols will actually recoil less than a similar 380 due to the firearm design.
 
Nolagun do a propper search....phone book, internet and ask at your LGS.

Now at to the .32 H&R my great nephew shoots one of mine that I keep at a second home. He started shooting it when he was six and weighed 35 pounds sopping wet and my loads are as hot as the gun will handle.

I went with .32 H&R because most anyone should be able to handle it.

Once your wife has chosen her firearm then you can find several holsters that will work. There are several companies out there that make holsters specifc for women. The flash bang is just one of many options.
 
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serf 'rett wrote:
In my opinion, the small .380 and 38 Special snub nose platforms are not beginner firearms. While they are easier to conceal, you are trading off for decreased accuracy, recoil control and capacity.

This is true but remember that "easy carry" means "often carry". Nolagun mentioned pocket carry and the right gun there will be the right gun in almost any weather. When considering self defense, there is something to be said about the first purchase providing that much coverage. Sure, it means more practice to develop proficiency but shooting is fun! Just commit to doing it.

Of course, those challenges are also mitigated by gun and ammo choice. For the given circumstanes, I strongly recommend checking out an LCR in .38 special. See if it works with your normal pocket. The combination of comfortable grips and an exceptional trigger sets it apart. Standard-pressure .38s are just right in that package.

Definitely get a pocket holster. The Nemesis is good. 1-DAB warns not to "cheap out" but this less expensive option from Elite Survival (size 3) is just fine.

http://www.amazon.com/Elite-Survival-Pocket-Holster-Revolvers/dp/B003C5UR4Y

Gun belts are good and especially important for waistband/belt carry or comfortably wearing heavier guns. However, you might not need one with this setup. I'd recommend trying it for a week and seeing how it wears with your normal wardrobe.
 
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The major drawback with the 32 H&R Magnum is the lack of choices in guns. In a new gun, I believe that clambering is only available in Charter Arms. Not necessarily a bad choice, but I do wonder about the availability.
In 38Spcl, the field opens up to revolvers made by not only Charter Arms, but Ruger, Smith & Wesson, and Taurus.
As for recoil, Hornady offers a Critical Defense Lite round in 38 Special with a lighter bullet, and reduced recoil. It has very similar ballistics to the 32 H&R.
http://m.hornady.com/store/38-Special-90-gr-FTX-Critical-Defense-lite/
 
Picking the right gun....is about what fits your hands the best ....( not too small, not too big, not too wide, can you reach all the controls without moving your grip )....grip angle, type of sights.....how the trigger feels as it breaks ( how much slack is there...any creep / and how it resets )...

What suits me for "small" may not be what suits you ...a 1911 with a good holster, is slim and can be small 3", 4", 4 1/2" barrels ..or maybe you like a commander size 1911 frame in a 5" barrel...and they're available in 9mm, .45 acp, etc..( on the lower price end...Colt, Springfield are making some decent guns) / guns like the Sig 239 might appeal to you, or a S&W revolver in a J or K frame with a 2 1/2" or even a 4" barrel.../ lots of options out there...
 
Another thing you can do is to take at least one of the guns you currently have to the range. Hang out, chat, make friends. Most shooters are friendly folk, and many will gladly expound on what they have, and why they think its good. (maybe more than you want!:rolleyes:)

Over time, you will likely see some folks with the kind of guns you are interested in. Ask them about them, and why they chose what they did. you might get opportunities to handle and maybe even shoot a number of different things.

This should help you form a better opinion of what would be best for you and the wife. Take the wife, if you can.

Good Luck!
 
It will be at least 2-3 months before I buy anything so it will give me time to research both guns and holsters.

That's good news. Too many people who ask about getting guns expect to get the tomorrow.

Your wife and you should take introductory handgun classes and you should take them separately. That way you won't have to worry about each other and you can concentrate on learning.
In an introductory class you will be exposed to different types of guns so that you can make a more informed choice when it comes to buying one. You might learn enough to feel comfortable buying a used gun.

This is a good resource.
http://www.corneredcat.com/
 
What model Colt do you have. 40-50 years old ? What's that to us pistoleros ? Colt made top quality handguns back then. And while a 22-especially a full size target model, is not the best choice for carrying it is an EXCELLENT choice for learning how to shoot.
 
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