Newbie chick here -- considering a gun purchase

I never fired a handgun until I was planning on moving to Queens,
NY
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You are very likely to find getting a permit to even own a handgun in Queens impossible.

While this might change in the future with the recent Supreme Court ruling, it is very likely to still take a long time for the needed legal cases to wind their way through the courts.


The city says to call 911.:mad:
 
Doesn't sound like the OP is still in NYC.

Moriah, my wife is a bit taller than you describe yourself, and has small-ish hands. She and I took a defensive handgun course together and she used a S&W 4013, which is a single stack semi-auto in .40 S&W. She did NOT like the snappy recoil of the .40 caliber, but she did fine with control and accuracy as a result of being taught how to handle the gun. My only point here is that one can, through training, learn to handle heavier weight and heavier recoiling guns than initially feel comfortable. Keep that in mind.

A gun we subsequently bought that she really liked was a Kahr P9. It is a single stack 9mm with a smooth trigger, and good sights. She liked it much more than the 4013. Something to look at.

Recommendations to try before you buy are good. Just remember that with some training and experience, you can handle more than what you initially find comfortable.
 
Moriah, my wife is a bit taller than you describe yourself, and has small-ish hands. She and I took a defensive handgun course together and she used a S&W 4013, which is a single stack semi-auto in .40 S&W
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you can always get the single stack sub compact 9mm version

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/26870
26870.jpg
 
I second the CZ82. A combination of size, cost, and comfort may well appeal to you.

If recoil is an issue with 9x19mm and up, I recommend getting a heavier gun. It tends to absorb the felt recoil better. For instance, a used Sig P6/P225 is often in the $300 - 350 range, and it's a single 9x19mm, so if grip is an issue that may work out. This gun does not feature a safety - it is DA/SA with decocker but it is plenty-safe and will allow you to shoot in a hurry if need be while the initial DA shot will prevent a typical accidental discharge.

Also, if you can, I recommend checking out the CZ75b series and see if that feels comfortable to you - that would be another excellent choice, but it is somewhat more expensive and nowadays runs for at least $400, but it is another excellent 9mm, albeit double-stack.

For now though, I think the two best choices are either the Sig P6/P225 in 9x19mm or a CZ82 in 9x18mm.
 
Did i miss something does it have to be a auto? I might skipped over a sentence... If so many of the good ones have bee covered. Diamondback 380 is a nice tiny piece to look into. I dunno about recoil my GF didnt seem to have a problem with it.

What about a revolver?
 
Look into the Kahr pistols in .380 or 9mm. If recoil is a problem get an all steel model. A revolver chambered in .38spcl in a size you like made by S&W or Ruger. Remember the shorter the barrel and lighter the weight, the harder to control. Good Luck.
 
Like MadHatter1 said try to find a range that rents guns so you can try several types and calibers. Since you are small I would recommend you try a S&W in the LadySmith series or a S&W J frame sized revolver. The LadySmith revolvers have a slightly smaller grip frame than the normal K frame revolvers as well as a better trigger. Whatever you do decide to get please buy a quality gun instead of something cheap from the local yahoo that happens to have a gun for sale. Then spend more on quality training and practice, practice, and more practice. I know it sounds quite daunting but don't let it scare you. Most of us on this forum don't get the amount of practice we may like to have. The key is to get a quality gun that fits you, quality training, and as much practice as is practical. Enjoy your search, sometimes looking for the right gun is half the fun. Hope the only time you need to fire or even draw it is on the range. Stay safe.
 
my hunble opinion...

Don't tell rob your address. He just wants to fondle your guns. <kidding> sorta...
Aside from that. If you are planning to take a concealed carry course, the main thing to consider is what can you carry that is so easy to conceal and carry that you will carry it every time you go out, under every circumstance, and will that weapon be considered up to the task of stopping someone who is going to harm you. You are 4'11" so a 8" barrelled .44 magnum may be inconvienient to hide on your person. As women are often attacked and their purses stolen, you don't want something that goes in the purse.

I have carried since 1970 and have tried many types of guns. Today, I carry a Ruger LCP in .380 caliber all the time. It fits easily into my front jeans pocket, holds 6 rounds of hollow point ammo which is ballistically similar to the 2" S&W .38 I carried as a PO for twenty years, plus one more round. The extra clip fits into the cell phone holder along with my cell phone that I bought at Lowes. It's recoil and rate of fire is suitable for self defense.

When I put my pants on in the morning, I'm armed, shorts or jeans, and as long as I practice with it, keep it clean (made a vinyl pocket holster for it to keep out dust bunnies) I feel safe.

Now I say that with the following understanding. If you ever know you are going into a combat zone, take a long gun. Take all your friends with long guns. No handgun can replace a rifle. Bigger handguns are better than little handguns. No matter how big a handgun is, if you can't hit what you are shooting at, it is worthless. No matter how good you are with a big handgun, if it is in the glove box and you are out of the car by the trunk, it ain't worth diddly. Which brings me back to this:

a .380 is the smallest acceptable (through the majority) handgun for self defense.

The ruger lcp, or kelteck, .380 both fit into a pants pocket so nice.

The Keltec has to be broken in before it can be trusted ( my opinion). Once broken in, it is fine, but I still like the Ruger.

When I go into the big city, and am wearing clothes that allow me to conceal it, I carry a Glock model 27 in .40 caliber because I really really like that gun and caliber, and I have been shooting big handguns all my life and practice with it every few weeks.

Other than that, everywhere I go, even in the back yard, I have an LCP in my pocket.

Let me add this. Right now, it wouldn't hurt for you to have a good flash light, a large can of wasp spray, and extra locks on your doors and windows.

Talk to the neighbors who aren't crooks and work together to report stuff. Don't hesitate to report suspicious stuff. If you see something you think is suspicious, don't down play it to the police when you call... ( I know you are busy...this probalby isn't anything...) No, I think this is going to happen and I want you here now!!!

In fact, call the local police, see if they have a crime prevention specialist who can come visit your apartment, tell you what goes on in the neigborhood, and how to secure you doors and windows. should be free.
There should be a gun store in the area that offers lessons and advice. Shop around, and then chose.

post later on and let us know how you did.

Wish you well...
jstgsn
 
I would start by looking at a single-stack 9x19mm (aka 9mm nato, 9mm luger).

If you are concerned about recoil, look for heavier framed pistols (i.e. not polymer).
 
1. get good locks and bolts for your doors and windows.
2. get a good alarm system.
3. strongly consider getting a noisy barking dog.

As far as getting a gun is concerned +1 to the cornered cat.

There is no single best gun for anyone. You might find several guns that you like the heck out of. So don't limit yourself. Revolvers work fine and so do semi-autos. You might find a full sized handgun you like as well as a compact.
Shoot as many guns as you can and handle as many more.

Don't limit yourself on what a gun is chambered in either. A full sized pistol with reduced recoil .45acp is pleasant to shoot. A very light sub-compact in .380acp might be uncomfortable.

Unless there is some specific threat, take your time.

You might also consider getting a shotgun rather than a handgun.
While a shotgun is not a magic wand (you still need to train and practice), it is much easier to aim than a handgun. The only question is whether you can work a pump action should use a semi-auto. With reduced recoil loads a 12 gauge should be well within your capabilities.
Another thing to consider is that a good used shotgun can be had for $200 or less.
 
first i would like to say welcome. i am not going to try to steer you in the direction of a glock, 38 special, some 9mm with 17+ capacity. but i am going to second and third some of the best advice you'll ever recieve on gun ownership. and shoot before you buy. find a range with rentals. and shoot everything you can afford to shoot. but find something that fits you, your hand, your stature, and your level of comfortability. good luck.
 
My $0.02

  • $300 is a pretty low price range. Obviously, you can only do what you can afford. I suggest save up to $500. That gives you a lot more options. A firearm can potentially save your life, it's not something you reall want to scimp on.
  • Go to a gun store and try different guns. I too suggest renting and trying before you buy
  • If you want a semi auto, I suggest a Glock 19. It's fairly simple to use and maintain
  • Your chances of legally being able to carry in NYC are very low.

Once you get a gun it's really really really important that you become proficient in it. Take it to the range and practice.
 
My first weapon for defense was a Taurus model 85 38 special revolver with a bobbed hammer. It was priced right, fit my hand well, shot great and it was easy to figure out. Since I wasn’t use to carrying, I felt confident with knowing if I ever had to present my weapon all I had to do was point and shoot. If the weapon doesn’t fire you just keep squeezing the trigger until it does. After a year or so I moved up to different weapons. Now I carry two weapons, either a Glock, Springfield XD, Ruger LCP or Taurus TCP. When you purchase your weapon let us know what you get and how you like it.- Jenny
 
I would say start out maybe with a bersa 380 if it fits your needs.
I bought my wife 2 handguns so far first one was a S&W Chief Revolver ,then a Bersa 380 acp.
She has small hands & about 5ft. 4 inches.
It is really youe choice , shoot a few handguns & then , make a good decision of choice.
If you can take the chl class & whatever handgun you buy ,shoot often enough that you are comfortable & handy with it.
Learn how to clear jams, properly clean it, conceal it etc ....
Some people buy a gun & never or rarely clean or shoot it ,but have a false since of comfort & security.
Wlecome to this forum , it is a great place with some valuable knowledge being shared daily.
There is a very serious gun bug on this site. lol
If you spend any time here, you will develope symptoms to stop by every gun shop & gun show in your area. :p :)
 
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