Suggestions for 9mm w/ safety and lightest possible recoil

M

Malcolm Reynolds

New member
I need advice on a first handgun for my wife. PLEASE spare me the "she should pick it herself" responses because I already know this. I WILL LET HER PICK IT HERSELF. But I need to narrow the field a little and I already know some things she's looking for. Here are the parameters:

  • 9mm (or POSSIBLY .380)
  • Lightest possible felt recoil
  • Good fit for a small hand, but still big enough for a new shooter (she won't be carrying it, just for home defense)
  • MANUAL SAFETY (I know. It's not for me.)

Thanks in advance for your help. You guys always come through!
 
Browning Hi Power all the way. All steel so it soaks up recoil. Remove the mag disconnect and you have a decent trigger. It has a ambi safety if you get the MKII or MKIII version. Put a set of slim Naviderix micarta grips on it and you have a double stack 9mm that feels like a single stack. There are tons of good used BHPs for reasonable prices, under $500.

The other choice is a 1911 in 9mm right now there is a deal for a NIB Colt for $649+shipping+transfer. Again all steel gun shooting 9mm that will soak up recoil. Slim single stack should fit anyone's hand. Thumb safety and grip safety make it a perfect home defense gun.
 
Is this for home or CC?

I think WVsig's suggestion for a BHP is a good one, but if it's for CC, you might also consider the Ruger SR9c. Bear in mind that I've never shot one, but the grip seems pretty slim, has a thumb safety or at least can be had with one.
 
Yeah, not for CC. Just home defense. (It says it in the post but I should have made it it's own bullet point.) I had thought of the Ruger but not the BHP. Both great ideas!
 
Kahr K9, if you don't mind DAO trigger. All steel so felt recoil isn't that bad, single stack, fits small hand easily. This, however, does not have a manual safety.

EAA Pavona

Browning Hi-Power

Walther PPK for .380
 
I have been shooting and carrying an SR9c for years. It is a great choice in my opinion. I have shot many others, but nothing that I like any better especially for the money.
 
Actually, there is one Kahr that can be had with a manual safety, the PM9.;) not really a good choice though being a bit snappy in recoil.

If I may point something out...

Manual safeties require muscle memory under stress. You go to pull the trigger and DENIED. I've been using my 97b in matches for a while and still forget to swipe it off every now and then. The Kahr K9 suggestion is a good one with its butter smooth DAO trigger. I'm shocked how accurate I am with mine.

If she thinks a safety is a good idea, rent a few and secretly put it on before she fires. She may change her mind. If this is more about security it should be in a quick access safe instead.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. These are great ideas.

I'm not going to debate the manual safety with her. If she changes her mind later and wants something else, I'll support it. The answer to everything is "more practice" anyway, so she'll just need to practice with whatever she chooses. She's a grown woman and she can pick what she wants.
 
Range Officer Operator 9mm, Grand Power 9mm, or Hi-Power. The only reason I'm leaving out the CZ-75 line is the lower amount of real estate available for gripping the slide.
 
Ruger SR9 or a FN FNS works pretty good while I don't have small hands but I do have short sausage fingers.
CZ isn't IMHO a good choice for small hands the trigger reach is long and the safety can require shifting your grip.

BHP or a 1911 would be good too.
 
Have a look at the Beretta PX4 line. The rotating barrel on the full size and compact versions soften recoil, and they come with interchangeable back straps for fit. My daughter loves her compact, and so do her mom and I.
 
Light recoil means metal frame/slide and not plastic frame- 1911 or /Beretta 92
Good grip for small hands - 1911 or Beretta 92
Manual safety - 1911 or Beretta 92

"there you have it"

Actually a Browning Hi-Power is also a good choice
 
I would throw in a S&W 6906 as a contender. It has a safety, is all steel and can be found in all states of condition used.
 
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