Which handgun for my wife?

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Inspector Callahan

New member
I have been placed "in charge" of finding the perfect handgun for my wife. She recently consigned her S&W Sigma away at our local shop and is willing to come up with whatever it takes in cash to get what works for her. She plans to get her CCW permit and will take this new gun to the training course with her. She also plans to shoot at least monthly at our informal pistol range here at home. Probably more often in the summer months.

I obtained some literature from both the internet and my local shop but unfortunately they don't have much in stock to actually handle and test fire. After some discussion, we had it narrowed down to the S&W 3913 (which I was dead set against due to political beliefs), the Beretta Type M, and the Sig P239. All in 9mm.

Now, as luck would have it, I have stumbled upon another issue. I have a Dillon Square Deal press that's set up for .45acp to feed my 1911 addiction. I'd really like to encourage her to get a .45 for a lot of different reasons, not the least of which is because my press is set up in this awesome caliber.

I could get a new toolhead for the SDB, no problem. But 9mm ammo is pretty affordable so it's not a real "pressing" issue. :) I'd really like to see her enter the world of the 1911 but single actions just aren't her cup of tea. She's very uncomfortable even seeing my Colt's hammer cocked back while in the holster and would NEVER consider carrying in Condition One.

That leaves me looking very seriously at the P245. Problem is, I've never handled one. We've seen many examples of the P239 at gunshows and it's about the perfect fit for my dear lady.

So, after much adoo, what would y'all recommend? The Sig P239 in 9mm or the P245? I'd like to hear opinions of folks who've actually handled these guns. Mainly interested in notable differences and characteristics.

I'm also open to suggestions on other kinds of concealable autos, preferably in .45acp. Glock is out of the question, BTW. She doesn't care for the "looks" of Gaston's drastic plastic.
 
Forgot to add something.....

I also plan to get her a SureFire light. I carry a Z2 everyday. Not sure she needs one of those. Any thoughts on a more "basic" SureFire?

Thanks.
 
I have shot both of these extensively.Get the 239.The Sig will "torque" sharply in her hand unless she can pick up a basketball one handed.
tracer
 
I would also vote for the P239 in 9mm over the 245. My 9mm 239 is extremely pleasant to shoot while I've heard that the 245 is a little hard to control for some people.

Wayne
 
i will answer this the same way that i answer every thread of this sort. take her to a range that rents firearms and run the gambit. let her try each one that is of a suitable size and see which one she likes the most. THAT is the firearm that is right for her. we can all sit here and say "buy this gun, don't buy that one" but when it comes down to it, SHE needs to make the decision, not us, not you, but HER.

i made the mistake of taking the burden of "research" for my wife for a carry gun, right down to knowing what she liked in a carry gun and the caliber of such. what we wound up with was the worst firearm she had ever fired, couldn't deal with shooting more than 10rnds at any one time. needless to say, we sold that puppy quickly and found the right gun for her by going to a range that rents and shooting a whole bunch of 'em. between range fees, rental fees and over priced ammo we spent a good $200...but found which handgun she was most comfortable with. and then went to buy one.


Adept


that being said, good luck on your search for the right handgun for your wife.
 
Thanks guys. I appreciate the replies so far.

Adept, I understand where you're coming from but alas, I live in the boonies. I don't even know of a range where handguns can be rented locally. We've traveled over 70 miles just to handle SOME of these guns and test firing wasn't allowed. That's how we know the P239 "fits" her hand so well.

Sigs are rare at my local shop because they are so expensive. My dealer doesn't make a habit of stocking high dollar handguns other than the Kimber 1911s he has to buy to keep his Mater Dealer status with Kimber. Other high dollar handguns must be ordered by interested parties and are not available to the public to be handled prior to the sale.

The chances of my wife being able to actually handle a P245 before ordering one are slim to none.

This is almost like buying a new motorcycle. I went through that last summer. When I learned of the "no test ride" policy, I was livid. They actually expect you to buy a motorcycle without a test ride. How crazy is that?

Luckily I was able to find a good used bike. :)
 
In that case (no rentals) you guys in Virginia need to throw a TFL shoot. I'm serious.

Almost every gun I have bought for the last 2 years is a gun that I was able to first try out at a TFL shoot.

When you get a slew of TFLers together it is one big gun swapping party. Since we have started having the Utah shoots every few months I have had the opportunity to shoot just about everything I can think of. :)

Or another option, find out where your local IDPA club shoots. You and your wife enter one match. Most of the IDPA shooters have no problems letting other folks try out their guns if you ask nicely. There are bound to be some Sigs there.

And finally if she isn't able to try out both guns, I would personally buy the Sig 239. I'm not a Sig nut, (don't care for most any da/sa gun for much besides fun). But the Sig 239 is my favorite. Very sleek. Very size efficient. But I also love .45. Tought choice. (I've shot a 220, but not the 245)
 
My wife will only shoot one or two mags in the 245 before she puts it down, not one of her favorites. Her favorite is the P7M8, which she will shoot until I remind her to let it cool off. Also look at the Walther P99.
 
If she wants a .45 ACP, the SIG Sauer P245 would be an excellent choice, otherwise get the P239 and a second SDB toolhead and caliber conversion for 9mm.
 
My friend has a 245, his (petite) wife took it from him! Made him get another for himself (220). I've shot it some, not extensivly. Nice gun, shoots low with 230's (factory grips) for all of us. Well made, reliable so far.

Its worth checking out, she might like it.

Good luck.
 
The 239 over the 245.

I had a 239, it shoot great but it didn't fit my hand.
I always had to shift my grip when I picked it up.
It fits her hand well.

I have a 245, it shoots great but you have to hold on because of the flip it has when fired.

I think my SIGs shoot S&B ammo the best.
 
Inspector, can you and your wife perhaps plan a weekend getaway to somewhere that a gun show is going on? Take a Friday off, make a fun trip out of it, and spend a day at a gun show checking out all the different guns. A bonus would be, you get extra points with your wife for planning a romantic getaway weekend with her!
 
Chalk another one up for the P239.
VW
p239.jpg
 
The 239 is a great choice.

Might also want to consider trying a nice Hi-power if single action is not a disqualifier. The BHP fits most small hands wonderfully and of course gives you 13+1. My wife is quite petite and CCWs the BHP (plus spare mag) without a problem.

Regards,

Bob
 
After shooting all the guns at our local range, my wife decided on the USP 45 Compact. Fits her hands very well, recoil is moderate, reliability is perfect, accruracy is outstanding.
 
I hated the grip of my 239 and it was soon replaced in my collection by the 225. It ain't funny how much better the 225 feels and shoots in my hands. This is of course a personal preference thing.

I did recently handle a 239 with a Hogue grip and it felt somewhat better. It was still too blocky in the frontstrap for my tastes.
 
I have a SIG 239 and a S&W 4513TSW and they are both fine
pistols--never a FTF with either. I would recommend the SIG for her and forget the 9mm reloading since factory 9mm are so cheap.
 
In my humble opinion if your are going to carry then you have to be able to use your gun effectively. That means that a lot of practice, and with a gun that will not confuse the carrier in a stressful situation. Most semi-autos can be fumbled with if the user is not very familiar with it. Hand size and wrist strength also are factors in selecting a handgun, man or woman. I would recommend something like the various snubbies i.e. Taurus 85, the S&W Ladysmith, Charter Arms etc. For a person who is really not trained a revolver would be my recommendation.
Most of all: Practice, Practice, Practice, Practice. :)
 
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