Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Recommend a ladies handgun.

I was a certified NRA instructor for quite a few years. About every woman that took my class and bought one of those air weights or super light revolver or semis that their boyfriend or husband told them that is what they wanted ended up not being able to handle the recoil and it ended up in the drawer.

Let her get some certified training, shoot a few different handguns, and let her decided. A 5 shot J frame with 38 wad cutters will suffice and the revolvers are not so intimidating as semis.

The biggest problem of introducing new shooters to semis is the getting it drilled into there heads that you drop the magazine and then clear the chamber when unloading.There are a lot of AD's when they eject a round and the drop the magazine.Sometimes with disastrous and tragic results.

Although I would not want to get shot with one, I don't consider a .380 as a suitable self defense gun.a 22 would be just as good.

5.7x28..........

hmmmmmm

ain't got one of those

My experience as well in nearly 25 years of teaching Carry Classes.

My old growler w/ the arthritic thumbs can run a G19 like a boss. She had a great teacher and dry fires weekly. She is mean as a snake and has no intention of being dependent or a victim. If your wife won't/can't train get her some pepper spray.


mike r

My wife shot plenty of different handguns and chose the airweight.

needs to be a wheel gun,, probably in 6.5

You mean you know a woman that knows how to use a firearm?

That's crazy talk.

I watched that very scenario play out.

For a woman who is not a "enthusiast" a J-frame with a mild load.

Got my wife a light weight S&W Model 637, tried a Ruger LCR but she liked the Smith better. I have an older Model 31 S&W in 32 that she shoots but 4 inch barrel and all steel. Her favorite gun is a Sako AV in 375 H&H but too big for every day carry.

You are already a FN fan, their 5.7 pistol is a very fun gun to shoot. Pair it up w/ a PS90 for those desert excursions.


mike r

Most women I taught chose an air weight, given the choice and training. They’re not bad to shoot with the right ammo.

Steel j-frame like a ladysmith with 38's or a glock 42.

Both have low recoil and are dependable. (My wife likes her j-frame.)

There's some argument that civilian carry is to just break engagement...so even a .22 could be viable...vs military and police thoughts of putting someone down with 1 or 2 shots.

No matter what she gets, practice and be willing to use it not just brandish it...

Yeah I'm sure you can cut the X-Ring all day with one.

LOL

She'll love an X-frame. Weight really tames the recoil. Big holes. Just do it.

I tried to get my wife into a 38 special. Even had a couple. Colt agent and a S/W 637 maybe? I decided she would be better off with an 8 shot 22. Just keep pulling the trigger till it stops or you run out of bangs

I've had them love everything from a j-frame to a GP100 with 38's to a Shield EZ to a M&P compact to a Walther PPS M2 to a G27 to a Canik TP9 SF elite to a Shield 45.

So, now I just let them shoot after some grip instruction and decide.

Edit: most suck shooting a j-frame double action, and every one has liked the SP101 .22lr I start them on

Stereotypes aside.

Just like men, ladies differ dramatically.

I've seen many ladies that couldn't hit the side of a barn with a little revolver, but loved a semi...rack slides and all functions.
Her mileage will vary. EVERYBODY is different.

Forget the lightweight 38 mantras and take her to a shop with a range. They will have all varieties to choose from.
If there's none in your area, ask friends if they will let her try out whatever they have and tell them that you will buy the ammo.

After trying out a sufficient number and narrowing down the choice, get her a handgun safety or CCW course. She will need to borrow, rent or buy her selection and should be good to go with practice and continued education.

Thanks all.

+1 on Colt Agent or the S&W larger version Model 12 Military Air Weight.

Oh now the resident Pollock wanna talk handguns.

LOL

This should get good.