Posted: 1/30/2013 9:22:04 PM EDT
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My wife is looking for a handgun that she can carry in her purse. She wants a weapon/cartridge that is suitable for self-defense, but lightweight and lacks the recoil of my carry guns. I was thinking that she could try a Sig P232 .380 or Walther PPK, but I'd also like her to try the Ruger GP100/SP101 in .357 Magnum, since she can practice with "lighter" .38 Special ammo. Of course, the choice is hers and she will have to "try 'em out" before we commit. What do you like/recommend? Revolver vs. semi-auto? Larger caliber than .380?
I will ensure that she sees this thread since her fellow firearms "sisters" are providing the feedback. Your input is extremely valuable. Thank you! Bud |
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I agree, purse carry should be a last resort type of thing. On body, if possible, is always better and safer.
I know there are a few .380 ammo's out there that are supposed to be decent as defense ammo so make sure you choose carefully, the average .380 isn't capable IMO. I would choose a smaller 9mm for concealed carry. Find something that's small but not too small that the recoil is more than she can tolerate and shoot straight with it. My bff shoots her larger handguns very well but she's struggling with her Kimber Solo CDP because it's so small even a 9mm has a substantial recoil. I'm used to it and can shoot her Solo very well (wow, what an awesome gun!). Let her "work up" at her own pace. My favorite compact carry gun is my STI Elektra in .45acp but we have open carry so I'd feel comfortable with full size guns like my Glock 21 or my Beretta 92A1. I have a few revolvers in .357mag, .45LC and .44mag but I don't like them for SD because it can be difficult to reload in a stressful situation. Plus I don't care, at all for those little lightweight revolvers and I find the regular revolvers too heavy for concealed carry. |
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I'm currently looking for a CCW myself. I personally think would feel a little more comfortable carrying 9mm. It's heavier than the .380 so has more "punching power" but wouldn't recoil as hard as the .45. I've been looking for a reasonably priced, reliable weapon. I think I've narrowed it down to the S&W MP9-C, the CZ P-01, the Glock 19 gen 4, or the Walther PPQ. The hubby tells me that mags for the MP9-C have always been hard to find, even before the gun ban scare and are more expensive than mags for the others. Besides, I'm not sure how fond I am of the pivot safety on the trigger. The trigger safety system on the Glock or the Walther seem better designed to me. It's also a little pricier than the others as well so I'm really on the fence about that one. The main thing I like about it is the customization options I've found for it. I like fun and function after all!  Which is why I'm positively in love with the STI Elektra, it's a gorgeous gun, but it's way out of my price range ATM and I'd like to have something for defense now, I can always get one of the 9mm versions of it later if I wanted. |
