Posted: 11/2/2006 3:27:27 PM EDT
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I am a very petite lady...66 years old. Because of some recent scares, my husband wants us to take the concealed handgun training and obtain a license to carry a concealed weapon. In all shops we've visited, it was recommended that I buy a revolver, because I no longer have much strength in my hands and cannot cock (pull the slide chamber--or whatever you call it--back). One advised a tip-up semi-automatic, because my husband was really wanting a semi-automatic, rather than a revolver. However, he wants us to get what is safest/best for me. Which kind do you recommend, and what particular models and caliber should I look for (or avoid)? Thanks, Tiny |
Welcome to the board! A nice S&W Ladysmith would be on the top of my list for your consideration. But, it is just as important to know the ramifications of using a firearm in self defense as it is to have a firearm, if that makes any sense to you. There's a lot of good info out there, here's just one of many good publications on the subject: Armed Response: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Firearms for Self-Defense Make sure you are willing to learn the responsibilities involved before you go any further. Good Luck, and Shoot Straight!  link edited |
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Well, to balance the recoil with knock down power, I'd say get a Smith and Wesson model 940 in 9mm (two are available from different sellers in the equipment exchange) or a 5 shot 38 Lady smith as was mentioned. If you can deal with the weight of a larger gun, I'd recommend something like a S&W model 10 in 38 special witha 4" barrel. They are superbly accurate and can be found for under 200 bucks. My Model 10's can shoot one hole groups at 20 yards. The trigger can be lightened with a spring kit to whatever your desired pull weight is and the heavier gun will soak up any recoil making it shootable as well as easy to practice with at the range. PS. Whats with the number 88 in your name 
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Tiny88 Welcome to AR15.COM. Hope you enjoy the site. There are a multitude of opinion offerers here so I send mine. I agree wholeheartedly that you should seriously consider starting with a revolver FIRST AND FOREMOST. A revolver is intuitive to shoot almost instinctive, and the chances of it failing are exremely rare. Perhaps a .357 stainless or blue steel would be great, (stay away from alloy or lighter models at first) shooting only .38's in it. A 2 inch barrel (snubby) will have enough weight to it to make it more easier to shoot. If you go to a four inch barrel, unless you carry a purse the same as my lovely brides, it is not practical. Right next to the spare transmission for our jeep in her purse is where our gun would lay. Take some lessons from someone other than your husband. It is easier that way, and as you know being married there are certain battles you do not fight. Lastly practice and practice and practice. YMMV Learning
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I'll second or third the vote for a revolver such as the Lady Smith. I would advise AGAINST a "snub nose" or short-barreled revolver, as those are MUCH more difficult to shoot well. You can find lots of 4" barreled Smith and Wesson model 10s for sale at a very low price. A 3 or 4 inch K-frame Smith in .38 Special would be a very effective defensive weapon. Whatever you choose, please invest the small amount of extra money in some quality instruction with your new weapon. Merely having a gun is of no value. Knowing how and when to use the gun is what is critical. |
Will this gun be for you to carry or will both of you use it, alternating who carries it. If the gun is for you to use for concealed carry I would recommend a small steel frame snub nose 38 special revolver. I would look at the S&W model 36 or 60 and the Taurus model 85 both in 38 special. If you have weak hand strength I would not recommend a small frame snub nose in 357 magnum. For ammo I would recommend Speer Gold Dots, the 135 grain short barrel load. For a home defense gun I would recommed a S&W 4" model 10 or 64 or a Taurus model 82 in 38 special. The gun would be much easier to shoot because of its larger size but it would be more difficult to carry and conceal. Good luck and let us know what you decide. 
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This question comes up quite often, and it's difficult to answer because only YOU really know if you can operate a particular firearm.  Whatever you decide upon , handle it a LOT - and at least shoot a similar gun before you buy one. Don't automatically go for the smallest/lightest gun - What matters most is that you can operate it and shoot it effectively. (small guns kick more and are harder to aim ) When you take your Training course ASK the instructor if there is any additional training in gun handling available in your area. Lastly , if you and your Husband are BOTH serious about carrying - and you can afford it - buy TWO similar guns.
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What everybody here has said is good info,even Charter arms has SOME good undercover .38 specials stainless that are lightweight and well constructed. If you can afford a Colt or Smith snubby that would be nice also,one because of the quality ,and two because if you decide it's not for you(you can allways get your money back). And the ammo used in the revolver is equaly as importent as the gun,too much is allways too much,and too little the same! In a .38 special I would recomend a .38 special super match 148 gr lead Mid-range! These shells have good penetration,little recoil,little noise,and are very accurate! It's a flat nosed bullet and doesn't expand nor needs to! Bob
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www.corneredcat.com/ ZM |
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4" K-frame, Smith and Wesson Model 10. Load it up with Hydroshoks or Gold-dots and keep it in the bed stand. If you want to carry it, get a 2". Then shoot the heck out of it. My Mom is 74 and she shoots her Colt Detective Spl and any of my K-Frames very well. Good luck Mike Va Beach |
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Give us a report. Have you aquired a pistol yet. If so what did you choose? If you haven't chosen one yet I would suggest a used S&W Model 60 2" or a Taurus 605M. A used S&W M60 can be had for around 325. A New Taurus 605M can be had for the same money. You can practice with 38 loads and use 38 +P's for actual carry. Both pistols mentioned are of the 357 calibur so should the hubby want more punch/bang... there ya go. Pro's: Should you ever decide to sell the S&W you won't loose any $$$ Pro's Should the Taurus ever malfuntion, Taurus warantee's the gun not the owner. New or used. Both are small and conceal easily. One other factor you may want to consider is an alloy light weight frame which weights half as much as steel ones but will be more noticeable in recoil. Best of Luck |
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As others have said a K frame Smith & Wesson (10, 13, 19, 64, 65, 66) some are 357s but all will shoot 38 special. Stik with the 3-4 inch barrel lengths. These are time proven guns that are reliable and easy to handle. They are like the Goldilocks of guns, not too big, not too small, not too heavy, not too light, not too powerful, but not under powered, basically just right. The 38 special is a great round, little recoil, little flash, accurate, easy and comfortable to shoot. It was our duty round (Plus P lead semi wadcutter hollow point LSWCHP) when I started law enforcement over 25 years ago and is still the round aproved for those who still carry revolvers on my department. Its not a 357 magnum, but its alot easier and more comfortable to shoot. Its put alot of bad guys and unfortunately too many good guys in the ground. Its the gun my wife uses when she feels the need to have a gun around. Its the gun I use when I'm at the raange and really want to enjoy myself. BTW, 38 special is very inexpensive to shoot, which means its very easy to practice and become proficient. |