Posted: 4/15/2009 8:54:51 AM EDT
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My girlfriend wants to learn more about shooting and a handgun for self protection purposes. Her experience so far is rather nill and she doesn't have particularly strong wrists. I've been thinking, sort of, that perhaps one of those .17 or .380s might be okay as well as an NRA handgun course. And too, of taking her to a range where she could "get the feel" of a .38 spl. Any experience/suggestions/thoughts from you guys will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks much. waltere |
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My girlfriend wants to learn more about shooting and a handgun for self protection purposes. Her experience so far is rather nill... FAS WOMEN'S ONLY HANDGUN PROGRAMS Washington Arms Collectors Home Firearm Safety and Refuse to Be A Victim Course Schedule |
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Indeed, what Phil posted. Training is key.
That said, let her try out several different pistols/revolvers. The one SHE shoots and handles (and is most likely to carry) best is gonna be the one for her. For "weak wrists" a small .38spl revolver might not be the best option, as they can have a bit of a "wallop" even with milder loads, to someone you describe. And they do take alot of dedication and training to get proficient with. The "softest" shooting pistol out there in a suitable defensive caliber, for most, is usually a medium sized 9mm, for example, a G19. For more compactness, a G26 with a "finger extension" on the mag is great also. You'll find that most .380s don't really have much less percieved recoil than 9mms, as most are straight blow-back operated, and most are made in lighter, smaller platforms. |
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What Vinni said.
I always like to recommend revolvers to new shooters, but, also remember that the weight of a handgun helps attenuate some of the recoil. So, while that Titanium airweight .38 that is really light in the holster, it is also likely to kick like a mule. If it kicks like a mule, she likely won't train with it. Take her to a range that rents guns and let her shoot a bunch. Also reinforce that the decision to carry for personal protection means having to fortitude to actually shoot another human if it should come to that. Make sure that she has the proper mindset instilled. It's free advice, take it for what it's worth. |
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I'd get a clean used 4" heavy barrel S&W Model 10. Ideally with adjustable sights. ~$200. Lots of control. Simple. Will handle light target loads up to pretty efficient self defense ammo. Good call. I was thinkin' snubbies, 20-25 ounces. The revolver you suggest would be very controllable and simple to operate. |
Get her a smith and wesson 500, a few boxes of ammo, and send her into a pet store  
ETA: on a serious note, its not a revolver but I would consider a walther p22. Its not the best by any means as to putting someone down, but she can shoot all day and develop her skill and confidence in the process. |
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Quoted:
My girlfriend wants to learn more about shooting and a handgun for selfprotection purposes. Her experience so far is rather nill...
FAS WOMEN'S ONLY HANDGUN PROGRAMS Washington Arms Collectors Home Firearm Safety and Refuse to Be A Victim Course Schedule +1 Do not pick a gun for her. Get her enrolled in a women's training course taught by a woman. Preferably one where they get to try numerous pistols/revolvers of a wide variety. Then let her pick what she wants. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Quoted:
Do not pick a gun for her. Get her enrolled in a women's training course taught by a woman. Preferably one where they get to try numerous pistols/revolvers of a wide variety. Then let her pick what she wants. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile ^^ Winner. Even if she doesn't want to do any training . . . treat her like you would a buddy. Teach her to shoot safely, then take her to a range where she can shoot EVERYTHING . . . from .22s to .45s. It might take a few trips to try them all –– don't push her if she gets tired –– but let her just have fun and try them out. Then, let HER choose her gun based on what she likes. You can provide advice ("small guns are easier to conceal if you plan to carry it, but they kick more" or "9mm ammo is cheaper than .45" or whatever) but don't make the choice for her. However, I think at least a basic handgun class at your local range is a good starting point for anyone –– male or female. |
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sounds like a 2" or so non Airwieght, like a S&W 36 or similar would be about right, 3" if you can find one(actaully Cabela's had a nice older(better IMOP) 3" 36 last week for $350-ish)
if it just for the range and home, I would agree a K/L frame S&W 38 or 357 is a great choice, i started the Mrs(after some 22 work) with a S&W 686 4" and she kicked butt right off the bat, then she moved to the Airweight which is what she carries now and she is darn good with it many small 380 are very easy to limp wrist IMOP |