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Posted: 6/14/2009 10:50:11 PM EDT
I had lunch with a friend today, he has not in the past been a "gun guy"
Always had a shotgun and maybe a 22 around the house-
but he has decided he wants to have a handgun at the house for his wife,
and he wants to get another handgun for carry
I explained that he (and his wife needed to get some training- and he agrees)

I was not sure what direction to point him in his selection for the two weapons

One thought is to suggest a 4" 38/357 for his home (he said his wife will attend a training class, but could not see here actually carrying)
also I know my wife is much more comfortable with a revolver.
And maybe a Springfield XD 9mm  or .40 sub compact for his carry weapon
( I know a Glock is a great weapon,  or Smith M&P - but feel like the grip safety would be a good idea for a new shooter-
and while my personal choice is a 1911, don't know if it would be a good choice for a first time carry weapon)

My other thought, would be a full size XD for home (as his wife would be new to shooting- just let her learn on a semi from the start)
and the XD sup compact for carry- both in the same caliber

What would you tell him?


Link Posted: 6/14/2009 10:51:16 PM EDT
[#1]
Buy her a .38 lady smith, and him either a glock .40 or a kimber ftw if he gets both.
Link Posted: 6/14/2009 10:53:50 PM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
and him either a glock .40 or a kimber ftw if he gets both.



One will blow up, the other won't function properly. Atleast say a Glock 21 and a Dan wesson/springfield/colt.
Link Posted: 6/14/2009 10:55:17 PM EDT
[#3]
Glock 17 for him, Glock 19 for her. Both 9mm so they don't have to stock different calibers. Also Glock 17 mags will fit in the 19. IMHO
Link Posted: 6/14/2009 10:56:14 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
Quoted:
and him either a glock .40 or a kimber ftw if he gets both.



One will blow up, the other won't function properly. Atleast say a Glock 21 and a Dan wesson/springfield/colt.


Hey now. I reject your reality and submit my own.
Link Posted: 6/14/2009 10:58:05 PM EDT
[#5]
Glock or M&P. Whichever fits better. Grip safety is completely unnecessary.
Link Posted: 6/14/2009 10:58:36 PM EDT
[#6]
I would dual wield a pair of Deagle 50's if I was him..

Since I am not, have them go to a range and shoot several types if possible. Let them each pick what they feel comfortable shooting.

Link Posted: 6/14/2009 11:01:35 PM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Glock 17 for him, Glock 19 for her. Both 9mm so they don't have to stock different calibers. Also Glock 17 mags will fit in the 19. IMHO


This.
...and add a couple AA .22 conversions.

ETA:...and training.
Link Posted: 6/14/2009 11:19:30 PM EDT
[#8]
Shotgun or carbine for home, whatever makes him fap for carry.
Link Posted: 6/14/2009 11:21:59 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
I would dual wield a pair of Deagle 50's if I was him..

Since I am not, have them go to a range and shoot several types if possible. Let them each pick what they feel comfortable shooting.



This.  Personally I detest the XD.  Don't care for Glocks either.  I'm an MP fan.  Have them get whatever fits them best.
Link Posted: 6/14/2009 11:23:27 PM EDT
[#10]
Tell them both to try out a bunch of different ones and choose the ones they like best.  Give them some guidelines about which makers produce quality (as in durable and reliable) weapons and let them take it from there.

Any other answer is bullshit.
Link Posted: 6/14/2009 11:24:54 PM EDT
[#11]
1911 is not a good idea for a first gun (to carry), I don't think.  Something more simple and user-independent, like an XD or Glock would be good for him.  The XD45 (Tactical or Compact) with the compact grip would be good for carry, and have excellent accuracy.  It would also have all the stopping power he needs.  As said, for her, a S&W Lady would be good.  Whatever's comfortable for both of them.
 
Link Posted: 6/14/2009 11:26:44 PM EDT
[#12]
I am shocked you guys are suggesting his wife use a grenade as a personal defense weapon.

Bunch of misogynists.
Link Posted: 6/14/2009 11:29:50 PM EDT
[#13]
As always they should go to the funstore and try out as many guns as they can.  At least let them handle them if not actually fire them.  

A lot of people suggest a small revolver for women... new female shooters don't like small revolvers for long, they tend to have much more notable recoil and noise.  

I would suggest two matching compact polymer frame 9mm pistols.  Cheaper to train with, she can shoot either one, light for carry and concealable etc etc.  I would pick between the Glock, XD, and M&P... let her in on the decision, because she is going to be more apt to train with it if she is.
Link Posted: 6/14/2009 11:31:46 PM EDT
[#14]
Two 7.5" AR pistols.  With Miculek comps.
Link Posted: 6/14/2009 11:32:33 PM EDT
[#15]
Quoted:
Buy her a .38 lady smith, and him either a glock 21[/img]


When people ask me about their first handgun I tell them to get a Glock, when they want their second handgun, I tell them a Sig.

Women and .38's just seem to do really well.
Link Posted: 6/14/2009 11:34:02 PM EDT
[#16]



Quoted:


Two 7.5" AR pistols.  With Miculek comps.


That's actually probably not a bad idea for her at home if she doesn't want to carry.

 
Link Posted: 6/14/2009 11:35:10 PM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Buy her a .38 lady smith, and him either a glock 21[/url]


When people ask me about their first handgun I tell them to get a Glock, when they want their second handgun, I tell them a Sig.

Women and .38's just seem to do really well.


Even for a guy 38 is nothing to laugh at, its about placement and getting people started. A gun someone will carry is better than one they won't. Agreed glocks have many good parts kits available, and can readily get mags not like hk, sigs are good I would own one.
Link Posted: 6/14/2009 11:40:39 PM EDT
[#18]



Quoted:





Quoted:

Two 7.5" AR pistols.  With Miculek comps.


That's actually probably not a bad idea for her at home if she doesn't want to carry.  


If you're ever in WI drop me a line and I will let you shoot my SBR indoors.  1 round should change your mind.



The reason I was being facetious was that no matter what the OP suggests to his friend, he'll see some shiny bauble at the gunstore for $200 and buy that instead.  99% of the time.



 
Link Posted: 6/14/2009 11:43:29 PM EDT
[#19]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Buy her a .38 lady smith, and him either a glock 21[/url]


When people ask me about their first handgun I tell them to get a Glock, when they want their second handgun, I tell them a Sig.

Women and .38's just seem to do really well.


Even for a guy 38 is nothing to laugh at, its about placement and getting people started. A gun someone will carry is better than one they won't. Agreed glocks have many good parts kits available, and can readily get mags not like hk, sigs are good I would own one.


No disagreement. I carry a snub nose .38.

Women seem to just love holding it more than the others. Nickel makes them giddy.
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 5:46:58 AM EDT
[#20]
I recommend a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolver with four inch barrel.

They want two handguns? Then get two of the S&W Model 10's.
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 5:53:14 AM EDT
[#21]
Tell him to get an HK USP for him and a P2000/SK for her.
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 5:54:57 AM EDT
[#22]
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 5:55:33 AM EDT
[#23]
Tell them both to try as many different models as they can get their hands on. Let them find what works best for them.
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 5:56:26 AM EDT
[#24]
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 5:56:33 AM EDT
[#25]
They should find a range that rents guns and shoot many different models until finding what works best FOR THEM.

Yeah, that's crazy talk.

ETA: Damn  my OCD spelling and grammar checking ways.
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 6:20:42 AM EDT
[#26]
Thanks for the responses

With the exception of "get a handgun, and get training "- I will not actually "tell him" anything

Just looking at suggestions
Revolver and Semi Auto
or two Semi Auto

Then as it comes down to  - what works/feels best to them - as long as it is a proven product from a quality company
Thanks
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 6:21:48 AM EDT
[#27]
Quoted:
Tell them both to try out a bunch of different ones and choose the ones they like best.  Give them some guidelines about which makers produce quality (as in durable and reliable) weapons and let them take it from there.

Any other answer is bullshit.


Yep.

Don't decide which one is best for them.  Let them try out different kinds - revolver vs semi-auto - .380 vs .38 vs .40 vs 9mm vs .45.

They might end up with the same caliber but different guns.
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 6:24:42 AM EDT
[#28]
Start with a Glock 19 and if they like it they can get a second.  If he finds it a bit large fr carry he can add a Glock 26 or if they decide they would like a bigger gun for HD use they can get a Glock 17.  Alternately, if either fo them don't like the Glock they can then try a revolver or other auto.

My benchmark is the Glock 19 myself
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 6:28:56 AM EDT
[#29]
XD's for victory and beyond! Yes the grip safety is a bonus for a new shooter.But really go to fun shop and handle a bunch.

Link Posted: 6/15/2009 6:28:57 AM EDT
[#30]
Quoted:
Tell them both to try out a bunch of different ones and choose the ones they like best.  Give them some guidelines about which makers produce quality (as in durable and reliable) weapons and let them take it from there.

Any other answer is bullshit.


+1

Why does everyone automatically recommend a little mouse gun for a woman?
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 6:30:39 AM EDT
[#31]
I'd tell him to purchase them from two different stores.
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 6:30:57 AM EDT
[#32]
One glock in 9mm, most likely subcompact 26, and a 1911.
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 6:36:58 AM EDT
[#33]
Before either purchases anything they should attend a basic pistol class.  You don't need to bring your own gun to one of these; the instructors have a variety (at least we did years ago back when I was certified to teach it).

Then they should go to a range that has pistols for rent so they can try out different models to see what they like.

After that they should select which one(s) they would like to purchase.

Finally, get away from "woman = .38" mentality.  The only revolver I own is a .44 magnum and it's for deer hunting.  My CCW piece is a Sig P245.
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 6:41:39 AM EDT
[#34]
In spite of the percieved grip issue: 2 Glock 19s.
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 6:48:01 AM EDT
[#35]
38 Special six-gun, about a 4 inch barrel.  I'd avoid a compact 38.  Too much recoil.

The larger 38 might seem old fashioned but it'll be easy for the wife to use, low recoil, and is dead nutz reliable.

Edit: Only if she is comfortable with it.  I think revolvers are better for beginners but if the grip isn't comfortable for her, better to have something comfortable.  JMO
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 7:49:17 AM EDT
[#36]
sure... two glock 19's
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 7:52:11 AM EDT
[#37]
Quoted:
What would you tell him?


I have several guns (revolvers and semi-autos)..............wanna come shooting with me and try some of them?

Aloha, Mark

Link Posted: 6/15/2009 7:53:57 AM EDT
[#38]
Two Glock 9mm's.  A 26 and 19 or two 19's.  This has been the easiest caliber to find and one of the least expensive.  Glock is the best price, reliability, availability and functionality I've found.  I've owned Kimber and Glock and would choose Glock as a combat pistol any day of the week.  aaaaaaaaannnd 9mm/Glock basher go......
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 7:54:00 AM EDT
[#39]
2 G19's.
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 7:56:41 AM EDT
[#40]
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 8:02:37 AM EDT
[#41]
Take him to a range with a multitude of rentals...


Unless it's a "fun-gun" like a cowboy, plinker, or just a collector I would never buy a "utility" gun without shooting it first.


The more the better.



Link Posted: 6/15/2009 8:07:03 AM EDT
[#42]
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 8:36:02 AM EDT
[#43]
Let my daughter and wife shoot 2" 38 special. They were a little put off by recoil. Shot my 9mmXDsc they loved it. Practice is the most important thing. After 50 rounds with the revolver and 50 with the xd they chose the autoloader with some emphasis on some safety advantages to an autoloader.Once you go with an autoloader XD, M&P, Or Glock are great guns. Taking it a step further, they decided to get a pistol with a decocker after shooting and handling one of mine. Safety , reliability and user friendliness won the day for my wife and daughter and son in law. JMHO.
Link Posted: 6/15/2009 8:55:26 AM EDT
[#44]
Quoted:
I recommend a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolver with four inch barrel.

They want two handguns? Then get two of the S&W Model 10's.


+1 in all honesty 90% of all "non gun" people would be best served by a Smith and Wesson 10 or 64
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