Regarding the Fairer Sex

[Bawanna]

You have a 686? Why don't I have a 686?

Definitely let her choose. Give her good options but let her make the call.

[tv_racin_fan]

My wife and I really like our Ruger SP101s. The things are heavy enough that they mitigate some of the recoil issue and she has no problem with normal 357 loads and shot some rather hot 357s without much fuss (she did say she had no interest in shooting those hot loads any more BUT wouldn't have issue IF that was all we happened to have at the time). Plus she likes that she can use 38s IF the 357s were too hot for her.

All that said IF she had not been wanting to be able to carry that SP101 I would have steered her toward a GP100 with 4" barrel. But honestly I got a SP101 for myself, after shooting it at the range she came to my man cave and said she wanted one and so she got one. I simply told her not to complain when I stopped at a gun shop every time until I found one she could afford and the day I found one we had stopped with grand kids in tow, she took em out to hit the bathroom and grab a soda thinking I would be done before she got back, when she got back and I wasn't done yet she said she knew I was purchasing somthing so I just handed it to her and said here is your new handgun and she was fine.

[hardluk1]

If this is only a home protection firearm the 20ga might be the best choice . For a handgun a revolver is simple to learn with and easy if not slower to reload. My girls can rack the cm9 and cw9 I have and shoot them but don't care for them.

Bersa make the thunder 380 series that are easy to rack with weights from 16oz to the double stack 15 round model at 20oz. It make a real solid pick than can be carried too. We have to of there pistols in the family.

My wife is fond of the m&p9c with a extra 17 round mag and X grip sleeve for around the home. Smaller grip fits most hands well.

[Ol'coot]

The S&W J frame .38 Sp is an awesome gun for a lady. It is dependable, easy to handle and the long trigger pull makes it ideal for conceal carry. My wife carries here S&W 642 with CT grips daily. I also have a S&W 442 that is part of my carry rotation they are great little guns.

[Ace22]

+1 on the J-Frame or similar. My wife has a S&W Model 10 that she loves.

[MW surveyor]

Another one for a 20 gauge youth model shotgun.

If not, then a revolver of just about any description if she is not going to carry it. Heavier is better though if she is going to practice with it.

[340pd]

I am coaching group of women tonight on this very topic. First time gun owners IMHO should really look into the revolver world first. Easy to load and unload, no racking to clear a malfunction, and very reliable. If she is not going to carry, a Ruger GP100 or a smaller steel frame S&W with a 3"-4" barrel are very nice choices. I prefer six shot models as you get one more round if needed.


I personally would like to have a set of laser grips on the gun, and teach her how to use them. That red dot on an aggressor just may be enough to stop a threat without the need to fire the weapon. If nothing else the laser will (UNLOADED GUN) allow her to practice trigger control as they may be the best dry fire trainer in the world.

Also remind her it needs to be secured in the home with quick access.
Now you have lot's of Christmas/Birthday gift ideas.

It also may help to make her aware that guns generally hold their value. She can consider it as a investment.

[Bawanna]

I started Mrs. bawanna off with an SP101 in 22 for her first gun of her own. I put Crimson Trace grips on it as a training aid.

She now has a Smith 638 which she gets along fine with. I was so proud when she actually went and go her CCW and actually carries it. I don't like or advocate purse carry but it's better than under you pillow when you need it at the gas station.

I completely agree with revolvers for first guns. You don't have that sneaky chamber to worry about. Pop it open if all the holes are empty your good. Unless you need to shoot of course then that would be bad.

[Sage]

My wife has tried numerous revolvers and autos over the years. She has access to many carry options (my guns and hers). She always goes with the LCR .38. I've asked her why and she says she just feels more confident handling and shooting this particular gun.

[muggsy]

If she is looking for a house gun that can double for concealed carry a CW9 might be a good choice. Full grip. easier to rack the slide and light enough to be carried in a purse.

[kwh]

If a single Mom I would definitely recommend a 20 ga. Reasons. If she needed a handgun that has smaller grips and easy to use (no safety or a DA) it would also be too easy for the children to use. Long guns are visually more intimidating so less likely to be played with and barrels are more difficult to accidentally or purposely point at oneself.( If teenagers and suicide would be an issue in later years.) I would think a young child, but not an adult would have a problem racking a pump. Another possibility would be to use a pistol ( Ruger SR) with a mag safety. Shell in chamber but loaded magazine kept on person at all times. Insert mag and fire, no racking of slide needed.

[jocko]

heh

My wife has tried numerous revolvers and autos over the years. She has access to many carry options (my guns and hers). She always goes with the LCR .38. I've asked her why and she says she just feels more confident handling and shooting this particular gun.

she'sright.It is hwatshe thiks,not us. Thgat is a nice handgun, certainly a handcannon if she shoots it much but again, it is the confidence in thegun and carrying it that has to be #1.

iF i WAS GONNA BUY Y WIFE A HOME GUN ONLY AND NOT ONE TO STICK IN HER PURSE. i WOULD BUY THE JUDGE. Awheelgun is a great choic for a woman, she can load it withease she can unload it with ease, she can clear a jam with ease and a misfire is jusrt pull the trigger again. I would think if a BG hears ANY GUNSHOT in a home, he is gonna sh! his pants. ot sto sure a womenis gonna do much beter hitting anythng if a SHTF situation beit with a wheel gun or semi.. Just my 21 cents on this. Just sayin

[ltxi]

Irrespective of gender.....I'm a strong advocate of K-frame revolvers for a beginner/non gun person like that for a house gun. Or an SP-101, preferably in three inch. I'd never recommend a J-frame snub for that application. Not even for me. Those are for carry, not primary home defense. As I mentioned before, my wife, who's not too much over beer stand height and not particularly strong, has a 3" HB M65 as her much preferred, primary hand gun. At home, mine is the same in blue, M13.

For the person of whom you speak, RevRay, my suggestion is a nice, clean, older used 4" Model 10. Several reasons....quite inexpensive/well made/accurate/good trigger pull/easy to shoot/many grip choices if the stock ones don't fit well. If she gets along with that and wants to "move up" later, that would be the time to consider different and pricier options.

Also....you said single mom. Haven't seen a mention here about cautioning her about access by kids, but that should be part of it imo.

[ltxi]

she'sright.It is hwatshe thiks,not us. Thgat is a nice handgun, certainly a handcannon if she shoots it much but again, it is the confidence in thegun and carrying it that has to be #1.

iF i WAS GONNA BUY Y WIFE A HOME GUN ONLY AND NOT ONE TO STICK IN HER PURSE. i WOULD BUY THE JUDGE. Awheelgun is a great choic for a woman, she can load it withease she can unload it with ease, she can clear a jam with ease and a misfire is jusrt pull the trigger again. I would think if a BG hears ANY GUNSHOT in a home, he is gonna sh! his pants. ot sto sure a womenis gonna do much beter hitting anythng if a SHTF situation beit with a wheel gun or semi.. Just my 21 cents on this. Just sayin

Sexist pig. I'm tellin' Melissa you done said that. :19:

[burdicda]

My wife has a S&W Model 642 J-Frame and an NAA 22Magnum mini....both are fail proof, light, and tiny.....

Both for carry not for home defense
For home defense she taps me or reaches over me for the CW45....

burdicda