Whats a good handgun for a woman? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

chilcutt · #1 08-29-2011, 10:25 AM

A relative of mine in the States has asked my opinion as to what handgun she should look for.
I am certainly not in a position to advise her.

The first thing that came to my mind was either 38. or 32. caliber revolvers, as they may be simpler to handle than an auto-matic.

She has mentioned either 9 ml...or 40. (Taurus)?. Lives in Florida, and mentioned something about a permit to carry has restrictions, in terms of caliber size?

Anybody?

pj67coll · #2 08-29-2011, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chilcutt

A relative of mine in the States has asked my opinion as to what handgun she should look for.
I am certainly not in a position to advise her.

The first thing that came to my mind was either 38. or 32. caliber revolvers, as they may be simpler to handle than an auto-matic.

She has mentioned either 9 ml...or 40.

Anybody?

S&W 642 Hammerless airweight in 38 special.

- Peter.

Mike D · #3 08-29-2011, 10:36 AM

+1 on the S&W.

It's my hand gun of choice 'cause I got little "girlie" hands.

The Clk Man · #4 08-29-2011, 10:40 AM

If it's her time of the month, I would say a bb gun.

BobK · #5 08-29-2011, 10:45 AM

Lady friend of mine likes my PPKS. I have little hands and it works well for me.

elchivito · #6 08-29-2011, 11:00 AM

My wife has girly hands and has no trouble driving tacks with my Sig SP2022 in 9mm, and she's only a sometime shooter. The revolver is a great choice too, but 9mm ammo is the cheapest next to 22. The best caliber though is the one she can shoot the best. A 22 hollow point in the eye beats a 44 in the shoulder any day. She ought to be going to a gun shop for suggestions and then renting various pistols at a range to try them out.

PaulC · #7 08-29-2011, 11:38 AM

You have to be fairly stupid to accidentally fire a double-action revolver. You only have to be a little stupid to accidentally fire an automatic. As such, I concur with the S&W revolver, although I would opt for a .357 as it gives her the option to use either .38 or .357 ammo.

75Sv1 · #8 08-29-2011, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elchivito

My wife has girly hands and has no trouble driving tacks with my Sig SP2022 in 9mm, and she's only a sometime shooter. The revolver is a great choice too, but 9mm ammo is the cheapest next to 22. The best caliber though is the one she can shoot the best. A 22 hollow point in the eye beats a 44 in the shoulder any day. She ought to be going to a gun shop for suggestions and then renting various pistols at a range to try them out.

Probably the best advice. Find something that fits her hand, and she shoots well. I'd think a .32 a bit small for a mainline personal defense. .380 APC for Autos and .38 Specials for revolvers. I think revolvers are better for beginners. Autos, the person should practice a bit more. Some recomend 1000 rounds through an auto, with out a malfuntion, before carrying it.
S&W use to, stilll might, have a ladies line of pistols. Also, might check out the Ruger SP-101. Fairly small, and I remeber a 5 shot revolver. The German made Walther PPKs are of excellent quality. I think the US made ones are of good quality, but must be fired a lot before being carried.
Also, for home protection, she might consider a 20 ga. shotgun. Birdshot at close range does a number. I recomend a Remington 870.
Taurus has a very good reputation. I just haven't handled any. I haven't heard any negative comments on them.
Tom

lutzTD · #9 08-29-2011, 11:48 AM

put it to her temple, then a 22 will be fine

aklim · #10 08-29-2011, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

S&W 642 Hammerless airweight in 38 special.

- Peter.

I hate that gun. My Ex used it on me right after I upgraded her bullets from a 38 to a 38+P.

aklim · #11 08-29-2011, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 75Sv1

The German made Walther PPKs are of excellent quality. I think the US made ones are of good quality, but must be fired a lot before being carried.

The slide can bite the web of your hand sometimes if it is just right.

I always recommend that people go to a gun range where they have a wide variety of weapons for rent. That way, you can narrow it down to what YOU personally like.

Wife had a S&W 4906, IIRC that she couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with. I shot it just fine. She can shoot a PPK without issue and be reasonably accurate as well as a G23. All around the same thing.

Dad has been shooting since before I was born. He bought a S&W Sigma and thought it was ok but found after 10 rounds he hated the damn thing. Took the hit in the shorts and traded it off.

Try before you buy.