Girlfriend Wants Handgun to Carry. What should I get her?

[Postal Dude]

Careful with that... there are a couple of women here who carry 1911s!

The problem is, Im always the one stuck buying all of the ammo we shoot. Those 45's are $$$. LOL

 

[scottka]

You might have her give the Ruger LCR a try. The Hogue grips are very recoil taming or you can go with the Crimson Trace Laser grips if that's what she likes, but IMO it fits the bill pretty well.

 

[redneckpastor]

I got my wife a Makarov aka CZ-82 cheap $182 and ammo is cheap too. Yes i am cheap, i am in the ministry what else do you expect I am not so huge TV evangelist either, but i hear there is good money in that not the right reasons

 

[T-rav]

One of the gun magazine gave a good review or the pink lady. Its a Charter Arms gun

 

[mskitty]

I am also interested in your weapons opinions. I haven't purchased one, yet. I know from family that I should try out many before I purchase one. I get that.
Is there someplace that I can shoot many calibers of both revolvers and semi's? I would like to try different weapons before I put down $$$ for mine. My family has a few to shoot, but I would like a wider range to try. I'm in the NW Indiana area. Any thoughts?

 

[SSGSAD]

gun for girl

My advice is take her to a gun shop, let her handle as many guns as the clerk will let her, and when she says this feels good, that is the one.....

 

[SSGSAD]

pop guns, find out if they charge rental for every gun on one visit...

 

[versuchstier147]

I took my girl to the 1500 and turned her loose. Let her just wander around checking out everything until she found something she liked and could operate. And so it was done.

Bummer now she doesn't want to get her LTCH because she doesn't want to be "hassled by police"

 

[spartan933]

Try the PX4 Storm SC 9mm. It's my girlfriend's preferred weapon of choice. Unique look to it. Very accurate and easy to carry. She might like it. Or, get her the Desert Eagle.

 

[rhino]

For those who think getting a new shooter an airweight j-frame revolver or other pocket gun is a good idea, please them shoot one first. Chances are, they will find it to be an unpleasant experience and will not be willing to practice with it adequately for any reasonable level of proficiency.

 

[JetGirl]

For those who think getting a new shooter an airweight j-frame revolver or other pocket gun is a good idea, please them shoot one first. Chances are, they will find it to be an unpleasant experience and will not be willing to practice with it adequately for any reasonable level of proficiency.

Yeah, that ^.

 

[Fenway]

Agreed. Get them something they will enjoy shooting.

For those who think getting a new shooter an airweight j-frame revolver or other pocket gun is a good idea, please them shoot one first. Chances are, they will find it to be an unpleasant experience and will not be willing to practice with it adequately for any reasonable level of proficiency.

 

[Roadie]

My wife thought she wanted a revolver, until she shot one. She likes the feel of the semi-autos I have had, but we have to find one she can rack the slide on.

She has an easier time with my 9mm than she did the 380 actually.

BUt to back everyone else up. Don't buy her anything YOU pick out. Buy her what SHE picks out.

 

[rhino]

My wife thought she wanted a revolver, until she shot one. She likes the feel of the semi-autos I have had, but we have to find one she can rack the slide on.

She has an easier time with my 9mm than she did the 380 actually.

The reason why .380s are harder to rack the slide is because most of them are direct blowback actions with heavier recoil springs than a 9mm will typically have.

As far as being able to rack the slide, unless there is some kind of genuine disability, being able to rack the slide is of more a matter of technique than it is of strength. Grab the slide overhand behind the ejection port with support hand, but instead of trying to pull the slide to the rear, hold the slide stationary with the support hand while you push forward with the firing hand. This allows use of more and bigger muscle groups and pretty much any able bodied person can do it to most guns. It's no problem with Glocks, 1911s, M&Ps, Sigs, whatever as long as you do it right.

 

[Roadie]

The reason why .380s are harder to rack the slide is because most of them are direct blowback actions with heavier recoil springs than a 9mm will typically have.

As far as being able to rack the slide, unless there is some kind of genuine disability, being able to rack the slide is of more a matter of technique than it is of strength. Grab the slide overhand behind the ejection port with support hand, but instead of trying to pull the slide to the rear, hold the slide stationary with the support hand while you push forward with the firing hand. This allows use of more and bigger muscle groups and pretty much any able bodied person can do it to most guns. It's no problem with Glocks, 1911s, M&Ps, Sigs, whatever as long as you do it right.

Now that makes sense re: 380 vs. 9mm.

I am already working with her on what you suggested. She does have carpal tunnel, as do I, so it can make it a little harder.

I think another thing that helps with the 9mm is the slide is a little thicker, which changes her grip on it.

Thanks for the input!

 

[rhino]

Good deal! You might also try switching hands if the carpal tunnel is worse in one than the other. Also, if she grips the slide mostly with her pinkie and ring fingers, it might hurt less too.