[ISTKOSTN] Gun Question

[wibornz]

This is what she needs



I have one and it is fun.....kinda!

I would have her buy the gun that fits her hand the best in the largest caliber that she feels comfortable shooting.  For wheel guns, I like the Ruger sp101



Just bob the hammer and you're good to go.

For autos.  Glock and springfield xd guns are on my top of the list.

[stinky93071]

This is what I carry in the summer..

http://www.bersafirearmsusa.com/bersa-firearms/thunder-380-plus.html

The women I have taken to the rang and that have shot it have picked one up, (all 4 of them) They like the fact it fit there hand, was heavy enough to not "kick" Its small fits in the purse or hip holster. With the right ammo it will mess up whatever you shoot.  

Now with that out there.. getting ammo is getting better. It has been hard to come by. Your best bet is get it in bulk online.

[Snapping Twig]

I'll offer my experience FWIW.

Any firearm in your hands in a time of need feels like the Hammer of Thor and is better than the alternative, regardless of caliber.

That said, Bigger bullets work better. The 11th commandment states, "thou shallt not enter a gunfight with any caliber not starting with a .4".

IMO, bullet construction makes a huge difference. Round nose or ball ammo is useless for self defense. Sure, it works, but hollow points or solid lead with a flat tip (metplat) work even better.

I get to teach a firearms class based on Gunsite. In this class we teach men and women to fight effectively with a 1911. For those that believe a .45acp kicks too hard, we fire it using thumb and finger only to demonstrate the low recoil. This is the key to self defense with a handgun - accurate shooting and fast follow-up shots.

Many years ago I decided to find a light weight, simple semi automatic in .45acp and my search ended with a Sig P220. No safety to mess with, alloy frame, no complicated controls, decocking lever for safe carry with a round in the chamber, double action first shot and smooth single action thereafter.

Sort of like a revolver that way, but magazine fed with light single action operation and the power of a .45acp.

Whatever you decide, take a firearms course like Gunsite, it will pay dividends  in spades!

[coho]

I have to say that this thread has been jam-packed with good advice and (for the most part) sensible suggestions.

Three pages of gun thread!?!! and no descent into madness, chaos and (very entertaining) invective?  





   I don't think you guys are trying hard enough.  

[Bounce]

I have a Ruger LCP and, while nice for deep cover (CHL carry when it's 100° outside) it's not what I would consider "preferred" for self defense.  As was also mentioned, .380 ACP ammo is hard to find and very costly right now. I bought bulk through Cabellas since their pricing was "firm". The trade off for MSRP was that I had to wait TWO MONTHS for the ammo to arrive. Could I have gotten a box or two of ammo more quickly? Sure but those with stock are asking up to $50 a box. If you have a gun you MUST practice. At those prices many people won't.

I would recommend a good .38 Special revolver as a revolver is easier to learn, more apt to "go bang" when you pull the trigger, and in a caliber that is often considered the minimum limit for self defense needs.

[black hills]

Another thing to remeber with a semi auto (specially lighter wieght ones) is if she can't hold up to the recoil she will have troubles with it cycling. I have seen it many time with smaller women and Glock's (9mm & .40). make sure you try it at the range to make sure it will work for her.

[Yankee Dog]

Like others, I would advise you head to the gun show and handle a bunch of different styles and calibers of handguns, take notes if necessary.  Then head to a local range where you can rent and try a few out.  

I would also advise that you buy a full caliber weapon of your choice AND a 22.  No matter what the caliber, center fire ammo is pricey.  You can shoot 10x as much 22 for the same price as a box of center fire.  The fundamentals of shooting both are the same.  

Yankee Dog