light/easy shooting gun

[Tyson1]

I am going to be leaving my home during the week for work. I want to get a gun my girlfriend could use for protection. What is an easy shooting (small recoil), and light weight, preferably a hand gun. Any suggestions would be great.

[jwp]

If it were me I would leave her with a Glock 19 in 9mm.

[eyebedam]

Something Very easy & light would be a Walther P22 really no recoil at all. You could also look at something alomg the lines of a Ruger LCP.380 or a Bersa .380.

[Grout]

A 4 or 6 inch .357 or .38 spl revolver loaded with standard velocity .38 loads.I would not worry about it being light unless she is a girly girl.Also would not suggest an auto for a novice.:2cents:

[PackinMama]

I'd go with something easy to use and dependable. A .38 snubbie like a Taurus Ultra-lite or a S&W Airweight would be perfect. If you think the .38 recoil would be too much for her, I know Taurus makes snubbies in 9mm, .22 LR, and .22 WMR also. The .22's are 9 shot.....that's almost as much as a subcompact auto holds. Taurus makes a very good gun at a great price. I definitely wouldn't go with an auto if she's not too familiar with guns....too much could go wrong.

[nsnate02]

If the ladies are back (since kids are in school now!) they can give you their opinions, but I'd say something full size in 9mm. The .380's are generally going to be smaller frames, so recoil will be similar to a full size 9mm and it is a little underpowered. I'd also look at something with changeable back straps, so she could fit it better. M&P, PX4, Glock 17 or 19, and maybe a Bersa .380.

[Tyson1]

I used to have a full size s/w m&p 9mm, that she could shoot, and sometimes did well with. I now have a kahr cw40, that she just cant controll. I wont buy a glock, because I would like to shoot the gun that i buy for her...and i dont like how glocks fit my hand. I am kinda wondering what all the other girls are shooting...she kind of is a girly girl, and isn't into guns fully yet (were working on it), so low recoil is what i'm looking for.

[Natosha]

I have a glock 26. I really like it.

[Mugster]

Sig makes a handgun in .380 that might be worth a look, I don't remember the model. The problem with a medium framed revolver the reach to the trigger. A small frame as mentioned, possibly made of steel for a little extra recoil friendliness might be a good choice with real mild ball ammo (what I provide for my lady). Might get by with an aluminum frame smith 442 but the recoil might be a bit much. A Kahr in .380 or possibly 9mm might be worth a look. Mild 9mm ball might work in it. The oldie but a goody PPK in .380 might also do it.

Get out there and look. Shoot before you buy if possible.

[molonlabetn]

You want a gun which will feel comfortable in her hands, is both easy and safe to operate, and has low recoil...

I'd recommend a fullsize XD 9mm, partially for the grip-safety feature (she won't have to remember a manual safety, but the action is disabled until she grips it). Honestly, it's either that, or a midsize .357/.38 revolver (Ruger GP-100 maybe).

Next best option is a shotgun with low-recoil buckshot.

[mhm2a]

I say revolver in .38+p just point and shoot basically.

[hustle]

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/freeads/auction.cgi?action=ViewItem&ID=1218816925&Lang=English

Pink grip for her, and black grip for you.

[jackdog]

Got to go with a revolver, with standard 38 loads. No matter what you decide to get, she needs to learn how to handle it safely. This will require a lot of practice on her part.

[I_Like_Pie]

Got to go with a revolver, with standard 38 loads. No matter what you decide to get, she needs to learn how to handle it safely. This will require a lot of practice on her part.


Yep...I will throw in the 5th vote for a 38/357 revolver with a SD .38 load. You can't go wrong with that setup.

[Im Neero]

Something Very easy & light would be a Walther P22 really no recoil at all. You could also look at something alomg the lines of a Ruger LCP.380 or a Bersa .380.

It also has really no chance of putting down an attacker. .22 is not for self defense, and I think stands a roughly equal chance of scaring a bad guy off or making him really mad, with almost no chance of actually stopping him. .380 isn't much better.

I know some of you carry .380s, but you always admit that shot placement is key with smaller calibers. If she can practice enough to consistently place shots in critical areas under stress, she can handle a more effective weapon.

[vujade]

as a note...those airweight 38s hurt the hand after a few shots...they are just so light they snap sharply. not too much fun to shoot. plus 38 ammo more expensive and thus make it harder to practice a whole lot.

With that, my wife has a 38 snubbie (that isn't the very light models) if a BG comes but she mostly shots my 22 Neo when we go to the range to play.

I'm moving her towards the 9mm.

[PackinMama]

My vote is still with a .38 snubbie..... IMO it is the perfect self defense weapon for a novice shooter. They have plenty stopping power without too much recoil. They're light, small, and easy to handle. They're also pretty much idiot proof, so anyone that can point it and pull the trigger can shoot it.

.38 snubbies, or really any snubbies for that matter, are not fun range guns. That's just not what they're made for. They're made for up close personal self defense, period. In a situation where someone would have to shoot one in a self defense situation, the flowing adrenaline would definitely absorb the recoil ;)

[Bastet]

A Beretta 92FS is really smooth. She should go to a range and shoot several sizes and types.

[MrsS]

If possible, go to a range that rents guns and have her try out a few! All of us can recommend a slew of guns, but in the end, only she will ultimately know what is the best for her; besides, she can get some practice time and gain knowledge of guns if she is a beginner. Good luck.

[PackinMama]

So Tyson, give us an update. What kind of gun did you decide on for your wife?

[billwilly73]

What about the Judge loaded with buckshot????

[musicman]

I know that this is late, but I will add my vote for a 38/357 too. However, I would suggest a steel-frame gun, not an unobtanium ultra-light weight hand slapper. I carry a 2" model 64 S&W, which is basically a stainless steel model 10. It's not really heavy, it just has a nice, solid feel about it. It also makes the recoil VERY tame! Even hot +p loads are not tough at all. No, it's not really +p rated, but whatever. With different heat treating of the cylinder, this gun is the .357 mag model 66. I'm sure it can take a little +p diet.

[bluecanary25]

Oh heck, I'll join in this late, too.
DA BOSS, who dislikes shooting, prefers my P-6 over her Bersa 380.
To her, the recoil was less with the P-6. It is a little larger and heavier than the Bersa (both are very nice shooting, reliable and affordable handguns).
As suggested earlier, get her something that fits her hand and she is comfortable shooting.

[towerclimber37]

What about the Judge loaded with buckshot????
I think he said a LIGHT gun. also, .410 buckshot is way less effective than a .45 LC as a man stopper.
google boxotruth.com and read up on it... I was skeptical until I went there and checked out this guys' video.
now? I'll give the missus a .45
:D

[glockkiddo]

I teach anywhere from 10-20 women to shoot a month in addition to Ladies Only Carry Permit Classes and most of them go with the Glock or Smith M&P. Remember that her hands are going to fit a gun completely different and if you want her to be comfortable with it she needs to like the way it feels. If these are too large for her hands try the Kahr CW9.

[hustle]

Hey Glockkiddo, what's your location? Where are the classes at? I have a friend that needs this in Knoxville. She's a little intimidated by men, and I can't get it worked out to where I can teach her. She has never held a gun before in her life.

[AgentWilliam]

I would suggest a Taurus MILLENNIUM sub compact 9mm. My wife is not very stong and we searched for a while for a gun that would work for her. I also like the fact that the Millennium is easier when it comes to the safety mech for a woman. Great gun very accurate. If she has never fired a gun before I would go with a 38 revolver. But for $369 you can have a great automatic.

[glockkiddo]

hustle, I am located in Murfreesboro however I offer classes on the weekends that seems to fit into most schedules. If you are interested in the Handgun Carry Permit Class for Ladies she can sign up online at www.ontargettn.com (http://www.ontargettn.com). All Ladies Only classes are marked as such. Let me know if I can help.

[hustle]

OK, thanks glockkiddo.

[bubbiesdad]

My vote is still with a .38 snubbie..... IMO it is the perfect self defense weapon for a novice shooter. They have plenty stopping power without too much recoil. They're light, small, and easy to handle. They're also pretty much idiot proof, so anyone that can point it and pull the trigger can shoot it.

.38 snubbies, or really any snubbies for that matter, are not fun range guns. That's just not what they're made for. They're made for up close personal self defense, period. In a situation where someone would have to shoot one in a self defense situation, the flowing adrenaline would definitely absorb the recoil ;)


I have a snubbie, not a fun range gun, even though I qualified for my HCP with it. I still carrry it when my clothes will not allow the carry of my XD.
Good JHP's in a .38 should do good.

[OhShoot]

....38 snubbies, or really any snubbies for that matter, are not fun range guns.....

Ah, then you have never shot a Ruger SP101 !
.357's are no problemo and .38's are like .32's

- OS

[musicman]

+1 Oh Shoot.

There's a big difference between a featherweight aluminum or titanium snub, and an all steel mini-tank. It's all about weight. I'll bet your SP with 357 mags doesn't kick like your Kahr with standard loads!

[OhShoot]

+1 Oh Shoot.

There's a big difference between a featherweight aluminum or titanium snub, and an all steel mini-tank. It's all about weight. I'll bet your SP with 357 mags doesn't kick like your Kahr with standard loads!

Less "snap" for sure; just more like a solid "pushback". Certainly no "sting" at all.
Prolly about same muzzle rise between the two. And it is a snubbie, 2 1/4".

Several of us shot it at Norris last week all using .357, nobody went "ow".

- OS

[PackinMama]

Yes, the heavier all steel snubbies absorb recoil very nicely. But they're HEAVY and a PITA to carry all day long, especially for most women. Lightweight in any carry gun means a lot to me.....second only to dependability. It's much easier for men, who usually wear belts, to carry a heavy gun than it is for a woman. I very frequently carry my Ultra-Lite .38 in a belly band because I don't wear a belt. When I have it on I sometimes forget it's there because it's so light and comfortable....and I even carry an extra speedloader with it.

[bashbago]

It is probably too late for this reply, but here is my two cents worth. Take her to range that rents pistols and let her try a few. One major problem is a grip that is too big. Try revolvers and semi's of different calbers. Let her tell you which she likes. She will need to practice and if she does not like the pistol, she will not. Buying is not enough, how about a class or two? You need to build her confidence in the pistol and her ability to defend herself.
I have probably repeated much what has already been said. :)

[Almond27]

My uncle has a LCP and a Airlite Smith and Wesson 38 snubbie he carries every day I think either would be great choices

[TheBulldog]

I see allot of guys think women should start with a .22, but I have started them with 38s and 40 cals without a problem.
You guys would be surprised how well some women can shoot given proper instruction on the first time at the range.

I suggest a trip to your local dealership and have her FIT several firearms to her hands and see what SHE LIKES.
Just keep it comfortable and feeling good in HER Hands.
You can manage the caliber issue once you know what she likes by her feel.

Remember, how a guy handles a firearm and feels it is way different than a woman's touch.

Just my 2.5 cents.