Suggestions on First handgun - Revolver

[Howard000003]

Howdy,

I'm helping a female friend buy her first handgun. She wants a revolver for the safety/reliability. She intends to primarily carry it in her purse and intends to either get a laser sight or crimson trace laser grips for it. Any suggestions on what to steer her toward? Obviously, she needs to get out and do some shopping/handling (which we intend to do soon), and it would be great if she could shoot some various calibers and different frames first, but I'm not sure of any ranges that rent handguns in my area (Shiawassee/Livingston). She is not a small gal; however, she is somewhat shy of firearms (she was shot as a child) and is just getting used to being around them, wanting one because of the job she works. Any recommendations or words of advice on a frame, grips, caliber, or overall size of revolver?

[DetroitBiker]

S&W J frame, she wont be dissapointed

[Joeywhat]

Steel J frame in .357 mag. Only shoot .38's through it to start, then move to +P. Throw some mags in there if she's up to it. The .357's will typically be a little heavier then the .38s due to the larger cylinder. Don't bother going for the air weights...too light, too much recoil. .38's in a steel revolver shoot like .22's.

A 2 1/2" Smith 686 might even work. I think those are K frames. 1 extra shot in the cylinder, and bigger gun overall so even less recoil. They feel great in your hand, too.

[Howard000003]

Steel J frame in .357 mag. Only shoot .38's through it to start, then move to +P. Throw some mags in there if she's up to it. The .357's will typically be a little heavier then the .38s due to the larger cylinder. Don't bother going for the air weights...too light, too much recoil. .38's in a steel revolver shoot like .22's.

A 2 1/2" Smith 686 might even work. I think those are K frames. 1 extra shot in the cylinder, and bigger gun overall so even less recoil. They feel great in your hand, too.

I agree with the air weights, my friend recently purchased one and I was able to shoot it this past weekend. Too light to hit accurately at my opinion.

[ColonelKurtz]

S&W 640

(personally I'd avoid one with the infernal lock but that means she'd have to buy used. some people don't mind the lock but I hate them and won't have any gun with an internal lock)

[Imshootin]

3" steel j-frame or even a round butt k-frame with a Hogue Bantam grip on it would make a great purse carry gun. I had a 3" Model 65 (.357) round butt I sold a while back. Wish I'd have kept it. It was a nice revolver.

[Mouse08]

I respectfully disagree with those who said stay away from the airweights. I carry a Smith & Wesson 642 and really like it. And I'm a girl. I have no problem hitting a 5" target at 35 feet. It might take a bit of practice for someone new, but, keep at it and you'll see results.

[Rugergirl]

I respectfully disagree with those who said stay away from the airweights. I carry a Smith & Wesson 642 and really like it. And I'm a girl. I have no problem hitting a 5" target at 35 feet. It might take a bit of practice for someone new, but, keep at it and you'll see results.

What ammo are you using?
I rented an airweight and fired some .357 Magnum rounds, I might be OK for a carry gun but I wouldn't want to run 100 rounds at a time through one at the range.
I wouldn't call it painful, but tiring compared to a hefty steel frame.

[Kenny Jurist]

The S&W M&P model 340 is hammerless (important so hammer doesn't get pulled by mistake while in her purse) and has Trijicon night sight in front.
I agree that the .38 specials are not too harsh to shoot and it does offer some upgrading flexibility if she becomes a little more relaxed in time (upgrading to +p's or even .357)

For a purse and for a woman especially a little uncomfortable about the handgun thing at this time maybe even a .380 Ruger LCP would be good.

Keep in mind accuracy and range are going to suffer with a revolver v. semi-auto. Especially in a "situation", you're going to jerk the trigger moreso than with a semi.

She really needs to handle some weapons and go with the feel and comfort.

[Rugergirl]

The S&W M&P model 340 is hammerless (important so hammer doesn't get pulled by mistake while in her purse) and has Trijicon night sight in front.
I agree that the .38 specials are not too harsh to shoot and it does offer some upgrading flexibility if she becomes a little more relaxed in time (upgrading to +p's or even .357)

For a purse and for a woman especially a little uncomfortable about the handgun thing at this time maybe even a .380 Ruger LCP would be good.

Keep in mind accuracy and range are going to suffer with a revolver v. semi-auto. Especially in a "situation", you're going to jerk the trigger moreso than with a semi.

She really needs to handle some weapons and go with the feel and comfort.

I beg to differ on that statement, it depends on the shooter. I have always been considerably more accurate with a revolver, even the snub nose models.
Have her try a few rental guns and see what she feels most comfortable with and fires more accurately.

[.44Smith&Wesson]

What ammo are you using?
I rented an airweight and fired some .357 Magnum rounds, I might be OK for a carry gun but I wouldn't want to run 100 rounds at a time through one at the range.
I wouldn't call it painful, but tiring compared to a hefty steel frame.
The 642 shoots only .38's. I agree with most here, J or K frame steel. Smith model 60's are great shooters, in a .357 platform she can practice with target .38's and try .357's for possible carry. But +p .38's are more than enough to stop an attack. The 642/442 airweights are nice and light, although she probably won't be as accurate. Or the Ruger sp101 although I have never shot one, the feel of it and comments from others, they sound like a good carry option.

[Kenny Jurist]

In response to RugerGirl and to reinforce my own experience and opinion as to the accuracy of the average shooter in a tactical (i.e., self defense - I am being attacked and my heart is pounding out of my chest) situation because of the longer pull and usually stiffer triggers there is going to be a tendency to overpull and the front sight will deviate from the intended target (less accurate).
From close range which will cover most of these situations, you'll most likely get a hit but also might miss.

It's one thing to take your time and aim at a range target and claim accuracy. It's quite another to be able to claim equal or superior accuracy with a revolver with timed trials or a moving target. Clearly there are Cowboy shooters and the like that are amazingly accurate with their revolvers. And if you, RugerGirl, are as good as they, then my hat off to you.

My guess is the average Joe (or Joan) is going to be more accurate with the semi rather than the revolver.

Maybe I'm in the minority here but that's been my experience. I have been out to Front Sight Training Institute Courses and can't remember seeing more than 1 person in 2 separate courses that was using a revolver.

[Imshootin]

While I agree that most folks can shoot a semi-auto better than they can a revolver, especially if they're shooting it DA, the first line in the original post says she wants a revolver for specific reasons. I say get her what she wants and let her warm back up to firearms at her own speed. I definitely wouldn't recommend a Ruger LCP as it sounds like trying to feed one these days is not only hard to do but expensive as all get out. You can't learn to shoot if you can't find the ammo.

[fishbum2]

I like the SW M&P that recently came out. Hammerless and seems to have a good feel. The caliber should be the biggest she feels comfortable shooting.

If you are looking for range with rentals, try Firing Line in Westland. They have several rentals to pick from. It is a well run place and I would recommend you make the trek to try out some.

[Jim Simmons]

I like the SW M&P that recently came out. Hammerless and seems to have a good feel. The caliber should be the biggest she feels comfortable shooting.

If you are looking for range with rentals, try Firing Line in Westland. They have several rentals to pick from. It is a well run place and I would recommend you make the trek to try out some.

I disagree on hammerless revolvers, unless for specific carry situations. My revolver experience is that even with a DA, I prefer to cock it for better accuracy and control, even in a defensive situation.

However, it's not necessarily fishbum or my opinion that counts. Rugergirl said it best:

Have her try a few rental guns and see what she feels most comfortable with and fires more accurately.

I've never rented a pistol at the Firing Line, but I've shot there a number of times. The facility, and the personnel, are terrific. A lot of good help to be had.

[remingtondude58]

If a 38 is to much maybe a 327 mag (http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Crimson_Patriot_73204.html) or 32 H&R (http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Crimson_Undercoverette_73224.html) would be better. I don't have any experience with either caliber, or finding ammo, but it seems like it would be better. If she wants something bigger, this (http://http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Crimson_On_Duty_53804.html) may work. The hammer does not stick out as much as many revolvers. I have never shot his model, but I did handle i, and it felt a lot more comfortable then most small revolvers. This (http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Crimson_Magpug_73524.html) may be best, if the 357 caliber is desired. If she really wants something big, this (http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Crimson_Bulldog_74424.html) may be it. All of the above models have CT grips. They make lefty ones, if she is a southpaw. If she is a southpaw, a Ruger might be better, as I find the cylinder release easier to use(I am a lefty).

[Mouse08]

What ammo are you using?
I rented an airweight and fired some .357 Magnum rounds, I might be OK for a carry gun but I wouldn't want to run 100 rounds at a time through one at the range.
I wouldn't call it painful, but tiring compared to a hefty steel frame.

As to ammo, whatever I can get these days. The 642 is a 15 ounce concealed hammer .38 not a .357. The question asked for suggestions for a carry gun. I totally agree that what is fun to shoot (for me) is not a gun I want to carry. I put 25 rounds through it once a month to keep in practice. After that I switch to the 'fun to shoot guns'.

[garyjt]

I would definitely start her off with a little used Charter 22 Pathfinder.

She can put tens of thousands of rounds thru it very cheaply to learn how to shoot and to get over being shy with a gun.

Once she gets over being shy, after she gets over being shy, once she can hit what she is aiming at, after she can hit what she is aiming at and after she is very comfortable with a handgun, then get her a 38 chiefs Special/model 36? 3 inch 5 shot S&W revolver or a Charter 38 snub.

Once she has shot tens of thousands of rounds thru the 22, and after she gets a 38, if she then wants to get rid of the Charter Pathfinder 22, then I will buy it from her for 75% of what she paid for it, so the most she will lose while training on the .22, is maybe 50 bucks at the most. Sounds fair to me. I can always use another 22 Charter Pathfinder to give to my friends.

[Done Deal]

I have owned j frames since the late 70's and currently own four in various configurations.

Three Airweight snubbies (one of each variety) and a 3" Model 60 which weighs about 10 oz more. Let me tell you....that additional weight makes all the difference in the world when it comes to comfort in shooting.

My daughter and my wife both prefer revolvers over semi's and I own both a LCP and a PM9. They just like wheel guns...what can I say?

My daughter likes the Model 60 because of the reduced recoil. She doesn't even stoke it with .357's so just apple to apple comparisons are made with target loads and carry ammo (Gold Dots).

I believe that the snubbies require more practice to get and remain proficient with than longer barrelled anything. Rapid fire practice is even more essential to achieve decent groups (grapefruit sized is fine----we aren't keeping score).

I don't think snubbies are as prone to failure to fire as semi's might be. Just last weekend a guy tried my LCP and had one failure to completely cycle. All it took was a tap on the slam pad and it was back in action but...he is the second person to I have seen that happen to with my gun and it has NEVER happened to me. What they are doing I don't know....

Anyway, anything takes practice but....while I don't recommend (sorry Jim) single action (cocking the gun) for revolver defensive action, I think they are a good way for alot of woment to go. When they want a semi, they will be the one to decide. Meanwhile, why not shoot what you are comfortable with?

[Howard000003]

Thanks for the great info so far guys. I like the idea about getting her a .22 for practice/becoming comfortable around guns. I'll have to talk to her about that. So far, it appears as if the SW is a favorite for many of you, I think we will focus on that to begin or search. I may have to try to get her to the firing line to rent a couple and see what she thinks. The only problem with that is she is pretty shy still around others when she is shooting and a weekend would be the only time we could get down there (lots of people on the weekend I'm sure). I need to do some asking around and see if any friends of mine/hers have a wheel gun or two she could try.

[garyjt]

I like the idea about getting her a .22 for practice/becoming comfortable around guns. I'll have to talk to her about that. .

I can go out in the woods, and shoot a whole brick, 500 rounds, in just a couple of hours. Its cheap, its quiet, its fun. I just did it last Saturday. How much does a brick of 22's cost? Cant get cheaper than that.

Do that 20 or 30 times with her, and she will be able to handle a gun. She wont be afraid of it. She wont dislike because it makes little noise and doesnt kick and no sore hands, no broken fingernails loading it.

Make it a fun thing to do, an outing in the clean air of the woods, and away from crowds and away from noise and away from all the jerks at the gun range. Where she has plenty of time to learn at her own speed, you can spend the whole day there walking thru the woods and casually plinking, getting her comfortable with carrying and using a gun.

I was serious about buying back her little used Charter 22 after she learns how to handle a gun and how to feel like a revolver is just an extension of her own body - but I dont think she will EVER sell it! Women love them.

The last 22 Charter Pathfinder(stainless) I bought from a guy, his wife actually cried after she found out about it because he sold it to me and she couldnt use it anymore . (Oh well, tough luck babe, you shoulda married a more considerate husband)


While she is learning, she can keep the 22 Charter in her purse for self defense. Dont underestimate how many people will stop attacking you after being shot 6 times with a 22 Stinger ammo.

Remember Michigan's own Aileen Wuornos from Troy Michigan, who stopped, shot, and killed between 7 and 10 men with her little 22 caliber revolver. ( I myself sure as heck would go after somebody else if a woman shot me 6 times in the face and heart with a 22 handgun)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aileen_Wuornos

[kdogg]

50 caliber Desert Eagle or one of those .50 GI 1911's :)

Seriously, depending the shooter, a GLOCK 19 9mm or maybe a .38 revolver. I suppose a .380 is nice too but the only one I like lately is the Ruger LCP and the Walther PPK/PPS.

[remingtondude58]

I may have to try to get her to the firing line to rent a couple and see what she thinks. The only problem with that is she is pretty shy still around others when she is shooting and a weekend would be the only time we could get down there (lots of people on the weekend I'm sure).

Call ahead and see if they are busy (734) 326-7320

I would show up right when they open, they fill up quick.

I think a 22 would pay for itself in the money saved over buying center fire ammunition.

[Southern Comfort]

If your looking for advice on your first pistol I reccomend one that fits good and one that you can afford. Oh and in a .45 lol

[garyjt]

1. The only problem with that is she is pretty shy still around others when she is shooting and a weekend would be the only time we could get down there (lots of people on the weekend I'm sure). .





2. Call ahead and see if they are busy (734) 326-7320. I would show up right when they open, they fill up quick.

3. I think a 22 would pay for itself in the money saved over buying center fire ammunition.


1. At the state forest,there is nobody else there to be shy about, just you and her and the trees. YOu make a good observation though, lots of new people are intimidated or irritated by all those other guys at the shooting range, esp the ones next to you with the very loud guns. Lots more women would shoot if they didnt have to do it at a range. LOts of people like to shoot because its relaxing, but it is not relaxing to be at a range when the guy next to you shooting a 44 magnum, or when you have to contstantly keep an eye out on everybody else to make sure nobody is pointing a weapon at you. Its not relaxing to sit and wait for an opening at the range, or be rushed to get out of there when your time is up for the next person to come in.

2. NO need to call ahead if you go to the State forest, and it never fills up either.


3. Your right about a 22 would pay for itself in the ammo. In ten, or 20 afternoons of shooting, how much more would it cost for her to shoot 10,000 rounds in some other caliber, as compared with the cost of 10,000 rounds of 22 ammo?

[RSF]

advanced ranges in burton has several guns to rent and is very close as well to bryon area

[Howard000003]

advanced ranges in burton has several guns to rent and is very close as well to bryon area

Hey! Thanks for the heads up, I forgot about Advanced Ranges, been meaning to check them out too. I'll have to give them a call and see what they have to rent.

[huntmeister]

Have her get one of the new ruger .327 federal magunum's and let me know if there any good, I want to get one.

The .327 Federal Magnum (developed in conjunction with Ruger) is a rimmed, lengthened .32-caliber case. (The S&W .32 and H&R .32 revolver cartridges can also be used in .327 Federal guns.) The longer case allows a 115-grain bullet to be driven to 1,300 fps from a three-inch barrel, producing twice the muzzle energy of the .38 Special +P loads and equaling that of short-barreled .357 Magnums. Federal claims the new load yields 25 percent less recoil than the .357.

Seriously a .38 J-frame "bodyguard" type would be the way to go for her to carry.. http://www.galleryofguns.com/ProdImageSm/163438.jpg

[9292johnw]

Advanced ranges on center rd in Flint has a bunch of different guns for rent.
I gotta believe they have a 642 and small autos to check out.

[Joel216]

I agree with the rest if the people here go with a 22 revlover but look for one with atleast a 4 inch barrel. They are not Ideal for carry but are alot easier and better to learn on with the longer sight radius. Having a 22 that is simuliar to personal protection/ carry gun is a great tool for practice.

Last time I was at advanced they did not have very many guns in the glass display case to rent and most were semi-autos so call to see what they have.
Also try Double Action, it is kinda far away but they have a huge selection of handguns for rent.

[7tcutty]

this is good information my g/f is currently looking for her first gun she was trained on semis and loves to shoot my .40 mini firestorm. (i really like this pistol) however she wants a thumb saftey she is a bit leary about pistols without thumb safteys. and admittantly i am also.. i really would like to know what you woman carry and why. ill also be trying to get her onto this site so she can look around.. my next pistol will be a dao with no thumb saftey i want a walther pps.. anyways thanks for your answers and this is my first post!!!!

kjw

[kc8opc]

I carry a Para PDA in 9mm. (The PDA in .45 is next.... :) )
I have fairly small hands, have no problem with reaching all controls.
The thumb safety is intuitive, and a bonus, ambidextrous for those "weak hand" drills and a good sight for single-hand reloads.
Shoots like a dream too!
I have carried a j-frame, s&w 3914, baby eagle and ruger LCP; the para I will be keeping for a very long time.
(Pricey, but if you find one used, have a gunsmith check her out. This gun is worth it!)

[Barbara]

Does she want a revolver or is that what you decided was best for her? Personally, there's no way I'd carry a revolver as a primary gun. Not enough capacity.

Have her read this:

www.corneredcat.com

[Super Trucker]

What ammo are you using?
I rented an airweight and fired some .357 Magnum rounds, I might be OK for a carry gun but I wouldn't want to run 100 rounds at a time through one at the range.
I wouldn't call it painful, but tiring compared to a hefty steel frame.

Sorry Rugergirl, I have to comment on this.
If you rented a S&W 340, that is an airlite not an airweight.
Two different animals, I do agree that an airlite is great for defense but not a range gun.

A 642 airweight with .38's will feel different than a 340 airlite with .38's.

[Howard000003]

Does she want a revolver or is that what you decided was best for her? Personally, there's no way I'd carry a revolver as a primary gun. Not enough capacity.

Have her read this:

www.corneredcat.com

Nope, that is what she wants (a revolver), although I'm inclined to agree with here. After 6 rounds, you're probably going to be in trouble no matter how you slice it.

[Barbara]

That statement makes no sense. You ever try to shoot something (someone) under pressure, potentially while moving? How many of those 6 rounds you think are going to be on target, especially if she's such an inexperienced shooter than someone else is soliciting suggestions on a gun for her? What if she's attacked by multiple attackers?

If she's comfortable with 6 rounds, ok. But if she's doing it because she's convinced she can't deal with a semi-automatic, not cool at all. And if I'm going to take the time to carry a firearm, it makes sense to have one that has the capacity to do the job I would potentially need it to do.

If she only needs to shoot 5 rounds, she's covered. I just hope she never needs 7.

[Done Deal]

That statement makes no sense. You ever try to shoot something (someone) under pressure, potentially while moving? How many of those 6 rounds you think are going to be on target, especially if she's such an inexperienced shooter than someone else is soliciting suggestions on a gun for her? What if she's attacked by multiple attackers?

If she's comfortable with 6 rounds, ok. But if she's doing it because she's convinced she can't deal with a semi-automatic, not cool at all. And if I'm going to take the time to carry a firearm, it makes sense to have one that has the capacity to do the job I would potentially need it to do.

If she only needs to shoot 5 rounds, she's covered. I just hope she never needs 7.

So, are you trying to tell me that I make no sense carrying a PM9 or an LCP simply because of their capacity? Pray tell, what does have the capacity to get the job done in any situation?

My daughter prefers a revolver and so does my wife. I would rather have them armed with something that will go bang when it needs to than not have them armed at all because they don't like semi's.

[knu2xs]

Have her get one of the new ruger .327 federal magunum's and let me know if there any good, I want to get one.

The .327 Federal Magnum (developed in conjunction with Ruger) is a rimmed, lengthened .32-caliber case. (The S&W .32 and H&R .32 revolver cartridges can also be used in .327 Federal guns.) The longer case allows a 115-grain bullet to be driven to 1,300 fps from a three-inch barrel, producing twice the muzzle energy of the .38 Special +P loads and equaling that of short-barreled .357 Magnums. Federal claims the new load yields 25 percent less recoil than the .357.

We picked up a Ruger SP101 in .327 Fed Mag last year and love it. When I first brought it home I also brought home a box of .32 S&W long's to get my wife started on it. After she finished up that box, which sounded like "poof, poof etc" with our ears on I handed her a box of the .327 rounds. The first time she pulled the trigger on the .327's there was a resounding "WHAM" and I'll never forget the smile on her face when she turned, looked at me with her eyebrows raised and gave me a big nod in the affirmative.
What a sweet, smokin' round..............

[SWMP15]

IMPO

A CARRY GUN SHOULD NEVER HAVE A SAFETY on it....EVER

#2 SHOOT WHAT YOUR COMFORTABLE WITH

GO RENT YOUR FRIEND 10 GUNS AND SHOOT THEM ALL AND SEE WHICH ONE SHE LIKES BEST. i like Glock and Springfield XDs, but alot don't bc they don't shoot them well....i do. its all personal preference, esp in a carry gun.

Let's get some rubber bullets, I'll take my G19 or XD with 4 mags and someone can use a wheel gun and get into a mock scenerio and see who wins :naughty:

[Arbor_Shooter]

That statement makes no sense. You ever try to shoot something (someone) under pressure, potentially while moving? How many of those 6 rounds you think are going to be on target, especially if she's such an inexperienced shooter than someone else is soliciting suggestions on a gun for her? What if she's attacked by multiple attackers?

If she's comfortable with 6 rounds, ok. But if she's doing it because she's convinced she can't deal with a semi-automatic, not cool at all. And if I'm going to take the time to carry a firearm, it makes sense to have one that has the capacity to do the job I would potentially need it to do.

If she only needs to shoot 5 rounds, she's covered. I just hope she never needs 7.

In my opinion (worth exactly what you paid for it) ANY gun you can get her shooting, proficient with, and comfortable carrying is the right gun. I have yet to read about a civilian female engaging and prevailing against multiple adversaries (but I'm sure there are stories out there). The important thing is that she has the gun on her. It is great to have a Glock 17 and two 33 round magazines as backup, but will she carry it, can she shoot it well, and does it easily conceal in her normal wardrobe? Something small, reliable, and easy to shoot is paramount. Most revolvers fit that bill perfectly (Ruger SP101 w/ bobbed hammer and 3" barrel is one of my favorites for this). Also look at PPK (already mentioned) and the Sig 232 and 239. These don't have safeties, but they do have good double action triggers and many women I've known have found the 232 to be very, very comfortable.

[Barbara]

I have a P232. It's a great gun. It's also heavy and has limited capacity. My G19 doesn't weigh any more, and has several more rounds available to me if I need it.

Something small, reliable, and easy to shoot is paramount.

Make sure its cute, too. That's whats really important.

[nelson133]

In my experience, it is best to let any beginning shooter pick out their own firearm. People's tastes and abilities change over time and the first gun may not be what they start out with. In the last few years I've started several women in shooting and they all preferred the Ruger Mkll to start with and moved on to other guns later.
I personally agree with Barbara that a semi-auto with a higher round capacity may be in the OP girl friend's best interests. If she wants to start with a revolver, I'd let her have what she wants, but expose her to other guns and she may change her mind over time.
I don't think a newby should buy anything without shooting it, either find a place to rent guns or someone with a selection that will let you try them. I've been going to Williams almost every weekend lately and usually bring an assortment of handguns and have been know to let people try my stuff.

[garyjt]

In my experience, it is best to let any beginning shooter pick out their own firearm.

If she wants to start with a revolver, I'd let her have what she wants, but expose her to other guns and she may change her mind over time.

I don't think a newby should buy anything without shooting it, either find a place to rent guns or someone with a selection that will let you try them.

YOu make an excellent point.

However, and unfortunately, most people/helpers do not let beginners try out a variety of different revolvers, so beginners never get to feel and understand how easy and clean it is for a beginner to understand, shoot, carry, and load a revolver- as compared to a semiauto.

When I teach beginners, I always make beginners shoot a variety of BOTH semiautos and revolvers of different calibers, and invariably, the beginners almost always end up choosing a revolver for their first purchase.

[Done Deal]

YOu make an excellent point.

However, and unfortunately, most people/helpers do not let beginners try out a variety of different revolvers, so beginners never get to feel and understand how easy and clean it is for a beginner to understand, shoot, carry, and load a revolver- as compared to a semiauto.

When I teach beginners, I always make beginners shoot a variety of BOTH semiautos and revolvers of different calibers, and invariably, the beginners almost always end up choosing a revolver for their first purchase.


While neither had to make a purchase per se, both my daughter and my wife would agree with you. No amount of coaxing has changed their minds...

[garyjt]

While neither had to make a purchase per se, both my daughter and my wife would agree with you. No amount of coaxing has changed their minds...

Yeah, guys like semiautos because it looks cool, and because all the tv shows and movies show everyone with semiautos.

Women are more practical and dont care what Hollywood says..... if a revolver is lighter, simpler, less complicated, easier to load, carry, and shoot, and it if doesnt break your nails loading it, then a revolver is better.



(Guys also seem to think???? that women and girls will be persuaded to "enjoy" shooting if they are handed a large caliber semiauto which is heavy, make lots of noise, and has heavy recoil........... after being taken to a crowded noisey gun range full of jerks and careless people - to shoot at paper.................I wonder why?)

[Barbara]

When I went to buy my first handgun, I went in knowing exactly what I wanted and had to deal with a 20 minutes of the guy behind the counter telling me I should buy a revolver, because its "easier to shoot" and "easier to keep clean." I wish I hadn't let him waste that much of my time, but I was a lot more patient with fools back then.

I'm not a rocket scientist, but I don't see how the difficulty in either shooting or cleaning a semi-automatic pistol. If you're worried more about breaking a nail than defending yourself, I guess maybe Darwin had a point, and they should reconsider carrying a gun at all.

It's up to each person to choose what they're comfortable. If its a revolver, its a revolver. If is a small gun, a large gun, whatever. But I see entirely too many men pushing revolvers on women on the premise that they're incapable of using and caring for a semi-automatic.

[RSF]

most of the know it all guys that show up to our range that hand there wives gf daughters etc,, give thema 5 shot j frame and i shake my head

yes its small and easy to carry then scoff when they cant hit the side of a barn wonder why?

let see small grip area. lousy sights, lousy triggers. then i ask the guy since he is such a pro to show us how its done. and the ususal excuses crop up...
im not use to shooting this gun or sights etc.... typical bs excuses.

we take 10 minutes with them,and a compact semi auto 9mm and low and behold there punching x rings

[Done Deal]

most of the know it all guys that show up to our range that hand there wives gf daughters etc,, give thema 5 shot j frame and i shake my head

yes its small and easy to carry then scoff when they cant hit the side of a barn wonder why?

let see small grip area. lousy sights, lousy triggers. then i ask the guy since he is such a pro to show us how its done. and the ususal excuses crop up...
im not use to shooting this gun or sights etc.... typical bs excuses.

we take 10 minutes with them,and a compact semi auto 9mm and low and behold there punching x rings



While I agree that a smallish pistol with rudimentary sights and a short barrel is difficult to become proficient with----it is no more difficult for a woman than a man....it just takes more practice, no matter who you are and no matter what the platform.

One has to decide what is practical for them to carry and then become proficient with it....no matter what it is. Otherwise, it is just a noise maker that one can hope scares somebody intent upon doing harm to them away. I would think that most prefer to make sure that the threat has ceased.

Also, I don't buy that low round capacity thing that Barbara mentioned as being the ultimate end all to a bad situation. Granted, more rounds maybe handy at times but....it all goes back to what somebody prefers to carry. Is there anybody here that wouldn't rather have five or six shots than none at all?

[RSF]

the issue is those that just carry guns that dont become good with them

I have seen and made the bet more often than not with errornet warriors in class to shoot on the move with there jframe and keltec's(which i often carry as a bug) against 2 targets.. and watch the results. more is very much so often better and trying to reload the wheel gun while moving yes very tuff to do, but can be done, but again yes its better than no rounds but then again if you cant be effective with it and put rounds on, you might as well carry nothing. and many shootings require multiply hits and multi rounds on multiply bad guys 5 to 6 isnt my idea of a good time at the party.

most cpl holders live in a false sense of security with that blue card...... many which we see very month,they cant handle the most simple of task in a class when pushed out side of there zone there range menatality is very much real yet when asked if they train they say oh yes then its reasked if they practice or train....blind stares and vapor lock

[garyjt]

Also, I don't buy that low round capacity thing that Barbara mentioned as being the ultimate end all to a bad situation. Granted, more rounds maybe handy at times but....it all goes back to what somebody prefers to carry. Is there anybody here that wouldn't rather have five or six shots than none at all?



While its true that we frequently read about COPS/policemen who shoot 8, 10, 12, 17, 29, or even 47 times at someone, the fact of the matter is, that civilians ( i.e. people who are not cops) do not need more than 5 shots.

I can not think of a single instance in Michigan since shall issue ccw became law, that a "non-cop" needed more than 5 shots in order to effectively protect him or herself.

The purpose of a CPL handgun is self defense - and it is not to just spray a neighborhood with bullets.

[Done Deal]

While its true that we frequently read about COPS/policemen who shoot 8, 10, 12, 17, 29, or even 47 times at someone, the fact of the matter is, that civilians ( i.e. people who are not cops) do not need more than 5 shots.

I can not think of a single instance in Michigan since shall issue ccw became law, that a "non-cop" needed more than 5 shots in order to effectively protect him or herself.

The purpose of a CPL handgun is self defense - and it is not to just spray a neighborhood with bullets.

Maybe so but, I don't wanna be that guy that needed 6 shots and only had 5.
I remember back in the day, one of the guys I worked with remarked that with his five shot snubby, he would send the first four at the bad guys and save the last one for himself. But, that was before alot of things improved in self defense rounds and platforms to send them.

But, I have to agree....the average female is generally not going to need a ton of ammo to make a bad guy think twice about the error of his ways. Still, one can empty a six shooter in a helluva hurry and then what?

[RSF]

average female what is that? she wont need to shoot an move will she> and there will only be one bad guy huh.nice . and of course it wont happen in low light either you guys live in such a happy place with little to no crime. and rivers flowing of chocolate. and bon bons falling from the trees.

[kc8opc]

How few is too few, how many is too many?

A few posters here have (nearly) said, Let she who must carry it decide.

First, train her on safety.
Then, give a female shooter exposure to several quality weapons of sufficient stopping power (if the caliber is more than you can handle, maybe she IS the better man!), let her choose, and take her to practice as much as she wants, maybe more. -Bribery is acceptable, the more the better!

The difficulty in this discussion lies not in the weapons themselves, but in the general difference between the 2 genders.

My sidearm is not so much like a cool cell phone as it is a Rainy Day fund; and like most ladies, I sure do like to have a bunch in there!
Why? Because:

"You never know when it might rain."

And you never know how long or how hard it will rain.
Moral of the story: Be ready to use what you have, have more than you think you need, and go home safe.

Where you will reload.

[KayL]

average female what is that? she wont need to shoot an move will she> and there will only be one bad guy huh.nice . and of course it wont happen in low light either you guys live in such a happy place with little to no crime. and rivers flowing of chocolate. and bon bons falling from the trees.
Chocolate? Who said chocolate?

I much prefer my G19 +3 mags to a revolver any day. I truly enjoy the mechanics of semi-autos, and cleaning them is half the fun. Revolvers are okay but boring in comparison. And I resent any man who patronizes me by suggesting that I can't handle the intricacies of a s/a. I also much prefer a manual tranny to an automatic.

[kc8opc]

Chocolate? Who said chocolate?

I much prefer my G19 +3 mags to a revolver any day. I truly enjoy the mechanics of semi-autos, and cleaning them is half the fun. Revolvers are okay but boring in comparison. And I resent any man who patronizes me by suggesting that I can't handle the intricacies of a s/a. I also much prefer a manual tranny to an automatic.
+1
:clap:
My husband laughs at me; my idea of fun is for him to watch a movie with a beer and I clean any firearm I can lay hands on.

[KayL]

+1
:clap:
My husband laughs at me; my idea of fun is for him to watch a movie with a beer and I clean any firearm I can lay hands on.
The last time I did something really cool was when my husband watched a movie and I put together - from absolute total scratch - an M1 Garand. I loved every second of it.

[kc8opc]

The last time I did something really cool was when my husband watched a movie and I put together - from absolute total scratch - an M1 Garand. I loved every second of it.

The good life, I tell ya! Good thing the guys have movies....:batman:

[KayL]

Kinda backward isn't it, when the guys are watching movies while the gals tear guns apart and change parts.

[kc8opc]

Kinda backward isn't it, when the guys are watching movies while the gals tear guns apart and change parts.
No, its perfect! :)
Just wish I had more to clean!
:colors:

[KayL]

Just wish I had more to clean!
I'll save you a few of mine... we can arrange to hold a 'cleaning day' together. You bring coffee, I'll bring donuts.

[kc8opc]

I'll save you a few of mine... we can arrange to hold a 'cleaning day' together. You bring coffee, I'll bring donuts.

Oooh, a ladies day! We can compare cleaning kits, yeah!
:coolgleam:

I think we just hi-jacked a thread where the guys were assaulting a deceased equine.
Sorry.

[KayL]

Oooh, a ladies day! We can compare cleaning kits, yeah!
:coolgleam:

I think we just hi-jacked a thread where the guys were assaulting a deceased equine.
Sorry.
Eh... I think Howard already got enough answers.

[kc8opc]

Eh... I think Howard already got enough answers.

Yeah, the bottom line on revolvers....
they go 'round and 'round!:doh:
:rimshot!:

PM incoming

[SWMP15]

Yeah, the bottom line on revolvers....
they go 'round and 'round!:doh:
:rimshot!:

PM incoming

more like around once and then ur out of ammo & S.O.L. :brow: :naughty:

[kc8opc]

more like around once and then ur out of ammo & S.O.L. :brow: :naughty:

Yeah, there is that.

[Howard000003]

Oooh, a ladies day! We can compare cleaning kits, yeah!
:coolgleam:

I think we just hi-jacked a thread where the guys were assaulting a deceased equine.
Sorry.

Lol, don't worry about hijacking the thread, as Kay said, I've got plenty of answers, plus its fun to read your banter. She is pretty set on a revolver, ( I think this is simply from a lack of exposure to semi’s) but after reading some of rsf's and DD's post, I'm going to encourage her to try a semi or two when at the range and see how she likes it. The trick is getting her up to the range, Saturday seems to be the only day she can make it and she's been either sick or swamped with her work and simply wants to relax on Saturday. I'll keep ya'll posted on what she thinks/decides once we actually make it out shooting.

[RSF]

howard since your in byron area come up to advance ranges im working saturday 9-4

Ill work with you both and we will get some semi's in her hands ill wave the rental fee on the guns

[KayL]

.... ill wave the rental fee on the gunsCan I come toooooo???

[jmartin]

Wow, what a nice gesture...

Don't ya just love this MGO forum??

[jmartin]

howard since your in byron area come up to advance ranges im working saturday 9-4

Ill work with you both and we will get some semi's in her hands ill wave the rental fee on the guns

Wow, what a nice gesture!

Don't ya just love this MGO forum!

(sorry for the double post, didn't include the quote in the first...and it didn't make much sense)

[kc8opc]

:yeahthat:
Yep, it is pretty darn awesome! And it happens around here more than we know...
:woohoo1:

[RSF]

LOL your in enough trouble on the 7th kay

[KayL]

:shocked:

[pberishaj]

how about a .22 beretta tomcat?

[tote'ngranny]

how about a .22 beretta tomcat?

I have a friend that has just that and loves it, but her husband prefers that she upgrade for a better knock down just in case. He fears that a .32 just won't be enough.
I have a S&W airweight shrouded hammer .38 and have difficulty firing it with my index finger due to an injury many years ago. The reach and the trigger pull is difficult and the finger is weak. So, I have to use my middle finger and I do quite well on the range that way. This past week, I was able to buy a Ruger LCP and I love the *fit* for my small hand, plus the trigger pull is much easier. I'd rather deal with a recoil on a lighter gun and hit the target, than fire a gun that is too heavy for me and no recoil. The S&W .38 will remain under my bed and the LCP will be my purse carry once I have my CPL.
Kris

[KayL]

how about a .22 beretta tomcat?
Tomcat is a .32.

I prefer the LCP in .380 over the Tomcat in .32.

[pberishaj]

my beretta is a .22 i thought is was called tomcat. but for sure beretta makes it

[pberishaj]

its a 21a bobcat

[KayL]

my beretta is a .22 i thought is was called tomcat. but for sure beretta makes it
There's the Bobcat which comes in .22 and .25, and the Jetfire in .25 and .22 short which may not be offered anymore.

[Quaamik]

Has she bought one already?

If not, I suggest you take her to a gun store with a large selection of revolvers and let her handel a variety. Then rent several different ones that she seems to like for her to try.

My wife loved the feel of the airweight and titanium snubbies. Being that she had no intention on carrying it, and was somewhat recoil sensitive, I talked her into trying a Ruger SP101. She decided she would much rather have the extra weight when shooting.

If she insists on carrying it in her purse, the weight shouldn't be an issue. A Ruger, S&W or Taurus steel frame .357 with a 2 1/2" to 3" barrel will be a good choice, bepending on which she likes better. Get the .357 for flexability and resale, but tell her to practice and carry .38s.

On body carry is a MUCH better choice than in a purse. However, on body carry with one of the above is gojng to be harder (heavier and harder to conceal) than a small auto or .22 revolver. Though I don't really recomend a .22 rf for personal defense, if she decides she prefers on body carry and insists on a revolver, they can be a good choice.

Taurus makes a good .22 that holds 9 or 10 shots. Ammo is cheap to practice with, and very few attackers are going to keep coming after absorbing 3 - 5 hits from a .22 rf.

[Armed citizen]

Any of the S&W air weights in .38 are nice for women, my buddies wife carries one in her purse.

[yocan]

I've said it before, I'll say it again, if you buy an airweight TAKE THE LOCK OUT, there have been a number of cases firing hot ammo that it breaks and prevents the cylinder from rotating, which could lead to you getting beat to death with it. SO TAKE TEH LOCK OUT of the airweights.

[tote'ngranny]

I've said it before, I'll say it again, if you buy an airweight TAKE THE LOCK OUT, there have been a number of cases firing hot ammo that it breaks and prevents the cylinder from rotating, which could lead to you getting beat to death with it. SO TAKE TEH LOCK OUT of the airweights.
I have a S&W Airweight and have fired over 200 rnds of range ammo but not defense ammo. I am guessing a gunsmith would have to do this?
Kris

[scottertrash810]

I've said it before, I'll say it again, if you buy an airweight TAKE THE LOCK OUT, there have been a number of cases firing hot ammo that it breaks and prevents the cylinder from rotating, which could lead to you getting beat to death with it. SO TAKE TEH LOCK OUT of the airweights.
My wife carries a 642 and has shot a crap load of different ammo thru it and never had an issue?