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Women and Handguns

5K views 69 replies 28 participants last post by  Clayton Taffy 
#1 ·
I have been hand gun shopping and each place has a different selection but no one really has several I want to hold and compare. I want something user friendly, easy to conceal if needed, meduim price range and comfortable. What do you women use.
I am single, do not carry a purse, afraid I won't remember which vehicle I left it in. My sister has a sig sauer 380 (which I haven't found locally yet)
the salesman is suggesting a bersa 380
 
#2 ·
I'm a guy, but I'll give my thoughts:

If you can go to a shooting range, they sometimes have guns for rent. Shooting a handgun well depends a LOT on how well it fits your hand, and you can't know that without trying one out.

The best known Sig Sauer 380 is their single action 238. It is a good gun, but it is best carried 'cocked and locked', which is unnatural to a new shooter. I honestly wouldn't trust myself to carry one, and I've had guns for 35 years.

The Bersa 380 have an excellent reputation among the shooters I've met. It is a bit big for easy concealed carry, IMHO. The only way I've found to be comfortable with concealed carry is in my pocket, and my jeans don't have enough spare room in the pocket for the Bersa.

The Ruger LCP is a smaller, double action 380 that also has a very good reputation. It would be easy to conceal. Ruger builds good guns and back them up if anything goes wrong.

I carry a Smith & Wesson J-frame. Lots of guns stores recommend them to women, but I wouldn't recommend them to any first time shooter. They kick hard and cost $500 on up.

If you are new to shooting, you might consider a small 22. That is pretty small for self defense, but the only gun I've ever pulled for self defense was a 22 I had on me that day. Didn't need to shoot, either - the guys who had started surrounding me decided they didn't want to any more...

The advantages to a 22 are that a very small gun can be more than strong enough, and the ammo is cheap - about $3 for 50 rounds instead of $15-20 for 50 rounds. If you are new to guns, shooting a few thousands rounds is critical to knowing what you are doing. A small 22 revolver is easy to learn, and easy to shoot well. A Ruger LCR22 runs around $350-400, holds 8 shots, would be easy to conceal and lightweight (15 oz, and every oz counts when you carry).

My choice, which I would not recommend for most people (although I use long shirttails to conceal it):



 
#3 ·
We really do not have shooting ranges here indoors and the outdoor ones I think you need to take your own gun. If a store has used ones they will sometimes go and let you shoot them but they don't have much used to do that.
I am familiar with shooting but it has been many years ago.
I was doing some research on Rugers also. It gets confusing with so many to choose from and may or may not be in stock to compare. We have a gun show in a few weeks I may wait to see them then.
 
#8 ·
I carry a 38 special revolver :) I tried all the lite obj ones that I just thought was cute ;) I love pink but after shooting this one I fell in love with it.. One thing I will say make sure it fits in ur hand rite :) my husband carrys a smith n Weston 40... I like his but couldn't hit anything when we went shooting lol.

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#11 ·
Your best bet it to go to the gun store or shooting range and handle them see what fits your hands best and one that you can hold one handed without shaking. If you find a gun you like but the grips are too big you can get new grips for most of them. You need to comfortable with a gun to shoot it properly and safely.
 
#13 ·
Also, here is what the FBI says about handgun effectiveness. It has a lot of stuff to think about. In shootouts, including those with cops, you too often see that someone emptied 12-15 rounds without ever hitting anything. TV teaches us he who shoots fastest is invulnerable. In reality, a handgun is no shield. You cannot prevent someone from shooting back. You can only be certain that if your shot hits, he'll be paying some sort of price, and is less likely to shoot someone else.

That is why my approach is to take the extra 1/2-1 second and aim, at least a little. Although hopefully I'll never have to shoot at all...

FBI report:

http://www.firearmstactical.com/pdf/fbi-hwfe.pdf

The famous Miami shootout, where the bad guy killed a couple of FBI agents even after being fatally wounded:

"This clip is from the 'made for TV' movie entitled "In The Line Of Duty" staring David Soul. On April 11, 1986 a firefight ensued between 8 FBI agents and 2 known murderers/bank robbers Michael Platt and William Matix. This is arguably the most documented and analyzed firearms shootout in modern history. Before the fight was over, FBI Special Agents Jerry Dove and Ben Grogan were killed by .223 gunshots from a Ruger mini-14 at the hands of Michael Platt. Platt himself had sustained 12 gun shot wounds (9mm, .38 and 00 shot) but continued to fight killing both Grogan and Dove. Toxicology reports on Platt and Matix found no evidence of drugs or alcohol in either man. This fire fight and the resulting aftermath were the genesis of the 10mm and .40 S&W rounds."​
 
#14 · (Edited)
My biggest fear when carrying a fire arm, and I've been extensively trained, is that someone would get the drop on me and take it away. That happens more often than people know. Taking good, safe, firearms training and LOTS of it, along with doing a lot of target practice needs to really be part of a weekly or monthly (at the least) routine. Taking a second to breathe in, aim, and fire on exhale will help with accuracy but adrenaline can really mess with you. The department I worked for had a policy that if you pulled your weapon and shot, and didn't hit your target, was an automatic 3 day remedial training course at the range. The more training and repetition you have, the more likely your are to actually hit something if you need to shoot.

Also, should be mandatory reading: http://www.paxtonquigley.com/ She' has authored several good books about being female and being armed, the liabilities and responsibilities of gun ownership.
 
#16 ·
#17 · (Edited)
PLEASE stay away from any gun made by Bersa. They are cheap unreliable guns. I would never trust my life to one. I had a Sgt who was shot twice with a 9mm. Luckily, it was a Bersa and it jammed preventing any more shote and he survived. Most Law enforcement consider it a Saturday Night Special.

Go with one of the reputable brands like Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Glock, Sig Sauer etc. As for small and concealable, if you want a .380, which is a decent smaller caliber for close range, I have (and really like) the Sig model 232. Don't get the older 230, as they made real improvements with the 232.


 
#18 ·
PLEASE stay away from any gun made by Bersa. They are cheap unreliable guns. I would never trust my life to one...
Odd. I've heard the exact opposite. I don't own one and have never shot one myself, but the ones I've held seemed nice and the owners said good things about them. FWIW - my handguns are all S&W or Ruger. Pretty hard to go wrong with either of them! :D
 
#19 ·
I also carry the extra tiny Kel-tec 3AT. It is a .380 but so tiny you can fit it in your pocket. Kel-tec is a lower quality gun and they have been known to have spotty quality control. I bought two 3AT's and one was great out of the box....the other needed to be sent back TWICE for minor tweaks before it shot reliably. I love it because I can carry it on my ankle, while on-duty and I never know it's there.

 
#20 · (Edited)
Bsms, many don't mind the Bersa. I have seen good ones and I have seen bad ones. Like the Kel-tec, they can be unreliable in their quality control. I wouldn't carry it without having a gunsmith go over it. Like I said with info added to my first post, if my Sgt had been shot with a gun that had not jammed on shot #3, he may not have survived. That gun was a Bersa.

I am a quality snob, for the most part. My guns are , mostly, top quality and pretty much customized for me.
 
#22 ·
I own more hunting rifles than handguns but we have a couple for personal safety, I spend many nights alone in the house and they are handy for putting an animal down if need be. I prefer a revolver for a handgun, just a personal preference. I have both Rugers and Smith & Wessons of varying calibers and like both. My dad does some gunsmithing on the side and has been a lifelong gun collector and hunter. With him knowing my preferences he suggested some brands/models for me.

Like others have mentioned, I suggest shooting different models and get what feels good to you.
 
#24 ·
I know there are so many choices! :) I am strictly a revolver girl thru and thru. I have a S&W 686 I ADORE but being a K frame it is a bit large and heavy for carry which I do daily. As a carry gun I have a S&W 637 Airweight. I love it! So easy to conceal and so lightweight but I agree with the previous poster who said you need to be aware that they do in fact have some recoil to them and you need get used to that. It is for sure a personal thing with guns but going in and trying them hands on is truly the very best way to know what is the best fit for you.
 
#25 ·
I'm currently looking for a handgun myself. I have no idea what brand or whatever it is, but I keep a 9mm in my car. It's one of my husband's guns that I really like to shoot and he let me keep it for myself since I know how to handle it well. I like it, but it's big and heavy. There is no way I would carry it in a purse. We've been talking recently about getting concealed carry licenses and I want something lighter that won't weigh my purse down but is a "big girl" gun, as I call it. I've been looking at different handguns, seeing what feels right in my hand, and I have just fallen in love with the Sig Sauer P938 Rosewood. For me, it's just the right weight...it's light enough that it doesn't weigh you down yet you feel like you have something in your hand. The size of it also matches me perfect. The grip of it is like it was special made to fit my hand. I haven't shot it yet, finding a range and shooting is the next step, but I've heard good things.
 
#26 ·
A lot to like in an airweight 38 revolver, Lots of em out there. Taurus has some issues with autos, but their model 85 light weight snub noses are good also.
I used to teach womens pistol shooting, LEO's, security and armed civilians. The bigest problem is most of the gear guns and training are focused on men. News flash, but women are different. Their hand, arms, chest, hips, attire, and brains are different. All of that comes into play. Many of the tactical Tim GI joe wannabe gun nuts dont get that. I see women all the time totally jacked up by wrong teachings.
Rule number one, gun should be physically attached to your body, or locked up PERIOD. no purses, stashed in car, no left on nightstand. If you want a nightstand gun get a instant access handgun safe. Can do the same for a car.
Dont skimp on holster, if the holster lists a long lists of guns it fits, It's a piece of crap. Get one that is specifically made for that particular gun. Plan on at least $50 for kydex, or a decent leather. Also you need a gun belt, yes a real belt designed to carry a gun. Walmart does not sell these. You can get nice looking belts, they dont have to be huge. I have dress belts that have an internal stiffners that work well. A decent belt and a decent holster makes all the difference in the world. You will need to adjust your wardrobe to carry, something many women dont want to do. But it is what it is.
Concealed carry guns tend to be hard to shoot, and recoil. Many women think small is easy, or less intimidating. WRONG. Bigger the gun, the easier it is to shoot, and the less it will kick. Recoil tends to be a function of the size of the bullet and gun. I wouldnt consider anything other than 9mm or 38 spc. Both are fine rounds, on the lower recoil end of effective rounds, and lots of choices in gun models. If I was taking you shopping I would buy two guns. A Taurus model 94 with a 4" barrel in .22 and a taurus model 85 lightweight in 38 special. Id teach you to shoot on the .22, with zero recoil and dirt cheap ammo, and you use that as a target/fun gun. The model 85 is smaller, lighter and bigger ammo and will kick more but it works exactly the same way and has the same feel. If your budget was higher Id do the same thing but with Smith and Wesson Products. A J frame 38 snubby and a model 617 .22 kit gun.
 
#27 ·
My handle, gunslinger, comes from several years of working behind a gun counter.....slinging guns across the counter.....or gunslinger. I can't say I've fired every pistol our store carried (500)+ but I have fired many of them. That in itself doesn't make me an expert but I do have a lot of experience with the products although I'm no longer in the retail business.

I own a few pistols, carry a .44 mag when riding the trails, love the 1911 and shoot it frequently and keep an NAA .22 mag in my pocket almost all the time. My Ruger single six has tens of thousands of rounds through it and for a beginner learning to shoot it's a good one to start with but hardly a concealed carry solution.

I've own a taurus 85 Titanium and have had it for close to ten years. It's a good firearm for the price. Keep in mind if you find yourself unfortunate enough to have to use the pistol it could very likely be held as evidence and possibly never returned.

I also recommend the Smith and Wesson J frame air weight and the body guard, for price, weight, and power.

One thing that Joe mentioned that I'd like to expand on, women and hand strength.

Generally, the smaller the auto loading pistol, the stiffer the slide spring and the harder the slide is to operate thus requiring a strong grip. It's very easy to get a small pistol pointed the wrong direction, and as the slide is stiff, people without enough grip will turn the pistol to the side rather than gripping the slide from the rear to operate the action.

A friend put a bullet through his hand working the slide in such a manner.

If you're not familiar with firearms.....and.....you don't intend to practice frequently enough to stay familiar with the firearm, a small revolver is a better choice IMO. No magazine to load, no slide to operate, no safety to release. Autoloaders are more complex from an operational standpoint.

Revolvers are easier to load and unload for those with smaller or weaker hands. In many cases of an accidental discharge, a person is loading or unloading the firearm. What ever you choose, you MUST be able to load and unload safely.

Go hammerless, and keep that 12 pound trigger pull...it's not a target trigger, but when things go bump in the night the last thing you want is an accidental discharge.....you want to make sure when you pull the trigger you meant for the firearm to fire......ignore the guy that tells you your piece needs a trigger job, light triggers are for the range, or, for the expert.

So, to summarize.....what ever you decide to buy, make sure you understand how to handle the firearm safely.
 
#28 ·
Weight and guns: All other things being equal, twice the weight means half the recoil. There is more to taming recoil that weight, but weight is a big factor.

But weight makes it more awkward to carry around, and comes with size that makes it harder to conceal. If size & weight don't matter, then a full size semi-auto or a S&W 686+ are hard to beat. In that situation, I like carrying a Ruger Blackhawk - 46 oz and a plow-shaped handle that makes it fun to shoot.

But for concealed carry, concealed is pretty important. In cold weather, concealing under a coat is great. Most anything conceals under a loose coat. In Arizona, in the summer, a coat makes people suspicious. Something about that 110 deg heat...

Also, stores have the right to post no guns allowed. Tucson has a lot of them. In most states, if you don't see the sign, all they can do is tell you to leave, although you need to know the law for YOUR state. However, if someone panics & calls the cops, you could be shot exiting Costco. If you decide to carry, you will need to think about how to deal with cops who stop you. The law varies from state to state, and cops vary from cop to cop.

Most of the people I know who carry concealed started with a full sized gun, switched to a smaller gun, and then either switched to something even smaller or quit carrying. My ex-Marine Infantry son-in-law first carried a 44 magnum, and now is down to a 22 for daily carry.

How you balance those concerns is up to you. My SIL carries a small 22 everywhere, and carries something bigger if it is night or a riskier part of town. I carry my 23 oz S&W at night, but tend to carry a small thing of mace or nothing during the day. That is why I am considering buying a little 22. You can control and comfortably shoot a 22 that weighs 11-12 oz and fits easily inside your pocket, and a 22 is a lot more dangerous to the bad guy than a small container of mace.

I believe being able to shoot well with a gun is more important than caliber. I used to own a Ruger Alaskan - a 44 Mag with a 2.5 inch barrel. With enough concentration, I could shoot very well with it...but if I didn't concentrate enough, I'd flinch like crazy and miss. There is a reason I used to own it...

If I could only own one gun, it would be a 22. I can afford to shoot 3-4,000+ rounds of 22 each year. With factory 357 ammo, that would cost me $1200-1500+. If you can afford 2 guns, then something more powerful than a 22 is great. Modern 380 ammo comes pretty close to the FBI standard for power. If you can carry and shoot something bigger, such as a 9mm or 38 special on up, great!

But here in southern Arizona, I don't know anyone who carries a gun daily where the gun weighs over 1 lb. I know there ARE people, but I don't know any. Food for thought.
 
#29 ·
Yep, the smaller the more likely to carry it.

Thus my NAA....it's about the size of a pocket knife and when in my pocket nobody but me know I've got it.

I carried a full size 1911 for several years.....it was never a comfortable pistol to carry concealed for me.
 
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