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Finding a good CCW gun for a petite woman?

4K views 29 replies 20 participants last post by  gdmoody 
#1 ·
I'm trying to figure out an appropriate CCW gun for me. Something I could somehow have accessible when I go running in the evenings would be ideal, though maybe this isn't realistic.

I have a Glock 17 and am familiar with it but don't have much of an idea of how to use other types of handguns (i.e. ones with safetys). If I go to a range to try out some other guns, will whoever is working there show me to use whatever gun I want to try, or do they just hand you the gun you want to rent and expect you to know how to use it, clear malfunctions on it, etc?

Any specific recommendations would also be appreciated. Thank you!
 
#4 ·
The range I go to is very helpful and will assist new/inexperienced shooters who are renting guns and not really sure what they want. I would expect most ranges will provide you with adequate assistance. I would visit some ranges and ask them if they will provide the assistance you are seeking. You might even want to buy a 1 month, or some short term membership while you are testing out guns--it might be cheaper in the long run anyway.

My wife is also petite and learned how to shoot for the first time about 6-7 years ago. One of her first guns was an XD subcompact 9mm--probably a little too big for jogging. She wanted something smaller for here purse. I got her a Ruger LCP (380 Auto). She still has it, shoots it, but honestly does hate it because of the harsh recoil. My point is, make sure you try out those small guns before you purchase. Since you have a Glock 17, (my wife has one too plus a Glock 22 and she loves them both), the Glock 42 that jedwil suggested would be one to certainly try out. I'd also look at the XDs 9mm and try the LCP or Keltc--you might like them

Consider how you will carry it, probably in a fanny pack of some sort. My advise, fine yourself a good range that's willing to help with lots of options in the gun case that you can rent. I would also look at some membership packages so you can frequently practice. . At the very least, get yourself a good pepper spray until you find that gun.
 
#5 ·
I'm trying to figure out an appropriate CCW gun for me. Something I could somehow have accessible when I go running in the evenings would be ideal, though maybe this isn't realistic.

I have a Glock 17 and am familiar with it but don't have much of an idea of how to use other types of handguns (i.e. ones with safetys). If I go to a range to try out some other guns, will whoever is working there show me to use whatever gun I want to try, or do they just hand you the gun you want to rent and expect you to know how to use it, clear malfunctions on it, etc?

Any specific recommendations would also be appreciated. Thank you!
Find some range that rents guns, try as many as you can. It's not the size of the woman in the fight that matters, it's the size of fight in the woman. I know women who shoot, and love large caliber hand guns. It's more about what feels good to you.
 
#6 ·
Whatever gun you decide on, one more thing to think about is the purse you might carry it in (if you do). If the purse strap is too thin, will it cut into your shoulder after bullets fill the mag on a larger gun? The smaller the gun, the harder it is to hit something past 20 feet under duress unless your are related to Hickok45. So make sure you do lots of practice to ensure you can have the accuracy. If you carry +p, don't practice with wimpy rounds only. I used to carry a Bersa Thunder 380 because I liked the safety features (which some hate). I alternated Buffalo Bore +P JHP and HCN rounds. Then I bought a 38 special and carry +P rounds in it. I can shoot the Bersa at distance ok but the 38 is harder (I'm not related to Hickok45). Like stated above, test our a lot of guns and find what works best for you. Be sure to test follow up shots for recoil rebound accuracy.
 
#11 ·
Agree with the shield suggestion. Also consider the M&Pc.

Kahr makes a fantastic small gun.

The G42 is a very popular gun right now. Same battery of arms youre used to with your G17.

The P3AT and LCP are PITAs for me because my hands are a bit larger and the triggers are LONG DA only.

For carrying in running clothes, a fanny pack (dorky, i know) would work well.

Curious how you plan to carry while running. Maybe a belly band if you dont perspire too much.

Really popular purses are:

http://www.guntotenmamas.com

If you carry a purse, that is.
 
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#14 ·
i can tell you for certain i won't be shooting at hips and won't be making long shots when my self defense turn comes up.

I'll leave that to those trick action shooters that can shoot thru a washer center.. etc..

My self defense gun protects me from imminent danger...


fbi stats says most shootings occur at somethng less than 10'

if i had the accuracy ability to just call my shots and place them anywhere, and at long range, why not just call out 'eyeballs' mail 2 of them then be done.
 
#15 ·
I have two guns I'd highly recommend:

Gun Product Firearm Photograph Trigger


On the left is a Sig Sauer P238 in .380 Auto. It's a very well made, accurate and reliable gun which I enjoy shooting. On the right is its big brother, the P938, in 9mm Luger. It's about 1/4" longer, and fires a significantly more powerful caliber. As shown, both guns are sporting Hogue rubber grips and an extended magazine. I find that the extended mag provides room for my fingers, while the standard one leaves my pinkie dangling, like it was a 19th century tea party cup. The extra round in the mag is a handy feature, as well.

I, too, have trouble concealing any full size gun, as I have a fairly small frame. I got the P238 first, as it was easily concealed on my belt, then upgraded to the P938 when I discovered that the size difference was nominal. I think the combination of the 9mm as a primary CW, with the .380 in an ankle holster as a backup, should cover just about any situation I might ever run into in just about any neighborhood. If you happen to be in the AZ area, feel free to stop by and try them both!:D
 
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#17 ·
Depends if you want a auto or revolver. Not very large in caliber size, but small and compact for running. You may look at a 22(i.e. NAA pistols) they are 5 shot you can get in 22 or 22mag. It may help you get out of a jam with man or beast. I carry on in my truck for several reasons. Now don't the rest of you get your panties in a wad. LOL. Its something else to look at. A small 380 may work for you also.
 
#20 ·
Bersa .380 is what you are looking for, try one and you won't look back.
 
#21 ·
+1..... Its the best 380 for the money. If I wanted to spend double the money, I would go with the sig 238. Thats not a knock on the 238 because they are great guns. But the bersa will serve you well for 1/2 the price.
 
#22 ·
I can only echo the sentiment to test out several guns before making a final decision. A local range might have guns you can rent to try, but also, there may be several members of the local range that have guns that they will let you test while at the range. Local Guns Shops can offer a lot of advice. Also check with friends that carry and see what they have and if they can help you. My wife is also petite being just over 5-1. She carries a LCP 380, a LC 9mm, a Lavender Lady 38, or a Bulldog .44 spl depending on what she is wearing. More sometimes makes it easier to dress.
 
#23 ·
Small auto guns are OK, but frankly, they are very hard to use for hitting targets. I have a S&W Bodyguard that is a small gun. It is not easy to field strip without tools, however. The 380 auto ammo is marginal IMO.

I just got a S&W Model 36 revolver - circa 1974. It is very small and it does NOT jam. 38 Special ammo is good. If my wife would ever carry, a small 38 revolver would be a good choice. ..38 Special was a standard for most cops for at least 6 decades in the 20th century. 380 auto ammo has never been a cop round. ....that should tell you something.
 
#24 ·
The way i see it.. a carry gun is for personal defense, not a charge attack on a position.

Since it is a defense weapon that i should only be using when in fear for life, etc.. that probably means i won't be using it with danger at the 100 or even 25 yard range boards. Thus the fact that my 2"'er is only super accurate at 10-20' max isn't a problem, as that also happen to be the range that i'd likely be discharging it at. IE.. if the bad guy is 100-25 yds away.. that's not a time i'll be taking a shot... that's my opinion anyway..
 
#26 ·
I recently saw a video of a gas station attendant who was ambushed by two gunman. One BG was +20 feet away. He blasted both. All I kept thinking was, this guy is good with this gun..... a very large Glock, I believe. I also was thinking that I could not have done that with a tiny S&W Bodyguard in .380 auto. ...too hard to get on target fast and not enough stopping power.
 
#29 ·
Here's the dilemma. You want a gun that's small & light weight but one that can stop a threat. There's the paradox! In most cases, small, light sub-compacts pistols are hard to shoot, inaccurate & of small caliber.
My daughter-in-law had the same problem when she got her CCP. I gave her a titanium S&W 342. It's an extremely light, concealable, 5 shot, hammerless revolver. She loved it. Problem was, she couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it. Being so light, the 38+P ammo made it extremely snappy & it's small size made it tough to hold & get back on target for follow-up shots. When Glock came out with the G-42, she tried one. She can shoot it with ease & accuracy. And it's now her EDC.
At home it's another story. In the house I'm recommending a tactical shotgun or larger pistol. She's thinking a Glock 23 because it can shoot .40 cal ammo or with a simple barrel switch, .9mm.
 
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