New permit holder shopping for first gun!! Help!!

[Tierra14]

Hey everyone! This is my first time posting and I'd appreciate your help! I just got my permit in NYS and I'm shopping for my first pistol! I need a little guidance. I'm a female with veryyyyy small hands so I can't handle anything big, at all. I've shot quite a few different pistols in my search and so far I like the .380. I believe it was a taurus. But then I went to a store and saw the Taurus 9mm 709 slim and it was pretty much PERFECT size for me, but I've never shot one. Any thoughts on the differences between the .380 and 9mm? I don't want to spend too much on my first because I plan on using it ALOT to target shoot to start learning the skill. I'll probably even buy a used one for now. I'm very new to this and have no idea what brands are good or anything like that so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

[pinecone70]

Welcome aboard. The 9mm will have ammunition that is easier to find, for sure. It is also cheaper than the .380 ammo. As far as guns, that's like buying shoes....

[red14]

Welcome to the forum, Tierra!

Have you thought of a revolver? For a first time shooter, a semi-automatic can be difficult to clean (you have to take it apart and put it back together). If it jams, you have to unjam it. With small hands and lesser strengh it can be difficult.

There are a few ladies on here who can help you too. Just wait a little while, and suggestions will surely follow.

[lentz]

Within price range,easy to conceal,feels good in the hand,accurate,comfortable to carry,stopping power

[Tierra14]

Originally Posted by red14

Welcome to the forum, Tierra!

Have you thought of a revolver? For a first time shooter, a semi-automatic can be difficult to clean (you have to take it apart and put it back together). If it jams, you have to unjam it. With small hands and lesser strengh it can be difficult.

There are a few ladies on here who can help you too. Just wait a little while, and suggestions will surely follow.

First off guys thanks for the fast response and welcomes! Im impressed!! And I have thought of a revolver, but I like shooting semi-automatic better. However I never took into consideration cleaning it, but I deffinitly will now, Thanks!

[22dave]

As described by my handle, get a .22. It will be easier to learn to shoot. S & W has great .22 revolvers, very easy to clean & fun to shoot. Well worth the extra money over any other manufacturer. The cost of target ammo is 20% of the larger calibers.

If you bought for fun, that is the gun. If you need self-defense, you can easily shoot accurately with a gun you are comfortable with.

If you feel the need for something bigger, get another gun. Even if you have more than one, I guarantee you will mostly shoot the .22.

[guns4life]

walther makes a pk 380 and a 9 mm especially designed with the female shooter in mind the tension on the spring is less than other manufacturers therefore requiring less hand strength to cycle the action and walther make a very good pistol that is very affordable please check them out before you buy thx GUNS4LIFE

[11B-101ABN]

You are going to get a lot of suggestions...Try this: Join your local club and let it be known you would like to try several types. There are not many shooters that will not help a less experienced shooter. Take notes on what you like and dislike about each weapon you try and sooner or later you will find that perfect one for you. I recommend when you buy, the first one should be NEW because you may not recognize a problem in a used weapon right away and that develops bad habits. Also buy the best quality you can afford. Don't be in a hurry. The shopping is fun too.

[tim.sr]

Welcome Now is the time to go slow and have fun go out and rent some at a shooting range see how you like it look at the 38s 9mm and 40s they all have good stopping power
for me i love the beretta px4 storm sub compact 14 rounds 3" tub. I carry this one 24-7.

[Oneida Steve]

I recommend you look at a Bersa .380 pistol. It is a smaller and lighter gun than a 9mm and is a popular choice with beginners. A well made gun for a reasonable price.

tim, here in New York "renting a gun at a range" is not an option. Tierra14 would have to drive to Pennsylvania or Ohio to try out a gun .

[cobra]

/

[cobra]

To start with I can recommand an international FN.22.
If you want something heavier than a FN.22 you can pick a S&W 52 .38

[Tierra14]

Originally Posted by Oneida Steve

I recommend you look at a Bersa .380 pistol. It is a smaller and lighter gun than a 9mm and is a popular choice with beginners. A well made gun for a reasonable price.

tim, here in New York "renting a gun at a range" is not an option. Tierra14 would have to drive to Pennsylvania or Ohio to try out a gun .

You happen to be the second person to tell me that about NY, but there is a range in my county that you can, infact, rent their gins and use then im their range. Now I don't want to get anyone in trouble but is that against the law?

[Terry_P]

As others have said don't be in a hurry to decide. Ruger makes a small auto in 9MM called an SR-9 and the compact version is SR-9C. If you can find one to rent then try one out along with a Springfield XD9. Have fun trying a variety and while you are at it seek out additional training and instruction for whatever you try. Be sure it feels good and you are able to work the action and load the magazines and then decide what you shoot the best.

[gschnarr]

What to get and use is a very personal decision. My wife loves her Bersa Thunder 380. Ammo for it is hard to find but I reload for her. A good site for women is http://www.corneredcat.com/.It has a lot of good information for the woman shooter--men too. Good luck with your search.

[wpage]

Agreeing with the suggestions to look at the 9mm rather than 380...
Same kick better round all around.
Also try out the Ruger SR9. At least see how each feels in your hand if you cant try it buy it. To be certain.
Good luck with your decision!

[dons2346]

I always thought an auto was the way to go. I am rethinking now and considering a S&W 442

[zfk55]

Tierra, were you actually able to secure a CC Permit without ever firing a shot?? Did nobody require that you use a firearm of any kind to qualify?

zfk55

[zfk55/sr]

Tierra, don't let the similarity in board handles confuse you. I'm zfk55's father and my daughter's board handle is/was 1911sr. She's carried since age 17 and doesn't have large hands either. She's carried a Detonics .45, a pre-war Walther, a Kimber Pro-Carry and now one of these. A .327 Magnum 6 shot revolver. Small, small grips and handles 4 different cartridges. You can practice with simple .32s and work right up through the .327 magnum cartridge. More knockdown than either the 9mm or the .38 special and smaller than both.



There are 3 of these in the family now.

I'm also curious about what sort of a course you took.
I might add that semi-autos are not generally recommended for rank beginners.

zfk55 Senior

[Double Deuce]

Originally Posted by Tierra14

You happen to be the second person to tell me that about NY, but there is a range in my county that you can, infact, rent their gins and use then im their range. Now I don't want to get anyone in trouble but is that against the law?

No renting a gun at a range isnt against the law most of the ranges here do the same thing, My wife is getting a Bersa Thunder for her carry weapon. I am also looking at the Walther PK380, either of those would work well.

[tim.sr]

This is my new baby PX4 yes she is small but 14rounds of 9mm 147Gr HYDRA-SHOK

[BETH]

Welcome aboard, i have small wrists and hands i fell in love with the Walther p22 it just fits like a glove . but like everyone says what fits for one does not fit for another. try other guns you will know the one u want when it happens. let us know what u end up with-good luck

[Kieran McCaig]

Try the S&W MP series they have interchangable backstraps for people with small hands.

[Oneida Steve]

Originally Posted by Tierra14

You happen to be the second person to tell me that about NY, but there is a range in my county that you can, infact, rent their gins and use then im their range. Now I don't want to get anyone in trouble but is that against the law?

Renting handguns is now legal in NYS if the shooter has a valid NYS permit. This is a fairly new practice and most ranges still don't rent handguns, but yes, it is legal. Sorry for the confusion.

[Freedom road]

Revolvers it's true rarely malfunction, but are NOT easy to conceal due their design. It's like trying to hide a can of pop. I know some are small and some will disagree, but it has that general shape. Since you say you have small hands I would recommend something with interchangeable back straps on the handle to get the perfect fit. Walther makes a p99c in 9 mm in the AS trigger that would be my absolute first choice, simple to take down and great to shoot. I have one in 0.40 and think the trigger ease of use and accuracy are awesome!