Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend.

jericho · 06-20-2011, 08:27 PM

Alright. I'm starting it. What handgun would you get or have already gotten the woman in your life for home/self defense and range shooting.
I'm thinking it is something she could use at the range and become involved with the passionate handgunner in us all.

BETH · 06-20-2011, 08:28 PM

welcome to the forum has she shot before

doug66 · 06-20-2011, 08:46 PM

Will it be for concealed carry?

Country101 · 06-20-2011, 09:42 PM

hey Jericho. welcome to the forum I would suggest a .357 revolver. Its a good choice due to its versatility. She can shoot a low recoil .38 special for target practice and have fun, but then carry a better .357 defense load if it is going to be carried for defense. My wife has a Taurus .38 snubbie that was given to her years ago that is a well built gun. Take her out to see how the differant guns feel to her and see what she likes. That's the most improtant thing.

BETH · 06-20-2011, 09:45 PM

no no no no no if she has never shot before i think she should shoot a .22 you just can't start someone especially a women on a .357 if she does not know anything about it> guess i put my 4 cents in

BETH · 06-20-2011, 09:52 PM

last year went to another range girl was there with her boyfriend she never shot before and he starts her out with some kind of ak47 or something like that she was scared to death to shoot it

jack404 · 06-20-2011, 10:03 PM

S&W 5906 back before we got silly here ( .40 ) and she got good with it too!

made me happy just watching her , good days... and safe

BETH · 06-20-2011, 10:06 PM

i am sorry if a women has not shot before i don't think she should start with a .40--if i started with a .40 i think i would have said byebye

Country101 · 06-20-2011, 10:08 PM

Beth, that's why I recoomended shooting 38 spl. The .357 would only be loaded up for carrying unless she got used to it or like it better.

jack404 · 06-20-2011, 10:12 PM

Beth,
i started her on .22 , my woodsman then we went to .22 magnum , a friends i forget the model, then a .32 , then 9mm , she qualified on all these and then we went to the gun store and got her one of her own , the S&W was a good fit for her and she liked it , the .45 she did ok on too but it was a tad hard , so she chose the .40 as her "best able to shoot all day , with as much force as you can take and handle effectively" , choice ..

Helix_FR · 06-20-2011, 10:25 PM

Go shooting. Don't just buy something hoping that she likes it and can handle it. Biggest mistake I see among men buying guns for their female counterparts is buying what they think will be a good fit. Find a range that rents guns and see what fits. The SW 642 is a good choice and many men buy one for their significant other but about 50% of women don't like it b/c its bite is as bad as its bark. Assuming gets you no where. They either won't shoot it or they'll want to trade it in on something else and even if it only has 5 rounds through it, you'll still take a loss on it.

jack404 · 06-20-2011, 10:27 PM

helix , spot on , let em shoot what they like and are comfortable with , its all good..

and pray they never need to use it ...

BETH · 06-20-2011, 10:28 PM

yup um

Inthewind1976 · 06-21-2011, 05:57 AM

There are plenty of light weight, very reliable revolvers in 22 lr and 22 mag out there. I tend to agree with the concept of a 38 or 357 revolver, BUT.............not to "start her out" with firearms in general.

My case is a bit different than many; my lady is 5'5" and about 140 pounds, but also was at one time, a trained, armed security guard, and they carried .45s. She hunts, fishes, and currently has one of my single action 9mm's in her "drawer." The 1911 in 45 and the 12G coach gun are on MY side of the bed.

Gun Geezer · 06-21-2011, 12:10 PM

I took my daughter to the range after she got her CC permit and let her shoot a variety of guns. She really liked the Glock 26 best, but she had trouble loading the mags. and racking the slide. She finally decided an the Lady Smith as the best all-around for her needs. I bought her a CC purse and she is never without it.

Juker · 06-21-2011, 12:51 PM

My petite wife fired a variety of hanguns and calibers. She's a deadeye with a 9mm, but wanted something she could grab in a clutch situation without worrying about slides, safeties, magazines, etc. Her "car and bedroom" gun is the S&W 442 .38 Spl - it's not great past 10 or 15 yards, but that's not what it's designed for. Her words: "If someone gets past you or you're not here, I want a gun I can pick up and just pull the trigger." Food for thought. And she looooooves that revolver.

jericho · 06-21-2011, 02:09 PM

Yes, She has shot before. mostly rifle and shotgun. I have a CZ 75B and she can't rack the slide on it. This would not be a ccw, live in Illinois.

Double D · 06-21-2011, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jericho

Yes, She has shot before. mostly rifle and shotgun. I have a CZ 75B and she can't rack the slide on it. This would not be a ccw, live in Illinois.

Im sorry.

permafrost · 06-21-2011, 05:43 PM

I got a new Ruger SR 1911 for my wife. I'll miss her, but damn! I coudn't resist that sweet Ruger. Range report to follow.

doug66 · 06-21-2011, 06:24 PM

My wife likes my S&W model 10. Expose her to a wide variety and buy what she likes. Ruger 22's and 4" revolvers is where I'd point her. Good Luck!!

JLA · 06-21-2011, 06:28 PM

Shoot I started my wife on a 9mm. I had an ol browning Hi power copy and she shot the hell out of it. She is now the proud owner of a CZ83 and a Bersa Thunder .22. Those are the size weapons she likes and she can regularly outshoot me at the range.. sometimes..

graehaven · 06-22-2011, 08:10 AM

A .357 loaded with .38s.

Here in NY, there are NO gun rental places. It's illegal.

Therefore, I HAVE to buy anything I want to "try."

I reeeeaaallllly hate having to buy so many guns.

Juker · 06-22-2011, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by graehaven

A .357 loaded with .38s.

Here in NY, there are NO gun rental places. It's illegal.

Therefore, I HAVE to buy anything I want to "try."

I reeeeaaallllly hate having to buy so many guns.

That's a blow, alright...

graehaven · 06-22-2011, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juker

That's a blow, alright...

I know, right?

Someone's got to sacrifice, might as well be me.

Jim Hauff · 06-22-2011, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by permafrost

I got a new Ruger SR 1911 for my wife. I'll miss her, but damn! I coudn't resist that sweet Ruger. Range report to follow.

06-20-2011, 08:27 PM	#1
jericho Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 30	Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. Alright. I'm starting it. What handgun would you get or have already gotten the woman in your life for home/self defense and range shooting. I'm thinking it is something she could use at the range and become involved with the passionate handgunner in us all. __________________ "See You Space Cowboys" CZ 75B Jericho 941 Walther p99 AS Walther p22 5 Browning Hi Power Sig Sauer p226 tacops Remington 870 Express -->

06-20-2011, 08:28 PM	#2
BETH Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: naugatuck,Ct. Contributor Posts: 6,666	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. welcome to the forum has she shot before

06-20-2011, 08:46 PM	#3
doug66 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 538	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. Will it be for concealed carry?

06-20-2011, 09:42 PM	#4
Country101 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dardanelle, AR Contributor Posts: 2,026	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. hey Jericho. welcome to the forum I would suggest a .357 revolver. Its a good choice due to its versatility. She can shoot a low recoil .38 special for target practice and have fun, but then carry a better .357 defense load if it is going to be carried for defense. My wife has a Taurus .38 snubbie that was given to her years ago that is a well built gun. Take her out to see how the differant guns feel to her and see what she likes. That's the most improtant thing. __________________ Gainfully employed= shooting somebody elses bullets and getting paid for it Country101

06-20-2011, 09:45 PM	#5
BETH Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: naugatuck,Ct. Contributor Posts: 6,666	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. no no no no no if she has never shot before i think she should shoot a .22 you just can't start someone especially a women on a .357 if she does not know anything about it> guess i put my 4 cents in

06-20-2011, 09:52 PM	#6
BETH Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: naugatuck,Ct. Contributor Posts: 6,666	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. last year went to another range girl was there with her boyfriend she never shot before and he starts her out with some kind of ak47 or something like that she was scared to death to shoot it

06-20-2011, 10:03 PM	#7
jack404 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia Contributor Posts: 17,622	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. S&W 5906 back before we got silly here ( .40 ) and she got good with it too! made me happy just watching her , good days... and safe

06-20-2011, 10:06 PM	#8
BETH Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: naugatuck,Ct. Contributor Posts: 6,666	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. i am sorry if a women has not shot before i don't think she should start with a .40--if i started with a .40 i think i would have said byebye

06-20-2011, 10:08 PM	#9
Country101 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dardanelle, AR Contributor Posts: 2,026	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. Beth, that's why I recoomended shooting 38 spl. The .357 would only be loaded up for carrying unless she got used to it or like it better. __________________ Gainfully employed= shooting somebody elses bullets and getting paid for it Country101

06-20-2011, 10:12 PM	#10
jack404 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia Contributor Posts: 17,622	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. Beth, i started her on .22 , my woodsman then we went to .22 magnum , a friends i forget the model, then a .32 , then 9mm , she qualified on all these and then we went to the gun store and got her one of her own , the S&W was a good fit for her and she liked it , the .45 she did ok on too but it was a tad hard , so she chose the .40 as her "best able to shoot all day , with as much force as you can take and handle effectively" , choice .. Last edited by jack404; 06-20-2011 at 10:17 PM..

06-20-2011, 10:25 PM	#11
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,617	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. Go shooting. Don't just buy something hoping that she likes it and can handle it. Biggest mistake I see among men buying guns for their female counterparts is buying what they think will be a good fit. Find a range that rents guns and see what fits. The SW 642 is a good choice and many men buy one for their significant other but about 50% of women don't like it b/c its bite is as bad as its bark. Assuming gets you no where. They either won't shoot it or they'll want to trade it in on something else and even if it only has 5 rounds through it, you'll still take a loss on it. __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com

06-20-2011, 10:27 PM	#12
jack404 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia Contributor Posts: 17,622	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. helix , spot on , let em shoot what they like and are comfortable with , its all good.. and pray they never need to use it ...

06-20-2011, 10:28 PM	#13
BETH Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: naugatuck,Ct. Contributor Posts: 6,666	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. yup um

06-21-2011, 05:57 AM	#14
Inthewind1976 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Central Pennsylvania Posts: 533	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. There are plenty of light weight, very reliable revolvers in 22 lr and 22 mag out there. I tend to agree with the concept of a 38 or 357 revolver, BUT.............not to "start her out" with firearms in general. My case is a bit different than many; my lady is 5'5" and about 140 pounds, but also was at one time, a trained, armed security guard, and they carried .45s. She hunts, fishes, and currently has one of my single action 9mm's in her "drawer." The 1911 in 45 and the 12G coach gun are on MY side of the bed.

06-21-2011, 12:10 PM	#15
Gun Geezer Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,710	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. I took my daughter to the range after she got her CC permit and let her shoot a variety of guns. She really liked the Glock 26 best, but she had trouble loading the mags. and racking the slide. She finally decided an the Lady Smith as the best all-around for her needs. I bought her a CC purse and she is never without it.

06-21-2011, 12:51 PM	#16
Juker Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Land of Lincoln Contributor Posts: 2,872	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. My petite wife fired a variety of hanguns and calibers. She's a deadeye with a 9mm, but wanted something she could grab in a clutch situation without worrying about slides, safeties, magazines, etc. Her "car and bedroom" gun is the S&W 442 .38 Spl - it's not great past 10 or 15 yards, but that's not what it's designed for. Her words: "If someone gets past you or you're not here, I want a gun I can pick up and just pull the trigger." Food for thought. And she looooooves that revolver. Attached Images __________________ SHOOT FIRST. SHOOT SECOND. MOST IMPORTANTLY, BE THE MAN WHO'S SHOOTING LAST.

06-21-2011, 02:09 PM	#17
jericho Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 30	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. Yes, She has shot before. mostly rifle and shotgun. I have a CZ 75B and she can't rack the slide on it. This would not be a ccw, live in Illinois. __________________ "See You Space Cowboys" CZ 75B Jericho 941 Walther p99 AS Walther p22 5 Browning Hi Power Sig Sauer p226 tacops Remington 870 Express Last edited by jericho; 06-21-2011 at 02:11 PM..

06-21-2011, 05:43 PM	#19
permafrost Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Oklahoma, USA Contributor Posts: 1,771	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. I got a new Ruger SR 1911 for my wife. I'll miss her, but damn! I coudn't resist that sweet Ruger. Range report to follow. __________________ Stand and Fight

06-21-2011, 06:24 PM	#20
doug66 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 538	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. My wife likes my S&W model 10. Expose her to a wide variety and buy what she likes. Ruger 22's and 4" revolvers is where I'd point her. Good Luck!!

06-21-2011, 06:28 PM	#21
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,296	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. Shoot I started my wife on a 9mm. I had an ol browning Hi power copy and she shot the hell out of it. She is now the proud owner of a CZ83 and a Bersa Thunder .22. Those are the size weapons she likes and she can regularly outshoot me at the range.. sometimes.. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

06-22-2011, 08:10 AM	#22
graehaven Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 2,853	Re: Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend. A .357 loaded with .38s. Here in NY, there are NO gun rental places. It's illegal. Therefore, I HAVE to buy anything I want to "try." I reeeeaaallllly hate having to buy so many guns. __________________ The beauty of the second amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it." - Thomas Jefferson RESISTANCE IS FEUDAL... PREPARE TO SERVE.