Best handgun for the wife/girlfriend.

[Jim Hauff]

Originally Posted by graehaven

I know, right? Someone's got to sacrifice, might as well be me.

Grae -
You're a real TROOPER and altruistic!

I started my two daughters on .22lr revolvers - when then became familiar - moved to what ever else they could handle. I was fortunate in having revolvers and semis in most common calibers for them to try out - I know having all of those damn guns lying about was a serious problem - but in this case it worked out well.

[Orin]

I'm into my second year with my wife's training. She's 6' tall & heavy but a wimp.Not much hand strength & NO ability with complex mechanisms. I started her with a Taurus Ultra Lite .38 spl. and factory loads. Small gun with a good grip. She dealt with the factory bullet recoil & did Ok but really blossomed once I renewed reloading & dropped bullet wieghts & pressures. She shoots at least 3 loads of high pressure each time at the range but loves the lower stuff.
Early on, I told her we'ld stay away from semi-autos & she listened but never really understood... Till I rented a few & let her deal with their needs. After each session I'd ask her for thoughts re how she'd handle such a weapon in the dark, in a tense sitiuation, by feel only. Every time she said,"No way!" Many times she's had opportunity to watch newbie females with small autos as they tried to operate their weapons. Lots of frustration in them. Their menfolk trying to dispence wisdom but failing. One lady actually said, "To H--- with this!" But mine just smiles & keeps on popping the center circle. Now I've purchased a heavy revolver for my target gun & expect her to fall in love with it. I suspect I'll be getting her a 6" revolver in 38spl. with good adjustable sights for Xmass.
And if you're a bad guy, watch out for her with her snubbie at anything up to 25yds! Single or double.

[savage170]

Started my wife out with a 22 revolver. Then I moved her up to a model 33 smith chambered for 38 S&W and she now has laid claim to my Sig 239 40 S&W.

[Maximilian II]

My wife is ex-LEO. She'll take the GLOCK 21 if I make it to the Mossberg police model first.

[AmmoForSale.com]

Welcome to the forum.

It depends on what she prefers. I would take a look at a sub compact polymer pistol. A Glock 19, XD9sc, M&P, CZ, etc.


__________________
9mm ammo for sale

[gdmoody]

My wife doesn't care much for guns and won't touch them. I'm slowly working her down though.

I started my Grand Daughter out on a Ruger Mark III 22/45 and she does really well with it. On our last range outing she shot the Beretta 92 and Sig P250 (9mm) but absolutely refused to shoot the Ruger LCR after she heard her brother complaining about it hurting his hand (I loaded some +P).

[foley0304]

I don't know much about handguns (just got my first one, I'm learning) but as for home defense, I keep a 12 gauge leaned in the corner of our bed room with 3 1/2 in. #4 turkey shot. My fiance isn't exactly great with it, but even if I'm not home you can be sure no one is gunna make it down the hallway.

[Double D]

I have just got a new mossberg cruiser 12 ga. I need to get her shooting it. Its only got a pistol grip. She is a great shot with her walther 22, and has shot 9mm and 40. So I think she will be ok with the 12 ga.

[BETH]

what is the difference between the mark 111 and mark 111 22/45 is it that the grip is smaller?

[gdmoody]

Beth that III is actually a 3. It is a Ruger Mark 3 - 22/45. All that means is that it is a .22 pistol with a grip that has the same angle as a 1911 (which is normally thought of as a .45) therefore they came up with the 22/45 name.

[permafrost]

Originally Posted by Double D

I have just got a new mossberg cruiser 12 ga. I need to get her shooting it. Its only got a pistol grip. She is a great shot with her walther 22, and has shot 9mm and 40. So I think she will be ok with the 12 ga.

Shouldn't be a problem, have her hold it to her chest when she fires it. Should absorb the recoil nicely and she won't feel a thing.

[permafrost]

Originally Posted by gdmoody

Beth that III is actually a 3. It is a Ruger Mark 3 - 22/45. All that means is that it is a .22 pistol with a grip that has the same angle as a 1911 (which is normally thought of as a .45) therefore they came up with the 22/45 name.

You forgot to tell her it's a polymer frame, as opposed to the steel frame of the standard Mk111.

[carver]

First off I want it understood that I now agree with starting a new shooter out with the old .22 pistol, or rifle. However, I started all three of my kids off with shotguns. Why? Because it was the only gun I had! My daughter at age 12 could out shoot me from the hip with my old Mossberg pump, with only a pistol grip. At 13 she out shoot all the men in the family with my .44 Mag. While I do like to start new shooters out with the smaller caliber .22, I am also a firm bleiver in letting that person choose what they want to shoot. My wife is one of those folks that think everything has way to much recoil, and only likes the .22. She has shoot other calibers, and at this time carries an LCP, but she doesn't like it due to recoil. We are working on this, but she must proceed at her pace. We shoot in the yard, and she is up for informal plinking with the .22 at any time. This is when I pull out her LCP, or the .38. and pop off a few rounds, then ask her if she wants to try it. Sometimes she will say yes.

[RedHawk]

Here's the thing , we're assuming this girl is a little barbie girl , hell she could be a big strong girl , a sports chick , look your best advice is to not just surprise her with a weapon , if you plan on getting her a gun , tell her now , if she's cool with it, start going to shows (theres tons of different guns there more so than shops) , once you've narrowed down the ones she likes (after feeling /holding etc) , then go to shop/ ranges that have the ones she likes , rent them , fire them , base your selection on this !

[Old Guy]

Take her to a show or a good gun store and let her handle everything that she can. Narrow down the choices by what is comfortable in her hand and which triggers she can access with a normal grip. Then go rent a few of her choices and see what she adapts to best. My wife loves the Ruger Mark 3 22/45 because it does not hurt her hand and wrist, but she is deadly with her Taurus Millenium Pro 9 mm.

[Old John]

I'd never pick out a 1st Gun or a new gun, for my DSW. She is a Service Brat.
Her Dad was a retired career Marine. DSW has picked out each of her half dozen handguns, all 9mm's. She has also picked outa couple of shotguns and a 2 or 3 rifles.
Some Ladies don't start off at Square-1.

[sting75ray]

I bought my wife a Ruger SP101 several years ago and she never leaves home without it.

[American Leader]

Welcome aboard jericho! Try something lightweight and still maintains power. Jukers wifes gun is perfect. Easy to operate, light, and good range of bullet weights & loads. I have a Taurus 85 Titanium .38 Special for my wife and it's perfect.

[Juker]

As stated previously, I bought the S&W for my petite wife. She loves it, and is deadly accurate with it.

I'm assuming that new member "bellie" got banned from another gun forum and has landed here.

[mr.t7024]

I am a certified firearms instructor in MA, and I also sold firearms at Bass Pro,so I have some experience in this matter. If she has never shot before then the way to go is a .22 . Let her get used to shooting.The kick on a 22 will not overwhelm her and after she masters that she can move on up the ladder. The larger calibers can and have stopped many women from getting interested in the shooting sports. One should want their wives and or girlfriends to enjoy the sport and not be afraid of it!BTW keep the lead flying.

[American Leader]

Looks that way Juker. He obviously hasn't shot much! My wife is sure not a "Very Strong Man"

[dad2thebone]

Originally Posted by Helix_FR

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.

I think thats your best bet is to rent one.most ranges here do it . start small or she may end up sittin in the car like my ex did. never shot again either

[graehaven]

Originally Posted by Double D

I have just got a new mossberg cruiser 12 ga. I need to get her shooting it. Its only got a pistol grip. She is a great shot with her walther 22, and has shot 9mm and 40. So I think she will be ok with the 12 ga.

You might want to add a stock to that. That's a LOT for the pistol grip. Got one for mine and not sorry. I also put an ammo carrier on it (well, 2 actually) so now the gun has 20 rounds. 8 in it and 11 on it.

[Double D]

Thanks for the advice but I purposely ordered the pistol grip. She has shot it already. Like I keep saying, if you have to use it to protect yourself, you wont even remember the recoil.

[ozo]

This is a 500 with Pachmyr's
12ga and lives within reach.
A real home tool necessity !