Hello everyone, most of you know "Johnlives4Christ", I am his wife. I'm new to the gun thing and I got on here to see if anyone had suggestions. My situation is I want a self defense pistol but I have really small and weak hands. I can't shoot real big calibers b/c of the recoil. I was thinking about a sig mosquito or a mini revolver for a .22. My husband suggested a 1911 in 9mm. On most semi-automatics that I've tried is was really hard to rack the slide and I can't pull back a double action trigger. I'm looking for a lightweight, easy to operate gun that would get the job done should I ever need it.
Would have to go with a 327 mag as well, shot one over the weekend and fell in love with it. Give em a try and see what you think, Guns are personal things and it may take you a while to find the one that fits you.Welcome and be safe!
John's wife, as you've gotten plenty of good suggestions here, my only comment would be that for me personally, unless you get a Browning High Power, the only caliber that should come out of a 1911 is .45acp. That is the caliber the 1911 was designed for. If 9mm is you choice, stick with a pistol designed for it, such as a Glock 19, CZ75B, or a variety of others.
Just my 2 Shekels
Stay away from the mosquito...I love Sigs (2022, P229, P220 Equinox) but this is a perpetual jammer with all ammo...not good for self-defense. I recommend an S&W J Frame...It won't jam or fail to eject and if it doesn't go bang, pull the trigger again. My wife is also weak in her hands and she can handle the 642 with crimson grips and +P ammo. An excellent rig for those who don't practice as much as they should (my wife for example)
Greetings JW! Lots of good advice here.... my vote would be for the small-frame revolver, preferably something more powerful than a .22. If at all possible, try shooting it before you buy it.
Does your husband reload ? If a .38 kicks too hard, your husband might be able to work up some lighter loads to practice with (ie, reduced powder charge, reduced bullet weight)
thanks for the advice. I think I've decided what I want. For a 22 I think I'm gonna go with a walther p22. For my first big gun I've decided on a Glock 19, and for my second big gun I've decided on a 1911 in 9 mm, but I'm not sure if I want officer size or commander. I have tried the s&w model 642 and it was a little much for me.
thanks,
JW
I took my step-daughter to the range Friday to help her decide what gun she will get. She test fired a Glock 26,9mm, a Taurus 617, 7 shot .357 Mag., a Kel-Tec P3AT, .380, a Walther PPK, .380 and a Lady Smith, .38. She chose the Lady Smith hands down. All of the semi-auto's were difficult for her to rack the slides and she limp wristed them all which although didn't cause a jam, might have. The long trigger pulls were also a concern for her. The heavier weight of a Lady Smith over an Airweight and the double action of being able to cock the hammer and pull the trigger made it a more manageable gun. Since you will be keeping it for home defense and not carrying it, the weight factor will only work in your favor with less recoil. Also, .38 ammo is pretty much available everywhere. The ranges all have reloads for practice. I believe there are some 7 round pistols being made now in .38. The Taurus 7 round .357 is a little much. It even hurt my hand when I shot it. Good luck.
thanks for the advice. I think I've decided what I want. For a 22 I think I'm gonna go with a walther p22. For my first big gun I've decided on a Glock 19, and for my second big gun I've decided on a 1911 in 9 mm, but I'm not sure if I want officer size or commander. I have tried the s&w model 642 and it was a little much for me.
thanks,
JW
There's a reason why S&W's line of Lady Smith revolvers are popular, and why they offered them. I have a Walter PPk/s that I bought from a women who went to a Lady Smith revolver because she too couldn't rack the slide.
And there are times when I carry a compact revolver, simply for it's simplicity.
Oops! I should have read this post before I posted one asking almost the same thing in another thread. I'll pass info here on to a friend with arthritis. Sorry all for posting the same question.
Johns wife...you might want to take a look at a Ruger SP101 in .327.
Hmm Ask a cop whos shot a hopped up doper 5 or 6 times and still hasn't stopped him about that one. If you had said a .22 can be as deadly as a .45 I'd agree with you but the level of reliance on the piece as a man stopper doesn't come close.
If you like the P22 take a look at the PK380. A lot of people I know have switched to one after shooting them. One of my buddies, he is blessed with 3 daughters is purchasing his 4th one this upcoming weekend.
Hmm Ask a cop whos shot a hopped up doper 5 or 6 times and still hasn't stopped him about that one. If you had said a .22 can be as deadly as a .45 I'd agree with you but the level of reliance on the piece as a man stopper doesn't come close.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
The Firearms Forum
2.2M posts
71K members
Since 2003
A forum community dedicated to all firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!