[Mosin_Nagant_Fan]

A revolver.Save the semi-autos until you have more experience and training.

What'chu talkin' 'bout? I started with semis and it, for the most part, worked out. Granted, I started with a small one (Makarov), I started to hit my target at around 8-10yrds.

 

[JUNKKING]

I wouldn't dismiss a .45...

Just pull and push at the same time to rack it.

Keep it close to your chest and push both ways to engage the slide lock

I think it's about "English" an not so much strength.

I believe you are right not about strength as much as technique. As mentioned above, Ruger, Taurus, Smith and Wesson all good quality guns to begin with. Also mentioned above, If yu don't like the feel of the gun from first grip you may never like it.

 

[lucky-gunner]

A compact 9mm would fit your requirements perfectly. As others have stated the best thing to do is rent a couple at your local range. This way you don't buy a handgun that is too heavy for CCW or doesn't fit your hands. Then practice with it as much as you can.

Safe Shooting,
Steven@LG

 

[group17]

Glock 26

 

[Big Shrek]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

You've gotten some good advice here.
1. Don't rush
2. Try out (handle AND shoot) as many handguns as possible before you buy.
3. You may even want to take a class so you can learn proper technique BEFORE buying. (\
4. An NRA "Women on Target" event is another GREAT way to gain expeience and get "good" information.

Ok,
The MAIN thing to avoid is too SMALL of a handgun. There are "men" out there who will patronaize people like you; and suggest small calibers and small handguns. (Small handguns are "specialized" weapons that usually require a little more skill and experience to operate.)

Most of the women I've seen that started with a small SC/UC handgun in a small caliber soon seek a larger caliber compact model.

My wife started with a Bersa 380 (A Great Hg btw!); within 3months she had graduated to a Taurus 24/7 Pro Compact 45acp. I later bought a 24/7 ProC 40s&w which she really likes and carrys now.

Don't let anyone tell you you need a "expensive" handgun for SD. (You don't!)

My wife and I love our 24/7 ProCompacts; and we trust them daily to protect our children and ourselves. So, I can highly recommend a Taurus 24/7 ProC in 9mm. I can also highly recommend the Springfield XD Sub-compact in 9mm. (another GREAT firearm!)

Good Luck and feel free to PM me with any questions. I'll even let you talk to my wife.

My wifey loves her 24/7 C (9mm) also

But she likes my 1940 High Standard model B (.22lr) even more

For critters, she loves the .22, for CCW, it's the 9mm all day

Never hurts to give yer gal a choice of tools to use

Next will likely be a Beretta Neos with the Pink Grips...so she'll quit kidnapping my HS

 

[focusmaniaczx3]

is the hi standard the little 9 shot revolver deal? my mom has one of those! fun little plinking gun.
i cant talk up the taurus 24/7's enough. those are great little guns. if you want a gun that is just simple to operate and clean then look into a revolver. a .32 S&W long has more punch to it than you would expect. i bought one a pretty good while back and in the wet phone book test it penetrated further with home made cast lead rounds and standard powder load than factory 9mm FMJ. i was surprised to say the least. and the gun does not kick hardly at all. but then again i dont think my judge kicks that much either. a snub nose .38 special or .357 would probably be right up your alley. i bet you would shoot and like one of those 2 guns. like the guys are saying, you dont want to sacrifice caliber for self defense. size matters.

 

[cluznar]

Try a Walther .32 acp or a Bersa Thunder .380 a year or two after maybe try a 9mm.