Pistol for my girlfriend

My wife loves her Taurus 85 Ultra-Lite in 38 Special. We use wad cutters for practice and Federal Hydra-Shok for real.

 

I would take her to a range that offers rentals and let her try a few handguns before making a decision. I've been in the gun business for over 11 years and it's been my experience that just as many first time female gun owners buy a semi-auto as a revolver. If you have any questions or need pricing on a new gun, please send me an e-mail.

 

take her to a gun show and just let her look to see what feels right to her then take her to a range that rents or call up some friends that have what she wants to shoot. what is most important here is that she is comfortable with the gun and well practiced remember dry practice doesn't cost anything. Do keep in mind that if she isn't comfortable with the gun then she won't carry it and that defeats the point of getting it in the first place.

 

Totally agree with Dimonback, don't think just because she is female she needs a small size firearm. Like he says the recoil and muzzle rise is greater. I started out down that road with my spouse. Then she adopted one of my old full size CZ75s. That is the most accurate and controllable for her. Don't think I'll ever get that one back.

I wouldn't limit yourself to just pocket rockets especially for a 1st piece.

 

Good observations. My wife found the revolver, Taurus .38 Spl 2" easier to operate when I instructed her to learn to yell "FMF" and aim if an intruder appears. Pistols are easier and more foolproof and safer to operatefor most shooters and many people shoot only infrequently.

 

I have a glock model 36 in .45 cal that will fit her hand PERFECT!!

 

CZ75b. FTW.

It's not the caliber people it's what ammo you put in it.

 

Not agreeing with you much on the load/unload of a revolver over a semi.
Loading a clip is going to be way quicker with a semi as opposed to a revolver loading individual bullets. Try loading a semi with your week hand and the try loading a revolver.

 

Whatever you get, make sure it's simple. Especially if it's for defense. Ex: No external hammer, double action, no thumb safety etc.

I'm partial to the Glock 26, but it's whatever she is comfortable with, remember that.

 

thanks for all the imput guys. sorry i havent replied lately. none of the gun shops around here will rent guns, but i myself have a XD-9 i plan on letting her shoot to get a feel of. along with a kel-tec 32 and a few other random pistols. but i gotta agree, a revolver will be simplist and safest. hopefully i can find a gun show to take her to soon and let her handle a few.

 

Another vote for a S&W stubby revolver. You aren't asking the gun to be a tack driver. Studies have shown that if you really need a fire a gun for protection then it will usually be less, and even way less, than 20 feet. I like the 642-2 .38+P Airweight. It's one of the J-frame revolvers.

One other feature to consider is the addition of a Crimson Trace laser. The fear it will put in the bad guy might make him turn and run without even firing.

 

caliber isn't all that important, it's more what she's comfortable shooting. I've seen people walk (yes, walk, as in "no, I'm not dead") into the ER with half their face gone after a 12 gauge, and I've seen a 9mm go "between the eyes" and the girl was discharged the next morning.

My point is, there's no "magic" bullet that'll stop everyone. Get her something she likes, will practice with, is comfortable with, and teach her to squeeze that trigger til the threat is done.

Edit: If you don't have shops close by, where are you? Maybe some TW members will meet you at a range with what they have?

 

Check out the Bersa Thunder 380!! I bought my wife one brand new for under $300.00! It is modeled after the Walther PPK (sp).