Granddaughter Just Passed the CCW Course. Needs EDC Advice

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Red Wind

Red Wind

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My 22 year old granddaughter just sent me a picture of her Florida Certificate of Completion for CCW, along with the message," Exercising that 2nd Amendment right. Hope you're proud of me!" Which I most certainly am in spades! :cool:

She is now asking for ideas on what to carry as she awaits the Florida permit. She told she does not want a tiny gun and so far has looked at only the Glock 26, 9mm. I told her that was a fine gun. My youngest son (not her father) has both the G26 & G27, so I am familiar with them.

I thought perhaps the fine crew here at THR could help me out with some other suggestions. She's quite petite, 5"1" ,105 pounds, but is a competitive swimmer,plays volleyball,racquetball and badminton. Quite strong and agile.

Also, she has put in considerable range time with her older brother and 2 uncles. Her Dad is pro gun but not a gunnie. Owns only a shotgun for HD.

She definitely wants an autoloader. She has fired revolvers of the Smith 642, Ruger SP101 size, but prefers the pistols.

She lives with a roommate in an apartment near her Fort Lauderdale University, where she is studying for her Masters. Several years ago she told me her plans on getting a carry license and her determination not be a victim.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
 
Have her visit & read this website:
http://www.corneredcat.com

Perhaps you could narrow down the choices from any handgun to a list and post a poll. At the bottom of the window to generate a new post is an area called "Post a Poll".
 
I'm becoming a fan of the S&W Shield in 9mm over the comparable Glocks and Rugers. Also, the Shield can be had with a manual frame-mounted thumb safety if that's a consideration.

But, as always, let her try a variety of pistols first -- and then go back again and shoot her favorites just to be sure. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's bought a pistol for the wife and daughters thinking it was the perfect pistol for each of them ... only to have all of them reject my choices and go in a totally different direction.
 
The S&W 9mm Shield and Springfield XDs in 9mm are both good choices. A friend carries a Shield and my oldest son carries an XDs. Both like them a lot and both have been 100% reliable.

If the Glock is in play and you know the G26 and G27 have you looked into the G43? It is slightly smaller than the G26 but lighter and shorter. You might not like the 6+1 flush fix mag capacity but you can always carry a higher cap magazine as a reload.

Incorrect information, sorry My neighbor just bought a G43 and will be carrying a G19 15 round magazine as a reload. (he also has a G19) The G43 uses a single stack mag so it can't use other Glock mags.

It's just another thought on a Glock.
 
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My daughter likes the EAA Pavona, she liked the .380 so much she added one in 9mm. They are double action pistols that she carries cocked and locked.
 
If she has shot with her uncles and one of them has a G26 I'm guessing she has shot his a few times. If so then she has made an informed decision on the gun and likes it. I also carry a G26 so that is my recommendation.
 
It's hard to go wrong with a Glock. They're affordable, they work, they're simple to use, and the sky's the limit when it comes to choice of holsters, given how popular they are. If she likes them, and can shoot them well, they'd be a natural choice.

You might also get her to try out the Walther PPS if she's looking for a single stack. They're also faultlessly reliable, simple to use, affordable, and they come with three different length magazines, allowing you to tailor the length of the grip to your specific concealment needs as you change from lighter to heavier clothing. They're a really good compromise between the two conflicting requirements: having a gun small enough and convenient enough that it's easily concealed, and you'll always have it with you when it's needed; and being big enough to fight with, if worse ever comes to worst.
 
ArchAngelCD said:
The S&W 9mm Shield and Springfield XDs in 9mm are both good choices. A friend carries a Shield and my oldest son carries an XDs. Both like them a lot and both have been 100% reliable.

If the Glock is in play and you know the G26 and G27 have you looked into the G43? It is slightly smaller than the G26 but lighter and shorter. You might not like the 6+1 flush fix mag capacity but you can always carry a higher cap magazine as a reload. My neighbor just bought a G43 and will be carrying a G19 15 round magazine as a reload. (he also has a G19)

It's just another thought on a Glock.
Click to expand...
I hate to tell you Arch, but a G19 mag won't fit a G43
 
Some fine ideas. Thank you. She has fired both the Glock G26 & 27. Likes the 26 better. Has also shot my G36 .45 ACP and a Uncles Glock 30 and the Glock 17 at the instructors range. Liked the 17 but had a bit of problem wrapping the finger around the trigger. No recoil problems with any of those guns.

The Shield,XD-S, Glock 43 or the Ruger LC9 have not been tested yet. Nor the EEA or PPS. I'm making a list of your picks.

She will fire a bunch of them and more than once as Will suggested. Plenty of time before the CCW comes in. Then there's the holster. This is what granddads are for. ;)

I forgot to add that I directed her to the Cornered Cat. Thank you, L-2. That is an excellent site.
 
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How is she planning on carry/conceal the pistol?? I love my double stack pistols but for ease on concealment and comfort of carry it is hard to beat a single stack poly pistol. I love my Walther PPS but there are a number of terrific options in that category such as the Shield, Glock 43 and XDS and I don't classify them as tiny guns..
 
wlkjr said:
I hate to tell you Arch, but a G19 mag won't fit a G43
Click to expand...

Why is that? I thought all the 9mm mags fit in 9mm Golcks, no?

EDIT:
Never mind, I just checked the Glock site. I didn't realize the G43 uses a single stack magazine. Thanks for the info.
 
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Red Wind

In a sub-compact 9mm. I really like the Kahr CM9. Mine has a very smooth DAO trigger along with some great design ergonomics. Sights are good and very easy to acquire on target. Pocket carry is certainly possible though I prefer an IWB holster for EDC.
 
The smoothest handling, accurate shooting for me is the Springfield XDs in 9mm.

If size is an issue, the Ruger LC9S Pro is an easier carry in a Sticky pocket holster.

For ease of shooting the XDs, hands down. What a delightful gun.
 
Frankly, I see her as capable as any of us in making her own choices. I would just be there for the conversation and the opportunity to go shooting.

I know that runs counter to what a lot of guys in our generation take as a view when considering "our women" but after watching my daughter shoot my Kahr CW380 and SIG P938 yesterday, I'm not going to pressure or recommend any one gun to her. I plan to ask her what she seemed to prefer and which she was comfortable with, answer HER questions and just sit back in amazement. She's more interested in CCW than the three boys.

Of course, being a night shift RN has some influence - but that goes to state of mind, too. I haven't met a "little girl" working in a hospital at that level. They are all mature adults with a strong sense of control. I would expect a granddaughter working toward her masters does, too.

Just be there - she's interested and can come up with her own choice. If a year from now she makes a new decision - and who among us hasn't? then enjoy her growing into a great shooter as she chooses a different gun.

It's not like guys have a lock on being all knowing, the sale forums are testimony to that.
 
I also like the new PPS M2 . The one I tried had a very nice trigger and IMO much better trigger than the PPS . That was one of the reasons I didn't get a PPS years ago . If I were in the market for a new CC pistol it would be at the top of my list . It felt much better in my hand than the Shield . If at all possible I would have her shoot the gun first ( like you are doing ) even if you had to rent a few .

I am proud of her also , good job .
 
I'd take her to a fully stocked gun store and let her handle as many as possible to get a feel for what she likes. Once she narrows it down then look at how she wants to carry it and holsters or even purses.

I learned a long time ago to let the woman pick out what they are comfortable with and just explain why one might be a better choice over another and let them decide. Give them the info to make an informed decision and guide them to a good choice. They are the one that has to carry, operate, and practice with it and if it is something they can't carry, can't operate, and won't practice with mace would be better.

My wife has a Ruger SR9C that she picked out and she loves it. I got her a Ruger SR22 also she could practice with as well and the reason is they have the same controls on them so she won't get confused. Something else to think about.
 
Here are my suggestions to start with. If she plans on carrying it concealed then the full size guns will be heavier and more cumbersome to carry. Weight is a huge consideration in a carry pistol. The guns with the least amount of recoil on the list below are the Glock 42 and Sig P238. Next to those is the Beretta 92FS. The Canik TP9 is one of the most ergonomic guns I have ever held. Hope that helps.

Medium size guns:
Glock 26
Glock 19
Glock 42
Glock 43
Smith and Wesson Shield
Canik TP9
Ruger LC9s
Bersa Thunder 380
Browning BDA .380
Sig P238

Full size guns:
Beretta 92FS
Sig P226
Glock 17
Springfield XDM
Ruger American 9mm
 
Bullseye308 is on the right track. While she has fired some guns, she would be best served by getting her hands on as many varieties as possible. Going to multiple gun stores is great advice. If you can take her to some gun shows she can grip many types of handguns, check out their sights and, frequently, try out their triggers. And sample beef jerky.

Taurus617 supplied a good list of handguns with larger grips. Just because she is petite doesn't mean she needs a gun with a small grip. If she has long finger nails (or ever applies fake nails) she may better served with a gun with larger grips. I saw this recently at the range with a woman with long fake nails. They prevented her from getting a good grip on two guns with smaller grips. She found she could best handle/control the gun we had that had a medium sized grip.

Good luck in her quest. Whatever she select I hope she never has to fire it in any precarious situation.
 
I received a message from her this morning. She intends to carry on the waist the majority of the time. Pocket is her secondary choice on occasions. Purse only in specific situations. She realizes the hazards of off body carry.

I appreciate all the additional suggestions, lists and fine advice. She asked me to thank everyone here on THR for the assistance you are giving her. :) She realizes this is an important decision and is giving it a lot of thought. She's quite a clear thinker and definitely has a mind of her own.

I'll be seeing her in a few days and we'll go over this whole thread. Maybe she'll become a member. Wouldn't surprise me. A younger granddaughter wanted a pistol for her 16th birthday 2 years ago and you all helped me out then.

So now,of my 7 oldest grandchildren, ages 22 to 17, 5 have either a rifle or a handgun. We are doing really good! :D Hopefully the trend will continue with the remaining 13.
 
She intends to carry on the waist the majority of the time. Pocket is her secondary choice on occasions. Purse only in specific situations. She realizes the hazards of off body carry.
Click to expand...

I am not a fan of pocket carry and would never do it but if she insists on being able to do that that most likely is going to further limit her selection of pistol toward the "tiny" category. Though I am sure some may pocket carry a double stack like the Glock 26 most would not find that acceptable unless maybe wearing cargo pants with big and deep pockets.
 
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