Mom wants a handgun, looking for additional suggestions.

[The_Next_Generation]

Hey guys and gals,

I started winter break yesterday when my mom let me know that she would like to purchase a handgun for range use. She also asked me to give her daily lessons to increase her knowledge of firearms in general so that she can, "make a well informed decision backed by a broad knowledge base".

I was very excited. One year ago, my mom would have nothing to do with guns, or allow them into her home. I guess a few recent trips to the range with her son cured that

She has been very eager to learn, and after two days of organized "lessons", she is leaning towards the idea of a full-size, steel/aluminum-framed model. After showing her the specs and different calibers of various handguns, she asked me what I would choose with a $600 budget (1911 or Sig out of the question ). After some thought, I told her that I would go with a CZ 75B for its accuracy, reliability, and lines

I did tell her that I have only theoretical knowledge of many handguns, including that one, and that she should look into other handguns as well.

Here are are criteria:

- <$600 (like I said, no 1911s or Sigs..sorry)
- Accurate
- Reliable (doesn't have to be AK-reliability, just not a jam-o-matic)
- "Intimidating", in a sense of "not a girly gun".
- Elegant
- NO PLASTIC She doesn't like the look/feel of it...
- Ability to shoot for an hour or three without too much fatigue (highly subjective, I know)
- Somewhat up-gradable. (Option of tweaking it down the road if she so desires, and that she might try a few local matches with it.)

So far I've showed her pictures/specs of most of most of the modern autoloaders (CZ 75B, Beretta 92FS, Browning Hi-Power, Kimber 1911s, etc.) One of my concerns is that on paper, she may like a full-sized handgun. When in reality, they may be too big for her hands, and thus difficult to operate proficiently. Hopefully I can get her some range time with a family friend's handguns.

Note: To my knowledge, she has never shot a handgun before, her experience is limited to holding my neighbor's G23. However, she is a good shot with a semi-auto 30-06 through bolt action .22lr. My experience with handguns is limited to said G23, a Beretta 92, and an HK P30.

What do you guys think? Am I/we headed in the right direction? Are there other choices out there besides the CZ 75 (like the Browning Hi-Power, Beretta 92, etc.) that may better match her criteria? Are there any women out there who recently entered the handgun-arena with advice on this?

As always, any other input/advice is always appreciated!

Thanks,
- The Next Generation

 

[dirtengineer]

I would think that you should be able to pick up a used Sig for under six bills. That would be my first choice. No external safeties and a decocker. Here is a 239 on gunbroker for $575 (as of now). http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=265672153

If it were my mom, I would tell her that I would buy it for her and take her $600 and make up the difference.

I own a Taurus PT-99 (Beretta Copy) that is a good reliable shooter. The grip might be too large for many women. It is pretty comfortable to shoot, it is 9mm.

 

[dirtengineer]

Hey - I just noticed your location. Head on down to Wade's Guns and let her try out a bunch of different guns and pick her favorite.

http://www.wadesguns.com/

 

[BCRider]

Being near Seattle surely there's a rental range somewhere within a not too long a drive. Take her out and let her actually try a bunch of different 9's. Take notes and pictures as well as she's trying them out.

Although I do have to say that you could do a lot worse than the CZ lineup. In particular an excellent range use gun would be a stock SP-01 or the actual SP-01 Shadow. Locally I know of two recent woman shooters that went with Shadows over other options due to how well they fit their smaller hands and how nicely the guns shot for them. In both cases money was not an object. They bought the Shadows because they liked them the best out of around a dozen different guns they had tried at the local rental range.

And best of all if she likes the gun she'd be all set to just sort of "slide" into going out and checking the local IPSC scene....

 

[jad0110]

If this is for range fun and training only, it really sounds like you are describing a .22 LR semi auto to a perfect T.

Something along the lines of a Browning Buckmark, Ruger Mk Series or used guns like the High Standards and Colt Woodsman. The guns can provide hours of cheap, care free fun and valuable training all at once. All without fatigue. Though to beat that.

As far as centerfire handguns, unless she has fairly large hands the Beretta 92/96 series is likely going to be too chubby to get a good purchase on. The Browning and CZ are relatively slender, with the slimness edge going to the Hi Power, at least when compared with Glocks, the Beretta and others. I'd also recommend the Ruger P95 in 9mm, but it may also be too chunky. Worth her looking into, as NIB ones can be purchased for $325 or less.

Is she opposed to a revolver? S&W Model 10s in .38 Special can still be found for under $300 if you are patient. Or a Ruger Six Series revolver in .38 or .357, the Police Service Six in particular can often be purchased for under $350.

Note that guns like this (the P95, S&W Model 10 and Ruger Six) are all well under her $600 budget. If she can save a little additional money, she could also get a used Ruger Mark II or Browning Buckmark for $300 or less, depending on the features. My sister bought a used 5.5" Ruger Mk II bull barrel for $199 3 years ago at a gun show.

 

[bluetopper]

Ruger LCR...the best firearm for a novice woman shooter there is. No slide to have to pull back, no safety to manipulate, no not knowing if there is one in the chamber or not, and the lightest DA pull you'll ever find and very light overall to carry.

 

[RetroMan]

Being near Seattle surely there's a rental range somewhere within a not too long a drive. Take her out and let her actually try a bunch of different 9's. Take notes and pictures as well as she's trying them out

Best advice in thread.

She could buy the handgun she thinks she could shoot well or she can find the handgun she can shoot well.

 

[punkndisorderly]

Ditto on having her try out a bunch of things before she buys. There's a reason there are so many makes and models, there is no best gun for everyone. I usually recommend starting with a 9mm service sized pistol it a 4" medium framed. 38 or. 357 with. 38's. I don't mean buying one, I mean trying some. Then go from there, using what they like and don't like to try and narrow things down. The glock/XD/M&P lines are as good a place to start as any. Lots of options in terms of caliber, size, safeties, colors, sights within the M&P line. If I didn't have so much invested in Glocks as far as training, guns, holsters, magazines, etc, I would probably switch over.

Having a good professional trainer show her the ropes might be money well spent as well. A good one will get them started with proper technique, and correct problems before they become habits.

 

[V1ROT8]

All opinions here are personal opinions but I really am pleased with the Ruger LCR. My wife actually carries this LCR. Typical Ruger quality. Very pleased.

 

[btg3]

^^^^ The LCR would not be on my short list for a range gun or for home defense.

You won't go wrong with a CZ. A friend owns one and we both really like it. I have M&Ps.

 

[highlander 5]

A Sig 225 might be just the ticket.It's smaller somewhat than the 9 mm pistols you mention and a single stack mag. Granted they are used but there's enough of thm around that you should be able to find one at a decent price. Only down side is the mags are hard to find and pricey. 2nd choice a S&W or Ruger revolver in 357 mag. The Ruger will most likely need a trigger job but you'll have a hard time wearing out either revolver.

 

[Minnesota Wild]

I agree that taking her to try the guns is the main thing.

That said, MAKE her try the plastic guns. A lot of people, especially older people, have an unfounded prejudice against the polymer framed guns. Most that I know have changed their minds after having actually shot them.

You've listed the mainstream metal-framed autos. You could see if she would prefer a revolver...

 

[coolluke01]

If you wait a year maybe she will like 'plastic' guns too. You talk about fatigue. A light gun will help a great deal. Also a lower bore axis will reduce muzzle flip. I think that muzzle flip is harder to resist then straight back recoil. She may feel the straight back recoil a little bit more on a Glock or others like it but it will be less tiring because she doesn't have to resist it with her wrists.
Also with small hands the replaceable back straps make fitting them easy.

 

[dirtengineer]

I don't think I was clear in my earlier post. Wade's guns near Seattle is a gun shop and range all in one. They also have a Ladies' night. Try before you buy!

 

[The_Next_Generation]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!

The plan is to go to Wade's for an afternoon to try every 9 they offer, then go from there.

Maybe try a .45 or two

- TNG

 

[moxie]

Don't rule out .38s, or .40s for that matter.

 

[baylorattorney]

Without knowing anything about your mom, I'd say a snub nosed 38 special hammerless or with hammer. Point and shoot type stuff, reliable, effective. Good luck


Mark, esquire

 

[Sauer Grapes]

I don't know why you're counting out used Sigs or 1911s. Unless she just doesn't want a used gun.
Someone already mentioned .22cal range toys. Lots of fun!

 

[goon]

If you can lay hands on a SIG P-225 that might be a good choice. I miss mine. The single stack mag made it a handgun that fit almost everyone's hand well. Also, many of my female friends have liked the feel of a 3" SP-101. Those who don't like full power .357 can elect to just stuff in any of a wide variety of decent .38 Special defensive ammo and be well protected. It's almost a full sized gun, but not quite. I also agree that you may want to encourage her to try something in plastic. I am growing partial to the feel of an XDM and as my friend put it yesterday, there is just something about having 19 rounds of 9mm in the magazine that gives a warm and fuzzy feeling.

 

[chevyman097]

Beretta 92. My 2 cents

 

[BCRider]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!

The plan is to go to Wade's for an afternoon to try every 9 they offer, then go from there.

Maybe try a .45 or two

Excellent plan. And I second the suggestion above to get her to try a few .38Spl revolvers. Some of us find that revolvers just seem to "click". But revolvers would not be the greatest choice to go with my suggestion to introduce her to the various match shoot styles in your area.

 

[Serenity]

I love my P226 (I'm pretty sure I've mentioned that). The first thing I liked about it is that I could reach all the controls AND manage the slide. It was my big leap of faith (going from a revolver to a pistol) and the minimum of levers and do-dads really appealed to me. I really like having a decocker instead of an external safety; it feels a lot safer to me.

 

[btg3]

a snub nosed...

OP says intended use is range and perhaps competition.

a) snubs and pocket .380s are not all that desirable as range guns
b) auto-loaders overwhelmingly are used in competition (especially if you are not considering SASS)


Snubs are great for carry. For range, competition, and HD with a wheel gun, go with a 4".

 

[Four Knives]

If she wants an all metal handgun, knowing the weight cost associated with that,

CZ75B compact is an excellent choice

...I've been a Sig guy since 91, but CZ handguns are afreakingmazing

 

[DNS]

Ruger LCR.
They come in an eight shot 22lr now so if she's recoil sensitive in a handgun...