Which handgun for newbie

[Axis II]

Female friend of mind has owned a revolver for awhile and now would like a semi auto. She has asked me about a fullsize M&P9 a shield which she doesn't like, M&P9 compact and the M&P 22lr. I told her the 22lr would be most economical because of the cost of ammo but I'm worried she gets bored with it because it doesn't have the recoil and bang. She says she likes the way a 9mm shoots but likes the cost of 22lr. Says she doesn't want to buy something she's gonna regret. I think the fullsize maybe too much for her cause she says she's shot one and its hard for her to rack the slide/lock unlock it and to hold sometimes. I suggested the compact 9mm or possibly a compact XD.

Any advice on this one?

 

[chris in va]

I'd suggest she rent a few more guns and choose for herself. If racking a slide is problematic, there are techniques to overcome that.

 

[labnoti]

Rent some, and try the Sheild 380 EZ. Look at hammer-fired guns rather than strikers for racking ease. There are also methods to help with racking, but lots of good hammer options anyway like Sig, Beretta and CZ. If you handload, make her some low-recoil ammo with Trailboss that will still cycle an action. That could make some guns like a 1911 in .45 ACP acceptable where she might not accept them with factory ammo until she gets more time with it. People who don't shoot always prefer the way a small/compact gun feels when they are just holding it. But they're not shooting it. If they were shooting it, the fullsize gun is going to feel and work better. I'd forget about anything rimfire. For most people it's boring, filthy, and condescending. I don't even make my kids shoot it anymore.

 

[Axis II]

I'd suggest she rent a few more guns and choose for herself. If racking a slide is problematic, there are techniques to overcome that.

She says she’s shot all but the 22 and I am barrowing one next weekend. Says she can’t make up her mind. Says can’t hit anything with full-size I’m wondering if that can be fixed with a smaller hand shooter? Would the compacts have too much recoil? I meant to ask that. I can’t tell a difference but I’ve got gorilla hands. She wears a small in gloves if that makes a difference.

 

[Axis II]

Rent some, and try the Sheild 380 EZ. Look at hammer-fired guns rather than strikers for racking ease. There are also methods to help with racking, but lots of good hammer options anyway like Sig, Beretta and CZ. If you handload, make her some low-recoil ammo with Trailboss that will still cycle an action. That could make some guns like a 1911 in .45 ACP acceptable where she might not accept them with factory ammo until she gets more time with it. People who don't shoot always prefer the way a small/compact gun feels when they are just holding it. But they're not shooting it. If they were shooting it, the fullsize gun is going to feel and work better. I'd forget about anything rimfire. For most people it's boring, filthy, and condescending. I don't even make my kids shoot it anymore.

I didn’t know that about hammer guns. I do notice it though. She’s hell bent on smith and Wesson. I don’t know much about handguns out there now days so figured see if something else would be an option. I recommend the 380 ez and was told no due to ammo cost. I figured she’d get bored with the 22 as well. I’m always extremely busy so she’s renting on her own and trying to decide. She’s bent on smith cause that’s all she knows. I said try others as well. See I figured the compact maybe too much? I’ve never shot a compact other than a shield.

 

[chris in va]

When I say 'rent as many as possible', that doesn't mean all the S&W and a couple XD's. There's a whole galaxy of handguns available, does the range rental not have more than those?

If .380 is cost prohibitive and the EZ is out, maybe a 22 is the route to go. New shooters need to understand, firearms are just the beginning cost-wise.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

If she likes 9mm and needs an easy cycling slide, the VP9 has cocking eats on the rear of the slide. Makes it easy.

Good shooting gun.

 

[RA40]

She says she likes the way a 9mm shoots but likes the cost of 22lr.

Does that translate that she wants to roll her own?

The grip strength will likely be an addition to her training schedule to operate the semi's. The Mrs. had trouble with the HiPower and her trainer had her doing the squeeze grip exercises as well as forearm curls. Bought a set of these also:
https://www.amazon.com/GRIP-MASTER-...s=gateway&sprefix=squeeze+grip,aps,215&sr=8-8

I have them on the couch table and "mention" to her to do them while watching TV. You can image how well that goes over in the evenings.

 

[Spats McGee]

. . . . She says she likes the way a 9mm shoots but likes the cost of 22lr. . . .

I'm kind of the same way. (Except that I also like the way .22 shoots.)

I'd suggest she rent a few more guns and choose for herself. If racking a slide is problematic, there are techniques to overcome that.

Yep. She needs to get out and shoot more, to see what she likes, and to work on her technique.

 

[Jack B.]

What does she want the gun for? Target shooting, hunting ,carry, home defense, etc.

 

[WYO]

She says she likes the way a 9mm shoots but likes the cost of 22lr.

I recommend the 380 ez and was told no due to ammo cost.

How much is she going to shoot in a year? If it is in the 500-1000 per annum range, it really doesn’t make that much of a difference. Anyway, the Compact version of the M&P .22 LR is basically the same gun as the .380 EZ. So, she can get the .22 and buy the EZ later if she wants, and the manual of arms, sights and trigger will be close if not the same.

 

[FL-NC]

A 9mm and more training would probably be the direction to move. This is because it is a good balance between power, while offering the best variety in SD and practice ammo at a reasonable price. While I like Glocks, some people may prefer a similar pistol that offers a safety. Pistols like the Ruger SR-9C, the Ruger security 9, and the Smith M&P shield or compact all have a consistent trigger through all the shots (unlike a transitional DA) and also offer a manual safety (off switch). This is of particular benefit to a new shooter, since she will only need to train for 1 trigger, and would not need to learn the decock feature after an engagement. They are similar in size to the Glock 26/19, so they are viable for carry as well as "house guns". Of the choices I listed, the M&P compact would be the most expensive.

 

[johnmcl]

ah, I think not so much on the 380 option. I'd think she should consider a Glock 19. The 9mm ammo is cheap enough, and thousands of female FBI Special Agents rack this gun every day. The gun is good enough for a wide variety of uses.

 

[bannockburn]

Some years back I was looking for a compact 9mm. and checked out the Glock 19, S&W M&P Compact, the SA XD 3" Sub-Compact, and the Ruger SR9c. I have small hands and found the Ruger SR9c to be very ergonomic, comfortable to shoot, and surprisingly accurate. It also has one of the best triggers I have ever found in a striker fired 9mm. The slide is easy to rack, the sights are quick to acquire, and it has a thumb safety (though it is a bit on the small side), if having a manual safety is a concern.

 

[Gridley]

What does she want the new pistol *for*? Target shooting? CC? House defense?

I'm also a fan of S&W (regular carry is an M&P 40), but I've branched out a bit due to my wife's tastes. I'd encourage people not to get "stuck" on a single brand - there are a lot of good firearms out there.

 

[Lennyjoe]

You know, we see this question quite often here. One thing I’ve learned after trying to find several handguns that my wife would “possibly” like, I’ve realized that walking her around a gun show and having her hold multiple handguns is the best thing to do.

From a Kahr CW9, Taurus PT111 G2, S&W Shield .40 to her beloved Taurus 38 revolver (all in our inventory), she finally decided on a Walther CCP In 9 mm. She liked its ergo’s, reduced recoil spring for loading and fell in love with it when at the range because of the reduced recoil system. She has been around handguns all her life and that’s the one she finally settled with. Never leaves her side now.

 

[Jack B.]

You can never tell what gun a person will like. My wife over the years has chosen 2 guns. A Colt Trooper MKIII .357 magnum and a S & W SD9 VE. She shoots both of them well. To completely different firearms. I would never have been able to pick them out for her. Let the person using the gun decide which ones they like.

 

[98bluewave]

I think all these points have been made.

First, what will she be using the pistol for, personal defense, home defense, target shooting, hunting, or just plinking?

Then have her hold several pistols to see which fit her hand best and which ones she can handle best. Then shoot them if possible.

I was 80 years old when I decided I needed a pistol for home defense since I had none. My interest grew and I decided to get my LTC. And then I found I liked to target shoot. After shooting mainly 9mm for several years, I started enjoying target shooting and bought a Browning Buck Mark .22 LR. The .22 is the most accurate, definitely the most fun to shoot, and of course the ammo is the cheapest. My point is that if she continues to enjoy shooting, her interest may change.

Good luck with your decisions.

 

[Axis II]

What does she want the gun for? Target shooting, hunting ,carry, home defense, etc.

General range use and possibly ccw. She currently has a 38/357 and now says she doesn't like it because she has to reload every 5 rounds. She just began shooting and shoots a lot, probably more than me. I said how often are you going to shoot the gun and she says like 2-3 times a month.

 

[Axis II]

How much is she going to shoot in a year? If it is in the 500-1000 per annum range, it really doesn’t make that much of a difference. Anyway, the Compact version of the M&P .22 LR is basically the same gun as the .380 EZ. So, she can get the .22 and buy the EZ later if she wants, and the manual of arms, sights and trigger will be close if not the same.

According to her 2-3 times per month. I think that will change when the new wears off and she realizes how expensive indoor ranges and ammo is. She went to the store yesterday and called me and says I just looked at these guns what you think? I said go up the road and rent all 3 of them and put at least 50 rounds through each one and see what you think. The cost of $13 for 9mm, $7 for the gun and $20per hour turned her away so i scrounged up a buddy with the XD and the 22 and will meet her there and see what happens next week.

 

[Axis II]

A 9mm and more training would probably be the direction to move. This is because it is a good balance between power, while offering the best variety in SD and practice ammo at a reasonable price. While I like Glocks, some people may prefer a similar pistol that offers a safety. Pistols like the Ruger SR-9C, the Ruger security 9, and the Smith M&P shield or compact all have a consistent trigger through all the shots (unlike a transitional DA) and also offer a manual safety (off switch). This is of particular benefit to a new shooter, since she will only need to train for 1 trigger, and would not need to learn the decock feature after an engagement. They are similar in size to the Glock 26/19, so they are viable for carry as well as "house guns". Of the choices I listed, the M&P compact would be the most expensive.

Rugers are on the list. I'm writing all these down and going to send to her and say find these at a range and shoot them. I have held handguns, rifles, and shotguns in the store only to shoot them and absolutely hate them.

 

[Axis II]

What does she want the new pistol *for*? Target shooting? CC? House defense?

I'm also a fan of S&W (regular carry is an M&P 40), but I've branched out a bit due to my wife's tastes. I'd encourage people not to get "stuck" on a single brand - there are a lot of good firearms out there.

Range/house and maybe ccw. Must have a safety according to her and she is caught up on the s&w. Says growing up that's all her dad had and she knows the name. She told the guy yesterday sig was junk and I laughed!! She says she told him shes a snob and only likes s&w. I said snobs like les bear and Kimber! She says whats that? No offense to anyone who owns a Kimber or les bear.

 

[Axis II]

Just so everyone is aware I told her this is on her. Shoot them, handle them and see what she likes and don't get caught up on brand. No highpoints or Taurus. I recommended the S&W EZ and the price off ammo was a no go. I said shield and that was shot down as well. I can pretty much comfortably shoot anything given to me but her hands are so small I said anything small should fit you just go handle a bunch of stuff. I only own a work handgun and ccw handgun and that's a J frame s&w. I figured ask you guys what's the best for a lady shooter.

 

[Gridley]

Range/house and maybe ccw. Must have a safety according to her and she is caught up on the s&w. Says growing up that's all her dad had and she knows the name. She told the guy yesterday sig was junk and I laughed!! She says she told him shes a snob and only likes s&w. I said snobs like les bear and Kimber! She says whats that? No offense to anyone who owns a Kimber or les bear.

If she's even thinking of CC I'd strongly advise against a .22. One exception: there are a few pistols out there that have a drop-in conversion to .22 (I seem to recall the Glock 22 Gen 4 is one of them, for example). If she only wants one "platform" but wants to be able to shoot cheap .22 and also CC that might be a possibility. I haven't actually fired a handgun that does that, but I'm sure someone here has.

If she's stuck on S&W but doesn't like the Shield about the best I can suggest is the M&P 9c. I like S&W a lot but my wife doesn't so I have some experience here.

If she's open to other brands I'd add a Walther CCP M2 to the list (its one of the few out there that have a piston to spread out the recoil).

 

[Zendude]

If she wants a 9mm, see if she can find a Walther CCP. It’s easy to rack and has low recoil.