Which handgun for newbie

[labnoti]

I would forget about CCW for now. It makes everything too complicated. Just have her focus on finding a gun she likes to shoot. Start with an OWB holster. If she attends any training classes, they'll all start with fullsize or compacts OWB -- no subcompacts or pocket guns, and no IWB. It's easier to teach and to learn the basics of weaponshandling and marksmanship when you control all those other variables like difficult-to-use guns drawn from ankle, pocket, bra or whatever. Keep it simple. Don't add "stopping power" or "concealability" or "comfort of carry" to the equation with the first gun.

 

[Pat Riot]

Has she tried a Glock. I didn’t see those mentioned. The new 43x or the 48 might work for her.

 

[Axis II]

Has she tried a Glock. I didn’t see those mentioned. The new 43x or the 48 might work for her.

Her requirement is it must have a safety. She scared the living explicit out of me one day at the range with her revolver when I said the hammer is back (she shoots it SA) and she pointed it at the ground (outdoor range) and pulled the trigger. I was like um, okay, um, yeah!! I calmly explained to her that had a round been in the cylinder it would have went off and could have hurt someone. With automatics being somewhat complicated or IMO complicated when someone has never used one before or only touched a gun a handful of times in their life they should have a safety.

 

[2bfree]

Just have to ask, is this the same girl that did not listen to you last time and bought the 357, than had nothing but problems ?

 

[Axis II]

Just have to ask, is this the same girl that did not listen to you last time and bought the 357, than had nothing but problems ?

Maybe! Lol. That’s why I said I’m staying out of it for the most part other than go to this range and rent this gun advice. I figured she’d get bored with the revolver and that’s why I’m staying out of it with the semi auto. It will just sit there like the revolver now does. She goes to the range but rents and auto when she does and only shoots a couple cylinders of 38/357. Eventually the new will disappear like it did with the revolver and I told her this. Why I’m staying out of it.

 

[mgresh]

This is also the same person that you were asking about how to train.

Tell this poor woman you can't help her and just suggest she log in here and eliminate the middle man.

 

[Axis II]

This is also the same person that you were asking about how to train.

Tell this poor woman you can't help her and just suggest she log in here and eliminate the middle man.

Is there really a need for smart ass comments?

I facebooked her on what to try out so its on her now. That's all I was asking for was what she should try. I am not training anyone, after the positive comments I received from the training thread I chose to tell her find someone insured so the liability is on them. I'm not suggesting anything to her other than what you guys recommend for a firearm and tell her rent them and try it, etc. I inquired about training her because I've watched some of these ccw instructors who couldn't instruct a person to write their name and we don't have NRA classes around here. I know a police firearms instructor who has spent years on swat and ex SF member who teaches so he will be recommended when she decides she wants to get instruction.

 

[Axis II]

Based on her Facebook reply the shield doesn't feel good in her hand. The M&P 22 feels good and she likes the larger 1911 style safety and also likes the feel of the compact M&P. She has been recommended to try the Ruger's and the Walther. I read up on the Walther cause I was curious and all the reviews say what a PITA it is to disassemble and clean. She said 110% must have a safety. I found two shops that offer a lot of rentals and said once a month go there and rent 1 gun and see how you like it and then make a note as to what you did and didn't like and compare it to the next gun and start weeding them out. IDK why she's so hung up on S&W probably because its a name everyone knows. She asked about CZ but I don't know anything about CZ other than they make nice 22lr rifles.

 

[Gridley]

I read up on the Walther cause I was curious and all the reviews say what a PITA it is to disassemble and clean.

It isn't as easy as, say, the new Ruger Mk IV's or the S&W M&P, but the CCP M2 isn't that bad, honestly. I find it much easier than the Ruger LC9s (always feel like I need a third hand and a mirror for that one), probably a little easier than a 1911.

 

[2bfree]

Ohi, just for your info, CZ makes some great guns. No expert but I think the only striker is the P 10, most have ether a decocker or safety Size from full size 75 to the 3 inch Rami.

 

[entropy]

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?

Racking the slides on compacts in the same caliber is usually harder, not easier. +1 on the CCP, the slide is fairly easy to rack for a compact 9. Ugly gun, though, IMO.
You didn't define the intended use. Range only? Range and HD? Range and CCW? Makes a difference.

 

[Axis II]

Racking the slides on compacts in the same caliber is usually harder, not easier. +1 on the CCP, the slide is fairly easy to rack for a compact 9. Ugly gun, though, IMO.
You didn't define the intended use. Range only? Range and HD? Range and CCW? Makes a difference.

Range for now I'm guessing because she says she has been shooting a lot, but she keeps talking about getting her CCW and maybe HD gun. She's small like 5ft7 so i think that's why she's steering towards the smaller guns. I had her meet me and some mutual friends one day at the range and she fired my M&P full-size and couldn't grip it properly even with the small grips on the gun. When she would fire she needed to adjust her grip so we suggested something a little smaller.

See I learned something! I didn't know about the slides being harder to rack on a compact. I always thought Walther looked weird and never gave them a second thought until shooting one and I liked it. Several PD around here have done extensive testing on them compared to several other brands and chose the PPQ.

 

[Hokkmike]

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?

P-250's in .380 have very easy slides...

 

[Tallball]

For next to no money and has a safety, I would nominate the Star BM. It fits a small hand well, but is steel with very little recoil. There are still some out there, many in the $150-$1200 range.

Star BM 9mm

• Tallball
• Dec 28, 2017

 

[Labguy47]

One thing I’ve learned from women shooters is let them pick their own gun. For some it’s all about recoil, others about ergonomics and aesthetics, lastly there is nothing wrong with a good.22lr or maybe even a .22 WMR. I would throw out there that Ruger LCRs are very popular.

 

[Buzznrose]

If she is a revolver owner, maybe consider a CZ P07/09/SP01. Reliable, soft shooters...very accurate, decocker, safety.

But regardless, she needs to learn how to handle those guns safely....

 

[Charlie Martinez]

I taught my wife to shoot w/an old High Standard 22 auto. After she started hitting the center of the bullseye with 22's I got her a S&W Mod 19 & before long she was hitting the center of the bullseye consistently again with 38 Sp. wadcutters. Most of the guys at the range thought she was a lady police officer. Bottom line - almost any good quality handgun is going to have its good & not so good qualities. The secret is PRACTICE. If you practice enough & you'll get used to any one of them & when the time comes you're going to be deadly. No handgun is sooooo good that you will be proficient w/o practice, that is all sales BS. Get her the best weapon you can & get her to practice!!! Side benefit is that If she ever gets really pissed off at you you'll know you'll have a quick & relatively painless death.

 

[Labguy47]

Side benefit is that If she ever gets really pissed off at you you'll know you'll have a quick & relatively painless death.

Ya just gotta love the way people think here on THR! You said exactly what I was thinking!

 

[zaitcev]

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

Unfortunately, there's no way to split the difference. The 9mm Luger ammunition is the cheapest centerfire ammunition that you can buy, period. It is cheaper than smaller calibers despite consuming more materials, because it's made in larger bulk. Generally speaking, next cheapest centerfire rounds are .380 and .45. As you can see, the size of the cartridge has little to do with its consumer price.

If she's such a patriot of M&P, she might as well get a double-stack M&P. Let her test the M&P 380 EZ, but as I mentioned, it's going to be more expensive to run. As far as slide manipulation, larger guns are typically easier.

When I was in a similar situation before, we went through an array of hammer-fired guns and settled onto Walther Q5, which is basically a Walther's Glock 34. The runner-up was a Beretta 92, FWIW. It's all about how well the gun fits the hands.

Update:

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!!

Oh good Lord, what a fine nut.

 

[Bartojc]

I personally know of 3 woman that have purchased the S&W 380 EZ. I have held them while my wife was looking and they are easily the easiest slide to operate of any non-22 semi-auto that I have handled. I definitely see the attraction there. If she is not into .380 for expense reasons the 9MM is the way to go. I own a Ruger SR9C and for the price I see them going for I believe they are the best bang for the buck out there. I paid way more for mine 8-9 years ago. For the price they are now I'd buy 2 Depends on what she wants to do with it as well. Carry, home protection, range fun ?

-Jeff

 

[Charlie Martinez]

For next to no money and has a safety, I would nominate the Star BM. It fits a small hand well, but is steel with very little recoil. There are still some out there, many in the $150-$1200 range.

Star BM 9mm

• Tallball
• Dec 28, 2017

My brother had one of these & I loved it. Unfortunately he sold it but if I ever find another one at the right price I will definitely buy it. Ive heard however that spare magazines are difficult to find.

 

[Tallball]

My brother had one of these & I loved it. Unfortunately he sold it but if I ever find another one at the right price I will definitely buy it. Ive heard however that spare magazines are difficult to find.

Yeah, I had to pay $30 or $35 or something outrageous like that for a spare mag. It's a nice easy-shooting little pistol, and well suited for small hands.