| ng is an interview with a specialist about handguns: | | | | and it doesn't need to be kept as clean as a "self |
| "Ruger Standard .22 auto. Easy to learn on, next to no | | | | loader". Avoid off-brand/cheapo priced guns! |
| recoil, great accuracy, used from plinking to small game | | | | Remember the saying: "You get what you pay for." I'd |
| hunting, can be used in a pinch for defense...which | | | | suggest you stick with S&W, Colt, or Ruger. If she (or |
| beats a phone call not made to 911. If she is gun savvy | | | | you) really needs a handgun, you want one the goes |
| at all, then a 1911A1. Recoil is not excessive (my | | | | Bang when you pull the trigger. Hope this helps. Keep |
| daughter regularly shoots mine, as do the many | | | | safe around those airplanes Airman." |
| thousands of female IPSC competitors). Obviously, | | | | "I think the Lady Smiths are the same as the other "J" |
| quite good for defense targets, small game hunting, | | | | frames, with a bit of extra engraving. Unless her hands |
| plinking, and competition." | | | | are on the large side, a 1911A1 style handgun may be a |
| "Be aware that some of the wannabe swat-types | | | | bit big. Find a gun show. You and she will be able to |
| and other video game playing types will tell you to buy | | | | put your eyes and hands on a lot of different makes, |
| some artillery piece. Disregard them and do a little | | | | models, calibers, and sizes. You'll be able to (for free) |
| homework. I've said it before and I stand by it. The | | | | eliminate some of them from consideration pretty |
| .22LR cal. is the way to go for a first gun. When and if | | | | quick. You could try looking at the Taurus Model 85s. |
| she (or anyone) gets comfortable with it and can hit | | | | They are very good pistols at about half the price of |
| the target, then she could move up to a bigger caliber. | | | | an S&W." |
| Try the Smith & Wesson website (or get a catalog at | | | | "Smith and Wesson .22 auto mag for the same |
| a local gun shop). S&W has a line of handguns called | | | | reasons S & B noted but with more "knock down" |
| Ladysmith. They are sized for a woman's hand (yes | | | | power for self def. Load it with hollow points and it is |
| that's right; Suzy you aren't the same as Johnny.)" | | | | the best home defense weapon for your more petite |
| "Have her go to a local shooting range with you and | | | | people. The ammo is very cheap so it allows for a lot |
| rent/borrow a couple of different ones to get used to. | | | | of range time. Although Andrew started this back in |
| The one near me let's you borrow their pistol if you | | | | October '06, I'd like to add that girls like .45. I recently |
| buy a bag of their ammo. Start with .22 cal, and then if | | | | took one to the range and she preferred the 1911 .45 |
| she can handle it OK, try the .38 Spcl. If you are not a | | | | over the S&W 9mm. The girls at Tactical Tuesday |
| teacher/coach kind of guy--then ask one of the range | | | | shoot .40 and .45." |
| guys to instruct her. (Yelling and demeaning is OK for | | | | "I got the Taurus PT-145 last month, it shoots great! |
| Recruits at Boot Camp, but not fiances)" | | | | The PT-145 is a great value at about 320$ and not |
| "Try the revolver anyway,It is still the most Goof-proof | | | | too big. I enjoy the Browning .22 for all the reasons |
| weapon. No decoking lever, safeties, no | | | | already stated in above posts, but it's not quite the first |
| lost-the-magazine (when you need it the most), no | | | | choice I'd grab for when threatened. Shoot safe |
| "rack the slide" at 0300 when her palms are sweaty, | | | | everyone. |