I need some advice on an appropriate gun for me. I suffer from RSD (a severe pain condition) but want a gun that will work for self protection. It needs to be one that has no real recoil and is light and easy to hold. I have shot my sons .40 and that was a bit much. Most 9mm's have to hard of a slide for me to pull back. I love my .22 but that isn't really going to do much for protection. Anyone have any ideas?
Appropriate gun
- Thread starter sradtke
- Start date
Blacksheep
New member
The most important consideration is you being able to accurately hit your target. A few well placed 22 rounds are a lot better than missing with 9mm. Try a .380 or 38 special with light loads. Many light guns to choose from, so I recommend you go to a good reputable gun range near you and see if they have rentals you may shoot. Good luck. If a slide is a problem, stick with a good revolver.
taylor.eric
New member
Try a .22 magnum or a .380. They also make a very light 8 or 9 shot .22 revolver they easily conceal and have no hammer to snag.
SGB
New member
sradtke sorry to hear about the RSD, having spinal stenosis I understand dealing with chronic pain. The S&W M&P 9mm is the softest shooting center fire handgun I can remember ever shooting. My wife (having had carpal tunnel release surgery on both wrists as well as suffering from arthritis in her hands) shoots and carries a M&P 9c. See if you can find somewhere that rents the M&P and give it a try.
CRW
New member
I would stay away from the smaller lighter guns and go with a smaller caliber on a heavier gun. Another thing to consider is barrel length and balance.
For example: a Springfield XD-45 compact with 4 inch barrel is much more comfortable to shoot than one with a 3 inch barrel or 5 inch barrel. The balance is just right on the 4 inch barrel with upper slide weight and recoil. The 3 incher is lighter and snaps back faster. The 5 incher has more weight up front and increases distance on the recoil twisting your wrist back farther.
Have you looked in to the Walther .380 pistols?
One other thought: Ammo makes a difference too. I have both 115 grain and 90 grain bullets for my .380 and really like the 90's. It does make a big difference in comfort.
For example: a Springfield XD-45 compact with 4 inch barrel is much more comfortable to shoot than one with a 3 inch barrel or 5 inch barrel. The balance is just right on the 4 inch barrel with upper slide weight and recoil. The 3 incher is lighter and snaps back faster. The 5 incher has more weight up front and increases distance on the recoil twisting your wrist back farther.
Have you looked in to the Walther .380 pistols?
One other thought: Ammo makes a difference too. I have both 115 grain and 90 grain bullets for my .380 and really like the 90's. It does make a big difference in comfort.
stingray2100
New member
sradtke
what I recommend for you as I recommend for some of my students that have pain issues or arthritis...that is the SigSauer P238 in .380ACP or the P250 in 9mm or .380
they are easy to manipulate and the recoil on them is almost none. Specially using .380
CRW is right about the barrel and weight ratio to the caliber you are shooting...If you where in the Georgetown /Austin Texas area I would say pick a day and we could go to the range and shoot some of the firearms I have..but I do not think you are in texas.
good luck and try to go to a gun range and rent some of the guns seggested if you can.
what I recommend for you as I recommend for some of my students that have pain issues or arthritis...that is the SigSauer P238 in .380ACP or the P250 in 9mm or .380
they are easy to manipulate and the recoil on them is almost none. Specially using .380
CRW is right about the barrel and weight ratio to the caliber you are shooting...If you where in the Georgetown /Austin Texas area I would say pick a day and we could go to the range and shoot some of the firearms I have..but I do not think you are in texas.
good luck and try to go to a gun range and rent some of the guns seggested if you can.
CRW
New member
thanks stingray!
sradtke, I figured I'd mention another potential gun for you. It's the Kahr CM9. A buddy of mine has it and it's a well built, solid gun which is a bit heavier at 14 ounces empty weight. It is a small gun but VERY comfortable to shoot! It's well balanced in every way and I do wish I owned one. It's similar in size to the LCP so it would make an awesome carry gun for anyone. If you can, try to find one to try and that might just be what you are looking for.
sradtke, I figured I'd mention another potential gun for you. It's the Kahr CM9. A buddy of mine has it and it's a well built, solid gun which is a bit heavier at 14 ounces empty weight. It is a small gun but VERY comfortable to shoot! It's well balanced in every way and I do wish I owned one. It's similar in size to the LCP so it would make an awesome carry gun for anyone. If you can, try to find one to try and that might just be what you are looking for.
I'd suggest either:
a) Beretta PX4 Storm full size in 9mm: Full size in 9mm is already slight in recoil and the PX4 uses a rotating barrel lockup which reduces the recoil further and make a very soft shooter.
b) Mid to large'ish .380 such as a Bersa Thunder .380 for a little more weight and grip to help make light recoiling .380 even more manageable.
a) Beretta PX4 Storm full size in 9mm: Full size in 9mm is already slight in recoil and the PX4 uses a rotating barrel lockup which reduces the recoil further and make a very soft shooter.
b) Mid to large'ish .380 such as a Bersa Thunder .380 for a little more weight and grip to help make light recoiling .380 even more manageable.
I completely agree with Domineaux's recommendation for the Beretta Px4 Storm, full-size 9mm. I have that gun and love love love it. In fact, after shooting it at the range for over 150 rounds, I have no issues whatsoever with my hand (I have arthritis in my shooting hand!). I stopped firing my XD-SC 40 cal because after about 20 rounds my hand was killing me.
The rotating barrel makes it seem like there's no recoil. It's awesome. Regarding the slide, it is a bit stiff but I use the push/pull method (with a little hip thrown in) and don't have a problem (I push with my strong hand while pulling with my support hand and lean my strong hip into the push).
Good luck in your search.
The rotating barrel makes it seem like there's no recoil. It's awesome. Regarding the slide, it is a bit stiff but I use the push/pull method (with a little hip thrown in) and don't have a problem (I push with my strong hand while pulling with my support hand and lean my strong hip into the push).
Good luck in your search.
sig_man
New member
I would look at the Walther PK380 which is sized right and is comfortable to shoot. Also, the Walther PPQ is a dream to shoot, has minimal recoil and a great trigger. My better half who has arthritis, carpal tunnel and other issues with her hands just loves to shoot the PPQ and has no problems. The Kahr CW9 may also be a good choice.
MamaLiberty
New member
The suggestion to find a place to rent different guns is a good one. First go to shops and gun shows and just handle as many as you can until you find one that feels right in your hands. Then you will narrow the field and know which ones you'd like to rent.
I have carried a Ruger SP101 .357 for many years now. I own several other guns, and shoot them often, but the revolver is my carry gun because I can shoot it well with both hands or either hand alone. That can be important in a self defense situation, so I practice all three options frequently.
I love my XD .45 (4 in) too, and carried it for quite a while. The perceived recoil of the .45 is actually slightly less than that of the revolver with .38+p ammunition, but I can't control that big gun with just one hand. (I'm 65, very small and with short fingers.)
Bottom line is that you have to find the gun that FITS you, and which you can use to the greatest advantage. You need to find YOUR favorite gun, so use the suggestions of others simply as a starting point.
If you can find a woman instructor to help you with all this, you'd shorten the process I suspect. If you were here in NE Wyoming, I'd be tickled to work with you. In any case, good luck!! And check back here to let us know your progress and what you ultimately pick out.
I have carried a Ruger SP101 .357 for many years now. I own several other guns, and shoot them often, but the revolver is my carry gun because I can shoot it well with both hands or either hand alone. That can be important in a self defense situation, so I practice all three options frequently.
I love my XD .45 (4 in) too, and carried it for quite a while. The perceived recoil of the .45 is actually slightly less than that of the revolver with .38+p ammunition, but I can't control that big gun with just one hand. (I'm 65, very small and with short fingers.)
Bottom line is that you have to find the gun that FITS you, and which you can use to the greatest advantage. You need to find YOUR favorite gun, so use the suggestions of others simply as a starting point.
If you can find a woman instructor to help you with all this, you'd shorten the process I suspect. If you were here in NE Wyoming, I'd be tickled to work with you. In any case, good luck!! And check back here to let us know your progress and what you ultimately pick out.
Mosbyranger
New member
I have to line up with others who have suggested trying different firearms until you find the "one". OTOH, as a caliber heretic, if you are comfortable with the .22, and can shoot it well, and it is concealable (you did not mention what brand/model it is), why not carry that? A .22 may not be the ticket if you are facing a herd of rabid Polar Bears, but for 2 legged predators it will do just fine.
MR
MR
MamaLiberty
New member
While any gun is better than no gun, I'd have to take issue with you on the above statement. This morning I shot a rabbit with my .22 Ruger pistol. Fine center shot, clean hit. And the rabbit ran about 30 feet before it finally died.
A man, even shot multiple times, could easily continue the attack.
I put out the extra effort and time to shoot something a tad more likely to discourage an attacker. That's not the same for everyone, of course, but I'd urge every woman to work up to the largest caliber they can safely and consistently control. THAT's the one to carry.
lindab
New member
I am a new shooter with some hand issues. What I have learned is the first time you shoot a new gun you think it is not very comfortable and then with time it gets better. My LCR still packs some recoil but I am getting used to it and I think if I had the time and place to spend some time shooting I probably would be ok with it and not notice too much recoil. I am like everyone else is saying no one can tell you what is best but you. If at all possible shoot some guns before you pick yours. I shot the LCR and it wasn't to bad the last time. It has a double action trigger that is kind of stiff. I tried my husband's 22 single action revolver and it almost felt like it went off by itself. I was more accurate with the LCR though. I didn't like the soft trigger I felt like it wasn't safe for a new shooter. It really is too big for concealed carry. The LCR is a good size for carry. I wish I had taken the time to shoot before buying but our local gun shop didn't have that many to try. Maybe you can get together with some friends and try their guns. Take you time and make the right choice for you.
eagleeyes
New member
Walther PK380 i saw a vid on that gun the other day
i'd like to try that too before i make a decision on an edc gun but wow they are expensive
diper i'd buy as much ammo as you can it goes fast and the prices keep going up too and it may do us good to keep a good supply around as we never know if bama will suddenly stop sale of ammo or some government bs like that hits the fan
i need to find a good place in fort lauderdale area for buying quality ammo at competitive prices i only have one mag full at this time .380 acp is what my gun takes
i'd like to try that too before i make a decision on an edc gun but wow they are expensive
diper i'd buy as much ammo as you can it goes fast and the prices keep going up too and it may do us good to keep a good supply around as we never know if bama will suddenly stop sale of ammo or some government bs like that hits the fan
i need to find a good place in fort lauderdale area for buying quality ammo at competitive prices i only have one mag full at this time .380 acp is what my gun takes
