Hard time deciding what caliber, then what firearm.

[Nathan Beatty]

I am looking at firearms for my wife and myself. I was considering the S&W Bodyguard for the mrs, but have been advised against the 380 due to the lack of versatility, stopping power and the cost of ammo. She doesn't care what she gets, and I believe bigger is better. She has shot 9mm numerous times and is familiar with it. That brings me to the firearm. Ruger TC9, Taurus Millennium, or KelTec PF9? She is ignorant as far as comfort goes, and is not very concerned for the fact that she wont be running thousands of rounds through it for the most part. I am just not sure which would be the best bang for the buck...............

 

[Horkos]

My two cents- dont get the kel-tec. 9mm is a good caliber, but i agree simple physics says bigger bullet bigger hole. 380 is a good Backup not primary. Let her handle the different choices as much as possible and get whatever she feels most confident holding. Revolvers are naturally accurate but take lots of practice to master and be effective with, especially snubbies. Finally, if you miss your target caliber is moot. Carry what you are confident in shooting.

 

[Grognard Gunny]

I wouldn't say that. I got my wife a S&W snubbie a couple of Christmases ago and while she was familiar with firearms, she was not "highly trained" enough to qualify as a "hot shot"...... but, DAMN, can she shoot that snubbie! All five in a teacup size area at 15 yards, consistantly. At five yards, it's one big hole.

I AM a "hot shot" but it makes me envious she can shoot that well. So.... don't discount the revolvers, or their users.

GG

 

[XJ_MAC]

go to KTOG.org to review the PF9. Notice that they have corrected all the early problems and will take back and fix/replace any older guns. Lifetime warranty.

 

[revjen45]

Suggest you check out the Steyr M and S series. Everyone who has handled or shot my S9 has liked it.
Cal vs model: I went to the gun show to buy a Steyr S40, but there were none there. My choice boiled down to M40, S9, and Cz100 in .40. 2nd round: S9 vs Cz100. 9X19 is cheaper than .40. S9 came home with me and I have never regretted it. Steyr pistols may be hard to find, but it's worth the trouble.

 

[cawpin]

go to KTOG.org to review the PF9. Notice that they have corrected all the early problems and will take back and fix/replace any older guns. Lifetime warranty.

Agreed. KelTec gets an undeserved bad reputation. I've had a P11 for ten years and it had served me well. A cop friend of mine carries a PF9 as his backup and he is VERY discerning in what he carries. He has had zero problems as well.

 

[unclewayne17]

I have a Glock 40 and a S&W 380. I love the Glock but it is to big to carry in the summer very well so that is when I carry the Smith. They (S&W) came out with a new 380 I would really like to have, maybe someday. Anyway, go to a gun shop with a range and have her try out some different models so she can decide. Let her make the decision that way you won't get the blame if down the road she changes her mind. Good luck

 

[Daven]

As I am 99% sure she has never bought a pair of heals (or any shoes) before trying them on, I suggest taking her to a range that rent's gun's, let her shoot a few and then she can see what fits for her hands, recoil, and other like's and dislikes.

As my wife just started liking to shoot and we decided that's what she will do. I've seen enough defensive shooting shows to know the only round that is not a stopper is a .22, and even those have killed more people than any other round. a 380 or .38 will go through appliances, car doors, furniture, it all. I think I would rather her get an automatic so she has a safety, but it's her decision. I'm confident that whatever she gets, it will be pink. <ug> LOL.

 

[Jeepperez]

A nice smooth gun is a cz82. It's good for ccw and comes in 9x18. Look it up on youtube for a review.

 

[Firefighterchen]

I'll even the playing field and advise a 380. .380 +p in a vital spot will instantly stop someone, .45 in the forearm won't...find the right firearm in all aspects (firepower vs size [concealment and handling] vs confidence vs time of year etc)

 

[homershoots]

Looked at a sigg p290 the other day is about .380 size but is 9mm 6+1 would be good for you or the wife. Personally I like 45acp in a subcompact for edc. Glock g30 g36, Colt defender or any 1911sc will work.

 

[smyrnatek]

Kimber Solo

Give a look at the Kimber Solo - if funds are not tight you will love this pistol. Very solid and feels amazing in a smaller hand.

 

[Gordon Shumway]

Lot's of good advice.^^^^^^^

Food for thought:

Concealed is 80% attitude/body language.
Remember a smaller caliber in a tiny gun often is as difficult to shoot as a big 45.

Determine how much you are willing to practice on a monthly basis (most don't after the "new wears off").

Simple is better.
Point and pull the trigger is best in a suprise/stress situation.
We're talking life or death here.

It's really difficult to beat a small 5 shot 38 revolver with a smooth, light, DA trigger,
IF you can conceal it.

The BG better be rendered ineffective in 3 shots...... period.

Who needs 52 rounds on your person for CCW? If you face multiple assailants you'll only get to fire 5 shots anyway. Game over.

 

[sassedbygov]

The size and caliber of the gun you shoot well and always have with you is the right one for you. Figure out what that is.

I've never heard the term, "ignorant of comfort"

 

[tpd223]

My wife is VERY fond of her Kahr PM9 as a carry piece, and she actually enjoys shooting it. This gun is almost as small and light as the S&W .380 but shoots full power and +P 9mm with no issues.

 

[-06]

Do not know your budget but my wife just got her CCP and is getting her own Charter Arms "off duty". It is a 38 weighing 12 oz. Two inch barrel and oversized grip. I carry a Sig 232 in 380 and feel completely comfortable with it. I used to carry 45s of several styles(all 1911 or clones) but got tired of the weight and bulk. Don't be fooled by the hype for 9mms. They just travel slightly faster than 380s and that is not a good thing from my viewpoint. I call 380s--mini 45s. Far as bullet size, 9X18s-9mms-38s-357s are all almost the same diameter. The speed and projectile weight are the only difference. There are several countries and police depts that use the 380 as service weapons so someone must respect them. I certainly do.

 

[jtg452]

Get her what SHE picks out. If it's for HER, then SHE needs to get what is best for HER.

Men have no more business picking out a gun for a woman than they do picking out shoes for them.

You're not gonna wear the shoes and the plan is for HER to be the one shooting the gun. Let her decide what works or doesn't work for HER.

 

[Firefighterchen]

The khars (pm9/40/45, cw9/40/45, ruger lc9, sig p290,etc) are all really nice guns, but don't confuse them with the mini 380's size...there is still a significant size difference (real and conceived) 380 +p is a wicked round I trust fully.

 

[fudo]

First choice would be the Kimber Solo, but they're $700+.
Second choice would be the Ruger LC9 $400 or so.

 

[tcox4freedom]

Get her what SHE picks out. If it's for HER, then SHE needs to get what is best for HER.

Men have no more business picking out a gun for a woman than they do picking out shoes for them.

You're not gonna wear the shoes and the plan is for HER to be the one shooting the gun. Let her decide what works or doesn't work for HER.

^^^ THIS! ^^^

I agre that either a 9mm or a 38sp are good choices. BUT!

Be aware that if your wife doesn't like to shoot much a small "ultralite" handgun in a 38 caliber or larger may not be the best choice. Revolvers are the easiest handguns to operate. But, the snappyness can make the difficult and frustrating for a newbie.

I would recommend something in a "compact" size; (NOT sub-compact!)! A Bersa probably Thunder 9 would probably top my list.
Go here to learn more: Bersa Chat Forum - The Front Page


Then I would check out the possibility of buying a new XDM compact 9mm.
You can learn more at XDTalk Forums - Your XD/XD(m) Information Source!


Finally for a revolver or a semi-automatic you should NOT rule out a Taurus. However, I would advise against the "millineum" line; and instead opt for a 24/7 Pro C in 9mm.
Here's a link to the best place to learn ALL about the good, bad and best things about Taurus: Taurus Armed.net - Index


I own all the above brands and carry them regularly. I have NO qualms about trusting ANY of the above with my life. My wife and I protect our family with the above brand HGs on a daily basis.

Take you time and research things. It takes time to weed the all the "Brand" name bravado BS that's out there.

Good Luck