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Help choosing a handgun.

Posted on 11/30/2010 7:39:38 PM PST by Elixyveth

Hey Freepers, I am turning 21 soon and was wondering what handgun you would recommend for a girl looking to carry concealed. I’m rather overwhelmed by all the shiny guns at Cabela’s. ;) Thank you very much for your time!


TOPICS: Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: banglist; firearms; handgun; sw357
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To: Elixyveth
The best way is to figure out what is best for you is to go to a gun range that has rentals and try a bunch out. Fit range time and training courses and into the budget for the pistol. Most people go through a number of holsters and carry methods before they find what works best for them so if that happens to you don't feel bad.
21 posted on 11/30/2010 7:57:16 PM PST by Durus (The distance between us has grown, and I struggle to quantify it. Windage adjustments are done.)
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To: 1st Division guy; Elixyveth
A Diamondback 380.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

•Capacity: 6+1 Rounds
•Weight: 8.8 Ounces
•Width: .750"
•Barrel Length: 2.80"
•Firing Mechanism: Striker Fire
•Trigger Pull: DAO 5 lbs

22 posted on 11/30/2010 7:57:31 PM PST by ansel12
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To: Elixyveth
What ever gun you end up getting , and there are a lot of good ones to choose from, get to know it personally. Get to the range and load and shoot, get advice if you need to. A gun is just a rock to throw at someone if the owner does not have a personal relation with it. (okay, some smart ass will make something sexy out of this) LOL but I mean it as good advice. Almost all guns are good, the trick is to find the one that you feel the most comfortable with.
23 posted on 11/30/2010 7:58:06 PM PST by fish hawk
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To: Elixyveth

How tall are you?

Don’t get a gun that is too big for your hand. A .357 Taurus 5-round revolver with a shrouded hammer is an affordable, reliable, concealable and deadly pistol.

If the .357 is just too much recoil (more bang than jump), you can shoot .38 Special through it.


24 posted on 11/30/2010 7:58:18 PM PST by SampleMan (If all of the people currently oppressed shared a common geography, bullets would already be flying.)
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To: Elixyveth

I always recommend that a woman who has little or no experience purchase an S&W LadySmith .38 revolver.


25 posted on 11/30/2010 7:59:24 PM PST by paddles ("The more corrupt the state, the more it legislates." Tacitus)
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To: Elixyveth

Smith & Wesson Model 67 4” barrel

Don’t be fooled by light weight models.
You’ll likely never get back on target for the 2nd shot.

Ladies don’t usually carry on the waist, so a special carry purse or fanny pack works well. You don’t have a lot of gun functions to remember in a stress situation. Nice sights, although I recommend learning “point shooting”.
Sights are great for practice and confidence building, but reflex is necessary for stress situations.


26 posted on 11/30/2010 8:01:07 PM PST by G Larry (When you're right, avoid compromise!)
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To: Elixyveth

What rsobin said.....


27 posted on 11/30/2010 8:02:31 PM PST by Adams (Fight on!)
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To: G Larry

Oh....S&W Model 67 is .38....


28 posted on 11/30/2010 8:02:53 PM PST by G Larry (When you're right, avoid compromise!)
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To: Elixyveth

Glock 19 or 26 (9-mm), Ruger LCP (.380), Kahr P-9, Ruger SP101 (.357 Mag or .327 Fed Mag), Springfield Armory XDM9 Compact,Sig Sauer P250SC (9-mm), Sig Sauer P226 (9-mm), Taurus Millenium Pro PT109.


29 posted on 11/30/2010 8:07:28 PM PST by DarthVader (That which supports Barack Hussein Obama must be sterilized and there are NO exceptions!)
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To: beebuster2000
Casul 454. but you will need a bigger purse

Nah, try a 460 Smith & Wesson Magnum.

30 posted on 11/30/2010 8:08:15 PM PST by mike-zed
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To: Elixyveth

Go to your friends, their parents, gun stores etc.... fire LOTS of different weapons. Find out for yourself the follow three descriptions of weapons

1) most comfortable in your hand both before and after firing
2) the one that you can shoot most accuratly slow fire
3) the one that you can shoot 5 rounds with the tightest shot group in less than 5 seconds

These will be the three that you will want to work with, but all three will take practice. You may find that one model will be able to cover a couple of those requirements.

#1 is the gun you can grab and engage with the fastest (think fast draw)
#2 is the one that you will be able to make the longest shot with (think pistol competition)
#3 is the one that will let you put rounds on target consistantly (think combat shoot)

The truth is that being able to get to your gun, engage with it, and shoot accurately is FAR more important that size, weight, caliber, looks etc.

I know a granny that can fast draw a .22 and shoot your eye out at 15 feet. The woman is scary accurate with the .22 and I dont care what anyone says, taking a .22 to the head will stop just about anyone. That same granny cant hit the torso with a .32 People are funny that way.

Anyway, get what works for YOU! and practice practice practice (repeat)

Oh, and dont be in a hurry to buy a gun.


31 posted on 11/30/2010 8:08:48 PM PST by taxcontrol
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To: Elixyveth
Ruger LCP .380 in Pink. They have a snappy recoil due to the lightweight. You should rent one at your local indoor range and shoot it a bit. On the plus side, they're very reasonably priced and have a good fit and finsh.


32 posted on 11/30/2010 8:09:37 PM PST by Errant
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To: Elixyveth

Get thee to a good range, with a gun rental desk. Learn from somebody that’s a good teacher. Try lots of guns. Read everything that Massad Ayoob wrote.

The right answer is going to be the largest caliber gun that you can fire accurately and comfortably. I know some women that are perfectly comfortable firing a .357 magnum or a .45. Some others that prefer something smaller like a .380.

The truth is that *any* pistol is better than no pistol. If you want to carry... smaller and ligher is better, mainly because the easier it is to carry the more likely you are to actually have it with you when you really need it.

I carry a .45... and one of three that I have. When I can carry a full-size pistol in a shoulder rig I carry a Sig-Sauer P220 Elite. When I have to carry in a pocket I carry my Kimber RCP. It’s very small and light.


33 posted on 11/30/2010 8:09:49 PM PST by Ramius (Personally, I give us... one chance in three. More tea?)
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To: rsobin

“A lightweight 38 special revolver.Very safe. Very reliable. Very good stopping power with +p rounds.”

Read no further than the above quote. It’s all you need for protection!


34 posted on 11/30/2010 8:11:07 PM PST by 9422WMR (Illegal is not a race)
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To: rsobin
"A lightweight 38 special revolver.Very safe. Very reliable. Very good stopping power with +p rounds."

I agree, I carry a S&W Airweight .38 revolver (matte black--no shiney) The hammer is encased so its good for purse or pocket carry. I have an ankle holster or a waistband holster. I can carry all day with comfort. Consider ammo availability and don't leave home without it. Get some range time, and read a few books on personal security. It's not all about hardware: personal security starts with honing situational awareness, and learning to minimize risks. Best wishes and stay safe.

35 posted on 11/30/2010 8:15:19 PM PST by two23 (Liberals Have Created a Culture of Lies)
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To: Elixyveth
Beginners should start with NRA Certified training

I would recommend training
from an NRA Certified Instructor in

Refuse to be a victim
NRA training for women
Basic pistol
Personal protection in the home
and the newly released
Personal protection outside the home

NRA Gun Safety Rules

Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction

Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot

Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use

NRA T/C CRSO

36 posted on 11/30/2010 8:15:47 PM PST by Uri’el-2012 (Psalm 119:174 I long for Your salvation, YHvH, Your law is my delight.)
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To: Elixyveth

A compact Kimber .45 is a sweet pistol with one shot knock down power. You just can’t beat a 45!!!!!


37 posted on 11/30/2010 8:16:26 PM PST by Circle_Hook
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To: Elixyveth

I carry concealed, a ruger .380 in an in the waistband holster. When I save up enough money, I will get a crossbreed supertuck holster for my walther pps.

I would never carry in a purse, special concealment purse or not, as I figure a mugger is gonna run up and snatch it, then you are in deep doo.

The J frame & variants- revolvers by Smith and Wesson-They really, at least for me have a bigger profile than is practical for me to carry concealed on my person.

Seriously, the bigger your butt, the bigger the gun you can conceal in an In the waistband holster just above your hip..ditto for big boobs, and a shoulder type holster.

For me, anything bigger than a Walther PPS, is gonna show a lump, and my behind is not that small.


38 posted on 11/30/2010 8:16:26 PM PST by sockmonkey
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To: Elixyveth

Ruger 380


39 posted on 11/30/2010 8:17:05 PM PST by DWar ("The ultimate destination of Political Correctness is totalitarianism.")
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To: Elixyveth

Read......http://corneredcat.com/


40 posted on 11/30/2010 8:18:12 PM PST by colinhester
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