Posted on 08/30/2015 2:01:04 PM PDT by PinkChampagneonIce
I have CCL for the last five years with the Springfield Armory XDM .40 cal. Love the weapon but full frame with 17 rounds and two extra 16 round mag’s, a little heavy and hard to hide. Two months ago changed out to the XDs 9mm. 3.3 and it’s great. Horndy Critical Duty 115 gr. with the nine round mag’s and one in the tube. If I need more it’s back to the truck and the Tac-500 Mossberg to close the deal.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=m642&x=0&y=0
That particular model is $377 ($389 in pink), and $547 with Crimson Trace laser sights at Buds. I highly recommend Buds as the cheapest trustworthy source of new guns - if you are buying based on research and shooting other people’s guns. If you test fire at a gun store, see if they will negotiate between their price and Buds’ price. I’ve never seen a local store that will match Buds, but many will come down on price because they know you can get it cheaper. Note, with Buds you also have to pay a FFL (person with a federal license to transfer firearms) to deliver it to you, which is an extra $25 or so.
The S&W M642 is an excellent handgun for almost anyone, and a nearly perfect first defensive carry handgun. It’s popular with men as a backup because it’s so light, and with women as a primary weapon for the same reason. A heavier weapon will feel better in recoil, but that’s useless if you won’t carry something heavy. Shoot it and make sure before you buy, but it’s a good choice for a smaller woman (as your research verified).
If you shoot it and don’t like it after shooting it on two different days, then I’d agree with the suggestion for a small .22 instead (do research or ask FR for model recommendations if you decide to go that route). The .22 is a far better defensive handgun than most people give it credit for, responsible for a high proportion of fatal defensive shootings.
http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/alternate-look-handgun-stopping-power
A majority of attackers stop as soon as they are shot, regardless of whether it is a 12 gauge, a .50 cal, or a .22. Getting shot is traumatic and scary, and criminals will most often either drop or run away even if it’s just a .22 from a pistol.
I absolutely love Glocks, and own more than one, but under no circumstances would I recommend a Glock to a new shooter. My advice: Do not get a Glock. Do not test fire a Glock. Do not consider a Glock until you have been shooting for several years, and probably not even then. Read the FR threads on accidental shootings. Glock’s market share is not huge, but they have an embarrassingly large majority of accidental shootings. They are not for beginners, not even cops who are careless with firearms, and certainly not for you given what you have posted.
Feel free to ask more questions; FR really is a good place to do research if you can separate individual biases from good advice for you.
So true but real hard to get ahold of here in GA. I can get Buffalo bore all day long.
Personally I carry a Keltec PMR 30. The 30 referring the 30 round mag. Its louder than a you know what and has an 18 inch muzzle flash so if I miss it will still scare you to death. LOL!
Any opinion on the Charter Arms snubbies?
Great choice, do it.
Consider a speed loader or two to have around, especially in the night stand.
I saw a video recently comparing 10 concealed carry guns (Glock, Kahr, Walther, S&W, Ruger, Springfield...), all 9mm. The Taurus was the least expensive and ranked at the top. One of only three guns tested that made it through 1000 rounds with no misfires. They were testing the Taurus 709 slim. The Millennium G2 is the same gun with nearly twice the capacity (12+1 instead of 7+1)and very little size difference.
Haven’t had enough experience with them to say. Wouldn’t beat a rat to death with a Taurus though. Mid and Large frame revolvers, Smith without a doubt... with the possible exception of the Colt Detective Special or Python.
LOL, 30 .22 Mags... I can see the police report, “a deaf, flaming man was observed running away...”
Well, yeah. {:0)
I got a Bersa .380 and love it. Have shot thousands of rounds thru it and only had one load problem once when it was new. I do prefer a metal gun though.
Wifey has baby Glock and she loves it, light, small and easy to handle. Slide is not hard either.
LOL! I was on a Keltec PMR forum and a couple of guys said they got rid of theirs because it was too loud. :-)
That’s my second choice. So is the Bersa not a metal gun? You have to tell me everything. sigh
It’s pretty sharp, but not nearly as bad at the Ruger Blackhawk that was chambered in .30 Carbine.
Yeh I have not fired one but Mr. GG2 said the same thing. LOL!
>>> It has been recommended to me to get a 380, specifically a Bersa 380. (used) <<<
My daughter has one and it’s very sensitive to ammunition brand.
She’s only found two brands that feed reliably.
Not for a purse. The first thing a bad guy does is separate the purse from the victim. Also, women tend to put the purse down a lot, just like the kid who shot his mom with her carry gun shopping. Keep the gun on the person.
Best thread for some time. I like old DA wheel guns.
I’ve got that model in.45. It’s not something you want to shoot all day long but I prefer bigger holes. If I have to shoot something I want it to stay shot.
L
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.