Another first gun question

Self | January 23, 2010 | Richard Kimball

[basil]

What part of Texas is she in?

In April, I will be holding a “Ladies Learn to Shoot Day” near Austin where we will have about 60 guns of many calibers that she can try out. We furnish guns, ammo, and one on one NRA qualified shooting instructors. The course lasts half a day on a private range, all for the kingly sum of $35.

[Richard Kimball]

I'm heading out with the family right now, will be back later. EVERYONE PLEASE CONTINUE TO POST SUGGESTIONS!!! I'm checking every one!

We're just up the road from Austin and go there all the time. I'll freepmail you this pm.

THANKS

[Uri’el-2012]

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

[353FMG]

>>She is relatively small, so please no suggestions for .45s, .50 Desert Eagles, etc.<<

.
Get a .45 before you get the “tiny” 9 mm Rohrbaugh. The latter is a cute and well made gun but will try to separate your hand from the rest of your body every time you pull the trigger.

[Richard Kimball]

Yeah, that’s the balance of size and power. The “noisy cricket” problem can be an issue.

[Postman]

If she has the strength and dexterity to work the slide on a semi, that would be preferable to give her the broadest choices. If that’s a problem, I would go with a .38 revolver. My wife also has trouble racking the slide on a semi but she likes my .357 Taurus tracker wheel gun with a 4” ported barrel that shoots seven .38 specials. The ports reduce the recoil; the 4” barrel allows for better aim and I replaced the original tickler grips with Hogue which further cuts the recoil. If she feels uniquely and regularly threatened, I would go with the revolver. They always do what they’re supposed to.

[DollyCali]

NRA rocks.. I just joined

[Froggie]

Walthers 9mm - nice gun - easy handling, not as bulky as a glock ..

[Froggie]

Walthers 9mm - nice gun - easy handling, not as bulky as a glock ..

[Froggie]

Walthers 9mm - nice gun - easy handling, not as bulky as a glock ..

[davetex]

You can rent guns at Red’s in Pflugerville. They have a great indoor range with knowledgeable folks working there to answer all your questions.

[Little Ray]

Beretta .380 ACP; I think its called a “Cougar.” Or something similar but cheaper. Find an ammo that feeds well and run a couple of boxes through it, before she tests.

The .380 ACP is easy to shoot, even in DA. Its a bit wimpy, but carrying a gun and being able to shoot it comfortably and accurately is more important than carrying a really large caliber.

Also, from what I understand, that clears her for using revolvers, too, if she want to get something larger.

[meadsjn]

If she tests with a revolver, her carry permit is only good for a revolver.

Does TX allow testing with both a revolver and pistol? If so, I'd recommend both a 9mm and .38/357, and lots of practice with both.

I'd really hate a driver license that's only good for a GM vehicle.

[Lockbar]

A Smith and Wesson “J” frame .38 special is the way to go for a gal for her first handgun. Very easy to learn to use. Smaller than the “K” frame on which probably 75% of Smith and wessons are built. The “J” frame series will only hold 5 rounds, but that is more than likely enough. I believe automatics are problematic for most first time gun buyers, so I try to dissuade them from that style of gun. They can graduate to automatics later on. Training is everything, and also is the willingness to use the gun if the moment arises. Nothing worse then somebody holding a gun and shaking with fear. The predators will then know they might have the upper hand.

[ICCtheWay]

You should see the videos on this gun - WOW!

I agree with some of the other comments on defense usage... Only the most seasoned and trained person will remain cool and collected - take the safety off, make sure a round is in the chamber - keep the hands from shaking,

If a person is a weapons enthusiast - spends a lot of time training - practicing - then most any pistol auto/revolver will do ... but they also must remain steady and collected in a tense and scary situation.

So - a 410 in the chamber at fairly close range - will convince most people to back off once the first round is fired - ‘cause the target will likely be hit - even in the face. A second round - then a another round of a different type ...

Sound like a wife or g/f could defend herself with one of these...

I remember once while on a vehicle patrol I didn’t notice my magazine has fallen out of my M16 (I was too nervous to notice)... I gulped a lot back at the base camp when I realized what had happened...

I carried a Browning High Power as a sidearm - pretty good feeling about that - but I would have loved to have had one of these ‘The Judge’ way back then...

If they got too close coming at me with an AK - pretty shaky hands would been my involuntary response ... comfort is handing out a face full of buckshot.

[OldMissileer]

Taurus PT111 Millenium Pro (Stainless).

A 9mm with a real safety and a very good price point.

I own Colts, S&Ws, Rugers, Dan Wessons, and Taurus’ and I have to say I like the Taurus’ because they are a very good quality and the prices do not make you have to take out a second mortgage.

My wife, 5'2” high and skinny, always enjoyed shooting my different versions of my Colt 45 ACPs and so I just bought her a Taurus PT145 Millennium Pro Stainless, the 45 ACP version of the PT111 I recommend to you. We have gone to the range several times and she really likes it, and as I wrote, she is a petite woman. Then again, she has a ball shooting my S&W Model 29, 44 Magnum.

[magslinger]

Infringement. Unless that hill is worth dying on, it is just easier to go with the flow, test on a semi and carry whatever suits you or the occasion.

Of course the requirement of a CCW is an infringement as well, but see above.

[JoeFromSidney]

After my wife had shoulder surgery and could no longer handle her Ruger .357 Magnum, I bought her a Bersa .380. Small, reasonable recoil, shoots to point of aim. She's very happy with it. I like it myself, but still carry my 1911.

[Uri’el-2012]

NRA rocks.. I just joined

Great !

We need all the members we can get.

[javachip]

I just got back from the first range trip with my Ruger LCP.

I would NOT recommend the LCP for a new shooter. Even tho’ .380 is not a particularly powerful round, the LCP is so small and light that it’s not particularly easy to control or pleasant to shoot. I’ve only put 25 rounds through it so far and there were no hiccups. If I get ambitious, maybe I’ll post a range report.
Short summary - the LCP is certainly light, easy to carry and easy to conceal - but there are trade-offs to get that small size and light weight. I bought it because I wanted something I could slip in my pocket. Based on the short range trip, it’s fine for what I wanted, but it’s not the pistol I’d take to the range with a new or relatively inexperienced shooter.