Posted on 03/23/2011 12:14:47 AM PDT by krogers58
Looking for some advice for a concealed carry weapon for the wife. We were thinking a semi-auto, clip fed weapon. She seems intimidated by the recoil on my 9mm (Glock), and was wondering if there was a decent handgun that would give her more confidence with aiming and firing. I was thinking of something like a .380, but I've never shot them to compare them to a 9mm. Obviously they shoot a smaller cartridge, but the gun seems much lighter and would seem to be more susceptible to kick-back. Maybe I'm wrong. I think a .25 auto might be too light. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Whatever you get her, make sure it is stainless steel or chromed. That way the bad guy(s) will see it and run hopefully before she has to fire it.
“In 1994, criminologists at Florida State University conducted the National Self Defense Survey. It found that guns are used defensively roughly 2.5 million times per year, or once every 13 seconds. In the majority of these attacks, the assailant initiated violence, was a stranger to the intended victim and was deterred without any shots being fired.”
http://www.kstatecollegian.com/opinion/resistance-1.2512800
The perception of recoil is very subjective. She may wish to try a subsonic .45 long colt as the recoil is very, very slow particularly if you use the classic .45 loading of 700 fps, 250 gr.
I personally despise sharp recoil so I shoot large, slow calibers. I can shoot a .45 all day. It is a “working caliber”.
Her first gun should be fun, so I would recommend a revolver.
Since you are a Freeper, and she may be too, it is unlikely that her first gun will the one she finishes with.
Well, for starters, if you want a “clip fed” weapon, you will want something like an M-1 Garand.
Most pistols that I am aware of are magazine fed. :-)
Review of Ruger SP101 .327 Federal Magnum.
http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-SP101-327.htm
I have this model chambered in .357 Magnum and it is one bad mother. The .327 Federal Magnum has a variety of ammo options including the .327 Fed Mag which offers some pretty respectable stopping power. This is a favorite of the ladies who do not like the powerful recoil of the .357 Magnum cartridge.
Several rules for women shooters:
1. The grip must be comfortable and controllable in your hand. You won’t adjust to a fat handle but will probably sell it. You also won’t shoot it much.
2. Any Caliber .38 or larger is good. You will be shooting at a distance of 10-12 feet for defensive shooting.
3. The barrel length doesn’t matter for defensive shooting.
4. I have small hands and I have rarely found a semi that would fit my hand.
5. I have never handled a revolver which did not feel comfortable in my hand. Like they were made for it, that comfortable.
Walther PPS.
I have seen this happen. And I have seen forcing cones crack or expand to the point that the cylinder will not rotate.
Years ago, we found that out on the range when I worked security details for a bank. A couple of our issued revolvers (Shows my age there that we carried revolvers, eh?) had forcing cones that would expand after a few rounds fired and the weapons would fail. Also, a buddy of mine broke a spring on a new Colt Python in his first 50 rounds with the gun.
Always make sure you've got enough rounds through your weapon that any manufacturing defects will show up before you need it for real.
Yeah, after I posted I realized the size was off for daily carry. Ironically, it's actually very small and lightweight for a plinker, let alone to carry 30 rounds. Nevertheless... but that's the tradeoff, the smaller the gun, the more recoil for a given caliber.
Not to mention that .22 WMR rounds are 3-4 times less expensive than 5.7mm. They're also less powerful, but still relatively powerful. Apparently Kel Tec solved a chronic feed problem with this caliber.
I like it just on general principles. Now if I could just figure out what I'd do with it, I could justify it : )
The CCI 22 WMR rounds they recommend are $10-13 for 50 rds and the FN 5.7 x 28 go for $19-23 for 50 rds where I live. They are relatively powerful and I enjoy shooting my 22 Mag revolver. At an average cost of $500-550 it is an expensive plinking gun. The 57 is quite powerful & effective for its small caliber but at around $1100 is quite pricy for what you get. It is a great sidearm for the P90 AR. I believe that the PMR-30 was designed to be a poor man’s FN 57.
I have seen this happen. And I have seen forcing cones crack or expand to the point that the cylinder will not rotate.
when a revolver binds up like that, the weapon gets serious inspection for defects. Then when none were spotted, I went ahead and measured the OAL of the factory rounds in the cylinder comparing them to the remaining rounds in the box. The projectiles actually backed out of the cases. I'm pretty sure different grips would make a difference. Taurus was using those goofy soft grips then. The Titanium snub nose in .45LC is now a collectors item. Can't find them anywhere, probably just as well.
The P90 AR is so small it doesn't need a separate sidearm! LOL!
The CCI 22 WMR rounds they recommend are $10-13 for 50 rds and the FN 5.7 x 28 go for $19-23 for 50 rds where I live.
OK, so the price difference for ammo isn't as big as I thought, which is good. Though as you point out, the difference in weapon price is also double.
What sort of usage does the FN 5.7 enable that the PMR-30 can't match?
Even shooting someone is likely to end up in civil court, but if it is justified you have a chance.
Why not just use pepper spray?
The FN 5.7 x 28 has armor piercing capability and much greater lethality than the 22 WMR due to its extremely high muzzle velocity which translates to greater muzzle energy. Expandable bullets would be particularly damaging.
Mrs FE has a 380 calibre Beretta. It is a compact semi-automatic. The magazine can hold 13 rounds +1 in the chamber. It is DA. She loves the size and weight of the Beretta Cheetah 84, and has the nickel finish with wooden grips.
Here is a photo at Able Ammo. We got hers at Carters Country. It is a beautiful piece.
http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=98372
Mrs FE has had shooting instruction and has passed her concealed handgun license.
The Cheetah model is compact and light enough to carry but also has all the safety features and cleans easily.
Mrs FE loves to go to the range. No problems with Full Metal Jacket ball ammo for practice.
She has developed a “lymphadema”condition in her arm, due to breast cancer surgery last year and removal of lymph nodes which cause lymph-system related swelling in the right arm. Even with this illness related handicap, she is a great shot and last weekend put a nice bullseye on the target. She is a much better shot than me. (also all clear from the cancer).
Try this pistol out - it is beautiful, well built and reliable.
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