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Need Handgun Advice (for a gift)
12/8/2011 | RightOnline

Posted on 12/08/2011 2:18:53 PM PST by RightOnline

Hey, fellow FReepers. I've seen threads like this over the years but darned if I can seem to find or access any of them, soooooooo.....

I'm looking for advice on a handgun purchase. The gun will be a Christmas present for my lady friend who happens to be a professional armed security officer (and supervisor, trainer, etc.,etc.). She currently owns a Glock .40 cal semi-auto (her work weapon) and a pretty sweet S&W .38 revolver. She's a CCW permit holder; well-trained.

Since there are SO many FReepers here with scads of experience in such things, I'm looking for some suggestions for a handgun for this lady.

She is about 5'6" tall, not frail, VERY long fingers so she can handle a good sized weapon. For example, her Glock is a bear for me to shoot since I have stubby little fingers, but fits her hand perfectly.

I want something with stopping power. I'll say up front that I have to decide on whether or not to get a hand-cannon for her or something much more fitting for concealed carry, so very open to your suggestions on both.

I note here that she is allowed to carry any personal weapon on her for her job. If she had a .44 magnum, she could carry it on the job.

Thank you all so much in advance for your help and advice, and hopefully this thread will help others in making similar purchasing decisions.

God bless, and Merry Christmas to all of you!


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; Your Opinion/Questions
KEYWORDS: advice; banglist; guns; handguns
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To: RightOnline

Don’t compete with her own choices; buy her a back-up piece.


41 posted on 12/08/2011 3:48:24 PM PST by papertyger (What has islam ever accomplished that treacherous, opportunistic, brutality couldn't do on its own?)
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To: RightOnline

Desert Eagle Mark XIX

Bright Nickel, SA, 50 Action Express, 7 Rd, 6" Barrel, Anatomically Designed Polymer Grips


42 posted on 12/08/2011 3:53:45 PM PST by radioone ("2012 can't come soon enough")
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To: RightOnline

As others have said, very difficult what you want to do and pick a good one she’ll like.

If you still want to do it I would go with a caliber that’s a little bit of a novelty. She likes Glocks so I would go for a G29 10mm. Little more oomph than the .40 and novel enough that people check it out.

I would say take her to a gun show, or store, and tell her you want HER help into finding you a gun. Ask her to pick up various handguns and ask her how they fit, feel, balance, etc. Every shooter knows almost as soon as they pick up the “right” gun that it’s a keeper. It’s like an extension of your own hand. She’ll fawn all over one she likes, even if she knows it’s for you. Then you’ll have your answer.


43 posted on 12/08/2011 4:03:58 PM PST by VeniVidiVici ("Si, se gimme!")
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To: RightOnline

I’d suggest the FN Five-Seven
20+1 5.7mm x 28mm USG

A very smooth firing, futuristic weapon with excellent stopping power.


44 posted on 12/08/2011 4:09:24 PM PST by Teflonic
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To: RightOnline

My daughter is 21 and lives alone. We want to get her a gun for protection (and teach her to use it of course).

Can you buy a gun for someone else? How does that work exactly?


45 posted on 12/08/2011 4:13:35 PM PST by Raebie (WS)
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To: Raebie

That’s actually an excellent question that I’ve wondered about myself in all this. Now, I don’t have a CCW but I did buy three gun licenses from the Sheriff’s Department when I was going to buy my first handgun not too long ago (that Ruger .357 magnum heavy-barrel I mentioned above). So legally I can buy 2 more no problem.....and she can have as many as she wishes (including my gift) since she’s a CCW holder (it’s a carte blanche, in a way). In your case for your daughter, not sure; I’m sure it varies state by state.

Still, a great question you asked here.


46 posted on 12/08/2011 4:20:05 PM PST by RightOnline
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To: radioone

That........is one awesome gun.


47 posted on 12/08/2011 4:46:29 PM PST by RightOnline
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To: Raebie
The back of the Form 4473 has the following on the back, under "Instruction #1" (someone chime in, please, if a more recent version has changed this):

For purposes of this form, you are the actual buyer if you are purchasing the firearm for yourself or otherwise acquiring the firearm for yourself (for example, redeeming the firearm from pawn/retrieving it from consignment). You are also the actual buyer if you are acquiring the firearm as a legitimate gift for a third party.
ACTUAL BUYER EXAMPLES: Mr. Smith asks Mr. Jones to purchase a firearm for Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith gives Mr. Jones the money for the firearm. Mr. Jones is NOT the actual buyer of the firearm and must answer “no “ to question 12a. The licensee may not transfer the firearm to Mr. Jones. However, if Mr. Brown goes to buy a firearm with his own money to give to Mr. Black as a present, Mr. Brown is the actual buyer of the firearm and should answer “yes” to question 12a.

Just be sure to check the state and local laws for any conflicts where your daughter lives. If the state allows concealed carry, call an instructor in her area and ask.

48 posted on 12/08/2011 4:48:57 PM PST by Charles Martel (Endeavor to persevere...)
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To: papertyger
"Don’t compete with her own choices; buy her a back-up piece."

Point well taken....so your recommendation for a good back-up piece?

49 posted on 12/08/2011 4:54:18 PM PST by RightOnline
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To: RightOnline

I’d recommend one of the “Under-Nines.”

If you wish to impress her with name brands...Kimber Solo,or Sig 290. Otherwise, a good “meat and potatoes” choice like the Ruger LC9, or the Keltec PF9.


50 posted on 12/08/2011 5:02:09 PM PST by papertyger (What has islam ever accomplished that treacherous, opportunistic, brutality couldn't do on its own?)
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To: RightOnline
Since she is already well-armed, I'd say the lady needs a good, deep-concealable backup piece.

This is my "American Express piece" ("Don't leave home without it..."):

They are available in .32 and .380 and are all exactly the same (tiny) size. Note that they have no sights. Seecamp says, "If you're not trained to hit your target with instinctive pointer fire, you have no business carrying a weapon this small."

The .380 is definitely not something you'd shoot for fun, but in a genuine combat situation, I bet she would never even notice the recoil.

Mine (in a wallet holster) goes wherever I go -- even when I'm "not armed"... I feel nude without it.

BTW, they are not cheap -- but are well worth the price...

Don't know if Seecamp still offers this, but mine were ordered with my initials in the serial numbers. Now that is a beautiful, personalized gift!

51 posted on 12/08/2011 6:35:41 PM PST by TXnMA ("Allah": Satan's current alias...)
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To: RightOnline; papertyger
"Don’t compete with her own choices; buy her a back-up piece."

I definitely agree. See my #51, below...

BTW, the Seecamps are also "pretty"... '-)

52 posted on 12/08/2011 6:43:12 PM PST by TXnMA ("Allah": Satan's current alias...)
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To: RightOnline

Stocking stuffer.

http://www.clipdraw.com/store/index.php?rn=392&action=show_detail

Back-up carry G27 which can be converted to 9mm with a “conversion” barrel.


53 posted on 12/08/2011 8:29:20 PM PST by Clint N. Suhks (You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich: Abraham Lincoln)
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To: RightOnline

Plus this.

http://www.clipdraw.com/store/index.php?rn=396&action=show_detail


54 posted on 12/08/2011 8:30:22 PM PST by Clint N. Suhks (You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich: Abraham Lincoln)
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To: Clint N. Suhks

i consider my G26 the best handgun I own, despite owning ore expensiveones. The sub compact glocks are awesome.


55 posted on 12/08/2011 8:31:22 PM PST by GlockThe Vote (The Obama Adminstration: 2nd wave of attacks on America after 9/11)
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To: GlockThe Vote

I have the G26, actually gave it to Clint Jr for his 21st birthday, the G27 and the G30.

The G30 makes you flinch even though you know it’s coming. The G27 is a breeze in .40cal and the G26 is so incredibly easy on the hand my son’s 100 pound girlfriend likes to fire it.

I may have to get another G26 just for myself.


56 posted on 12/08/2011 9:00:15 PM PST by Clint N. Suhks (You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich: Abraham Lincoln)
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To: Clint N. Suhks

Very cool; both great accessories. Thank you!


57 posted on 12/09/2011 3:14:57 AM PST by RightOnline
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To: TXnMA

VERY cool little beastie. I went to their Web site and read up on them.

My ONLY concern with something that small is her ability to handle it properly since her fingers are so damned long. I mean seriously long. She wraps her hand around the grip of a beefy Glock .40 and has room to spare. I just wonder if she could safely and effectively hold and fire something this small.

I guess the only way to find out is to take her to a gun store and let her hold some similar, very small weapons as so many here have suggested.

Really appreciate your info here. Thank you so much!


58 posted on 12/09/2011 3:27:57 AM PST by RightOnline
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To: RightOnline; Joe Brower

Added your thread to the banglist.

I’d suggest something in .45 ACP, maybe a Glock since she’s already familar with the platform.


59 posted on 12/13/2011 8:33:46 PM PST by SirLurkedalot (I'm toning it down as much as I can.)
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To: RightOnline
Browning Hi Power


60 posted on 12/13/2011 9:51:21 PM PST by smokingfrog ( sleep with one eye open ( <o> ---)
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