| Following is an interview with a specialist | | | | it the most), no "rack the slide" at 0300 |
| about handguns: "Ruger Standard .22 auto. | | | | when her palms are sweaty, and it doesn't |
| Easy to learn on, next to no recoil, great | | | | need to be kept as clean as a "self loader". |
| accuracy, used from plinking to small game | | | | Avoid off-brand/cheapo priced guns! Remember |
| hunting, can be used in a pinch for | | | | the saying: "You get what you pay for." I'd |
| defense...which beats a phone call not made | | | | suggest you stick with S&W, Colt, or Ruger. |
| to 911. If she is gun savvy at all, then a | | | | If she (or you) really needs a handgun, you |
| 1911A1. Recoil is not excessive (my daughter | | | | want one the goes Bang when you pull the |
| regularly shoots mine, as do the many | | | | trigger. Hope this helps. Keep safe around |
| thousands of female IPSC competitors). | | | | those airplanes Airman." |
| Obviously, quite good for defense targets, | | | | |
| small game hunting, plinking, and | | | | "I think the Lady Smiths are the same as the |
| competition." | | | | other "J" frames, with a bit of extra |
| | | | engraving. Unless her hands are on the large |
| "Be aware that some of the wannabe swat-types | | | | side, a 1911A1 style handgun may be a bit |
| and other video game playing types will tell | | | | big. Find a gun show. You and she will be |
| you to buy some artillery piece. Disregard | | | | able to put your eyes and hands on a lot of |
| them and do a little homework. I've said it | | | | different makes, models, calibers, and sizes. |
| before and I stand by it. The .22LR cal. is | | | | You'll be able to (for free) eliminate some |
| the way to go for a first gun. When and if | | | | of them from consideration pretty quick. You |
| she (or anyone) gets comfortable with it and | | | | could try looking at the Taurus Model 85s. |
| can hit the target, then she could move up to | | | | They are very good pistols at about half the |
| a bigger caliber. Try the Smith & Wesson | | | | price of an S&W." |
| website (or get a catalog at a local gun | | | | |
| shop). S&W has a line of handguns called | | | | "Smith and Wesson .22 auto mag for the same |
| Ladysmith. They are sized for a woman's hand | | | | reasons S & B noted but with more "knock |
| (yes that's right; Suzy you aren't the same | | | | down" power for self def. Load it with hollow |
| as Johnny.)" | | | | points and it is the best home defense weapon |
| | | | for your more petite people. The ammo is very |
| "Have her go to a local shooting range with | | | | cheap so it allows for a lot of range time. |
| you and rent/borrow a couple of different | | | | Although Andrew started this back in October |
| ones to get used to. The one near me let's | | | | '06, I'd like to add that girls like .45. I |
| you borrow their pistol if you buy a bag of | | | | recently took one to the range and she |
| their ammo. Start with .22 cal, and then if | | | | preferred the 1911 .45 over the S&W 9mm. The |
| she can handle it OK, try the .38 Spcl. If | | | | girls at Tactical Tuesday shoot .40 and .45." |
| you are not a teacher/coach kind of guy--then | | | | |
| ask one of the range guys to instruct her. | | | | "I got the Taurus PT-145 last month, it |
| (Yelling and demeaning is OK for Recruits at | | | | shoots great! The PT-145 is a great value at |
| Boot Camp, but not fiances)" | | | | about 320$ and not too big. I enjoy the |
| | | | Browning .22 for all the reasons already |
| "Try the revolver anyway,It is still the most | | | | stated in above posts, but it's not quite the |
| Goof-proof weapon. No decoking lever, | | | | first choice I'd grab for when threatened. |
| safeties, no lost-the-magazine (when you need | | | | Shoot safe everyone. |