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