Asking the Ladies out there, what are you using? 9mm? Going to the range tomorrow with 2 women that want to shoot. Next weekend will be 4 more. They can get the basics with the .22's, but stepping up in power may be a challenge. Looking for a recommendation on a soft shooting 9mm. They'll have access to a Ruger LCP, Ruger LC9S, Glocks, Springfield 1911 9mm compact, a few others. I'm looking for the top 5, something I can suggest for reliability, comfort, concealability, and ease of operation. Top 5 relates to ergonomics, they need to be comfortable....and more capacity than a revolver. I know, I know. Ideas? Thanks, JB
Lots of women are drawn to the "cute little LCP", but due to size and weight...it is a mean little handgun
I bought my wife an LCP. Awesome EDC gun but it isn't very fun to shoot. Serves its purpose well but if you are introducing someone to the world of firearms, I wouldn't start with it. The LC9 is a little larger and more confident to hold for a beginner. Are they auditioning for a conceal carry gun or just intro to shooting? If you have the chance, check out the new single stack 9/.380 from Glock (G42/43).
My XDS is pretty tame....for a carry gun. I'd start them off on a full size. I don't think a carry pistol should be the first thing they shoot as they can be pretty snappy. Then let them shoot some carry guns.
Most of the ladies I know carry the 9mm Glock. One carries a pink 9mm S&W, but I couldn't tell you what model. Me, I don't carry concealed though I do have a shoulder holster to handle my little 'FireFly'. Don't let the name be misleading. It's a full sized Ruger Super Redhawk 44 magnum with the 9" barrel. I found it to be better balanced than the same model with the 6".This picture was taken in 2005.
I have very little skin on my thumbs right now. We had a really good time. Of course, the Walther P-22 was the gun of choice. Almost 2 bricks of that Armscorp stuff, shot much better than expected. The LCP was handled well though not the favorite. The LC9s was good, especially after I took the lazer off. Made the pistol much more friendly. The G-19 was the most enjoyable to shoot. The Springfield 1911 is a great lil' gun, but the wrong choice for the lady who owns it. She's shopping for a Glock or sim. now. We're looking for a G-26 also, I want the magazine compatibility vs. the 42/43. Next week end will be fun also. My SIL and 2 daughters + my wife. No CC at this time, it's first defensive pistol for the night stand kinda thing. We'll shoot Sat. and head to the Tanner gun show Sun. And go from there. Oh yeah, that T/D Ruger Charger I picked was an absolute blast to shoot! It has a PA micro dot on it and it's flat out fun. It did well with that Armscorp ammo also. Thanks, keep the suggestions coming! JB
Just don't shoot that cannon inside unless your windows are open a bit. I've read you have been known to do that on occasion.
Why not introduce the ladies to double action revolvers? Not like mine of course, but 38's, and 357's are nice. There is no worry about a possible jam or misfire and really, all one really needs is to be able to do a quick double tap anyway. Well, that plus be able to hit your target. Regardless of the choice of firearms, become proficient in their use so that if the time comes when there is a need, there won't be any hesitation. That's lots of range time if one doesn't live out in the country. I have known some handgun firing ranges that also sell firearms to let their prospective customers try some on for size (firing at the range).Try before you buy sort of thing. True enough, and they do tend to displace a lot of air!
My wife definitely prefers a revolver over any of my autoloaders for bumps in the night when I'm travelling. She likes that they are super simple to operate, while any of my semi-auto's scare her a little with "so many" moving parts. For the practice range she does like my full sized CZ75 though, it's got a very mild recoil. My mom actually really likes shooting my LCP. I've gotta admit, I've shot it next to a couple different LC9's and always find the snappiness of the 9mm slightly punishing on the meat of my hand, but I can shoot the LCP all day and not notice the recoil.