Survivalist Forum banner

handgun advice?

9.5K views 62 replies 39 participants last post by  cgcs  
#1 ·
I'm not really new here - I used to be earthmom and lost my email and password. Anyway, I think I've finally decided to learn to shoot for defence (greece is starting to scare me) And i want to get my own gun. I'm not worried about kick - I'm a stocky girl, but i have small hands and i want something I can keep multiple magazines loaded for, uhh, at the shooting range? I dont want a rifle or a 6 shooter or any cowboy thing either. Something that isn't expensive and gets the job done. Suggestions lady's?
 
#2 ·
Will this be a carry piece or just a stay at home gun?

The single stack 9mm guns such as the Sig P225 and the Sig P239 are great guns. The P239 also comes in .40 S&W as well as .357 Sig if you want something with more of a bark than the 9mm.

Kahr also makes a large lineup of single stack guns that fit women well.

The best thing you can do is go to a gunshop and try a bunch of guns on for size. Besides, who doesn't like shopping? :p
 
#9 ·
Will this be a carry piece or just a stay at home gun?

The best thing you can do is go to a gunshop and try a bunch of guns on for size. Besides, who doesn't like shopping? :p

Some of the best advice I,ve seen on this topic. You try on a pair of shoes don't you?

Bersas arer good guns. I have 1 and my wife has 1, both in .380. I know a .380 is not considered a "Manstopper" but they are generally small and easy to conceal. And proper shot placement will bring any man down. So when you get your gun take it to the range and practice.
 
#5 ·
I recommend the sig 238
Image

weighs less than lb and has a 6+! capacity
or the sig232
the sig 939 is almost same size and looks identical but is a little bigger not much but is 9mm vs 380

Image


little bigger 1.4lbs 7+1 round capacity
 
#6 ·
May I suggest you consider a Bersa handgun.

You can check out the various calibers and specs here:
http://www.bersa.thegunsource.com/category/27-Bersa_Thunder_Pistols.aspx

They are reasonably priced. Their functionality is great and they are compact. I have small hands and was able to operate these handguns through malfunction drills almost effortlessly.
 
#11 ·
I have owned two firearms in my adult life. The first was a Walther P22. It was small, light weight and accurate as can be. I could shoot the eyes out of the bad guy on the target without injuring his hostage. I loved that gun! Small enough to carry in a good sized coat pocket, takes 22 lr ammo.

The second gun I've owned is a Springfield Arms XD9. I also like this gun. No more recoil than a Baretta and the grip is small enough that I can get my hands around it.

Keep in mind anything you carry in the 9 mm range will be heavy gun, and it takes getting used to if you're going to carry full time.

At the moment I'm thinking of getting another 22, but a pocket model like a derringer that I can carry even if I'm wearing shorts. Haven't taken that route yet, but that's where I'm headed I think. I have plenty of other things to keep people away, pepper spray and such, so I'd need the gun only for up close and personal and that close and personal a 22 will do the job I have no doubt.

I've had some experience with a baretta, but it had after market packmeyer grips on it which made it difficult to control on recoil because they were just too big. I can manage a baretta with stock grips on it though.
 
#12 ·
I teach the Texas CHL class to women (and only women in that class) - ditto the comment on go to the range and shoot lots of guns. All guys have opinions, but in the end, it's what you will carry and shoot that counts.

Small guns in larger calibers will kick and you just won't want to shoot them. Bigger guns you just won't want to carry.

I grew up with the belief "never go to a gunfight with anything that doesn't start with a 4. But all ammo has gotten much better in the last few years. Today's .380 is every bit as good as yesterday's 9mm and a lot more fun to shoot in a smaller gun.

Some women tend to "limp wrist" guns with more recoil. That will cause a "failure to feed" in a semi automatic (sorry, guys do it too, but girls do it more). With a revolver, you will never have that problem. My Mom is 83 and has arthritis. She carries a Smith & Wesson model 431PD in .32 H&R and loves it. Not much more recoil than a .22 and as much stopping power as a .38 Special. And it always goes bang.

If you have to shoot, in order of importance there are three things involved in stopping a bad guy - placement, penetration, and expansion. Buy good self defense ammo, then carry the biggest caliber that you can accurately and comfortably shoot and that you will actually carry. The .22 in your pocket beats the hell outta the .45 in your nightstand when you need it.
 
#13 ·
Dumb question - I guess you can rent different guns at most ranges? I'll definitely do that before I buy anything.

It will be at home. We're bugging in, home is my fortress, crime is increasing at an alarming rate around here (outside Washington DC) and I'm noticing a lot of gangs (and by that I mean large groups - 8 guys on 1) attacking people for basically pocket change. Like I said, I'm a pasifist, I swore I'd never shoot a gun in my life, but I have kids and I'm finally seeing the need.

As far as gun size, I know nothing about guns but I want to be able to get about 20 shots off before having to reload - or more even. Weight isnt an issue as much as comfortably reaching the trigger. As an example, my drill for light home repair is a dewalt and its the plug in and heavy as all get out and I'm thinking a gun would definitely be lighter in comparison.

Thanks to everyone for the info - lots to google ;)
 
#26 ·
Like I said, I'm a pasifist, I swore I'd never shoot a gun in my life, but I have kids and I'm finally seeing the need.
Something that probably should be pointed out.

If you really are a pacifist, you need to be honest with yourself and make sure you can actually use a firearm before you buy one.

If you can't make yourself use it, it may only make things worse for you by inviting aggression.

Just waving it around doesn't automatically make the bad guys go away.

A tip from someone who has seen it happen to other people. If you really see a need for a handgun, buy more than one. Store the other one outside your home (locked in a friend's gun safe, locked in a bank's safety deposit box, etc.). The reason for this is because if you ever end up using your gun to defend yourself, living as near to DC as you do, you'll likely end up with being charged with some silly excuse of a crime to take your gun away from you. You'll be sued by whomever you shot (or their next of kin), just because that's how the system works. You'll probably find it difficult, if not impossible, to replace your confiscated weapon. At a time like that, especially when you have a legit need to be armed, its nice to be able to go and get your back up gun and ammo.

Survival prepping is planning ahead.
 
#16 ·
My conceal is a Bersa 380. It conceals well, but isn't my favorite to target with because . . well its small, light, and has a tiny grip. I like my Taurus' 9 mm and 45 better, but they are full frame metal and a bit much to conceal. No purse for me.

Pick them up and put them down and one will stand out in your mind as "fitting" right. Don't think you have to have a "woman's" gun. I matched grip sizes with a much larger guy once, wrapping hands around a coke can. His grip really wasn't much larger than mine. . . thicker hands.

You mentioned 20 shots, Taurus does have a 24/7 model in 9 mm that is 17+1

I may need to go shopping now. . . .

(no affiliation with Taurus, I've just had really good service out of mine)
 
#17 · (Edited)
From Maxine:
Since I think after all these years w/Max I could quote him from heart, here we go!
First off, a handgun is something you use as you retreat back to your rifle.
Read that again and let in sink in real good. Too many people believe a handgun is a combat weapon, but they should really only be used in a pinch in order to get to a rifle or shotgun, or if out and about where you cannot carry a rifle or shotgun.

Next, consider its use. You are talking about an expensive piece of gear that needs to last and last, and have as much overall utility as you can squeeze out of it, aka: "the most bang for your buck". So, dont buy junk! Saving $150+ buying a budget brand will be the stupidest move ever if the SHTF, one you will not only regret, but could cost you your life. Better made guns also simply function better (there are lemons in the MOST expensive of brands tho, just like ANYTHING else you can buy), and will give you a much better feel for a weapons capabilities and handling characteristics. There are alot of brands of weapons out there, but the one that comes to mind the most would be a Ruger, truly a working mans weapon. They are built like tanks, are very affordable, and they are made here the USA, by Americans, by an American owned company.

Next, after years of listening to Max gripe out gun "elitists" out there who do nothing but hype on their favorite brand got me to read between the lines when it comes to brands. Realize this when reading your responses and in your local GS inquiries that some people will keep pointing you back to specific brands, and they will usually always be the guns with the crazy price tag, or simply just the only gun they own or even have EVER owned. Read between the lines for just the facts!

If you have never handled or shot a gun before, you need to find someone to give you lessons on safe handling and operation first. This is will be your biggest hurdle. Good teachers are few and far between. Max taught me and many of my friends, and always started out with the most simple thing of all, how to pick up the weapon safely! It will not be easy finding a good teacher, but well worth the effort. Find someone UN-biased and patient! You are a few states away or I would recommend meeting up with Max for this.

So, now prepared, arrange to go with your "teacher" and hit up your local G-Shops with ranges/rental and try out some weapons! Be prepared to spend some time and $, take good ear protection with you, and try to go when the place is empty or close to it. I would recommend starting out with a few revolvers and learn them well. They are ridiculously simple to operate, and are as inherently "safe" as you can get in a handgun. Learning on a revolver will also teach you the importance of hitting your target, and keep you away from the "spray and pray" attitude that seems to come boxed with every hi-capacity auto out there.

Once you get good weapon handling skills and trigger control down, move to some auto's if you wish.

In closing, here is my personal opinion of what you should start out with and why.
Image

This is a Ruger SP101 3" in .357 Magnum. It has a set of Hogue grips on it. This is a medium frame revolver, which will make a good fit for any hand size, and the aftermarket grips are very "sticky", giving you good grip even if sweaty or oily. They also give you a place to put your pinky finger, something you wont find on the majority of small framed weapons or auto's. The .357 caliber lets you shoot .38 special ammo in it, giving you the ability to shoot for practice/target alot cheaper. The SP101 is a true TANK of revolvers, and will stand up to years and thousands of rounds of abuse even with magnum loads. The 3" barrel is good for concealment, but gives you a bit more power and control over a typical "snubby" 2". They are certainly heavier than the average gun their size, but again, they are rugged and as light as you will really want to shoot full power loads in. (the .357 completely out-powers the 9mm btw) If you decide to go this route, get a set of "snap caps", and spend some free time just pulling the trigger. It will give you good trigger finger strength, and the more you pull, the smoother and lighter the action will become.

Feel free to PM if you would like, I am sure Max would take the time to answer any questions you may have, even tho I may be biased, I just do not think you could get any person better to do so.

Hope this helps,
Maxine
 
#18 ·
My suggestion.....

I highly recc the Walther PK .380 and the Walther P .22. I have both and both are excellent for smaller hands, but they are not too small where you lose control. I have both bc they are basically the same gun and mechanism but the .22 ammo is so much cheaper than .380 ammo. So, I practice a lot with the .22 but more apt to carry the .380. But you can also get good Stinger ammo for the .22 and it would take a person down. Definetly look at the Walther. We have tons of guns but my Walthers are my favorite! Great for ladies.
 
#19 ·
In this world simple is better. For example my bug out vehicle which happens to be my daily driver has standard roll up windows (non-electric). If the battery dies or the vehicle is submerged I can still roll windows up/down. I have fired many pistols and revolvers and owned many different weapons in my lifetime. I have never had a "cowboy" style revolver fail me. Pistols on the other hand can and do jam. The cheaper models tend to jam more often but even a high priced model can do this albeit much more rarely. You can minimize jams with proper cleaning and such. I think you will find the revolver easy to use and reliable. If a criminal is at the other end of your gun and your pistol jams .... well lets just pray that never happens.
 
#20 ·
You did not mention if you were going to carry,When my wife was looking I showed her Sub Compact 9 MM. She wound up with A glock 19, That is a good gun for any one to own, It may be a little big for CC. Best advice go to a range and try 9MM Compact /Sub compacts. From All the Names Glock/ Sig /Khar/Springfield Armory /SW/Barreta. Once U find the gun with The options you want Safeties De-cocker Single or Double Action.Then handle the gun unloaded and see if u can use all the function without altering your grip on the gun. The gun will lend itself by picking U
 
#22 ·
I'd like to recommend the Smith & Wesson M&P...it comes in 9mm, .40 and .45 acp, maybe even more calibers.

I have the 9mm. The gun is well rated and is exceptionally reliable with a variety of ammo, even crappy ammo. My main criteria for a firearm is reliability. This one is. M&P stands for Military and Police and many police forces use it.

It comes in full-size and compact varieties. The 9mm full size mags carry 17, so you have 17 + 1. The 9mm compact mags are 10 I think.

The really nice thing about the M&Ps is that they come in the box with 3 different palm sizes for the grips...sm, med, lg. I have a smallish to medium hand & I use the medium grip.

It's a well-balanced gun, with a smooth trigger and easy to shoot...not alot of kick. Very accurate.

Try as many as you can...some ranges rent guns for you to try. Pick one that fits your hand and feels good to fire. Give the M&P a try. (That's what I did....and that's how I ended up with the M&P)
 
#23 ·
I also recommend the Smith & Wesson SD9. It is my favorite gun. I also have the Ruger LCP ( I use for pocket or purse carry), Bersa .380 for IWB Conceal Carry. The S&W is by far my favorite, but not really for conceal carry on me anyway. My DH as the Smith & Wesson Sigma Series. Also an amazing gun.
 
#24 ·
Cow Boy Thing...

Do not underestimate a revolver.
Simple.
Easy to learn.
No levers to worry about
About 99.99% reliable.

Automatics are great, but sooner or later THEY WILL MALFUNCTION!!!
With a revolver, if the cartridge for some reason fails to go bang, just pull the trigger again... A revolver rotates a fresh cartridge into place. With an auto, you must rack the slide to get a fresh cartridge. this takes time...Yea you can pull the trigger again, if you have a double action auto, but the cartridge might be a dud and you have now wasted even more precious seconds.

I have quite a few hand guns...both autos and revolvers... but my carry gun is a revolver. In 20+ years of shooting it, it has never failed to preform. Every auto I have ever shot has managed to have a glitch... not often...but once is all it takes...

So before you write off the revolver, take the time to check out ALL OPTIONS!!!

EDIT: My carry revolver is a Smith & Wesson model 60-10...Basically the same gun as the Ruger SP-101 shown earlier, only more bucks...The Ruger is a great piece at a good price. Shooting .357Mag out of them is flat brutal... But shooting .38Spl is a breeze...
 
#27 ·
I am a lady .. and it has taken me a few years to figure this out. My 1st handgun was a revolver S&W Airweight shrouded hammer. It did not work out as the trigger pull was TOO heavy, and I could not single action the hammer easily either. Eventually, I ended up with a M&P9c with the small backstrap. It has been proven that the M&Ps are more reliable than most semi auto's. I know a guy locally who does fantastic trigger work fixing the reset (& shorten) also makes sears that brings the trigger weight down to 4 lbs which is perfect for any woman with weaker hands/finger strength. I recommend a semi auto over a revolver also because it is easier to rack pushing BOTH hands together than ONE weak finger pulling a 10+lb trigger. Also it is MUCH easier/faster to reload with a 12 rnd mag .. than fumbling loading 5 rnds under pressure into a revolver cylinder. Yes .. I conceal carry using a Raven (RCS) holster IWB everyday. I do not promote purse carry as too many women do not carry their purse correctly (strap slung over one shoulder) and the purse can be snatched all to easily. Too many of the small 9mms and .380's are not reliable enough for EDC .. far too many FTF's . I require my EDC gun to go bang reliably when in need .. I have NEVER had a FTF with carry ammo. I also have 4 17rnd mags with Xgrip that turns my compact into a full size round capacity.


Please guys .. don't post suggestions because it is YOUR preference .. because most of us ladies are weaker, and have smaller hands. Recoil can be a huge factor not allowing consecutive shots on target (especially when needed) Oh .. my avatar the Kel Tec PMR30 is like having a mini AR .. great BOB gun !

What I have seen with too many women that I have personally helped .. to decide upon the correct gun for their personal usage .. is that they pick a gun .. get their CPL (carry pistol license) and stick the gun in a safe locked away .. never to get it out and practice !! That is just plain STUPID !! Get the gun suitable for you and get PROFESSIONAL TRAINING .. and PRACTICE AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE
 
#29 ·
Maxmaxine said it best.
First of all, when you actually need it you won't have the motor skills because of the adrenaline and tunnel vision so any sort of automatic is completely out of the question!

You need a revolver that you can draw, point and pull the trigger many times!! No safety. No slide to operate. No chance of jamming. Just pull it out, point it and squeeze the trigger several times!
That simple.


Welcome to Wyoming.:D:
 
#31 ·
Disagree with the revolver I AM a Lady and I speak from personal experience.. too often a TOO heavy trigger pull and just not enough rounds & too often too much recoil (airweights in particular) .. what if there is more than one bad guy ?? I had a revolver jam from bad ammo, freezing up the cylinder .. also know of another S&W that a lady had bought brand new, shot it for her CPL .. and never picked it up to shoot it till 6 months later .. cylinder SEIZED UP because the oil that she had used prior, and did not clean the gun. My M&P9c has NEVER FAILED me.
 
#30 ·
My wife, 5'4" / 155 lbs. choses to shoot a Browning or S&W...both in 9mm. She has average size hands for a woman.
My oldest daughter, 5'0" / 115 lbs. is a surgeon and she carries a Taurus 85 in .38 Spl. It has been tuned and is a slick little handgun. She also has a Browning Buckmark Camper in .22LR she shoots a lot.
My youngest daughter 5"3" / 120 lbs. carries a Springfield XDm in 9mm and uses the middle backstrap. She has small hands. She also has a Ruger Single-Six in .32 H&R that she loves to shoot.
I don't know if this will help but my ladies shoot handguns better than most Marines I served with and these were their choices.