Help pick woman's first pistol

[JCW355]

She needs to hold a weapon and find the one that fits her hand, then shoot that weapon to see if she likes it. LOTS of good choices in 9MM.

 

[BIG_MIKE2005]

After taking my wife to look around & hold several different guns she fell in love with the little XD9 sub-compact. Fit her hand perfectly with the regular magazine, dont even need the pinky extension for her.

 

[Dr_Mitch]

I owned a Beretta PX4 sub-comp, and it was absolutely spectacular. Best gun I've yet had, although, for concealment, it's a bit thick. Otherwise, it's a perfect point of aim shooter, and totally dependable. The only other drawback is my own preference for a manual safety to be located on the frame.

I'd have kept mine to the end, but I really needed a Deagle. Really.

Also, they don't say "Glock Perfection" just to sell guns. Glocks are amazing tools.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I'm presently going through the same thing here - some to consider adding to your list, to find one that she likes best - to find one that fits her best and she shoots the best with (sticking with compact 9mms - or 9x18) - some of the better choices, IMO are bolded:


Almost any Kahr: P9 or CW9 for starters (but these are light enough to be a bit snappy)

1911 in 9mm (preferably a 4")

S&W 3913

S&W 3953

CZ 75 D Compact PCR

Sig P225 / P6

Star Firestar

Makarov

Sig P239

Walther P99

Baby Eagle compact

The CZ-esque polymer gun from STI looks interesting

And of course, scratch Glock for the usual obvious reasons. From your list, anything but Glock - I'd probably lean toward the M&P, but all good.

Unfortunately, you can NOT rent most of these, but at least you can rent the XD, M&P, and STI at Heartland (someone mentioned Heartland); maybe a couple others. I think you can rent the Beretta PX4, IIRC.

 

[Daryl Licht]

If at all possible, let her shoot the pistol before committing to it. Renting a a great idea, or maybe get some help from local friends. She should be comfortable shooting whatever the 2 of you decide on.

Women with small hands usually find the smaller weapons comfortable to hold but a nightmare to shoot. They also may or may not have enough strength in the wrists to shoot a smallish handgun even in 9mm.

IMHO, the DA revolver is the safest handgun ever conceived, especially for people who don't spend a great deal of time with them. There's no safety to disengage when the BG appears or to re-engage once he's on the floor and harmless. There's no decocker to remember to use after an incident. Just point, click, put back in the purse until it's needed again.

 

[dutchwrangler]

IMHO, the DA revolver is the safest handgun ever conceived, especially for people who don't spend a great deal of time with them. There's no safety to disengage when the BG appears or to re-engage once he's on the floor and harmless. There's no decocker to remember to use after an incident. Just point, click, put back in the purse until it's needed again.

My thinking as well. My wife picked out a Charter Arms .38Spl as her first firearm. Didn't hurt that she was intrigued by the pink finish.

 

[orangecrush1007]

Can she rack the slide and operate the gun that she picks.
Alot of women can't.
If she picks a revolver i would suggest some Hogue wraparound grips.

 

[Jacksoncb]

I would recommend she go to a range and try out several. Revolvers work well, especially in a .38 caliber and be sure and tell her practice, practice, practice.

 

[WhiteyMacD]

And of course, scratch Glock for the usual obvious reasons. From your list, anything but Glock -

Do tell what this obvious reason is.

 

[Honey Badger]

The woman needs to pick her gun. Go to H&H or Heartland and rent several, then pick the one that fits her best. A lot of guys have good intentions but check out www.cornered cat.com and read a couple of articles. It's a mistake to pick one for her. Been there, done that.

HUGE +1