| Many women prefer to own a gun. What advice | | | | as the other "J" frames, with a bit of extra |
| people have for a first time handgun for a | | | | engraving and for a bit more money, of |
| woman, who is not a big fan of revolvers, so | | | | course. Rossi makes good firearms too, which |
| something in the semi-automatic category? | | | | will cost less the S&Ws, Rugers, Colts, etc. |
| | | | |
| Be aware that some of the wannabe swat-types | | | | Ruger Standard .22 auto is easy to learn on, |
| and other video game playing types will tell | | | | next to no recoil, great accuracy, used from |
| you to buy some artillery piece. Disregard | | | | plinking to small game hunting, can be used |
| them and do a little homework. The .22LR cal. | | | | in a pinch for defense...which beats a phone |
| is the way to go for a first gun. When and if | | | | call not made to 911. |
| woman gets comfortable with it and can hit | | | | |
| the target, then she could move up to a | | | | If she is gun savvy at all, then a 1911A1. |
| bigger caliber. | | | | Recoil is not excessive (my daughter |
| | | | regularly shoots mine, as do the many |
| Try searching for Smith & Wesson (or get a | | | | thousands of female IPSC competitors). |
| catalog at a local gun shop). Go to a local | | | | Obviously, quite good for defense targets, |
| shooting range and rent or borrow a couple of | | | | small game hunting, plinking, and |
| different ones to get used to. The one near | | | | competition. However, unless her hands are on |
| me let's you borrow their pistol if you buy a | | | | the large side, a 1911A1 style handgun may be |
| bag of their ammo. Start with .22 cal, and | | | | a bit big. |
| then if the woman can handle it OK, try the | | | | |
| .38 Spcl. Ask one of the range guys to | | | | Smith and Wesson .22 auto mag for the same |
| instruct you. | | | | reasons S&B noted but with more "knock down" |
| | | | power for self defense. Load it with hollow |
| Try the revolver; it is still the most | | | | points and it is the best home defense weapon |
| goof-proof weapon. No decocking lever, | | | | for more petite people. The ammo is very |
| safeties, no lost-the-magazine (when you need | | | | cheap so it allows for a lot of range time. |
| it the most), no "rack the slide" at 0300 | | | | |
| when her palms are sweaty, and it doesn't | | | | Look at the Taurus Model 85s. It is a very |
| need to be kept as clean as a "self loader". | | | | good pistol at about half the price of an |
| | | | S&W. |
| Avoid off-brand and chippo priced guns. | | | | |
| Remember the saying: You get what you pay | | | | You will be able to put your eyes and hands |
| for. The suggestion is to stick with S&W, | | | | on a lot of different makes, models, |
| Colt or Ruger. If you really need a handgun, | | | | calibers, and sizes. You'll be able to |
| you want one that goes bang when you pull the | | | | eliminate some of them from consideration |
| trigger. I think the Lady Smiths are the same | | | | pretty quick. |