I am looking for suggestions here. I am a fairly large statured man and my wife is somewhat small. Any longun that fits me is too big for her , and the rifles shotguns that she shoots have all been shortend to fit her and are nearly unusable by me. I discovered recently that handguns present a similar problem. I own two taurus revolvers a 617 and a 66. She has shot both but finds them uncomfortable as the grips are far too big for her hands. Most of the gun stores around me don't seem to stock smaller revolvers that look anything like what she wants. I have several questions for the forum as a result. First, is there anyway that replacing the grips on one of the revolvers I already own would be workable, or is the frame itself way too big? Second does anyone have any sugestions for what models she should look at? She is comfortable with 357 level recoil and wants a gun she can shoot pretty regularly. She doesn't like the pink sub compact guns the guy at the gunstore always tries to show her. She likes the guns I have but her thumb goes numb shooting them.
Looking for a gun for my wife
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Well, my wife has a S&W j-frame in .38 spl, and she likes it pretty well. We stoke it with Federal 110gr Hydra-shoks in .38, and she knows that she's good to go. In addition of the your wife is okay with the recoil and weight of your larger revolvers, perhaps she would be okay with something like a Taurus 605, or a Rossi 461/462.
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rim shot -- botta bing!Satire mode on -
What caliber do you want in trade?
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If money allows, I would let your wife pick out the gun she wants but since you asked for a suggestion -
Charter Arms Undercover Revolver .38 Special 2" Barrel 5 Rounds Rubber Grips Blue Finish
I think it is possible to change grips on your current guns, but I will let the revolver guys answer that one.
Charter Arms Undercover Revolver .38 Special 2" Barrel 5 Rounds Rubber Grips Blue Finish
I think it is possible to change grips on your current guns, but I will let the revolver guys answer that one.
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Hi Jason!
Picking a firearm for women is just one of those things you gotta let her do. We have a thread going that has a few links to a great video and websites. You might want her to take a look at those so she can get a good idea of what she might be looking for. http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/b...helping-women-select-first-handgun-woman.html
Then I suggest taking her to the LGS and letting her browse. If the guy behind the counter tries to push pink guns at her, politely let him know that your not interested and proceed to let her explore. Better yet, if you have a range that rents guns, let her try some out for size to get an idea.
I'm in the market for a semi auto and have done nothing but research, it's good to read and get as much info you can to help narrow down your choices before you go to the store. The members here will be able to give some great suggestions that you can research. I really like the .38 special myself. As suggested already the Taurus 605 is something I would consider carrying.
BTW, Please let her know that she is welcome here to chat and ask questions. We'd love to have her join us!
Picking a firearm for women is just one of those things you gotta let her do. We have a thread going that has a few links to a great video and websites. You might want her to take a look at those so she can get a good idea of what she might be looking for. http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/b...helping-women-select-first-handgun-woman.html
Then I suggest taking her to the LGS and letting her browse. If the guy behind the counter tries to push pink guns at her, politely let him know that your not interested and proceed to let her explore. Better yet, if you have a range that rents guns, let her try some out for size to get an idea.
I'm in the market for a semi auto and have done nothing but research, it's good to read and get as much info you can to help narrow down your choices before you go to the store. The members here will be able to give some great suggestions that you can research. I really like the .38 special myself. As suggested already the Taurus 605 is something I would consider carrying.
BTW, Please let her know that she is welcome here to chat and ask questions. We'd love to have her join us!
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homework for the both of you to go through.
http://www.coneredcat.com
www.babeswithbullets.com
www.womenandguns.com
This has to do with her pick of firearms and what fits her and her needs.
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/b...helping-women-select-first-handgun-woman.html
From another thread:#28
Qwiks draw
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You cannot convince someone who does not want to deal with deadly force or someone who cannot possibly take the life of another when defense of ones person call for it. That's not written in stone and there are exceptions to that. There are less than lethal instruments such as OC spray that someone might be able to use. Training is needed.
One has to be able to get across and get the others to understand that we are all responsible for each person's safety. That and nowhere is really ever safe.
Should one decide to take that responsibility up then take them along slowly and get them to the right sources for training and in gaining knowledge. The NRA has the "Refuse to be a Victim" seminars. These are not about firearms, but what the title says exactly.
NRA
Then the other training can be taken.
NRA and NSSF - National Shooting Sports Foundation have basic safety gun courses,basic defensive gun use, and other training. There are women only courses. There are some advanced training with them to be had.
Let the wife or girlfriend get a well rounded basic knowledge and then let her make the choices of which gun and ammo combo work best for her needs. She can either start off with centerfire or rimfire guns. It's her pick. Not the guy's pick.
The 461/461 Rossi family is a .357 magnum revolver, but hefty, and a 6 shooter.These are fine guns.
There is also the Taurus 82 and the Rossi 851. These are .38 Special +P qualified 6 shooter, but have 4 inch barrels. I do own a 82 and it is a fine gun,a but has fixed sights.
The Rossi 851 ,www,rossiusa.com , costs a bit less,is an excellent pick, and has adjustable sights which are an advantage over fixed sighted guns.
The 85 is an excellent gun. I own a older 85 CH. Very nice gun and the household members can use it.
One other Taurus recommendation. A Taurus model 65 fixed sight or 66 , .357 magnum revolver, with 6 shots.
The other recommendation is the Ruger SP-101. Granted, it's a .357 magnum, 5 shot revolver, but these can be had with 2 or 3 inch barrels. Just recently a 4 inch barreled model has been issued by Ruger! I own a SP-101 in .327 Federal magnum with the 3 inch barrel.
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Let's try this form another angle. It's her purchase so she needs to know something about shooting and firearms before SHE can decide what's best for her and her needs.
NRA and NSSF - National Shooting Sports Foundation have basic classes that she should take prior to selecting anything for any reason. There are women only classes given by both groups locally several time a year. She'll be immersered into the shooting culture,to firearms, and firearm safety in a relaxed atmosphere. Then she will have a good basic knowledge as to what gun/caliber combo will work for here. It would be worth the trouble of going somewhere, even 25-30 miles, from where you live to get her to one of these classes. Local gun stores should have access to these classes or should be able to point her to who does have the classes. If not there has to be local gun clubs or gun ranges that do! Take a look at the two links for the NRA and National Shooting Sports Foundation. They can get her to local or near local classes.
Have here also look at these and read all the way through them. These are helpful links for women. You need to go through them with her or when you can go through them alone.
Cornered Cat www.babeswithbullets.com www.womenandguns.com
The revolver idea has merit. Yes, the Taurus 82 is a good idea. So is a Taurus 65 or 66. There is also the Rossi 851 in .38 Special.
Here's the story on the Rossi 851. Anything said in it is still valid.
Rossi 851 by Bob Milek July 1, 1985
The 851 has adjustable sights. That's a plus.
Mild .38 Special rounds has merit as well.
There are 110gr.-125gr. standard pressure rounds if recoil, muzzle flip, and flinching are considerations for her.
Federal makes the 125gr Nyclad standard pressure round. It makes a nifty practice and real world documented defense round.
Georgia Arms. Bitteroot Valley Ammunition & Components - © 2011Ventura Munitions | Online Ammunition Sales | Cheapest Ammo Online | Hunting Ammo and Ammo For Sale : Cheap Ammo : Find Ammunition at AmmoSeek.com can help in finding standard pressure bulk buy rounds for what ever caliber she decides she can handle.
If you can introduce here to the .32 calibers. In revolver there is the .32 H&R magnum and the .32 S&W Long.
The first cartridge is mild,can be used for training, for fun, and for defense. Even out of snub revolvers this is a low recoil, mild noise, and user friendly cartridge. Revolvers abound in this caliber. Taurus has two snub revolvers currently capable of shooting these. I own a Taurus 327 in .327 Federal. It can do what the Ruger mentioned below can.
Taurus also has the a model 731 that is till available in limited quantities on line and maybe from the local gun store. These can also be a used item and found online at internet gun auction sites.
Ruger has the 3 inch barreled SP-101. This can be either a considered as a primary or snub revolver. Yes, it's in .327 Federal magnum, but the .32 H&R and ,32 S&W Longs can be shot from the Ruger. The extra inch of barrel give a better sighting plain, a bit more velocity, and keeps the barrel down more for better recovery shot to shot.
The .32 S&W Long is a great beginner round and one for a fun gun as well. It's a bit less powerful than the .32 H&R magnum.
In .32 ACP the CZ 83 and the PT132 Mil Pro are available. For how long is a mystery and may be for only a very short period. These are available at online gun stores and gun auctions. These have longer barrels than the mini-guns. Hold more rounds than the mini guns, but are more user friendly. So is the cartridge, These are more like a medium framed or slighty smaller gun.
Granted, it is no powerhouse, but in recent decades premium ammo with bonded and improved bullet design have brought the cartridge up off it's knees.
There's a lot to go through here,it is true. This is about saving her life which is precious. It's worth while to do all the research and take the pains to make sure she can handle
The .32ACP will go through sheetrock well like any other bullet,buckshot, or slug. Most bullets regardless of the caliber normally have enough energy left to kill ,cripple, or maim. It is true to a point that the lighter bullets will have less mass, less density,less velocity after hitting a object,somewhat less penetration, going for it if it is a JHP, Glaser, or Magsafe type round. There are no guarantees that the bullet will not cause mayhem on the other side of what was penetrated.
The lighter are not made for less penetration. The .32 ACP premium ammo was designed for better internal ballistics when passing through the human body. The shorter barrels put severe handicaps on any round. This is true for any sub-compact pistol or gun that has a barrel 3 inches or shorter. Again, it's rule of thumb and a guide.
JHP's noses can clog and act like FMJ after passing through walls and related objects. A lot of times JHPs do not clog. Not written in stone. Results from actual shooting incidents and documented experimental results in the lab show that the JHP clogs less than one might think. Again, no guarentees.
Sofas, bed mattresses, recliner chairs, and such make poor cover from bullets of any kind. That inludes the rimfire calibers.
It all depends on what is there to block the bullets or other projectiles in the dwelling. Could be heavy wood furniture, books,or other obstacles. Problem is the obstacles need to be thick and cover the areas where bullet penetration is most likely.
Since the she is going to be out and about penetration has to be considered but not as much. That is if a JHP or round nosed slug expanding like Federal Guard Dog is used. Corbon Power-ball is also an excellent pick.
She should shoot the largest caliber she is able to do so proficiently. I'm not sure what her disability is, how much the disability is going cause shooting problems, and her limitations as to what she can shoot well. That's regardless of where she lives.
I would check with the local gun ranges/stores and see if they have the NRA or NSSF - National Shooting Sports Foundation basic firearms courses. There should also be classes for the disabled available locally or through these two organizations. For the NRA, training programs for shooting and the Women's Programs should be looked at. Call both organizations and query as to what resources they have for the handicapped. and what classes if any and where.
Having her look at Cornered Cat , www.babeswithbullets.comwww.womenandgun.com You can go through it with her or have her do it at her convience.
A revolver in .38 Special or .32 H&R magnum might be all she needs, but I'll leave that to the experts. The pistols are fine, but has to be able to take care of mafunctions if they happen. Is she capable of doing that?
First things first. I could recommend some guns to take a look at but first she needs to know what she cna handle and to what level.
And a real good one to go through all the way.
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/taurus-revolvers/62379-my-new-idea-give-me-your-2-cents-worth.htmlIf you want Taurus revolvers that would fit the bill here goes. Since we do not know her level of proficiency I'm going to assume that the 3 inch barrel on up are good ideas. Stopping at anything with 4 inches is also a factor here.
In no particular order:
Rossi 851: 6 shot,.38 Special and +P capable. Very good under rated revolver.
Taurus 82: 6 shot .38 Special +P rated,fixed sight.
Taurus 65: Like the 82 but is a .357 magnum. Can shoot .38 Special.
Taurus 66: Direct kin of the 65. Has adjustable sights. Holds 7 shots.
Taurus 990 or 907: .22lrf revolver for training
I look at snub revolvers as specialist guns. Not that someone new to shooting couldn't master one. It does take more time,dedication, and practice to master over mdeium framed guns.
Ruger SP-101 in .357 or .327 Federal magnum can also go on the list. Longer gun barrels are no available on certain models. .327 Federal magnum can come with a 3 inch barrel. The versatility of the .32 calibers has already been discussed. If not the .32 H&R magnum and the .32 S&W Long go well with the .327 Federal round.
With the 3 inch barrel and 6 shot capacity the gun can be a primary carry one.
Charter Arms makes good guns as well. Do not go for the ones that are under 20 ounces as recoil will be harsh...... unless it's a .22lrf version and even then it might be a handful for her.
S&W has stopped unfortunately most of their K framed line. The L frames are good. Just that they may be a bit hefty for the intended user. Something used in K frame would be good.
Is she okay with pistols? Or no experience?
http://www.coneredcat.com
www.babeswithbullets.com
www.womenandguns.com
This has to do with her pick of firearms and what fits her and her needs.
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/b...helping-women-select-first-handgun-woman.html
From another thread:#28
Qwiks draw
Moderator
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Member #: 4
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 11,933
Liked: 614 times
You cannot convince someone who does not want to deal with deadly force or someone who cannot possibly take the life of another when defense of ones person call for it. That's not written in stone and there are exceptions to that. There are less than lethal instruments such as OC spray that someone might be able to use. Training is needed.
One has to be able to get across and get the others to understand that we are all responsible for each person's safety. That and nowhere is really ever safe.
Should one decide to take that responsibility up then take them along slowly and get them to the right sources for training and in gaining knowledge. The NRA has the "Refuse to be a Victim" seminars. These are not about firearms, but what the title says exactly.
NRA
Then the other training can be taken.
NRA and NSSF - National Shooting Sports Foundation have basic safety gun courses,basic defensive gun use, and other training. There are women only courses. There are some advanced training with them to be had.
Let the wife or girlfriend get a well rounded basic knowledge and then let her make the choices of which gun and ammo combo work best for her needs. She can either start off with centerfire or rimfire guns. It's her pick. Not the guy's pick.
The 461/461 Rossi family is a .357 magnum revolver, but hefty, and a 6 shooter.These are fine guns.
There is also the Taurus 82 and the Rossi 851. These are .38 Special +P qualified 6 shooter, but have 4 inch barrels. I do own a 82 and it is a fine gun,a but has fixed sights.
The Rossi 851 ,www,rossiusa.com , costs a bit less,is an excellent pick, and has adjustable sights which are an advantage over fixed sighted guns.
The 85 is an excellent gun. I own a older 85 CH. Very nice gun and the household members can use it.
One other Taurus recommendation. A Taurus model 65 fixed sight or 66 , .357 magnum revolver, with 6 shots.
The other recommendation is the Ruger SP-101. Granted, it's a .357 magnum, 5 shot revolver, but these can be had with 2 or 3 inch barrels. Just recently a 4 inch barreled model has been issued by Ruger! I own a SP-101 in .327 Federal magnum with the 3 inch barrel.
#16
Qwiks draw
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Member #: 4
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 11,933
Liked: 614 times
Let's try this form another angle. It's her purchase so she needs to know something about shooting and firearms before SHE can decide what's best for her and her needs.
NRA and NSSF - National Shooting Sports Foundation have basic classes that she should take prior to selecting anything for any reason. There are women only classes given by both groups locally several time a year. She'll be immersered into the shooting culture,to firearms, and firearm safety in a relaxed atmosphere. Then she will have a good basic knowledge as to what gun/caliber combo will work for here. It would be worth the trouble of going somewhere, even 25-30 miles, from where you live to get her to one of these classes. Local gun stores should have access to these classes or should be able to point her to who does have the classes. If not there has to be local gun clubs or gun ranges that do! Take a look at the two links for the NRA and National Shooting Sports Foundation. They can get her to local or near local classes.
Have here also look at these and read all the way through them. These are helpful links for women. You need to go through them with her or when you can go through them alone.
Cornered Cat www.babeswithbullets.com www.womenandguns.com
The revolver idea has merit. Yes, the Taurus 82 is a good idea. So is a Taurus 65 or 66. There is also the Rossi 851 in .38 Special.
Here's the story on the Rossi 851. Anything said in it is still valid.
Rossi 851 by Bob Milek July 1, 1985
The 851 has adjustable sights. That's a plus.
Mild .38 Special rounds has merit as well.
There are 110gr.-125gr. standard pressure rounds if recoil, muzzle flip, and flinching are considerations for her.
Federal makes the 125gr Nyclad standard pressure round. It makes a nifty practice and real world documented defense round.
Georgia Arms. Bitteroot Valley Ammunition & Components - © 2011Ventura Munitions | Online Ammunition Sales | Cheapest Ammo Online | Hunting Ammo and Ammo For Sale : Cheap Ammo : Find Ammunition at AmmoSeek.com can help in finding standard pressure bulk buy rounds for what ever caliber she decides she can handle.
If you can introduce here to the .32 calibers. In revolver there is the .32 H&R magnum and the .32 S&W Long.
The first cartridge is mild,can be used for training, for fun, and for defense. Even out of snub revolvers this is a low recoil, mild noise, and user friendly cartridge. Revolvers abound in this caliber. Taurus has two snub revolvers currently capable of shooting these. I own a Taurus 327 in .327 Federal. It can do what the Ruger mentioned below can.
Taurus also has the a model 731 that is till available in limited quantities on line and maybe from the local gun store. These can also be a used item and found online at internet gun auction sites.
Ruger has the 3 inch barreled SP-101. This can be either a considered as a primary or snub revolver. Yes, it's in .327 Federal magnum, but the .32 H&R and ,32 S&W Longs can be shot from the Ruger. The extra inch of barrel give a better sighting plain, a bit more velocity, and keeps the barrel down more for better recovery shot to shot.
The .32 S&W Long is a great beginner round and one for a fun gun as well. It's a bit less powerful than the .32 H&R magnum.
In .32 ACP the CZ 83 and the PT132 Mil Pro are available. For how long is a mystery and may be for only a very short period. These are available at online gun stores and gun auctions. These have longer barrels than the mini-guns. Hold more rounds than the mini guns, but are more user friendly. So is the cartridge, These are more like a medium framed or slighty smaller gun.
Granted, it is no powerhouse, but in recent decades premium ammo with bonded and improved bullet design have brought the cartridge up off it's knees.
There's a lot to go through here,it is true. This is about saving her life which is precious. It's worth while to do all the research and take the pains to make sure she can handle
The .32ACP will go through sheetrock well like any other bullet,buckshot, or slug. Most bullets regardless of the caliber normally have enough energy left to kill ,cripple, or maim. It is true to a point that the lighter bullets will have less mass, less density,less velocity after hitting a object,somewhat less penetration, going for it if it is a JHP, Glaser, or Magsafe type round. There are no guarantees that the bullet will not cause mayhem on the other side of what was penetrated.
The lighter are not made for less penetration. The .32 ACP premium ammo was designed for better internal ballistics when passing through the human body. The shorter barrels put severe handicaps on any round. This is true for any sub-compact pistol or gun that has a barrel 3 inches or shorter. Again, it's rule of thumb and a guide.
JHP's noses can clog and act like FMJ after passing through walls and related objects. A lot of times JHPs do not clog. Not written in stone. Results from actual shooting incidents and documented experimental results in the lab show that the JHP clogs less than one might think. Again, no guarentees.
Sofas, bed mattresses, recliner chairs, and such make poor cover from bullets of any kind. That inludes the rimfire calibers.
It all depends on what is there to block the bullets or other projectiles in the dwelling. Could be heavy wood furniture, books,or other obstacles. Problem is the obstacles need to be thick and cover the areas where bullet penetration is most likely.
Since the she is going to be out and about penetration has to be considered but not as much. That is if a JHP or round nosed slug expanding like Federal Guard Dog is used. Corbon Power-ball is also an excellent pick.
She should shoot the largest caliber she is able to do so proficiently. I'm not sure what her disability is, how much the disability is going cause shooting problems, and her limitations as to what she can shoot well. That's regardless of where she lives.
I would check with the local gun ranges/stores and see if they have the NRA or NSSF - National Shooting Sports Foundation basic firearms courses. There should also be classes for the disabled available locally or through these two organizations. For the NRA, training programs for shooting and the Women's Programs should be looked at. Call both organizations and query as to what resources they have for the handicapped. and what classes if any and where.
Having her look at Cornered Cat , www.babeswithbullets.comwww.womenandgun.com You can go through it with her or have her do it at her convience.
A revolver in .38 Special or .32 H&R magnum might be all she needs, but I'll leave that to the experts. The pistols are fine, but has to be able to take care of mafunctions if they happen. Is she capable of doing that?
First things first. I could recommend some guns to take a look at but first she needs to know what she cna handle and to what level.
And a real good one to go through all the way.
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/taurus-revolvers/62379-my-new-idea-give-me-your-2-cents-worth.htmlIf you want Taurus revolvers that would fit the bill here goes. Since we do not know her level of proficiency I'm going to assume that the 3 inch barrel on up are good ideas. Stopping at anything with 4 inches is also a factor here.
In no particular order:
Rossi 851: 6 shot,.38 Special and +P capable. Very good under rated revolver.
Taurus 82: 6 shot .38 Special +P rated,fixed sight.
Taurus 65: Like the 82 but is a .357 magnum. Can shoot .38 Special.
Taurus 66: Direct kin of the 65. Has adjustable sights. Holds 7 shots.
Taurus 990 or 907: .22lrf revolver for training
I look at snub revolvers as specialist guns. Not that someone new to shooting couldn't master one. It does take more time,dedication, and practice to master over mdeium framed guns.
Ruger SP-101 in .357 or .327 Federal magnum can also go on the list. Longer gun barrels are no available on certain models. .327 Federal magnum can come with a 3 inch barrel. The versatility of the .32 calibers has already been discussed. If not the .32 H&R magnum and the .32 S&W Long go well with the .327 Federal round.
With the 3 inch barrel and 6 shot capacity the gun can be a primary carry one.
Charter Arms makes good guns as well. Do not go for the ones that are under 20 ounces as recoil will be harsh...... unless it's a .22lrf version and even then it might be a handful for her.
S&W has stopped unfortunately most of their K framed line. The L frames are good. Just that they may be a bit hefty for the intended user. Something used in K frame would be good.
Is she okay with pistols? Or no experience?
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202 Posts
Alot of criteria to consider here. Is it going to be a concealed carry, be in the car? what's her experience? Semi-autos can confuse many shooters. May I offer 2 choices I like? Bersa Thunder .380 or a good 5 shot, smooth hammer (won't snag in her handbag or jeans) .38. You'll find it.
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5,686 Posts
I got to thinking about this, when I was looking at revolvers a few years ago at the LGS, I held a S&W 638. It's a small frame revolver which would be perfect for small hands. I'm sure there are others, but I thought I'd just throw that out there since it sparked my memory.
Also, on the grips question. You'll have more options for the model 66 that you have. Perhaps some like these would be smaller??
Grips for Taurus 80 82 65 66 Walnut Service Size ca 1970s Production GR0584 | eBay
Also, on the grips question. You'll have more options for the model 66 that you have. Perhaps some like these would be smaller??
Grips for Taurus 80 82 65 66 Walnut Service Size ca 1970s Production GR0584 | eBay
Joined
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113 Posts
I would try and find someone with a Kel-tec PF-9, with a set of Houge Handle Jr. grips and see if she like its. I really like mine, I've carried it for years in the front pocket. She probably won't like the feel with out the grips though...
Joined
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1,102 Posts
Try Jim Badger for answers to your question on grips. Custom Pistol Grips I spoke with him when I was looking for grips for my wife's LadySmith. He is very interested in encouraging women to enjoy the shooting sports and will work with you to find a solution. I would recommend calling him and giving him the info you put in your original post. We were both very happy with his product and his concern for helping us find the right solution.
Edit: Don't be put off by the prices for the custom grips. It is likely that one of his standard models will work for you.
Edit: Don't be put off by the prices for the custom grips. It is likely that one of his standard models will work for you.
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1,363 Posts
A few boxes of different ammo from Walmart, or wherever: 1 box of 38sp, 1 box of 380, 1 box of 9mm etc. etc. Go to the range (assuming you have a range with a pretty decent selection of rental guns). Let them know what you're up to and then test fire a bunch. Ultimately choosing a gun is completely subjective. If cash is not a huge option and she is really focused on a revolver maybe the Lady Smith S&W model 60 is a dandy! Magnum rated, sweet trigger one of the best snubbies Smith offers. Sig 232 is a mighty nice 380. Many of the small frame Tauruses have a really stout trigger pull however the SS605 seems to be an exception to this rule and a great CCW piece. Just a few suggestions. Allot of great firearms out there.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
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32,569 Posts
The Tauri that are 856,85, 650/651, 850/851 are to be considered. Some examples do have hard to pull triggers, but this is true for a lot of brands,makes, and models.
None ot the Tauri snubs I have ever had to be worked on for the trigger. Trigger pulls started out hard in double action, smoothed out with use, and became user friendly. Even for the females.
After reading the tests in a lot of gun magazines in the last year a lot of double action revolvers are above 12 lbs. in trigger pull. There were a few that went past or at 15 lbs. of pull. Whew!
The S&W snubs are great picks as well. There are some Ladysmith S&Ws to look at. It isn't just a marketing gimmick.
If she finds a snub or other revolver that works let her jump on it. Trigger pull weights can be made a bit lighter with Wolff spring kits or something like it. I don't do it because I've had light primer strikes,too many of them, with rimfire and centerfire spring kits. For others it works well.
Is recoil a problem for her?
If so the .32 ACP out of a Taurus PT132 Millennium Pro or CZ83 are good picks. These are compact pistols that are close to medium frame sized guns that are user friendly. I own 3 of the first named and 1 of the latter.
If those are considered too light the .380ACP has those the CZ83 and the Taurus PT138 Millennium Pro, or Taurus 638, Taurus PT58S or HC models if a double stack pistol is desired.
Bersa single stacks are great picks as well.
Give the Beretta 85 or 84 a look. The Beretta 85 is a 8 round in the mag gun and the 84 holds 13 rounds. Got a 85.
The Beretta 86 is a used single stack gun only, but comes with the tip up barrel for easy loading and unloading.
9x19 has too many considerations to cover here. My personal experience is with Ruger P95 and SR9/SR9cs. All good guns,reliable, and accurate.
Sig 225 or P6 are used guns only,are out there to be had, but the 239 is a single stack. 2002 and 229s are also good picks.
Springfield XD-9 or M models work well.
Any of the Taurus 24/7s or PT111 Millennium Pros are good considerations as well.
1911s of many brands come to mind. There are many short ladies in this area, under 5'4'', who shoot the 1911s with aplomb. Their confidence factor is high. No reason why a 9x19 or .45 ACP pistol in this guise would not work.
Pax, Kathy Jackson of Cornered Cat fame tells how she started out with a compact Glock 26 in 9x19, right off the bat.
Glock 19s are about the right size as a primary or back up gun. User friendly and easy manual of arms comes to mind. Do own one.
If the lady in residence starts out with .22lrf revolvers and pistols and works up from there,fine. Good plan.
She might be able to start off with the center fire guns right away. That's a fine way to go if she has shot center fire revolvers/pistols and things worked out well.
The NRA and NSSF - National Shooting Sports Foundation basic (some are women only classes) gun courses are a good starting point. Even if she has some experience in shooting guns. It all depends if that route is needed or not. Women only classes by the NRA and NSSF give the women exposure in a relaxed atmosphere to firearms and gun safety.
Just trying to cover most of the pertinent areas. Just disregard what's not needed. Could be the whole schmeer!
None ot the Tauri snubs I have ever had to be worked on for the trigger. Trigger pulls started out hard in double action, smoothed out with use, and became user friendly. Even for the females.
After reading the tests in a lot of gun magazines in the last year a lot of double action revolvers are above 12 lbs. in trigger pull. There were a few that went past or at 15 lbs. of pull. Whew!
The S&W snubs are great picks as well. There are some Ladysmith S&Ws to look at. It isn't just a marketing gimmick.
If she finds a snub or other revolver that works let her jump on it. Trigger pull weights can be made a bit lighter with Wolff spring kits or something like it. I don't do it because I've had light primer strikes,too many of them, with rimfire and centerfire spring kits. For others it works well.
Is recoil a problem for her?
If so the .32 ACP out of a Taurus PT132 Millennium Pro or CZ83 are good picks. These are compact pistols that are close to medium frame sized guns that are user friendly. I own 3 of the first named and 1 of the latter.
If those are considered too light the .380ACP has those the CZ83 and the Taurus PT138 Millennium Pro, or Taurus 638, Taurus PT58S or HC models if a double stack pistol is desired.
Bersa single stacks are great picks as well.
Give the Beretta 85 or 84 a look. The Beretta 85 is a 8 round in the mag gun and the 84 holds 13 rounds. Got a 85.
The Beretta 86 is a used single stack gun only, but comes with the tip up barrel for easy loading and unloading.
9x19 has too many considerations to cover here. My personal experience is with Ruger P95 and SR9/SR9cs. All good guns,reliable, and accurate.
Sig 225 or P6 are used guns only,are out there to be had, but the 239 is a single stack. 2002 and 229s are also good picks.
Springfield XD-9 or M models work well.
Any of the Taurus 24/7s or PT111 Millennium Pros are good considerations as well.
1911s of many brands come to mind. There are many short ladies in this area, under 5'4'', who shoot the 1911s with aplomb. Their confidence factor is high. No reason why a 9x19 or .45 ACP pistol in this guise would not work.
Pax, Kathy Jackson of Cornered Cat fame tells how she started out with a compact Glock 26 in 9x19, right off the bat.
Glock 19s are about the right size as a primary or back up gun. User friendly and easy manual of arms comes to mind. Do own one.
If the lady in residence starts out with .22lrf revolvers and pistols and works up from there,fine. Good plan.
She might be able to start off with the center fire guns right away. That's a fine way to go if she has shot center fire revolvers/pistols and things worked out well.
The NRA and NSSF - National Shooting Sports Foundation basic (some are women only classes) gun courses are a good starting point. Even if she has some experience in shooting guns. It all depends if that route is needed or not. Women only classes by the NRA and NSSF give the women exposure in a relaxed atmosphere to firearms and gun safety.
Just trying to cover most of the pertinent areas. Just disregard what's not needed. Could be the whole schmeer!
Thanks for the advice. I think she needs to go try some different guns for fit. I just wanted a bit of advice what she should be looking at. She is a fair shot with the 357 and the recoil is within reason for her And she likes the revolvers. Her hand just dosent fit the grip very well so she really has to reach to get to the trigger with her thumb aroud the grip. After a box of shells her thumb gets sore .
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Being a woman myself, the Ruger 380 is a great gun for conceal carry in the summer. As well as the body guard 38 special. I tried to conceal the Springfield 40 XD today, didn't work too well! Haha!
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3,249 Posts
You're halfway there.
Guns are like gloves. you have to find what fits. My small palms and long fingers are more suited for a 1911-style frame(I carry a full-size 1911A1 or my trusty S&W 686-4), while the wife's large palms/short fingers handle smaller guns fairly well(such as the Kel-Tec P11, S&W 59 series, or some compact Glocks. She even likes my S&W K-10 that was my fathers). Take her in and have her "fondle" several different models.
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I am not sure how experienced your wife is with fire-arms but I would like to suggest the Taurus Model 94 .22 L.R. Revolver 9 Shot. This was my better half's first pistol before she upgraded to .357 magnum Rossi snub-nose. She loves em cause there is no "safety" she just pulls and shoots(no pun intended)!
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Have her look at the poly defender 38 spl. They have two grips, and have a smooth trigger pull. There are some other choices too. Like smith & wesson bodyguard in 38, they have the laser and grip is small. Or try a charter arms on duty, another 38 spl. I point alot of women to the revolver because of function and easy to remember that all you have to is point and pull. But the best thing would be if you could have her shoot several before you buy, and if she doesnt like them, get her pepper spray.
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