[MJClark]

Last week I took my wife to the range to shoot my 9mm M&P Shield, and she loved it and wants a gun for range use and personal protection. But she does not want to carry. She works as a nurse so she can't carry at work anyways.

What gun would you recommend for a smaller/petite woman, that would be good for personal protection at home, but still a fun and comfortable gun at the range? She said that the Shield felt a bit small and punchy, so I am not sure if she would be comfortable with anything more than a 40.

On the side note, she told me that I should start putting aside extra ($100 or so) every month to buy more guns... So the next one needs to be hers so she gives me a bigger budget.

 

[Eric357]

Take her and let her pick it out. Do not pick your wife's gun out.

 

[manolito]

^^^^^^^^^
Listen to Eric 357

 

[Sister]

I also agree with Eric. That would be like picking out a womans bra for her, if it don't fit right only she will know it! :redface:


(btw, I love my .38 S&W bodyguard revolver - they make a bodyguard semi too, both have laser built in, let her try it out for size when shopping!)

 

[Adam42]

Listen to everybody, picking a gun is like picking a paint color for her, if she doesn't like it you will catch hell from now one, but if she picks it and doesn't like it she can't gripe at you. Tale it from someone who has been married to the same lady for 47 years.

 

[GeorgiaDawg]

She needs to pick one out, but if she likes the Shield, why not get her one of her own?

 

[RockingGlock32]

Im with everyone else but if she thought that was a little punchy I would recommend a 1911 style 9mm will be less snappy and still easy/fun to shoot

 

[Stevew]

Let her run as many guns as possible only then will she learn what she likes and dislikes in a gun. Don't just hand her a gun that is ready shoot. Let her load and shoot it. She will figure out what she likes and dislikes. My wife dislikes manual safeties. My wife likes the S&W 642CT and the LCP for carry and SIG 226 for the range. She has not shot my new SIG 239 yet. I would guess she would like it for the range and carry.

 

[Crowman]

She liked the Shield so that's the weapon for her..........

 

[ccw9mm]

If hunting around for options: Handgun Database search @ Genitron.com. You can sort the results by OAL, weight, capacity.

Definitely find a few "rental" ranges nearby, where a number of different guns can be tried out. As you know, "feel" is very subjective. You'll never know 'til you know.

 

[Nmuskier]

Have her try these:
S&W 642 .38
S&W 3913
CZ RAMI 9mm
Bersa BP 9cc, or concealed pro series

 

[archer51]

Would you let your friend pick out your car for you? Give your wife the credit card and wish her Happy Mothers Day and tell her to get what she wants.

 

[Welder516]

Pick a handgun you like as well ...............:wave:

 

[CDW4ME]

Have her check out a Kahr P9 / CW9

 

[Oldpsufan]

I can't even get mine to the range, you're lucky.

 

[squid86]

well getting her shooting is one step closer to getting her to carry. i would definitely let her pick out the right gun for her. since she said she liked the M&P start with that and flex whichever way she feels comfortable, that will be a good base model to go off of. the more she is comfortable shooting she will become comfortable carrying. i know she cant carry while at work but they should have lockers and she could lock it up. leaving somewhere where people could be mad at the service they received or drugged out is definitely the situation where she needs a carry gun. i usually dont recommend purse carry but in this situation i would.

 

[MJClark]

I guess I should have clarified... I was going to make a list, have her try out those on the very long list, and pick one.

 

[rugergunner]

Take her and let her pick it out. Do not pick your wife's gun out.

This is good advice.

 

[Lish]

I'd take her to a range that rents and let her try things out. It ABSOLUTELY needs to be her choice. If she liked the Shield, but felt it was small and punchy, maybe she'd like to try out a M&Pc - slightly bigger may feel better for her. Or maybe she'll like.... (a whole bunch of choices could fill in that space).

 

[MrsHB]

For a beginner who's learning to shoot, go with a full sized handgun in a relatively light caliber. Avoid the lightweight, subcompact models for now - they are not the best confidence builders.

I'd suggest she try out some full sized steel revolvers (I like the S&W 686, 620, and Ruger SP101) chambered for .357, and loaded with light load .38 ammunition. Revolvers are great for learning trigger control, and build confidence due to the simplicity of operation and reliability.

For semis, there are lots of good options to consider -- I'd suggest she try a Glock 17 or 19; a CZ-P01 or 75; etc. These can be great home defense weapons due to higher capacity, options for adding rail-mounted lights, accessories, etc.

Based on her current attitude, I'd be willing to bet she'll want to carry in the future, after she develops confidence in her skills.

Take her advice and start saving up some money...:smile: