That does make it more challenging. Any close friends with any to borrow? It really does make a big difference and help to try before you buy even if it takes a drive to do so. Closest one to me is about 1.5hr drive but was worth every mile.
Opinion on semi auto pistol for women
- Thread starter hesse
- Start date
Help Support Long Range Hunting Forum
Orange Dust
Well-Known Member
I have a Smith M&P Compact with a ported barrel. recoil is closer to a .380 than a compact 9. That being said, a larger gun is easier to both control and hit with.
I've sold a few Sig P938's to ladies looking for a comfortable, easy to shoot CC and personal defense handgun. They've all seemed to like them. It's just a little bigger than the P238 and the models with the rubber grip are much more comfortable.
mongo4567
Well-Known Member
I have quite a few and take friends out to try a lot of options. I'm a big fan of the Shield 9mm or a Jframe 38 special.
Rick Richard
Well-Known Member
Sig P365. I like the XL version. My 12 year old granddaughter has no problem shooting it.
Jon Bischof
Well-Known Member
Due to work I have shot and helped men and women learn to shoot all kinds of small "pocket" pistols way back to when the Seecamp 32 came out. It is unavoidable to have more felt recoil the lighter and smaller the pistol is. Newton has not been wiped from history for some new day evil claim. If you have it available to use, or go to a rental shop if not. FOR ME THE KEY IS NEVER ALLOW THE PEANUT GALLARY OR YOURSELF TO SAY ONE WORD OF OPINION!! In the last five years to so I just take a handful of handguns with the prospective new owner. First they eliminate a few right away for fit, comfort, weight, both in hand and how they will carry it. On the range they eliminate a few more then even go back to what they initially eliminated. Not one has wanted a 9mm over a 380 after shooting similar sized pistols. Most in experience seems to go with a standard P365 size in 9/380 for shooting. For real carry every day the Micro 380's (LCP size) win even though the recoil is sharp.
PopNFresh
Well-Known Member
I'd want something bigger than a pistol, women are usually pretty angry and determined when they charge
My wife would rather shoot the G19, P220, or 1911 over any of the small ones. She also likes her .38 snubby with a larger grip. I had to go back and read the OP. I was originally thinking of concealed carry.
I like the Glock 43x and just bought my son one. He already has the 19. I'm a 45acp guy so I have a 30 Gen 4. My wife shoots a Springfield XDS 9 but also prefers the Glock. They are the AK 47 of the pistol world.
BillLarson
Well-Known Member
first.... have her attend a class on c.c..... then listen to what instructor recommends.....
My wife has two conceal carry handguns. A J frame .38 special and last Christmas I bought her a S&W .380 EZ. She can rack the slide on it, and it shoots pretty accurate. It has very low felt recoil. She can't rack the slide on most other pistols, so she would not even consider one.
Have her try a Glock 19. The slightly larger frame and longer barrel make it fairly smooth. My wife shoots one lights out but carries a S&W 340 PD. Shoots the 38s. She is VERY good with a pistol.
IME, a striker fire or revolver are a best fit for shooters who might not be able to practice enough to "operate" a 1911 style pistol.
IME, a striker fire or revolver are a best fit for shooters who might not be able to practice enough to "operate" a 1911 style pistol.
Last edited:
FireFlyFishing
Well-Known Member
I agree. It's hard to beat a 19. They're even better when you put some money into them.
I carried a Kimber 3" 1911 in .45. Now there was some muzzle flip. I carry my modded out 19 now and never looked back. I can conceal it very well with relaxed summer clothes easily.
I'm sniffing around for a sub compact and all that have been mentioned are what I'm looking at too. Really considering the 43x.…Or the shield plus…or one of the p365s…decisions, decisions. Wish I could afford to just buy them all.
Do some research on YouTube. I've seen some gals that do vids on what and how they carry. If tighter fitting clothes are involved, concealment is obviously tougher and leads you towards very small pistols. Carrying on her person is always better than in the purse, backpack, etc.
Will this be her first gun?
