Wife wants a pistol-Suggestions

[rangerjd]

My wife has decided she wants a pistol. Understand she grew up being told guns are evil and the only thing she knows about them is that I carry one. I Carry a 1911 and sometimes a Glock 26, but I'm looking for something that she would feel safe firing. The 1911 is too big and I'm not a fan of the trigger safety on the Glock, especially for a new shooter. I was thinking perhaps a small 38 revolver. I haven't been shopping for a pistol in years so I'm not sure what is out there. I was at the PX on Ft Lewis this week just looking at the guns, but I thought I would put the question up for discussion for some people who would know more than me. I'm going to enroll her in a firearms class they have up here for women. I would like to give her the pistol prior to the class so she can take it with her and learn to fire it. She stands 5'8", weighs about 140 and is very active, very healthy. She lifts weights so she has a fairly decent grip, but she doesn't like a big recoil. I don't want to spend an arm and a leg. She is a teacher so she won't be able to carry it at work, but we do a ton a trail riding with horses and hiking, and sometimes she goes out without me. She wants something she can carry when I'm not there.

[RangerX]

Go to a rental range. Work your way up the caliber scale until you find the biggest caliber she is comfortable with.

Once you have that, try out revolvers, single action semi autos and double action semi autos. Look to see what she gets consistent hits with.

Revolvers tend to be better when fired SA style, but that is not what you do in a SHTF situation. Revolvers that are smooth and accurate in DA mode tend to be a good bit pricier. You also need to take in to account carry style, e.g. on her person or in a bag. If in a bag, go hammerless.

For semi autos, take in to consideration whether you want a hammer or striker fired system. Hammer gives you more flexibility on DA/SA, carry conditions, etc. Striker you are pretty much in Condition One or Condition Three.

If this is a defensive gun, really focus on shooting under duress. Like get a timer, get her used to shooting against the clock, then goose her real good (or something equally distracting) right after the buzzer goes off to throw her off her rhythm.

[cams]

viewtopic.php?f=40&t=62979

Here's a thread with several suggestions on the same topic. Your permissions should allow you access to it while still filtering out non-members. (BOTYR)

[KW Driver]

And if you're around Lewis, try the Marksman as a rental range, if they're still running.

[rangertough]

Federal Way Discount Guns also is a great place to shop and test drive.

[rangerjd]

And if you're around Lewis, try the Marksman as a rental range, if they're still running.

I worked just 5 minutes from the Marksman in Puyallup and it is a very good indoor range. My son and I when he is not deployed meet there occasionally to shoot. They are also very military and LE friendly with a 10% discount.

[rangerjd]

Federal Way Discount Guns also is a great place to shop and test drive.

Never heard of it, but I'll have to check it out. I've been to Sportsman's Warehouse in Federal Way. They have a nice selection and a 10% Military discount.

[rangerjd]

Thanks for all the advice so far. I've been selected for Jury duty so I've been kind of out of the net so far this week. I hope this doesn't last too long and so I can get back to life as usual.

[rangertough]

Federal Way Discount Guns also is a great place to shop and test drive.

Never heard of it, but I'll have to check it out. I've been to Sportsman's Warehouse in Federal Way. They have a nice selection and a 10% Military discount.

Sportsman's is a decent place to buy. FedWay Discount is where I shoot pistol they have a boat load of rental guns. I'm partial to the M&P compact (my wife loves it) in 9mm.

[cams]

Did you decide on anything yet?

[rangerjd]

We are still looking. She been married to me for over 20 years and she still has a phobia of guns. Her mom is completely anti-gun, she likes the fact that I carry, she just gets a little nervous around guns. She'll talk about it for a couple of weeks and then when the time comes she draws back. I'm just trying to take it slow and easy with her.
You should have seen her face when she learned I sleep with a knife and a gun. hahaha She gotten a lot better since then.

[Jim]

The fact that you have been married for so long is reassuring. hopefully she will come around soon and be comfortably armed.