My wife is getting her CWP and I want to get her a nice compact light revolver. Any suggestions are appreciated. Happy new year to all.
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Sidearms & Scatterguns Quality small revolver for a woman?
- Thread starter david777
- Start date
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
Smith model 36's are nice if you want used. Their newer models are offered in
hammerless.
Smith model 36's are nice if you want used. Their newer models are offered in
hammerless.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
When you say "light" I have in my head the airweight S&W's or lighter. Those can kick a bit, even with .38Spcl. Now put in a .38+p or .357 if the weapon is capable, and yowzer!! I would strongly suggest you have her shoot one prior to buying to make sure she'll continue shooting it.
If I were to carry a snub-nose I'd personally carry an all steel gun. 1) I'll actually practice with it since it isn't so bad to shoot. 2) It's more controllable if/when it's needed.
If lightweight is the must-have for you, I would offer that you get some grips that will help control the firearm better such as Hogue rubber grips, etc. The one downside functionally of the larger grips, is, it'll print more through clothing, etc. So, what you gain in control you've lost in physical size.
A friend of mine has a steel snub S&W with Hogue grip on it. It is nearly as big as his Glock 23 when you put one on top of the other on their sides.
I'm personally a fan of the hammerless S&W models such as the 442/642/340. Install an Apex spring kit to help the horribly heavy factory trigger, and you'd be set. I do not have experience with the Ruger snub wheelguns. I used to have a Colt Detective Special years ago, a 6-shot all steel snubbie that was really nice.
Best of luck!!! Get her out practicing!!!
-G45
When you say "light" I have in my head the airweight S&W's or lighter. Those can kick a bit, even with .38Spcl. Now put in a .38+p or .357 if the weapon is capable, and yowzer!! I would strongly suggest you have her shoot one prior to buying to make sure she'll continue shooting it.
If I were to carry a snub-nose I'd personally carry an all steel gun. 1) I'll actually practice with it since it isn't so bad to shoot. 2) It's more controllable if/when it's needed.
If lightweight is the must-have for you, I would offer that you get some grips that will help control the firearm better such as Hogue rubber grips, etc. The one downside functionally of the larger grips, is, it'll print more through clothing, etc. So, what you gain in control you've lost in physical size.
A friend of mine has a steel snub S&W with Hogue grip on it. It is nearly as big as his Glock 23 when you put one on top of the other on their sides.
I'm personally a fan of the hammerless S&W models such as the 442/642/340. Install an Apex spring kit to help the horribly heavy factory trigger, and you'd be set. I do not have experience with the Ruger snub wheelguns. I used to have a Colt Detective Special years ago, a 6-shot all steel snubbie that was really nice.
Best of luck!!! Get her out practicing!!!
-G45
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
Light carries lightly, but the recoil tends to be a bear. You might be better off with a traditional round butt K-frame S&W and low recoil loads, rather than something made out of Unobtanium.
Light carries lightly, but the recoil tends to be a bear. You might be better off with a traditional round butt K-frame S&W and low recoil loads, rather than something made out of Unobtanium.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
I have to agree with Glock 45....
All too often I see guys at my range pick up small super lightweight revolvers for their wife/girlfriend. Then they take them out to the range to shoot it and one of two things usually happens.
1) She is a new shooter so after shooting that little revolver that kicks like a mule she never shoots again so now its solely your hobby and you don't have her supporting your gun purchases anymore....
2) She still likes to shoot but she never shoots the thing and does not carry it making it's light weight totally pointless as it sits on the night stand.
As Glock45 said have her shoot some different ones if you can and see if she even likes shooting any of them. For women I've been pointing everyone to small 9mm autos such as the Kahr CW9, Walther PPS or even a Glock 26 as there are many options for women to be able to conceal them. If all else fails look into a small .380 such as a PPK since they are easy to shoot and a .380 she'll actually shoot and carry is better then a scandium frame J-Frame that she leaves at home.
I have to agree with Glock 45....
All too often I see guys at my range pick up small super lightweight revolvers for their wife/girlfriend. Then they take them out to the range to shoot it and one of two things usually happens.
1) She is a new shooter so after shooting that little revolver that kicks like a mule she never shoots again so now its solely your hobby and you don't have her supporting your gun purchases anymore....
2) She still likes to shoot but she never shoots the thing and does not carry it making it's light weight totally pointless as it sits on the night stand.
As Glock45 said have her shoot some different ones if you can and see if she even likes shooting any of them. For women I've been pointing everyone to small 9mm autos such as the Kahr CW9, Walther PPS or even a Glock 26 as there are many options for women to be able to conceal them. If all else fails look into a small .380 such as a PPK since they are easy to shoot and a .380 she'll actually shoot and carry is better then a scandium frame J-Frame that she leaves at home.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: noodlz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Charter Arms Bulldog .44spl. </div></div> Worked for Berkowitz. </div></div>Actually, it didn't.
The Bulldog:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charter_Arms_Bulldog
Berkowitz:
http://crazyhorsesghost.hubpages.com/hub/David_Berkowitz_Or_Son_Of_Sam
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: noodlz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Charter Arms Bulldog .44spl. </div></div> Worked for Berkowitz. </div></div>Actually, it didn't.
The Bulldog:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charter_Arms_Bulldog
Berkowitz:
http://crazyhorsesghost.hubpages.com/hub/David_Berkowitz_Or_Son_Of_Sam
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: noodlz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Charter Arms Bulldog .44spl. </div></div> Worked for Berkowitz. </div></div>Actually, it didn't.
The Bulldog:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charter_Arms_Bulldog
Berkowitz:
http://crazyhorsesghost.hubpages.com/hub/David_Berkowitz_Or_Son_Of_Sam </div></div>
So it should have paid his parking ticket?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: noodlz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Charter Arms Bulldog .44spl. </div></div> Worked for Berkowitz. </div></div>Actually, it didn't.
The Bulldog:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charter_Arms_Bulldog
Berkowitz:
http://crazyhorsesghost.hubpages.com/hub/David_Berkowitz_Or_Son_Of_Sam </div></div>
So it should have paid his parking ticket?
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
I would look at the Ruger LCR. Small, light weight, accurate, and inexpensive.
I would look at the Ruger LCR. Small, light weight, accurate, and inexpensive.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: noodlz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So it should have paid his parking ticket? </div></div>Berkowitz was a psycho. I'm glad he got caught and it's unfortunate that he didn't get stopped sooner than he did.
I was referring to the .44spl ammo: Factory 246gr lead round nose is too slow and too soft for reliable performance in self-defense use.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: noodlz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So it should have paid his parking ticket? </div></div>Berkowitz was a psycho. I'm glad he got caught and it's unfortunate that he didn't get stopped sooner than he did.
I was referring to the .44spl ammo: Factory 246gr lead round nose is too slow and too soft for reliable performance in self-defense use.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: noodlz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So it should have paid his parking ticket? </div></div>Berkowitz was a psycho. I'm glad he got caught and it's unfortunate that he didn't get stopped sooner than he did.
I was referring to the .44spl ammo: Factory 246gr lead round nose is too slow and too soft for reliable performance in self-defense use.
</div></div>
I grew up in Stratford where they made them.Story I got from a friends father who worked there, was that they were intended for Air Marshals.Supposedly to prevent puncturing of the aircraft and preventing depressurization.Thats why they went with .44spl instead of magnum.If it's true or not I don't know.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: noodlz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So it should have paid his parking ticket? </div></div>Berkowitz was a psycho. I'm glad he got caught and it's unfortunate that he didn't get stopped sooner than he did.
I was referring to the .44spl ammo: Factory 246gr lead round nose is too slow and too soft for reliable performance in self-defense use.
</div></div>
I grew up in Stratford where they made them.Story I got from a friends father who worked there, was that they were intended for Air Marshals.Supposedly to prevent puncturing of the aircraft and preventing depressurization.Thats why they went with .44spl instead of magnum.If it's true or not I don't know.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: noodlz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: noodlz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Charter Arms Bulldog .44spl. </div></div> Worked for Berkowitz. </div></div>Actually, it didn't.
The Bulldog:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charter_Arms_Bulldog
Berkowitz:
http://crazyhorsesghost.hubpages.com/hub/David_Berkowitz_Or_Son_Of_Sam </div></div>
So it should have paid his parking ticket?
</div></div>
Noodlz, you're a bit worrisome. Been hangin' with any black labs lately?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: noodlz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: noodlz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Charter Arms Bulldog .44spl. </div></div> Worked for Berkowitz. </div></div>Actually, it didn't.
The Bulldog:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charter_Arms_Bulldog
Berkowitz:
http://crazyhorsesghost.hubpages.com/hub/David_Berkowitz_Or_Son_Of_Sam </div></div>
So it should have paid his parking ticket?
</div></div>
Noodlz, you're a bit worrisome. Been hangin' with any black labs lately?
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
SA/DA: Smith 438 or 638 with a trigger job. The shrouded hammer means a snag-free draw, but the accessible spur allows for single-action slow fire when testing loads.
DAO: The Ruger LCR has the best out-of-the-box DAO trigger I've ever shot. Good grip design and a low bore relative to the hand means it doesn't flip as bad as you'd expect for something that light...recoil is more straight back.
Personally, I think lightweight revolvers are more an experienced shooter's piece than that of a casual or new shooter. They are not easy to shoot well due to short sight radii, increased recoil and muzzle blast, and they don't "hang" on target as well as heavier firearms. If your wife is not sensitive to recoil or muzzle flash and willing and able to put in the requisite trigger time, a lightweight revolver is an acceptable primary defensive piece (and ANY gun is better than NO gun in a tight spot), but a slightly larger and heavier handgun may make shooting more enjoyable for her.
The Ruger SP101 is the finest small revolver made. It is relatively heavy, but the weight and slightly longer sight radius (with the 3 1/16" barrel) makes it comfortable to shoot and easier to get decent accuracy than any of the featherweight pieces. It is also brute strong...my wife's has over 3,000 rounds through it, most of those 357 magnums, and it has no more play than a new one.
SA/DA: Smith 438 or 638 with a trigger job. The shrouded hammer means a snag-free draw, but the accessible spur allows for single-action slow fire when testing loads.
DAO: The Ruger LCR has the best out-of-the-box DAO trigger I've ever shot. Good grip design and a low bore relative to the hand means it doesn't flip as bad as you'd expect for something that light...recoil is more straight back.
Personally, I think lightweight revolvers are more an experienced shooter's piece than that of a casual or new shooter. They are not easy to shoot well due to short sight radii, increased recoil and muzzle blast, and they don't "hang" on target as well as heavier firearms. If your wife is not sensitive to recoil or muzzle flash and willing and able to put in the requisite trigger time, a lightweight revolver is an acceptable primary defensive piece (and ANY gun is better than NO gun in a tight spot), but a slightly larger and heavier handgun may make shooting more enjoyable for her.
The Ruger SP101 is the finest small revolver made. It is relatively heavy, but the weight and slightly longer sight radius (with the 3 1/16" barrel) makes it comfortable to shoot and easier to get decent accuracy than any of the featherweight pieces. It is also brute strong...my wife's has over 3,000 rounds through it, most of those 357 magnums, and it has no more play than a new one.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
Mercy and colo hit my suggestions. We have both the lcr and sp101. My wife prefers the sp101 in part because of the added weight. She doesn't like heavy recoil. That said the lcr is the best trigger in that class IMO.
Mercy and colo hit my suggestions. We have both the lcr and sp101. My wife prefers the sp101 in part because of the added weight. She doesn't like heavy recoil. That said the lcr is the best trigger in that class IMO.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
I bought my Fiance' a 642 with powerport. The porting is not very effective. She is quite capable of shooting though not as into it/experienced as I am. I had some hanloads, with a 158xtp @ ~900fps, which I thought were pretty easy to shoot, but the cylinder latch was biting her thumb knuckle, and after 5-10 shots, ripped some skin off. She had no control of the recoil at all. Even when using a two handed grip, the gun would almost get away from her.
Then I bought some 90gr bullets, and charged them with 3gr Titegroup, for ~700fps. I also replaced tge latch with on old flat one, and smoothed out the corners. She liked it much better, but still wasn't her "bag", not to mention it was downloaded to sub-380 ballistics.
For a revolver, I think the SP101 is the smallest/lightest one out for a lot of our womenfolk. That extra mass really takes 38+p down to almost a plinking levrl of recoil. You and I may handle the 340sc with 357s in it (slight exaggeration ...those are WICKED to me, but I can "handle" them), but evidence seems to be the little 38+p wheelguns are for serious shooters.
Even my Kahr PM9 is a bit stout for my Fiance (she's 5'9", 140lbs), and the PM9 shoots easier/nicer than any other singlestack pocket 9 out there! She handles a Glock 19 no problem though...she hasn't tried a G26.
So in a nutshell...might wanna rethink that 442/642. Certainly have her try one with real-deal +p ammo and see how she does.
I bought my Fiance' a 642 with powerport. The porting is not very effective. She is quite capable of shooting though not as into it/experienced as I am. I had some hanloads, with a 158xtp @ ~900fps, which I thought were pretty easy to shoot, but the cylinder latch was biting her thumb knuckle, and after 5-10 shots, ripped some skin off. She had no control of the recoil at all. Even when using a two handed grip, the gun would almost get away from her.
Then I bought some 90gr bullets, and charged them with 3gr Titegroup, for ~700fps. I also replaced tge latch with on old flat one, and smoothed out the corners. She liked it much better, but still wasn't her "bag", not to mention it was downloaded to sub-380 ballistics.
For a revolver, I think the SP101 is the smallest/lightest one out for a lot of our womenfolk. That extra mass really takes 38+p down to almost a plinking levrl of recoil. You and I may handle the 340sc with 357s in it (slight exaggeration ...those are WICKED to me, but I can "handle" them), but evidence seems to be the little 38+p wheelguns are for serious shooters.
Even my Kahr PM9 is a bit stout for my Fiance (she's 5'9", 140lbs), and the PM9 shoots easier/nicer than any other singlestack pocket 9 out there! She handles a Glock 19 no problem though...she hasn't tried a G26.
So in a nutshell...might wanna rethink that 442/642. Certainly have her try one with real-deal +p ammo and see how she does.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
Most women that would come into my former place of employment would walk out with either a 642 airweight or a LCR. It was just dependent on the person. Some had more finger strength than others. The LCR did have a noticeable difference trigger pull (lighter) but is only noticeable if you spend some time with both pistols at the same time.
I have no personal preference between the two pistols, both good quality.
I find they both have a bit of pop to them, but depending on how may rounds you planed on putting through the pistol (i understand its a ccw) it might not be a big deal.
Most women that would come into my former place of employment would walk out with either a 642 airweight or a LCR. It was just dependent on the person. Some had more finger strength than others. The LCR did have a noticeable difference trigger pull (lighter) but is only noticeable if you spend some time with both pistols at the same time.
I have no personal preference between the two pistols, both good quality.
I find they both have a bit of pop to them, but depending on how may rounds you planed on putting through the pistol (i understand its a ccw) it might not be a big deal.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
I .notice one thing in this thread, a lot of consistent advice to see how SOs fare with balls-to-the-walls wrist-killing loads. Why? Lighter loads are still effective and more controllable.
I .notice one thing in this thread, a lot of consistent advice to see how SOs fare with balls-to-the-walls wrist-killing loads. Why? Lighter loads are still effective and more controllable.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
my wife shoots a taurus 85 liteweight. with lite handloads its a great gun to shoot the she carries it with hornady critical defence
my wife shoots a taurus 85 liteweight. with lite handloads its a great gun to shoot the she carries it with hornady critical defence
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aloreman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">my wife shoots a taurus 85 liteweight. with lite handloads its a great gun to shoot the she carries it with hornady critical defence </div></div>My girlfriend got the same Taurus Ultra-Lite m85 (non +P).
Mom spent a little more and got the Smith 642 (+P) Airweight w/ shrouded hammer and Crimson Trace grips
They both really like their guns and shoot the Critical Defense ammo
Mom is tiny, maybe 5'2" and has little hands. The Smith fits her well.
The Taurus fits in my girlfriends hands better, she is 5'9" but can shoot both well.
I struggle a little shooting Mom's gun, 6'2" with fairly large hands. The Taurus fits me better.
I like my 357 LCR with the Hogue grip for my small carry gun. Grip is closer in size to the Taurus but not as long.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aloreman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">my wife shoots a taurus 85 liteweight. with lite handloads its a great gun to shoot the she carries it with hornady critical defence </div></div>My girlfriend got the same Taurus Ultra-Lite m85 (non +P).
Mom spent a little more and got the Smith 642 (+P) Airweight w/ shrouded hammer and Crimson Trace grips
They both really like their guns and shoot the Critical Defense ammo
Mom is tiny, maybe 5'2" and has little hands. The Smith fits her well.
The Taurus fits in my girlfriends hands better, she is 5'9" but can shoot both well.
I struggle a little shooting Mom's gun, 6'2" with fairly large hands. The Taurus fits me better.
I like my 357 LCR with the Hogue grip for my small carry gun. Grip is closer in size to the Taurus but not as long.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
I would carry a .44 Special 5-shot revolver over a 5-shot .38 Special . .44 Special has knock-down power comparable to a .45 ACP , without having a heavy recoil . I would arrange for her to try several different calibers before purchasing . The Charter Arms .44 turns up used sometimes in $200-300 range ... The S&W Model 38 Airweight Bodyguard and steel-framed Mod. 49 have shrouded hammers - less likely to snag on the draw . I think they are made in .357 Magnum now , but .38 Spec+P loads are generally better for self-defense purposes ... Ruger revolvers are probably the strongest and best buy for the money ...
I would carry a .44 Special 5-shot revolver over a 5-shot .38 Special . .44 Special has knock-down power comparable to a .45 ACP , without having a heavy recoil . I would arrange for her to try several different calibers before purchasing . The Charter Arms .44 turns up used sometimes in $200-300 range ... The S&W Model 38 Airweight Bodyguard and steel-framed Mod. 49 have shrouded hammers - less likely to snag on the draw . I think they are made in .357 Magnum now , but .38 Spec+P loads are generally better for self-defense purposes ... Ruger revolvers are probably the strongest and best buy for the money ...
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
my wife is 5'2" and 115lbs and doesnt seem to mind the +p ammo. she puts over 100 rounds thru her taurus at the range and usually 200 thru her skeeter
my wife is 5'2" and 115lbs and doesnt seem to mind the +p ammo. she puts over 100 rounds thru her taurus at the range and usually 200 thru her skeeter
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
I bought my Wife a Taurus M85 in .38 special and made the mistake of taking her shooting and brought my pet Taurus M-441 heavy barrel in .44 special , Shes a petite 5'4" Redhead:
oh well I did get a good price for the .38
<span style="font-weight: bold">Take her to a rent a range to test guns you never know.</span>
I bought my Wife a Taurus M85 in .38 special and made the mistake of taking her shooting and brought my pet Taurus M-441 heavy barrel in .44 special , Shes a petite 5'4" Redhead:
oh well I did get a good price for the .38
<span style="font-weight: bold">Take her to a rent a range to test guns you never know.</span>
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aloreman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">my wife is 5'2" and 115lbs and doesnt seem to mind the +p ammo. she puts over 100 rounds thru her taurus at the range and usually 200 thru her skeeter </div></div>I don't think the m85 is +P rated. Maybe I'm thinking the wrong model but my girlfriends is not.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aloreman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">my wife is 5'2" and 115lbs and doesnt seem to mind the +p ammo. she puts over 100 rounds thru her taurus at the range and usually 200 thru her skeeter </div></div>I don't think the m85 is +P rated. Maybe I'm thinking the wrong model but my girlfriends is not.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
A quality .38 Special gun should be able to handle +P on a limited basis . Train with .38 Special , carry + P for defensive purposes ...
A quality .38 Special gun should be able to handle +P on a limited basis . Train with .38 Special , carry + P for defensive purposes ...
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
I have a friend who wants his wife to get her permit. He asked me what I thought about a snub nose for his wife. I asked why he didn't carry one. Don't be so quick to pick for the woman/women in your life. Let them shoot everything and get them the one they like if you want them to do more than toss it in a drawer or a handbag and forget about it.
I have a friend who wants his wife to get her permit. He asked me what I thought about a snub nose for his wife. I asked why he didn't carry one. Don't be so quick to pick for the woman/women in your life. Let them shoot everything and get them the one they like if you want them to do more than toss it in a drawer or a handbag and forget about it.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
I worked in a gunshop years ago . One thing about women is that they like guns for appearance - not necessarily quality or efficiency . Smith and Wesson had their 'Ladysmith' line , to appeal to female shooters . Women seem to like shiny guns , especially when they have ivory or mother- of-pearl stocks , even if fake . You could dress up a gun to increase the chances of her carrying it . It's also hard to get a woman to wear a holster - they want to carry everything their purse ...
I worked in a gunshop years ago . One thing about women is that they like guns for appearance - not necessarily quality or efficiency . Smith and Wesson had their 'Ladysmith' line , to appeal to female shooters . Women seem to like shiny guns , especially when they have ivory or mother- of-pearl stocks , even if fake . You could dress up a gun to increase the chances of her carrying it . It's also hard to get a woman to wear a holster - they want to carry everything their purse ...
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
Handload for the range . Use factory ammo for defense . Besides the possibility of error , imagine being in court after a defensive shooting . "So , you loaded those bullets for the sole purpose of killing someone ... " A hostile prosecutor could just as easy put the same spin on a customized pistol . Self-defense becomes premeditated ...
Handload for the range . Use factory ammo for defense . Besides the possibility of error , imagine being in court after a defensive shooting . "So , you loaded those bullets for the sole purpose of killing someone ... " A hostile prosecutor could just as easy put the same spin on a customized pistol . Self-defense becomes premeditated ...
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
critical defense for carry. lite hand loads for practice
critical defense for carry. lite hand loads for practice
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dragoon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Handload for the range . Use factory ammo for defense . Besides the possibility of error , imagine being in court after a defensive shooting . "So , you loaded those bullets for the sole purpose of killing someone ... " A hostile prosecutor could just as easy put the same spin on a customized pistol . Self-defense becomes premeditated ... </div></div>
If you're ever prosecuted in a self-defense scenario, you're fucked.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dragoon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Handload for the range . Use factory ammo for defense . Besides the possibility of error , imagine being in court after a defensive shooting . "So , you loaded those bullets for the sole purpose of killing someone ... " A hostile prosecutor could just as easy put the same spin on a customized pistol . Self-defense becomes premeditated ... </div></div>
If you're ever prosecuted in a self-defense scenario, you're fucked.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
Thanks for all the responses. She already has a small Beretta semi but I thought a small revolver might be more appropriate. I got a chance to handle a Ruger LCR with Crimson Trace grips and it was a nice little gun, I'll check out some of the other suggestions on the weekend.
Thanks for all the responses. She already has a small Beretta semi but I thought a small revolver might be more appropriate. I got a chance to handle a Ruger LCR with Crimson Trace grips and it was a nice little gun, I'll check out some of the other suggestions on the weekend.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
My wife has the S&W 642 with Crimnson Trace lasergrip. Loves it, and is good with it!!
My wife has the S&W 642 with Crimnson Trace lasergrip. Loves it, and is good with it!!
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
LCR in 38, I have one, its small and light, I don't even notice carrying it. My wife shoots it just fine, and she generally complains allot about recoil. That said, I haven't had her shoot it with +Ps, I don't care to get a high round count of +Ps in one session, muzzle flip isn't bad really, but its like getting punched in the palm.
LCR in 38, I have one, its small and light, I don't even notice carrying it. My wife shoots it just fine, and she generally complains allot about recoil. That said, I haven't had her shoot it with +Ps, I don't care to get a high round count of +Ps in one session, muzzle flip isn't bad really, but its like getting punched in the palm.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: harley_jeff</div><div class="ubbcode-body">S&W 642 or 442 gets my vote. </div></div>
ditto. My wife carries a 442 with CT grips and loves it.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: harley_jeff</div><div class="ubbcode-body">S&W 642 or 442 gets my vote. </div></div>
ditto. My wife carries a 442 with CT grips and loves it.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
I have had much better luck teaching ladies to shoot the Smith 36 for concealed carry purposes as compared to the 642 and LCR. Yes, it is heavier but, like others above me have said, it has a much softer recoil. Something about that steel frame handles recoil much better than its aluminum alloy counterparts. The weight difference is minimal, especially when you consider that most women will carry their weapon in their purse (which already weighs a considerable amount).
We had numerous times when well intentioned husbands/boyfriends would bring a woman in with a 642CT or something similar that they had purchased for them and she would not even make it through a cylinder. However, I found that when I dug my personal Smith 36 out with a Hogue hardwood monogrip, I could get them up and running again and begin to break the nasty shot anticipation that she developed over those initial 3 or 4 rounds.
If you are considering the LCR, make sure you go to a gun shop with several of them where they will let you dry fire them. When I was in the industry, we had some problems with the LCRs not indexing if you short stroked the trigger and then went to pull it again. I have never had a Smith do that to me. This was early on in the production of the LCR when they were brand new so Ruger may have exercised that demon by now, but just something to be aware of.
If necessary, go out and buy yourself 5 .38spl snap caps and take with you to the store in case you run into a dry fire nazi behind the counter... your wife will wind up finding them useful once you make a gun purchase anyway.
I have had much better luck teaching ladies to shoot the Smith 36 for concealed carry purposes as compared to the 642 and LCR. Yes, it is heavier but, like others above me have said, it has a much softer recoil. Something about that steel frame handles recoil much better than its aluminum alloy counterparts. The weight difference is minimal, especially when you consider that most women will carry their weapon in their purse (which already weighs a considerable amount).
We had numerous times when well intentioned husbands/boyfriends would bring a woman in with a 642CT or something similar that they had purchased for them and she would not even make it through a cylinder. However, I found that when I dug my personal Smith 36 out with a Hogue hardwood monogrip, I could get them up and running again and begin to break the nasty shot anticipation that she developed over those initial 3 or 4 rounds.
If you are considering the LCR, make sure you go to a gun shop with several of them where they will let you dry fire them. When I was in the industry, we had some problems with the LCRs not indexing if you short stroked the trigger and then went to pull it again. I have never had a Smith do that to me. This was early on in the production of the LCR when they were brand new so Ruger may have exercised that demon by now, but just something to be aware of.
If necessary, go out and buy yourself 5 .38spl snap caps and take with you to the store in case you run into a dry fire nazi behind the counter... your wife will wind up finding them useful once you make a gun purchase anyway.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aloreman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">smith and wesson airwieght or a taurus liteweight </div></div>
I got one of the taurus light weight models and the hammer started eating away my block pretty quick, I upgraded to a 605 .357 2" and it shoots pretty good. Triggers aren't as nice as the smiths come stock, but they aren't hard to slick up either.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aloreman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">smith and wesson airwieght or a taurus liteweight </div></div>
I got one of the taurus light weight models and the hammer started eating away my block pretty quick, I upgraded to a 605 .357 2" and it shoots pretty good. Triggers aren't as nice as the smiths come stock, but they aren't hard to slick up either.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
Stay away from airweight unless she can take more recoil.My 442 with +Ps is unpleasant for me. Model 60 stainless with Buffalo bore SWC is what my wife likes and it drives tacks.
Stay away from airweight unless she can take more recoil.My 442 with +Ps is unpleasant for me. Model 60 stainless with Buffalo bore SWC is what my wife likes and it drives tacks.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
How about a 2-1/2" S&W Mod. 19. (1)Got a little heft for the recoil. (2)Still relatively small. (3) 6 shot. (4)Can be found relatively inexpensive ($500+/-). (5)Can shoot .38 spc., +P and .357 magnum. (6) Good grip size for a woman. (7)Still heavy enough to put a good old fashion pistol whippin' on some a**hole if she runs out of bullets. Just a thought......
How about a 2-1/2" S&W Mod. 19. (1)Got a little heft for the recoil. (2)Still relatively small. (3) 6 shot. (4)Can be found relatively inexpensive ($500+/-). (5)Can shoot .38 spc., +P and .357 magnum. (6) Good grip size for a woman. (7)Still heavy enough to put a good old fashion pistol whippin' on some a**hole if she runs out of bullets. Just a thought......
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
+1 for Ruger SP101, I have one and I bought my fiancee one. Shoot them with 38 +P even though they are a 357. Very nice gun, you can get a set of lighter springs to ease the trigger pull up.
+1 for Ruger SP101, I have one and I bought my fiancee one. Shoot them with 38 +P even though they are a 357. Very nice gun, you can get a set of lighter springs to ease the trigger pull up.
Re: Quality small revolver for a woman?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: COLOSHOOTR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have to agree with Glock 45....
All too often I see guys at my range pick up small super lightweight revolvers for their wife/girlfriend. Then they take them out to the range to shoot it and one of two things usually happens.
1) She is a new shooter so after shooting that little revolver that kicks like a mule she never shoots again so now its solely your hobby and you don't have her supporting your gun purchases anymore....
2) She still likes to shoot but she never shoots the thing and does not carry it making it's light weight totally pointless as it sits on the night stand.
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What he said. Take her to the range, rent some pistolas, and let her decide what she likes. Grip angle, trigger pull, weight, perceived recoil, safety operation...each of these and more can make a person like, or not like, a particular gun.
I thought my wife would want a little 38 snubby when I first introduced her to shooting. Turns out that she hates everything about revolvers. Her first gun was a bersa thunder .380 and now she shoots (and carries) an HK USP. Most importantly, she loves shooting. But if I had simply handed her a revolver and said, "here's your gun" it would be sitting there gathering dust. (Although I would save a lot on ammo)
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: COLOSHOOTR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have to agree with Glock 45....
All too often I see guys at my range pick up small super lightweight revolvers for their wife/girlfriend. Then they take them out to the range to shoot it and one of two things usually happens.
1) She is a new shooter so after shooting that little revolver that kicks like a mule she never shoots again so now its solely your hobby and you don't have her supporting your gun purchases anymore....
2) She still likes to shoot but she never shoots the thing and does not carry it making it's light weight totally pointless as it sits on the night stand.
</div></div>
What he said. Take her to the range, rent some pistolas, and let her decide what she likes. Grip angle, trigger pull, weight, perceived recoil, safety operation...each of these and more can make a person like, or not like, a particular gun.
I thought my wife would want a little 38 snubby when I first introduced her to shooting. Turns out that she hates everything about revolvers. Her first gun was a bersa thunder .380 and now she shoots (and carries) an HK USP. Most importantly, she loves shooting. But if I had simply handed her a revolver and said, "here's your gun" it would be sitting there gathering dust. (Although I would save a lot on ammo)
