revolver advice please

[MooseToo]

looking for some advice to select a carry gun for someone with small hands and poor hand strength -

prefer 2 or 3 inch barrel, .357 cal, 5 shot ok, stainless or matte finish, compact frame, and decent fixed sights - do not need rails or any other provision for add-ons -

are you aware of any brand/brands known for very light trigger pull and thumb cock ?

we do appreciate any help you might offer ! ! !

[backlash]

I would stay away from the light weight revolvers if hand strength is an issue.
My S&W mod 317 has a pretty good recoil and it shoots .38 only.
That said I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Small easy to carry in my pocket holster and it will get the job done if needed.

[MooseToo]

I would stay away from the light weight revolvers if hand strength is an issue.
My S&W mod 317 has a pretty good recoil and it shoots .38 only.
That said I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Small easy to carry in my pocket holster and it will get the job done if needed.

thanks - she's leaning toward .357 but would not rule out .38 - how's your smith insofar as thumb-cocking is concerned ?

[DM]

You can always shoot 38's in a 357, but you can't shoot 357's in a 38!

DM

[LeatherneckPA]

My off-duty, deep-concealed carry weapon is a Ruger SP101 (5 shot, .357) in brushed stainless. It does NOT have a light trigger pull, but that can be re-worked. A better solution than a light trigger pull is range practice to build up the hand strength.

Definitely practice with light target loads in .38 and be VERY good with them before trying full blown .357's.

[backlash]

thanks - she's leaning toward .357 but would not rule out .38 - how's your smith insofar as thumb-cocking is concerned ?
I have never paid any attention to cocking the hammer. Don't think it's very hard.
Go to the gun store and try a few.
Maybe even go to one with a range and rent different guns to see what she likes.
AS DM said you can shoot .38s in a .357 but not the other way around.
Mine will shoot .38+P
Have you ruled out the small autos?

[MooseToo]

I have never paid any attention to cocking the hammer. Don't think it's very hard.

Have you ruled out the small autos?

i don't think it's very hard either - however ...............(you know the rest) -

small auto - there's the problem with ability to rack the slide - plus a certain loss of simplicity -

i know i can take a revolver to a smith and have the cocking force reduced - but then you take a chance with probability for mis-fire - that's why i was asking about which brands are inherently easy to cock right out of the box -

[Clem]

Small and light, and .357 don’t go together. In a steel J frame S&W Model 60, the recoil from even moderate .357 loads is, shall we say vigorous. Not something for someone new to handguns. But .357s can be loaded with much milder .38 stuff and the guns go from being a nasty thing that will bite your hand to a pussy cat.

If you want to get a small revo in .38 or .357, fine, but consider getting a nearly identical .22 as a training gun. Not only is it much cheaper to shoot, but it would be a good training device to learn handgunning before learning bad habits that have to be undone later.

[sinzitu]

My off-duty, deep-concealed carry weapon is a Ruger SP101 (5 shot, .357) in brushed stainless. It does NOT have a light trigger pull, but that can be re-worked. A better solution than a light trigger pull is range practice to build up the hand strength.

Definitely practice with light target loads in .38 and be VERY good with them before trying full blown .357's.

I'd 2nd the vote for the SP101. Get a Wolff spring kit (~$20 or less) and the DA will be smoother and lighter.

I would suggest going to a range to rent various models to see what works best. Just remember most any revolver can have action work done to smooth things out.

[rice paddy daddy]

I only have personal experience with two - my Taurus 605 357 mag, and my wife's Charter Arms 38 DAO (double action only). Both are 5 shot, 2" barrels.
My 605 has a terrible trigger, and when shooting Remington 125 grain JSP (a full house load) actually stings the hand, even with the rubber grips.:D
My wife is not all that strong, but is able to fire her 38 ok. The hammer is bobbed (AKA hammerless) so thumb cocking is not an option.
I would suggest that before buying you visit a gun shop (or 2) and ask if you can dry fire several makes.

[jim]

Third vote for the SP101 in .357. Very strong gun for it's size, and it can handle the hot loads better than my hand can. I wish it had S&W sytle adjustable sights, then it would be perfect.

[MooseToo]

I'd 2nd the vote for the SP101. Get a Wolff spring kit (~$20 or less) and the DA will be smoother and lighter.

I would suggest going to a range to rent various models to see what works best. Just remember most any revolver can have action work done to smooth things out.

we have tried a .357 rossi and a .357 colt - the action in the colt required FAR less effort - BUT, i don't know if the colt had been modified - this is why i'm asking if some brands have a reputation for being "easier" right out of the box -

i would imagine going to lighter springs might induce mis-fire problems - am i correct about that ?

thanks, guys - for all your advice -

[recoilless_57mm]

It is my opinion that you can't beat a wheel gun (revolver) for straight forward, simple & reliable. Any semi auto will be more complicated in the long run.

Caliber: I am with most of the posters here. I would use a .38 standard loads. The recoil is light. The control with a revolver is as good as you practice. I would definately go with a hammered double action such as the detective special or cheif special. Both are nice revolvers that have nice trigger pulls. I don't see a 357 cal suited for the purpose originally laid forth. It give you flexability but to what end. If you have ever been shot you can understand that a .38 will detur all but a very few assailants. Practice will take care of the ballance.

Charlie

[Lanark_Sixgunner]

looking for some advice to select a carry gun for someone with small hands and poor hand strength -

prefer 2 or 3 inch barrel, .357 cal, 5 shot ok, stainless or matte finish, compact frame, and decent fixed sights - do not need rails or any other provision for add-ons -

are you aware of any brand/brands known for very light trigger pull and thumb cock ?

we do appreciate any help you might offer ! ! !


Small hands, poor strength? Forget the .357.... think 38. Also very light trigger pulls and the ability to thumb cock are good only on the range. If she had to shoot in self-defence the wounded (or dead for that matter) attackers lawyer will have you crucified for the easy trigger and thumb cocked gun, will knock you for negligence or whatever. Pick up Massad Ayoobs book, In The Gravest Extreme, and get her to read it before even thinking of letting her carry a gun. Think of a small auto, not really that hard to use, way better trigger without the same look as a light trigger revolver. Just my 2 cents..

Here's that book I spoke of:

http://ayoob.com/cgi-bin/miva?Merchant2/merchant.mv+Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=Ayoob&Category_Code=AMAB


- Shawn

[gunsmoke]

Your question specifically about the hammer draw weight/force spurs me to direct your attention to CHARTER ARMS REVOLVERS.

http://www.charterfirearms.com/

The Charter revolver design uses a kind of ball-bearing engagement (more accurately a ball and socket joint similar to a hip or shoulder but of the same effect) between the Mainspring Guide Rod and the Hammer. This makes for a smoth and easy and SEEMINGLY lighter draw force for the hammer.

That having been said Charter has had a checkered history, I'd recommend confining your consideration to current production models. Their single action trigger pull often can use some work, a competent gunsmith with a fine india stone can make short work of crisping up the single action pull.

Finally regarding your concerns about recoil, please check out Pachmayer "COMPAC" rubber grips. They are more hand filling and provide for a surer grip than the usual small frame double action factory grips as well as providing for a modest amount of recoil absorbtion.

http://www.pachmayr.com/compac-grips.php

Your wife is going to have to find out what fits her best for herself by trying a variety of guns. Be patient and listen to her. It will all go a lot quicker and end up a lot better if you do.

[Stinger]

Moosetwo, Here's my own (very gentle) wife's EDC pistol:

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/9549/josnewrugerrc1.jpg

It's a 357 Magnum Ruger SP-101 with a 3" barrel and hammer spur. (The hammer spur is for thumb cocking the revolver for longer shots.) I had the action worked and polished for her by one of the area's best pistolsmiths.

The grips were changed from the difficult-to-hold factory hard plastic stock to a nice soft Hogue Monogrip. This made a big difference in ease of firing and muzzle control for her. You have to be careful not to go too light with the frame weight of a small revolver. Too light and too easy to carry, can be a real bear to have to shoot straight and/or regularly practice with.

For a lightly experienced pistol shooter I'd hesitate to go shorter than a 3" barrel - Too difficult to shoot straight! I gave my wife a: high security shoulder handbag, 4 speed loaders, and a dozen snap caps along with her new revolver. I, also, ran her through her own NRA Home Firearms Safety Course, too.

Dry fire practice took her a long way toward having an easier time of things at the range. I always started her out on anemic 38 Special rounds before switching her to full house 357 Magnums; and, this has seemed to help improve her scores. What I NEVER did was say something to her like, '357 Magnum is a bear to shoot straight!' In fact I never said a word to her; I simply started her out easy, supervised her carefully, and occasionally stop a training session to let her watch me shoot and see how easy all of this really can be.

Before I let her use live ammunition I made sure that she could repeat Cooper's Four Safety Rules by wrote! Since then, never once have I seen her muzzle control be anything except 100 percent safe! In my opinion (as well as the opinions of several other pistoleros whom I greatly respect) the two best 38 Special self-defense rounds for a short barreled 357 Magnum/38 Special revolver are either: (1) the 148 grain double-ended lead wad cutter, (DEWC) or (2) the 148 grain hollow-based lead wad cutter, (HBWC).

If you can't buy any of these relatively common, but speciality, cartridges at your local gunshop then: (1) Purchase the bullets, primers, and new brass for yourself; (2) Get some fast burning powder like Alliant Bullseye; and (3) have a local reloader in your area assemble a couple of hundred rounds for you at a time. With a modest charge of relatively fast burning powder behind the bullet, either of these two bullet designs will be easy to shoot and may be counted on to hit quite well out of a shorter barreled revolver.

Good luck to you! :)






HERE (http://www.eotacforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=61248), found this for ya!

[gunsmoke]

STINGER offered some very sound advice.

I very rarely carry any of my Chiefs Specials but when I do they are either loaded with 200gr SWC handloads (for maximum penetration) or Berry's Plated HBWC reversed over Bullseye.

http://www.berrysmfg.com/product.aspx?i=14487&c=13&pp=8&sb=0&p=0

The Berrys bullets are NOT jacketed with copper they are PLATED and they are VERY SOFT. What they do to a 1 gallon water jug at 25 feet is simply medieval.

[CountryGuy]

If you can live with something other than .357 look at something that can handle a .38+P load. We are looking at the Ruger LCR for the wife. She likes the feel but I'm hoping to find a friend that has one for her to "try before we buy". I also like that they have the Crimson Trace version that would truly seem to make it a "point and click" pistol. From my own standpoint for concealed carry I like that it's light weight, no hammer to get snagged on. The trigger seems pretty smooth and doesn't seem very heavy but that can be such a personal thing try for herself. With the LCR it means the Mrs. could practice with lower power .38 ammo for practice and then load some high quality .38+P ammo for other times. I occasionally want her to shoot some of the "good stuff" so she knows what to expect in case she ever needs to fire in a stressful situation. It'll be some powerful stuff compared to practice since the LCR is light weight. That is the one concern I do have is that from the reviews I've read, when guys used to shooting lots of different guns and calibers say it can become uncomfortable after not many rounds of +P; that does give me pause to think.

If not an LCR then maybe look at some of the S&W or Taurus internal hammer snubs out of stainless to give you more weight to help tame recoil. If she's not used to shooting, and as you mention she has problems with hand strength I personally wouldn't go with a .357 mag unless it's only loaded with .38, Other wise I believe she could loose control.

These are just my thoughts but keep in mind it needs to be your wifes choice. If you can take her to a gun show where there are many differnent models than you will probably find at any single gun shop, you can cover a lot of ground quickly. This way there will be many guns she can handle and see what feels good in her hands. This should help narrow down what to look at more seriously. Though you can also many times add some good rubberized grips and totally change the feel not to mention improve and help with her grip and control. That's what we are planning to do for our next local show.

[MooseToo]

again, guys - permit me to thank you all for the input - you've provided me with a whole lot of new ways (at least new to me) to approach the situation -

[sinzitu]

MooseToo - Stinger's information is well worth reading. Especially gun safety. It is key.

You had asked about factory triggers; out of the box S&W revolvers tend to have better triggers. However, even they can be made better.

I wouldn't worry much about light strikes with just the addition of a wolff spring kit or something comparable. With the Rugers (and I belive 1 other manufacturer but I can't remember which) you need to be sure if you have a Gunsmith bob the hammer (remvoe the spur) that there is enough mass in the hammer to be able to strike the primers with enough force. Factory DAO/spurless hammers are fine. Though I suspect from your OP that you'd keep the spurred hammer.

As Stinger mnetioned different grips can make a huge difference in comfort AND control.

I too would go with a 3" barrel. You didn't mention if this would be for around the home use, concealed carry, or maybe both. barrel length typically isn't the biggest factor in concealability. However grips can be.

Let us know what you decide. Hopefully this has been helpful.

Take care.

[gunsmoke]

http://www.customprojectile.com/38357-Manstopper_p_43.html

Just remembered this option for handloaders and the .38 or .357 similar concept to the HBWC loaded reveresed and its available in both 110 gr and 158gr, the 110 offers max velocity and minimal recoil, the 158 offers you penetration which is critical in a medium bore (9mm/.38/.357) defensive handgun as the FBI analysis and reaction to the FL shooting incident showed.

These folks also have interesting bullets in other calibers as well and handloading data at their site.

[NowKnowYe]

Backlash-
I had the S & W 317 too but it was an 8-shot .22LR.

NKY

[Michigan Steve]

I have a Ruger LCR .38 revolver with the lasergrip sights, it has a pretty light trigger pull. I like it for concealment so the small size and 1-7/8" barrel are for up close self-defense out to 6-7 yards. It weighs 13 ounces empty around 1 pound loaded.

I found this chart a help in finding a load I was comfortable with
http://www.snubnose.info/docs/snubby_ballistics.htm

[doxie3]

FYI: Take it from someone who knows. Purchase a handgun that your wife wants and not one that you think is best for her. I started with a S&W 60 - 3" barrel. She liked shooting it but it was to heavy to carry in her handbag. So I decided she would like the Ruger LCP, and she did, however she had trouble working the slide. Then I left her decide and she purchased a S&W 637, 1 7/8" with laser sights. She carries in her handbag and complains about the weight. But she carries at least in the winter.

If she is not going to carry then the longer barrel will be best. I think a 4" barrel is a good choice in a revolver. The revolver is simpler for someone to work and understand and if it fails to fire, jams etc. you just pull the trigger and the next round is ready to fire.

[CB54BS]

My wife has small hands and arthritis and loves her S&W Model 60LS. It's a 5 shot .357/38special. She practices .38 spec and carries .357 for SD.

CB

[reb]

Moose, my 80 year old father could not pull the trigger on an SP 101 double action, and was not inclined to bother with single action. I put in a Wolff spring kit for him, which dropped the double action pull down to where both he and Mother could use it. Putting springs in an SP 101 is easy for anyone with minor mechanical skills who will pay attention.

After all of this, he insisted on keeping his Ruger Mark II .22 auto by his chair. They had some home invasions relatively near (urban area). He claimed if someone broke in his door, 9 rounds of .22 would be enough to dissuade them. When I read 'The Armed Citizen' in NRA pubs, I find that .22's do seem to be fight stoppers in some cases...depending on the fight.

Therefore, my advice? The person using the firearm is the biggest factor in what will work for them.

I have shot a couple rounds out of a lightweight scandium Smith .357. I will never shoot another. I have also shot some heavy loads out of a neighbor's Smith .500. Those are two firearms I do not care to ever use again. I shot silhouette with a .44 Dan Wesson for a few years, so...there is a limit to anyone's recoil tolerance. As I see the matter, the point is to injure the assailant, not the shooter. To each their own.

[NotSoFast]

My off-duty, deep-concealed carry weapon is a Ruger SP101 (5 shot, .357) in brushed stainless. It does NOT have a light trigger pull, but that can be re-worked. A better solution than a light trigger pull is range practice to build up the hand strength.

Definitely practice with light target loads in .38 and be VERY good with them before trying full blown .357's.
I agree. with all you've said. I own a Ruger SP101 and am fully satisfied with it.

One caveat. It is most accurate with 158 gr ammo. Everything else I've shot is always low. I understand the recoil raises the barrel just enough more to bring it on target. I was shooting 125 grain loads and hitting 3" low every time at 7 yards.

[headhunter]

The more weight a fire arm has the more inertia, it will usually help handle recoil better. My wife chose a 2" Smith. In the mid 70's it was only available with a chambering for the .38 spl. We then put some Herret grips (a grip she could full grasp) on it and lightened and smoothed the trigger pull on it. More recently,SHE purchased a set of Crimson laser grips for it. I got to sight it in. Her feeling was it would take a really crazed individual to keep coming once hit by that little red dot. I reckon she's right, an' it would probably work in her favor to be able to say "---and they wouldn't stop even when I put that---."
Wadcutters are an excellent way to begin and don't let her shoot without ear protection.

[jim]

i would imagine going to lighter springs might induce mis-fire problems - am i correct about that ?

thanks, guys - for all your advice -[/QUOTE]

That can happen, but I've seen plenty of modifications that were very reliable. Done correctly, a lightened trigger will cause you no problems.

Can you do hand exercises to improve your grip? That is important.
jim

[headhunter]

I'm sorry, I should have said that the Smith was the only thing available in SS and it was chambered in .38 spl. only. When you get a spring kit , the ones I've purchased are color coded (yellow, red, and blue) each having a different strength. So you switch springs to the lightest and if that doesn't work , you put in a stronger one , and if ---. If none work you go back to your original spring

[Tooldummy]

I have two .357 Magnums that both my daughters and my wife have shot when loaded with .38 Special handloads. My daughter had a Taurus .38 Special that she and I both liked very well (she traded it in for a Smith & Wesson .40 cal. She just wanted one, what can I say?) I agree with everyone on the versatality of the .38 Special. I have only shot my handloads, but it is inexpensive to shoot and can shoot from very low recoil loads to pretty hot. .357 Magnum can also be reduced to a manageable recoil and can also be loaded to the point that your hand stings when you pull the trigger. (As a side note, I have a recipe for .357 Magnum that I load to deer hunt that produces over 800 ft lbs. of energy with a mild recoil) But I really think a .38 loaded with either 125 grain or 158 grain Hornady XTP Hollow Points would take the fight right out of an intruder.

[Old_John]

If you can live with something other than .357 look at something that can handle a .38+P load. We are looking at the Ruger LCR for the wife. She likes the feel but I'm hoping to find a friend that has one for her to "try before we buy". I also like that they have the Crimson Trace version that would truly seem to make it a "point and click" pistol. From my own standpoint for concealed carry I like that it's light weight, no hammer to get snagged on. The trigger seems pretty smooth and doesn't seem very heavy but that can be such a personal thing try for herself. With the LCR it means the Mrs. could practice with lower power .38 ammo for practice and then load some high quality .38+P ammo for other times. I occasionally want her to shoot some of the "good stuff" so she knows what to expect in case she ever needs to fire in a stressful situation. It'll be some powerful stuff compared to practice since the LCR is light weight. That is the one concern I do have is that from the reviews I've read, when guys used to shooting lots of different guns and calibers say it can become uncomfortable after not many rounds of +P; that does give me pause to think.

If not an LCR then maybe look at some of the S&W or Taurus internal hammer snubs out of stainless to give you more weight to help tame recoil. If she's not used to shooting, and as you mention she has problems with hand strength I personally wouldn't go with a .357 mag unless it's only loaded with .38, Other wise I believe she could loose control.

These are just my thoughts but keep in mind it needs to be your wifes choice. If you can take her to a gun show where there are many differnent models than you will probably find at any single gun shop, you can cover a lot of ground quickly. This way there will be many guns she can handle and see what feels good in her hands. This should help narrow down what to look at more seriously. Though you can also many times add some good rubberized grips and totally change the feel not to mention improve and help with her grip and control. That's what we are planning to do for our next local show.

My EDC gun is a Ruger SP101, .357magnum. It is a handy weapon to carry.
I always shoot it double action, as it was meant to be. It takes practice to get there though. You have to build up your hand and muscle control, with the practice.

However I also carry a Ruger LCR, .38 special, when I dress up. It is a smaller, lighter, double action only revolver. It has a much lighter trigger pull than the SP101.
The LCR will handle +P but not recommended.
It would be a great ladies carry gun, with regular .38 special loads. My DSW shoots mine just fine.
But, her EDC gun is a Kel-tec, PF9, 7 shot, 9mm. It is light, flat and a double action only, semi-automatic. It is also a great little gun, with a very nice trigger. It is simple and uncomplicated, very easy for a begginer. And they sell for under $300.
Good Luck.
My DSW tucks her's in her blue jean pocket, in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster.

[Mad_Professor]

You can do 44 special in a 44 mag too

[MrGreenJeans]

My EDC gun is a Ruger SP101, .357magnum. It is a handy weapon to carry.
I always shoot it double action, as it was meant to be. It takes practice to get there though. You have to build up your hand and muscle control, with the practice.

However I also carry a Ruger LCR, .38 special, when I dress up. It is a smaller, lighter, double action only revolver. It has a much lighter trigger pull than the SP101.
The LCR will handle +P but not recommended.
It would be a great ladies carry gun, with regular .38 special loads. My DSW shoots mine just fine.
But, her EDC gun is a Kel-tec, PF9, 7 shot, 9mm. It is light, flat and a double action only, semi-automatic. It is also a great little gun, with a very nice trigger. It is simple and uncomplicated, very easy for a begginer. And they sell for under $300.
Good Luck.
My DSW tucks her's in her blue jean pocket, in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster.

Bingo on the PF-9 got one on me now and so lite ya can't even tell it's there. Good carry for me anyway.

[MYellowRose]

MOOSE TOO I want to thank you for this thread. I was about to post a similar question as I want to go for a CCW permit next year and I have arthritis in both hands & wrists and have poor hand strength. Your question and the answers are just what I needed. I'm going to write down some of the suggested weapons & take the list out to the Bass Pro Shops store here in town and see if I can decide just which gun I want to buy. Thanks so much for this thread. I asked basically the same thing a few years back and don't think I got any replies to my question. Sometimes I think some of the members here are of the opinion that I'm stupid because many of my questions never get answered.

[cinok]

Really might want to check a pawn shop or local gun shop if you have one. Big box are great if you know what you want. But sometimes a smaller store might even have an indoor range where you can try some out or even rent a few to shoot at their range.

[cinok]

You can also check with local gun clubs and ranges you would be surprised how many have new shooter programs espacailly for women.

[farmerj]

I have video of my wife shooting a taurus 85 revolver. She's pretty good with it. We settled on an EAA windicator for her eventually. just the right price for what we had to spend at the time. She picked out a .357 w/ 4" barrel.

http://www.eaacorp.com/

Did I mention you don't upset her either?

[HuntingHawk]

My female friend is 61yo & about 100lbs. Severe arthritis in both hands & both her hands have been operated on because of it.
A pistol was out of the question because she didn't have the hand strength to rack a slide.
So we went to several gun shops looking at revolvers. Finally it was an older Charter Arms Undercover 5 shot 38 that fit her hand. I knew it wouldn't take +P ammo but that wasn't my concern. There was alittle play in the cylinder but I did the lock test on it & it was fine. So we bought it for her & after the wait period picked it up & went to the range. She didn't know what to think as I cleaned the gun before shooting it. Yes, I shot it first. I lied to her telling her it was double action only. So she dry fired it about 20 times before I loaded it. She shot all five rounds at 7 yards & all shots would have stopped someone.

Wouldn't be my choice but matches her fine.

Ross

[blackpowderbill]

I started looking for a revolver to carry besides my Ruger sp101 in 38+p as it's to bulky.
And I'm not a big pistol fan.
I noticed a few manufactures offering the .327 mag. it is a 32 cal in magnum form. This little power house offers 3 different cartridges you can use. 32 S&W, 32 H&R mag and the latest 327m.
Charter Arms and Taurus offer them and they'd no doubt the be the least expensive of the manufactures. I see wholesale they are asking just below the $300.00 mark so if you can find one used in that price range snatch it up. A new retail revolver should go for a realistic $350.00.
The cartridge never caught on, but many folks use the 32 H&R mag for steel target work.

wiki has a good write up on the .327 cartridge.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.327_Federal_Magnum

I have a 32-20 Savage rifle and it is a nice light recoiling cartridge. You load it with a 85 or 95 h
Hornady XTP and it makes one nice light deer rifle cartridge,as well as a great small game stopper when loaded with cast bullets.

[nbragtop]

I recently bought my wife a Ruger SP101 .357 4inch. She is an experienced shooter and she can conceal it in the ways she likes best. It has target sights which she likes for targets. It fits her small hand great and the 4" barrel helps with the recoil using some hot .38s. The trigger was pretty stiff but about 1000 dry fires and it is smoothing out nicely. At 64 years young she likes her Ruger for a present a lot better than the roses I was thinking about.

[m. wohlwend]

the gun she is going to use. That's the lesson I learned. As a former range officer for a small dept I watched a female officer struggle to qualify with a 'man stopper' pistol her husband insisted she carry. Ya gotta be a 'man hitter' first, then worry about 'man stoppage'!

I also watched, quite painfully, in another dept as a female detective would struggle every 6 months to qualify with everthing under the sun. Autos jammed due to weak wrists. Recoil was to hard with a small .38 revolvers.

I have also seen people drop dead within feet after being struck center mass ' through the heart' with a .22.

so I would let her pick something she could hit with :)

I always said "two hits with a 9mm are better than 12 misses with a .45!"

[randallhilton]

I always said "two hits with a 9mm are better than 12 misses with a .45!"

Excellent quote but there's a catch: There are no misses - just unintended hits. Those 12 errant .45 rounds will stop somewhere, you can only hope they're in a safe place when they do.

[cinok]

Wife went shooting with a girlfriend this weekend. Her freind bought her dirty Harry 44 model29 44 magnum. She think it was an 8in barrel she loved it.

[m. wohlwend]

Excellent quote but there's a catch: There are no misses - just unintended hits. Those 12 errant .45 rounds will stop somewhere, you can only hope they're in a safe place when they do.

So true! :)