Handgun Ideas for my Mom

[RipkinC]

Ok, so mom really wants something now and is starting to take action (finally after 10+yr talking about it)
(Hint: Women's input here would be very handy)
She plans on going (with me) to a place like continental to rent a few that feel good in her hand etc to see what she shoots best with. What I am wondering is any direction I should point her into, She is a med-build 5,7" woman and can handle a gun, but I think most things like a 2xstack 45 are a little big for her. (My sig p220 is just about as big as she feels comfortable with)
I want to help her narrow down choices before she tries 5+ guns to rent.
I was thinking something like a 9mm (semi-auto) or a 38spl (revolver) as these have enough punch without being too harsh on the shooter. and Yes... I will break her back in easy by starting out with a .22 for basics than moving up.
Also I am looking into something for my GF to get too, Shes at the opp end being 4'11 and 100lb w/ lead and soaking wet, but with her something that we both can enjoy (It will prob be mine-hers for now)
thanks

 

[joppaj]

I want to help her narrow down choices before she tries 5+ guns to rent.
I was thinking something like a 9mm (semi-auto) or a 38spl (revolver) as these have enough punch without being too harsh on the shooter.

My ex had very small hands and did well with an Sp-101 (.357) loaded with 158gr .38+p. My current GF hasn't fired my G19 yet (damn waiting period) but I expect that's where I'll start her.

 

[august1410]

Can't go wrong with a small framed S&W in .357. Something like a Model 60 with the 2 or 3 inch barrel.

I have relatively smallish hands, and the Ladysmith fits me like a glove. Has a nice finish, and a comfortable rosewood grip.

If you go semiauto, my 10 year old daughter likes the Glock 19. She shot zoostation's Glock 19 and fell in love with it. She's 5'1" and 110lbs.

 

[YellowLT]

The new FNH FNX has a thinner grip than the previous FNP. Might be worth a look.

 

[mbz300sdl]

Take a look at a Kahr in 9mm they are thin and the grips are comfortable.

If price is an issue look at there CW models

 

[SmokingGun]

I drink the Glock kool-aid 24/7, but for some reason the FN Five-Seven and a Ruger SP101 in .327 Federal Magnum come to mind....

 

[joppaj]

Ruger SP101 in .327 Federal Magnum come to mind....

Only problem here is ammo availability. I'd love to have one of these, but the ammo is still hard to get and on the pricey side.

 

[SOMDSHOOT]

S&W .50 Mag =

'Cause moms with guns are just bad ass. It's not the bullet you should worry about, it's their aim when they throw the whole gun at you.

Seriously, anything 9MM If I had of known how hard it would be to my hands on .38 / .357 I would have got the revolver in 9mm

 

[bean93x]

My ex had very small hands and did well with an Sp-101 (.357) loaded with 158gr .38+p. My current GF hasn't fired my G19 yet (damn waiting period) but I expect that's where I'll start her.

+1 on the sp101. perfect fit with the CTC lazer grips.

 

[mbz300sdl]

Only problem here is ammo availability. I'd love to have one of these, but the ammo is still hard to get and on the pricey side.

That's true I didn't think of it earlier but find a used SP-101 in 9mm.

 

[Ethan83]

My mom just put a S&W model 60 on order. 3" barrel. That or an SP101 would do very nicely. If she has bigger hands, have her try out a 686 or GP100. Have her stick to .38s if she goes with a smaller frame.

 

[hvymax]

+1 on the sp101. perfect fit with the CTC lazer grips.

What he said!

 

[Threeband]

S&W M&P is very good for someone with small hands.

 

[Scottysan]

Can't go wrong with a small framed S&W in .357. Something like a Model 60 with the 2 or 3 inch barrel.

I have relatively smallish hands, and the Ladysmith fits me like a glove. Has a nice finish, and a comfortable rosewood grip.

If you go semiauto, my 10 year old daughter likes the Glock 19. She shot zoostation's Glock 19 and fell in love with it. She's 5'1" and 110lbs.

My Mother loves her Chief's Special. While my wife likes the smaller gripped 9mm's like the g19. She also likes my 12ga, not to go walking around with, but as a point-defense weapon.

 

[fivepointstar]

Why don't you wait and see what you mom likes and go from there. If she likes a revolver there's plenty to chose from!

 

[Minuteman]

Ok, I can't argue with the deluge of advice you will surely get about the benefits of a 9mm, 38, 357, or other more effective calibre firearm, but don't under estimate the advantages a .22LR offer.

 

[Markp]

Ok, so mom really wants something now and is starting to take action (finally after 10+yr talking about it)
(Hint: Women's input here would be very handy)
I want to help her narrow down choices before she tries 5+ guns to rent.
I was thinking something like a 9mm (semi-auto) or a 38spl (revolver) as these have enough punch without being too harsh on the shooter. and Yes... I will break her back in easy by starting out with a .22 for basics than moving up.
Also I am looking into something for my GF to get too, Shes at the opp end being 4'11 and 100lb w/ lead and soaking wet, but with her something that we both can enjoy (It will prob be mine-hers for now)
thanks

Suggestions:

1. SIG P6/225 - Single stack 9mm, a pleasure to shoot - doesn't like hollow points though.
2. LCR - Very concealable, powerful enough in .38, but .357 available.
3. P64 - Small, concealable, small grip. Sufficient take down power with multiple rounds, low mag capacity.
4. CZ-82 - Snappy little gun but sufficient to take down an intruder with multiple rounds.
5. LCP - .380 concealable and effective. I hate the sights though.

I picked these guns because they are all suitable for women with small hands yet adequate for self defense. I have other favorite concealed carry weapons, but they may be too large when you consider the grips.

Mark

 

[smokey]

S&W M&P is very good for someone with small hands.

+1...also the p99 with small backstrap can be one of the best guns...ever for someone with small hands. If you'd like i can meet up with you guys at a random range and you both can give my p99 a whirl to see if you like it. of course, that's assuming she'll further her training to be able to do a semi-auto failure drill without thinking about it...otherwise a s&w m60 or sp101 should be fine choices.

 

[smokey]

Suggestions:

1. SIG P6/225 - Single stack 9mm, a pleasure to shoot - doesn't like hollow points though.
2. LCR - Very concealable, powerful enough in .38, but .357 available.
3. P64 - Small, concealable, small grip. Sufficient take down power with multiple rounds, low mag capacity.
4. CZ-82 - Snappy little gun but sufficient to take down an intruder with multiple rounds.
5. LCP - .380 concealable and effective. I hate the sights though.

I picked these guns because they are all suitable for women with small hands yet adequate for self defense. I have other favorite concealed carry weapons, but they may be too large when you consider the grips.

Mark

especially if they are new shooters, a lot of those guns will be some of the most difficult to shoot well of any out there. people often give tiny guns to women and new shooters, but tiny guns have a short sight radius and are generally snappy and harder to control than a service-sized pistol like a g19, m&p-9, fnp-9 or p99. Often times when i let women that are new shooters compare the m60, sp101, and 686...they choose the 4"686 +. the bigger trigger makes it feel lighter because of mechanical advantage and the bigger frame makes shooting the .38's that much more gentle. the longer sight radius and orange front sight makes aligning them easier and they like the 7 rounds capacity over 5. Unless they're purpose is 100% concealability, small pistols and revolvers just give up too much for a lot of people to consider them for home defense or the target range.

 

[smores]

My mom's a gangster. First semi-auto she's getting is a .45 1911.