Good handgun for a first time gun owner

[Raven]

In full disclosure, we both shot it fine. But we were having constant failures. We bought a new factory magazine. Problem solved.
And the front sight fell out!
So I wasn't that impressed for a new gun.
But I like the design and it seemed solid except for the mag and sight.

Different mags and mag releases and solid milled iron sights integral to the slide on the original military Makarovs. Oh, and my bersa liked soft primers on Winchester White Box FMJ, not hard primers on the Perfecta brand, which would damn near have to have a nuke to set off their primer

 

[Pilvr1983]

Don't want to sound like a SA But why don''t you set up a good CCW class for you and her that has a good hands on course. Safely, use of force , and provides , different, types of hand gun you can handle and shoot, from small to Med Rev. and small to Med Auto in diff.Types. This would be a all day class. And would be about 100. per This would be less then paying for range time and gun renter . Just my 5 cents

I am going to a CCW class for both of us. I noticed Oak Ridge offers this sort of class.

 

[Pilvr1983]

Of all the posts thus far, this is the one that you need to pay attention to.

This thread already has the typical responses from small revolvers for those less experienced to small semi-autos for ease of carry and concealment.

Bottom line... preparing for and surviving a violent encounter requires a multi-layered approach. Acquiring a quality firearm, training and becoming proficient with that firearm, is just part of the strategy.

Learning about LAWFUL USE OF FORCE, CONFLICT AVOIDANCE, SITUATIONAL AWARENESS, TACTICAL PRECEPTION, and understanding the COMBAT MINDSET are just as critical to an overall survival response strategy IMO.

I'm not a fan of the smaller handguns. Each year my agency qualifies close to 600 retired LEO's under HR 218... by far the smaller handguns are the problematic ones, and these are in the hands of folks who have owned and shot them for years.

Two friends of mine survived an Armed Robbery attempt where BOTH of them had their small semi-autos jam at the same time, I share their story in my training classes. One was a Kahr the other a G43. Both malfunctions were shooter induced.

The Kahr had the magazine become unseated during pocket draw causing a 1-shot situation, and upon moving to cover and tap/rack, the slide was inadvertently short stroked resulting in a dead trigger when my friend had sight picture and attempted to fire. The G43 went into slide lock on the second shot due to the shooters thumb pressing upwards on the slide stop... a common malfunction with small semi-autos. They are alive today because 1) their attacked didn't know shit about tactics, and 2) their training and experiences allowed them to remain calm, not panic. Fortunately one of the previous shots from the G43 connected and the suspect fled.

ANY gun is better than no gun, and the best gun is the one you have ready to bring into action... I get it. But with VERY LITTLE EFFORT the mid-sized pistols can be carried and offer less chance of malfunction. This is not an opinion, this is based on what I see in training, at work, and during my own classes.

Again, you might want to consider what the above post is offering.

EDIT TO ADD- my two friends are experienced LEO's with YEARS of tactical training and experience. Both have vowed not to carry the small pistols ever again. I honestly believe their prior training and experiences allowed them not to freeze up.

Of all the posts thus far, this is the one that you need to pay attention to.

This thread already has the typical responses from small revolvers for those less experienced to small semi-autos for ease of carry and concealment.

Bottom line... preparing for and surviving a violent encounter requires a multi-layered approach. Acquiring a quality firearm, training and becoming proficient with that firearm, is just part of the strategy.

Learning about LAWFUL USE OF FORCE, CONFLICT AVOIDANCE, SITUATIONAL AWARENESS, TACTICAL PRECEPTION, and understanding the COMBAT MINDSET are just as critical to an overall survival response strategy IMO.

I'm not a fan of the smaller handguns. Each year my agency qualifies close to 600 retired LEO's under HR 218... by far the smaller handguns are the problematic ones, and these are in the hands of folks who have owned and shot them for years.

Two friends of mine survived an Armed Robbery attempt where BOTH of them had their small semi-autos jam at the same time, I share their story in my training classes. One was a Kahr the other a G43. Both malfunctions were shooter induced.

The Kahr had the magazine become unseated during pocket draw causing a 1-shot situation, and upon moving to cover and tap/rack, the slide was inadvertently short stroked resulting in a dead trigger when my friend had sight picture and attempted to fire. The G43 went into slide lock on the second shot due to the shooters thumb pressing upwards on the slide stop... a common malfunction with small semi-autos. They are alive today because 1) their attacked didn't know shit about tactics, and 2) their training and experiences allowed them to remain calm, not panic. Fortunately one of the previous shots from the G43 connected and the suspect fled.

ANY gun is better than no gun, and the best gun is the one you have ready to bring into action... I get it. But with VERY LITTLE EFFORT the mid-sized pistols can be carried and offer less chance of malfunction. This is not an opinion, this is based on what I see in training, at work, and during my own classes.

Again, you might want to consider what the above post is offering.

EDIT TO ADD- my two friends are experienced LEO's with YEARS of tactical training and experience. Both have vowed not to carry the small pistols ever again. I honestly believe their prior training and experiences allowed them not to freeze up.

Disclaimer: I am not very comfortable with handguns. The only reason I got a CCW was because it was easy to get being retired military. I am probably the safest carrier when I travel. I usually carry the gun with the full magazines outside the gun in a gun case under my drivers seat. My philosophy...I have to really want to kill someone as I have to put the gun together first.

I don't look for trouble.

Yes, I WILL attend classes with my daughter so we can both be comfortable around guns.
Reading all the posts, I have learned a valuable lesson. I thought this would be cut and dry on the best gun to purchase.

I have learned a lot. Thank you to all.

 

[oneshot]

After You do your class . I will offer you a free class for your daughter . and do a skill level evaluation .If you would like it. I have been doing this for a long time. Have a private range . to do this on.. just give me a call 850-572-6611

 

[Jdcujo]

You have two decent ones for her to try out right on you so there's a start.

 

[Jdcujo]

After You do your class . I will offer you a free class for your daughter . and do a skill level evaluation .If you would like it. I have been doing this for a long time. Have a private range . to do this on.. just give me a call 850-572-6611

I'll second jj for sure. Man is a veritable encyclopedia to put it lightly.

 

[Fear21]

Disclaimer: I am not very comfortable with handguns. The only reason I got a CCW was because it was easy to get being retired military. I am probably the safest carrier when I travel. I usually carry the gun with the full magazines outside the gun in a gun case under my drivers seat. My philosophy...I have to really want to kill someone as I have to put the gun together first.

I don't look for trouble.

Once you get more comfortable shooting and carrying pistols, I'd highly suggest revisiting that strategy. You might not look for trouble (that's excellent), but sometimes it finds you anyway, and it won't give you a time-out in order for you to get your weapon operational.

 

[Pilvr1983]

After You do your class . I will offer you a free class for your daughter . and do a skill level evaluation .If you would like it. I have been doing this for a long time. Have a private range . to do this on.. just give me a call 850-572-6611

Thank you. I will keep your number. Thank you.

 

[G82]

I would suggest what these guys have recommended seeing what she can handle and what she likes personally I carry a Sig 938 this might be suitable for her as well small has safety and a little weight to it which could help in not being easier to shoot due to not being a polymer frame

 

[bullshooter]

My daughter wants a handgun for self defense. She is very petite.

I told her I will get one for her for Christmas after we both go to IN person handgun handling classes.

I am not much of a gun person myself. I do have a new Glock 26 and Sig Sauer P365 that I occasionally carry; I have never shot a round thru them.

I am unsure if either of these would be a safe fit for her. (Or me for that matter!!)

What handgun would you recommend for small hands (grip) and a first time user? In either 38 or 9mm.

Thank you

 

[bullshooter]

If you go with revolver, make sure it's not S/A.

 

[mikenjapan]

You will get a lot of opinions, including mine. For someone who has no experience with handguns I would recommend a revolver in .38/.357, or just .38 Special. S&W, Ruger, or Colt, all three make fine revolvers. "Friends don't let friends buy Taurus", LOL. You can shoot .38's in a .357, so there is a lot of versatility there. Revolver all the way for someone who is not an experienced shooter. Make sure that she handles the gun, and that it fits her hand, and that she is comfortable with it. If all all possible rent the model that she likes, so that she is sure that she is comfortable with it before you buy one for her. JMHO.

What’s wrong with Taurus? My wife carries a Taurus 85.

 

[Rusty.Nickles]

Get the classes, go to the range and shoot the ones you have. Get your CCP. There are lots of articles that discuss the things to consider for personal defense carry, not the least of which is the method of carry, do some reading. Figuring out your carry method will significantly narrow the selection field. Once you have figured out the general carry parameters, take your daughter to some a good ranges that rent pistols and let her try some out, then she will be able to make a pretty informed decision about which suits her best.
Check out the concealed carry insurance providers - lot's of free educational information about all the aspects of personal defense and concealed carry.

 

[pulpo]

https://palmettostatearmory.com/s-w-686-partridge-sight-6-357-magnum-revolver-satin-stainless-150844.html

 

[candipogo]

My daughter wants a handgun for self defense. She is very petite.

I told her I will get one for her for Christmas after we both go to IN person handgun handling classes.

I am not much of a gun person myself. I do have a new Glock 26 and Sig Sauer P365 that I occasionally carry; I have never shot a round thru them.

I am unsure if either of these would be a safe fit for her. (Or me for that matter!!)

What handgun would you recommend for small hands (grip) and a first time user? In either 38 or 9mm.

Thank you

Smith and Wesson airweight or chiefs special. 5 shot 38 sp plus p. Easy to carry and safe. Simple to operate. Concealed hammer so it won't snag on clothes or items in purse. Plenty of stopping power withv158 gr hollow points. Also, it can be fitted with laser grips. Small enough for petite hands.

 

[Bowhntr6pt]

Disclaimer: I am not very comfortable with handguns. The only reason I got a CCW was because it was easy to get being retired military. I am probably the safest carrier when I travel. I usually carry the gun with the full magazines outside the gun in a gun case under my drivers seat. My philosophy...I have to really want to kill someone as I have to put the gun together first.

I don't look for trouble.

Yes, I WILL attend classes with my daughter so we can both be comfortable around guns.
Reading all the posts, I have learned a valuable lesson. I thought this would be cut and dry on the best gun to purchase.

I have learned a lot. Thank you to all.

You have a good attitude towards the topic... you have an offer you should take advantage of when you can.

We all start somewhere, and in today's environment, you just never know when trouble might find you. Just like most things, the more you do something the better and more comfortable you become.

I'm not trying to sell classes to people... but taking classes, even if it's just a one-day refresher, reinforces good habits... habits that help you survive a violent encounter.

Taking classes and training will help you adopt the mindset necessary for survival. You don't have to be "tactical Joe"... but doing discretionary drills and working through malfunctions on the range helps with stress management.

I'd rather share a fox hole with a person who has adequate gun skills and can manage stress/think through stressful times vs. a Champion shooter whose ability to stay calm might be in question. I've personally seen coolness under pressure and level headed thinking win the fight vs. superb marksmanship.

Training and going to classes helps develop this IMO. The more you do it, the better you manage problems.

In a class I just gave back on the 7th and 8th, the malfunctions and shooter's reactions were perhaps the worst I've seen in a long time. Not picking on the class, as collectively they had never had such training, but towards the end of the class improvements were made.

To add perspective to the class, each time a shooter had an error or malfunction while shooting, that they failed to apply the proper training response previously provided, they were "killed off". Everything from dropping the hammer on an empty chamber to bobbling malfunction clearing. Class lost four folks before lunchtime. It made an important associative impact on their combat effectiveness.

BUT... If the guys don't continue on with training at one level or another, they will lose the lessons learned. All agreed, like you said, there's more to armed preparedness than buying a gun and ammo.

Living a life in peace involves everything from situational awareness and conflict avoidance to putting an adversary in the dirt... there's A LOT in between those two ends of the spectrum.

 

[Bowhntr6pt]

After You do your class . I will offer you a free class for your daughter . and do a skill level evaluation .If you would like it. I have been doing this for a long time. Have a private range . to do this on.. just give me a call 850-572-6611

The training industry needs more people like you... you Sir are a class act.

 

[Klem Kadiddlehopper]

My daughter wants a handgun for self defense. She is very petite.

I told her I will get one for her for Christmas after we both go to IN person handgun handling classes.

I am not much of a gun person myself. I do have a new Glock 26 and Sig Sauer P365 that I occasionally carry; I have never shot a round thru them.

I am unsure if either of these would be a safe fit for her. (Or me for that matter!!)

What handgun would you recommend for small hands (grip) and a first time user? In either 38 or 9mm.

Thank you

I loved my Sig P238. My daughter chose it for her defense weapon when she left home. 10 yrs later, I still can’t talk her out of it. Fits in her purse or pocket. At “social work” distances, it’ll do just fine

 

[Klem Kadiddlehopper]

My daughter wants a handgun for self defense. She is very petite.

I told her I will get one for her for Christmas after we both go to IN person handgun handling classes.

I am not much of a gun person myself. I do have a new Glock 26 and Sig Sauer P365 that I occasionally carry; I have never shot a round thru them.

I am unsure if either of these would be a safe fit for her. (Or me for that matter!!)

What handgun would you recommend for small hands (grip) and a first time user? In either 38 or 9mm.

Thank you

I forgot about your last sentence! Sig P938 is your 9mm choice if the 9mm short (.380) Sig P238 is out. TheIr slides are easy to rack and they fit in pocket or purse.

 

[rviray]

I don't know if anyone suggested that you go to a gun range that had rentals. Since you are in Navarre, I'm not familiar with that area so I don't know if there is a gun range with rentals. I know that the Pensacola Indoor Gun Range and Oak Ridge in Gulf Breeze has rentals. I would suggest you go there and rent some guns. Shoot the snot out of some paper and figure out

1) The gun she most accurately shoots with at 10, 15, 20 feet.
2) Figure out what she likes or dislikes with each gun (i.e., weight, safety features, concealability, etc.)

Make sure you keep notes on the targets she shoots at with each gun ( make a note about how she felt when shooting the gun, how it felt in her hand, and recoil). I wouldn't worry too much about gun manufactures right now, because every manufacture has duds that come out of the assembly line. I know someone will jump in and talk about customer service, they are right, but in the end a gun is a tool that has parts that can be fixed. Once you guys figure out the gun that checks all the checkboxes, do your due diligence.

As a side note, I did this with all my kids, but my youngest settled on my LCP2 and last year when she came home to visit we went to the out door range, she shot the snot out of a traget with her LCP, I mean no stragglers just dead center. I don't cry, but it did make me tear just a little...lol