A 2-3" barrel revolver chambered in .357 is my recommendation.
There are many 38 special loads available that are far less snappy than .380 blow-back guns. Less recoil will encourage practice, practice, practice. A wide variety of grips are available on revolvers to fit the shooter’s hand. Sights on revolvers can also be changed to fit the shooter’s eyesight and preferences. And, recoil in a revolver can be further mitigated by porting the barrel without affecting mechanical operation. One shot from a .357 is a way better self-defense round than .380.
Here’s my Model 60 as an example to consider. Small, easy carry. .357, so it handles 38 specials, 38+P and all manner of load-outs. Rubber grips, ported barrel, hi-viz front sight.
All true. I have a Ruger LCP in .380. Very small but no safety, which would make it susceptible to discharging should you choose to carry it with a round in the chamber and cocked. It has a fairly heavy trigger pull which would make an AD unlikely but not impossible. It has an impressive bark and a short barrel so accuracy will be entirely on you and lots of practice.
My wife, daughter and mother all have a M&P EZshield .380 that they love! I love the platform so much so that I bought the Shield.40. I plan to buy an EZ .380 for myself also! Lots of praise from our family but I also know the 9mm hellcat I also nice.
I really love my LCP Max for pocket carry. Better sights and very slightly more comfortable to shoot than the LCP 1 or 2. Plus you get double the rounds. But I wouldn’t hand one to a new shooter if I wanted to make sure they continued shooting in the future.
I actually feel that my P365 in 9mm is more comfortable to shoot than the LCP. I would imagine that the P365 in .380 would be really fun at the range.
My shield 9mm malfunctioned on me repeatedly. In fact the only two centerfire handguns that have malfunctioned on me have been S&W. YMMV. Lots of satisfied S&W carriers out there. I’m sure similar experiences have happened with every brand.
Whatever she gets let her pick it out, get her training, and shoot it enough to be able to depend on it when it matters.
I bought an LCP when they first came out. Carried it in my suit coat pocket. Nice and concealable, but it hurt to shoot. Now it sits in a corner of my safe.
I was gonna recommend something like that Ruger .380 or KelTec ( same gun) for someone 5’ 2” and she can keep one in chamber because of the double action first trigger pull ( first shot is a long trigger pull for safety but it’s ready to go) it’s very concealable the most actually . I’m from the same area originally, IDK if she grew up in the city or Slidell, Meterie, Mandeville or where but it can get very rough. Get her something small , quick to use and hollow point ammo, but the main problem IMHO with women and guns other than flinching and that is pulling it out and saying “ I’ll shoot you if you don’t leave me alone” big mistake, once the gun is pulled start pulling the trigger, all the bad guy should see is a orange flash. Good luck whatever you choose
Hi, my wife has the same “problem” as far as build, plus diminished use of her hands. BUT she has found after several rentals, found that the Smith & Wesson 9mm EZ worked for her perfectly, Low recoil, and very easy to Rack the slide, she can do it with only 2 fingers if needed. So you may want to check into that as well.
Another Sig P365 version in 22LR is the Sig P322, same model but in 22LR, but it’s the size, thinness, lightweight, compact for concealment for any of these Sig Sauers that is great, and also have the external manual safety.
Agree completely. If she get a gun she doesn’t like to shoot, then she won’t practice. If she doesn’t practice, she might as well not have a gun. Part of that training is a thorough understanding of your State and local laws (Castle Doctrine, Stand Your Ground, Duty to Retreat, etc.).
There was one early in the production. It seems to have been fully resolved. It wasn’t a design issue as much as a manufacturing quality control issue.
I prefer the handle of the 9MM Glock 43 X I carry. My Girlfriend carries a Ruger ECS 9 when she has to do the late shift at her job. I tell anyone who wants to get on for self-defense to find what works for you. Rental guns are a great starting point for her to see which ones she likes. Then, once she finds the right one, take time to learn about her gun and train. I highly recommend signing up for in-person classes, or if she wants a USCCA membership, take advantage of the training programs they offer. Either way, I wish you both the best of luck!
IDK. I can see .380 caliber and lower being helpful in this case. Of course as others have mentioned, she should practice with at least a few different models prior, and if possible before making the purchase, try to find a range which rents the exact same model.
As much as I like revolvers, for a first EDC, sometimes I feel those triggers are too hard and accuracy takes a lot of practice, JIMHO.
I do like heavier and longer barrels to help offset recoil.
I’m biased - personally, I’d also compare .22LR, semi auto’s, even the short barrels, can be easier to manage - but test out the best ammunition you can find that has the least amount of jams or duds, and practice how to “un jam” and clear.
I am a real fan of the Taurus products. A very compact option would be their 709. But the G2C or G3C are great, somewhat larger options. But whatever you get, be sure it fits her comfortably and she can use it well if needed.
