I've owned my Kahr for nearly ten years and I've never had a problem with it, I carried it on the job for about a year before I upgraded to a Sig 239, and during that time I shot it probably every other month at the range. I would have no problem recommending one to others, way above a Kel-Tec, unless you're real cash strapped or want a gun you can put in your wallet. Kel-Tec has several very small 32 caliber autos, though I've never been a fan of the 32 myself.

Something else to look at.
 

If she wants a semi auto, the Walther PPK is small and comes in9mm or 40cal.
Blitzzz

When did this happen?

I have only seen them in .380 or smaller.

I am not sure that a PPK slide would survive the energy of a 9x19, much less a .40.

TR

He may be referring to the PPS, a more recent polymer offering from Walther.
http://www.walther-pps.com/

Overall size is close, I found it an obnoxious gun to shoot and reload, personally.

PPS

JD beat me to it...

OOps...foot in mouth.
 

You're right both. PPK is in 9mil short (.380), and the new one is the PPS it's still small with larger rounds. I've shot Walther in P-5, P-99, P99QA,Old P-38 and a MPK. loved them all so I guess the PPS has my attention now, Blitzzz

I love Ruger revolvers and they came out with a new polymer .38 Special that looks like it might be popular for women in particular.

http://www.downrange.tv/artman2/publ...stry/391.shtml

Ruger® LCR™: AN EVOLUTIONARY REVOLVER DESIGN
By Press Release
Jan 14, 2009 - 11:00:00 AM

SOUTHPORT, CONNECTICUT, January 15, 2009 - Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is pleased to announce the new Ruger Lightweight Compact Revolver (LCR), an evolution in revolver design. The 13.5 ounce, small frame, 5-shot LCR has three main components: a polymer fire control housing, an aircraft quality aluminum monolithic frame, and an extensively fluted stainless steel cylinder. The Ruger LCR represents one of the most significant new revolver designs in over a century, with three patent applications pending.

The LCR’s lightweight, chemical-resistant polymer fire control housing contains the entire fire control mechanism. Because the fire control components are located within this single housing, their dimensional relationship can be held much more closely than if divided between traditional grip frames and cylinder frames. The end result is that the fire control components are assembled with no hand fitting, resulting in a highly consistent product at an affordable price.

The long-fiber, glass-filled polymer fire control housing provides a reduction in perceived recoil. The fire control housing’s grip peg allows for a variety of grips to be installed, and the LCR’s standard Hogue Tamer™ grip with Sorbothane insert reduces perceived recoil even further. A joint effort with Hogue, the LCR’s standard grip was designed using US military anthropomorphic data on hand shape, so the LCR can be comfortably held by a broad spectrum of hand sizes. An available Crimson Trace LaserGrip offers the advantages of a laser sighting system.

The LCR’s monolithic frame is an aerospace grade, 7000 series aluminum forging treated with a black synergistic hard coat that is applied after machining. Successfully tested with over 30 different aggressive chemicals, this synergistic hard coat exceeds mil-spec salt spray tests, and offers performance considerably greater than hard coat anodizing. The monolithic frame provides sturdy, rigid support for the cylinder and the barrel. The 1-7/8” long barrel, with a 1:16 twist, is made of 17-4 PH aerospace grade stainless steel, chosen for its strength and dimensional stability during machining and heat treatment.

The extensively fluted 400 series stainless steel cylinder is lightweight and compact, measuring only 1.283” in diameter in the chamber area. Treated to an advanced form of Ruger’s Target Grey finish, this stainless steel cylinder is strong, durable and designed to handle .38 Special +P loads. The Ruger LCR’s patent pending cylinder front latching system uses titanium components, optimized spring tension, and enhanced lockup geometry to ensure that the LCR’s cylinder stays locked in place during firing.

The LCR’s double-action-only trigger pull is uniquely engineered to minimize friction between the fire control components. This friction-reducing cam fire control system results in a non-stacking, smooth trigger pull.† The LCR’s trigger pull force builds more gradually, and peaks later in the trigger stroke, resulting in a trigger pull that feels much lighter than it actually is, while still providing positive ignition of all primers. This results in more controllable shooting, even among those with smaller, weaker hands who find traditional DAO triggers difficult to operate.

The sights are replaceable ramp front, and a fixed U-notch rear. An internal lock, unobtrusively hidden under the grip, does not interfere with the fire control mechanism in any way when disengaged.

For more information on the evolutionary Ruger Lightweight Compact Revolver (LCR) and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit http://www.ruger.com.

Possible Tazer option?
 

I also wanted to arm my wife with a pistol, but my wise old father in law put the same no BS points to the table that The Reaper mentioned. 1.) Would my wife be able to shoot someone knowing it may end their life and 2.) Would she be willing to train to stay proficient not to cause harm to others?

Answers: Maybe and No.

Easy choice from there. I got her a tazer C2 (i believe) and she carries it confidently anywhere. It discharges barbs out to 15 feet and best of all has a built in light/laser which are a deterent in their own right. Works as a traditional direct contact tazer as well.

Just another option.

I have thought about a tazer also, but all I have found was contact tazers, the idea was to disable or disarm some one, if you know of a link, the tazer would be great, since she is a Doctor, I have concerns about her taking a life, unless under extreme condition. Her life and children ( before ), we married was threatened in the parking lot, I explained the gentleman what would happen if he was to approach my wife again in an shape or fashion or my step children. But I have decided on a Ruger SR9 17+1 capacity. We both like it, and we are comfortible with it. My local church has a Shooting club and I was thinking of becoming a member.
here is a link to a vid
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/SR9/Video.html


wanted to thank everyone for their reviews, and suggestions, we did alot of research. Next will be a Bow:)

Allester just a couple of things to keep in mind with regards to tazers. The ones we used on the job did fail to deploy at a much higher rate than handguns fail to fire, I don't remember off the top of my head the brand but I'll try to find out. Also they must be checked to make sure the battery is good frequently, most officers I know checked their tazers at a minimum of once per 4 day shift, though the smart ones checked it daily, if she doesn't check it, it will likely not be good to go when she needs it, and will give her a false sense of security. Lastly how does she carry it, I'd be concerned about carrying a tazer in a purse for lots of reasons. To me I'd be more likely to get her a good can of OC spray than to go with a tazer. Don't get me wrong they're great for LE use, but we LEO's normally have multiple options if/when they fail.

Just my .02

All Tasers are made by Taser. They launch darts and also have a drive stun capability. Stun guns are a different matter, and are contact weapons only.

Your call, SR, but I suspect that you are going to purchase a big, heavy pistol that will be carried infrequently, if ever. And yes, I also disapprove of throwing a pistol into a purse. My wife cannot find anything else in there without dumping it out, and that is hardly a good defensive move.

Best of luck.

TR

:D I know what you are talking about, she could always use her handbag as a weapon. Actually we got a bag that has a small side velcro compartment on the outside.

Small handgun
 

I join in the recommendation for a Kahr CW series, either in 9mm or .45 cal. The polymer (read: plastic) slide is unusual, and it needs to be fired, cleaned, then fired again to settle in. But is is light, small and accurate.
I bought my .45 version for $325.00 here in Springfield Tennessee (military discount) 30 minutes north of you.

I don't think profession has much bearing on one's right to protect themselves or their loved ones from harm.


If you go this route, check the trigger and serial number before you buy: http://www.ruger-firearms.com/SR9Recall/