Firearms for Women; SCCY CPX-2
 

Have done an extensive search using the search function, and have not found this particular firearm, and am tip- toeing slowly in here to ask...per advice from a credible source, any thoughts regarding the SCCY CPX-2 9mm Double Action semi-auto?

It was presented after the Glock 43 9mm, which did not feel good in my grip, and seemed a bit weak, IMVHO

Since I am finally going to purchase a firearm for concealed carry, am going to the local NRA approved facility for classes. Am also going to practice extensively at the range They have here locally.

Per advice again, I did a lot of research and have come to a possible decision on this weapon. It was advised I purchase a compact Semi-auto, vs. Revolver.

Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks in advance for any reply's.


Holly:o

How are you going to carry....on your person or handbag? Makes a big difference when approaching the size of the firearm.

I am not a fan of Glocks for newcomers to concealed carry....simply due to the trigger safety and the amount of AD's attributed to that...both retrieving and holstering.

My wife carries a Ruger RCP (revolver) in .38 special.....she does get out to shoot/practice but not enough for me to be comfortable/or her, with a semi auto.
I like the point/squeeze of a small revolver. It has a good size grip for her and is lightweight enough not to be a bother. She also prints well with it.

To really 'be good' you need to shoot quite a bit to overcome the added stress of a real situation and a semi auto can lead to issues (more rounds fired that you actually wanted to etc.)...

Semi's tho have some great assets...quick reload capability and first shot speed.

If I were you I'd fins a friend, go to a range where you can actually try the piece (s) out then make up your mind.

Also....look into the NRA insurance too...I'd rec that to anyone carrying, if you shoot someone no matter how righteous you will be sued in civil court.....

My brother, Detective, killed a gangbanger wanted for kidnapping and armed with a sawed off shotgun....he was sued in civil court for 3 years by the family but the State pics that up....if he were a civilian it would have cost him 300k in fee's.

Check with The Well Armed Woman
https://twawshootingchapters.org/chapter/locate

I train with these ladies often here in AZ. Firearms and first aid. The members have their stuff together. The link above will allow you to find a local chapter and then you can ask their opinions.

Adal

Shoot before you buy CANNOT be overemphasized. (Failure to listen to that simple advice is why the wife has at least a half dozen different CC pistols she's only carried a few times, each laying around the house quietly gathering dust.) The insurance is another great piece of advice.

Holly:

I have not decided on a handgun as of yet since I am a "newbie" with handling weapons. I am going to start firearm training with an instructor pretty soon. Before I make any selections, I want to do some training first with my instructor so I feel more comfortable with the entire shooting experience. I still need to find the right fit, as well as what works best for me . I did go to my local gun shop and had him pull out some weapons. I handled a Rugar LCP, LC9, a HK VP9, a USP, Glock G19 Gen 4, a Bersa 380 Combat, Springfield XD, and a Smith & Wesson M&P. I really liked the feel of the HK VP OD Green 9mm and the Bersa 380 Combat. But, I am still going to wait to do some training before I finally make a choice. Good luck with your search :)

Rita - I would strongly recommend you concentrate your search on 9mms if given a choice. Availability of ammo with improved terminal ballistics and the ability to acquire a "full-sized" pistol in the same caliber (training is a lot easier/more productive with a full sized pistol) against (usually) little or no sacrifice in concealability and only a moderate increase in recoil makes for compelling arguments in favor of the 9. The only one on your list we've had a bad experience with was the Ruger LC9. We very rarely dispose of firearms but that one only lasted a couple months before it was gone (totally unreliable with defense loads). It was very quickly traded for an XDs in .45 that the wife actually carried for a while (until she got her Kimber Micro9 "Smurfette").

Wow, thanks so much to All.

All notes of advice have been taken in to account, and written down: Must shoot to overcome and practice is key. The local women's chapter is something to investigate for sure, and shooting the firearm before purchasing is right in line with my goals.

Thank you all so much for taking your time to reply to my question. It was posed after my recent trip by a friend who gave me the advice of checking here on PS, and other locations about SCCY, and asking for feedback.

Goal was semi -auto compact, 9mm...for Concealed carry. (Not a Glock.)

Again, thanks to all for taking your time to reply.:o

Am starting this new venture very soon, and will provide feedback.

Holly

Peregrino, thank you for the suggestions, I would like to focus on getting a 9mm. I do like the HK models I have tried, they feel really comfortable and fit my hand better. I am sure I will find my "right fit" once I do a bit of training. Thanks again :)

Holly,
Go to a local gun store, not a big box store like Cabelas, etc unless you have a lot of patience to wait and handle every 9mm semi-auto that is in the size you want to start with. Make a list of the ones that feel comfortable in your hands.
Then, go to a gun range that rents guns and try each of the ones on your list.
After that then you can search for the best deal on the one that you choose.
I've bought several from GrabAGun in DFW area: www.grabagun.com

I definitely recommend you check out the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. It was my first handgun purchase after moving to Texas and getting back into shooting again after 20 years of living in Illinois.

Best of luck finding the "one" that fits you. In the end, all that matters is that you have a gun that feels good, shoots good, you will practice and train with and carry daily.

Note that a house or car gun may have different requirements. For example, you might want a full-sized pistol with a tactical light for your house gun, versus a compact- or sub-compact carry gun. Ammo and magazine compatibility between full-sized and concealment weapons is important. Think about how you plan to carry and conceal the weapon.

Concur with the trying what feels "right" to you before proceeding. Also consider the carry method. A Glock is fine in a holster, but not so much tossed into a purse.

Once you have narrowed your candidates down to 3-5 weapons, go to a range where you can rent or borrow the pistols you are considering, and shoot them. The one that feels best and that you shoot best is the one you want. Any significant jams or stoppages should remove a candidate, no matter how much you like it.

Concur with the preference for at least a 9mm, but concealment requirements, especially in the summer, can force me to carry a .380, which is a marginal performer, but is infinitely better than the .44 Magnum you left at home. Remember that the more power, and lighter the pistol, the more recoil. With good practice and training, most people should be able to manage a 9mm or a .38 Special, and there are some good ammo loads with excellent terminal ballistics out there for each caliber.

Competent instructors can be a big help, especially to new shooters. Women are generally better students because of lesser egos and fewer bad habits to unlearn.

There is nothing wrong with a revolver, other than the lower capacity and slower reloading (unless you are Jerry Miculek). They tend to be more reliable and safer than auto pistols.

Whatever you select, you need to practice with it over and over until you are proficient in drawing from concealment and delivering multiple accurate shots to your target at different ranges within the limits of you and your weapon. Lots of quality dry fire will be required to build the requisite muscle memory.

Then don't forget to carry it, whenever and wherever it is legal.

I tend to ignore people who can tell you a specific gun to carry without the above sort of logical process.

Good luck.

TR

I have a Berretta Nano in 9mm. The best pocket pistol and easily concealed pistol that I have ever owned. It shoots straight despite small size and sight radius; holds tight out to 5-15 yards for most of my friends firing it for the first time. I think it is the best value in highly concealable 9MM; of course, you should try one, before you buy one!

This is the best option. I must add however that without good fundamental, no gun
would give you that elusive fit/shootability

I'd say seek competent instructor to give you honest feedback on the correct grip ("sliding into" as opposed to monkey grip), then go to the store, close eyes,grab gun from the table, purse, holster, etc, point to safe direction, open eyes, dry fire.
The one that gives you an acceptable sight picture on point is the one you want. Then live fire to validate the shootability. Should save you $$$
youtube.com/watch?list=FLr_ZkMECluVtPpI8IMYOkfA&v=45QhpvY9LZc


Maybe i've been in too many EO and SHARP sessions but im not a fan of the term gun for women, there is only one term, gun for you regardless evrything else.

The SCCY probably has the most assortment of color though:D
From magazine, gunstore, youtube etc., ladies are definitely the fastest growing ccw buyer. Good for ya'll. Good for 'murica!

And Wow again! Thank you All for your detailed responses.

A lot of incredible information to absorb. My SCCY and Glock comparisons were done at a local gun shop here, about a mile away...
The only advice that my friend gave me was compact and 9mm.

(The house or car gun analogy TR, really has me thinking)

Am so glad that I asked...try before you buy is something I had not thought about...makes so much sense.

Going to take as many classes as I can first, before purchase.

In any case, love to shoot, and figured its time to step up to a gun instead of just my Harsey knife for self defense. :-)

Again, thank you all for taking the time to respond. I trust PS.com, more than anything!

Holly

welcom to the sheepdog club
 

always good to learn that another person is taking responsibility for their own safety

lots of great advice above that, as an instructor, I would echo; find a gun that fits your hand and needs, try before you buy, reputable stores for advice, and others.

as n part time CCW instructor, I also recommend looking for proper training. NOT the guy at the range with lots of "cool guy gear" who offers unsolicited advice when you are shooting at the range.

one thing I always emphasize is dry fire practice. it will enhance your basics, grip, stance, sight alignment, sight picture, front sight focus, steady trigger press and surprise break, without spending as much money. then when you go to the range, you can spend all your time with follow through and accuracy.
get some dummy rounds and you can practice reloads safely as well.
like anything else, learn the basics first and then pick up some advanced techniques

once you are carrying on a regular basis, remember that states have different laws on WHERE you can carry ,, (church, bars, private establishments) duty to inform law enforcement when stopped. do your homework on states you visit. googe CCW reciprocity map as a start.

Damn, there goes my cover again, I get busted all the time..........


Was home visiting family last year and my mother's 80 year old friend carries one of these....... and he's big enough to use it!

http://www.guns.com/2012/09/11/judge...revolver-hype/

TS,

Would seek advice from you at the range, no matter what!:lifter...You are , "The Man."


In addition, am printing off all of the advice here, and posting it on my bulletin board. Am going to study each and every sentence, til it is committed to memory...before my purchase.


Thank you all again.


Holly

Just picked up a Sig Sauer P 290 rs 9mm....this is a double action and one needs tp be comfortable with that.
I'm not sure that would work for you as a double action takes practice but it is a safe carry without any safeties.
It shoots flawlessly, is small (sub compact), and the recoil to me was negligible.
I am going to carry this piece in lieu of a tad smaller .380.
If you can get one to try out see if it fits....the size and weight/caliber are on the nose.

22 for me.
 

Interesting posts. I have a little different twist on this. My wife was looking for a headboard gun and also my sister who is looking for a CC gun. Something they are comfortable shooting and is fairly accurate.

I took my wife out on the back porch to shoot my 1911 45 about 20 years ago. The think kicks like a mule and is not accurate and one of the first few rounds sent a casing back and hit her in the forehead. That was it for her.

Today she is more serious about shooting for defense in the home so I take her out again. I start with my semi auto Buckmark 22. It is big and not much recoil and she was very comfortable with that and could put a dozen rounds in a cool whip cover at 15' right out of the gate. She was to the point where she wanted it dead center and not off 2 inches.

I give her my 9mm semi auto Kahr just to see how she would handle it and it has to much kick and she is afraid of it. Then the 45 again, and again forget it. We could even tell where the bullets were going.

She likes the 22.

Lat week I went to Wisconsin and took my sister out shooting with the same 3 guns. She fell in love with my Buckmark for shootability and ease of reloading etc. Both women had a terrible time loading the clips on the 9mm and the 45 to where they could only put a couple rounds in it at a time. (I know they sell autoloaders).

We went looking for a few days and came across a Rugar PS22 semi auto. They seem like a nice, small, easy to use and cheap to practice with gun and will probably get one for my wife in a couple days. I cannot see a problem with this particular gun for defense.

I would not want to face a competent woman carrying a 22 even though a bigger gun has more stopping power. 10 rounds from a 22 coming at you accurately will change a burglars tune in a hurry.

That is a gun that she will be comfortable with (I hope) and if she runs put of bullets she can reach over and grab my 45 if she pleases.

A few years down the road she can change if she wants more kick from a gun and get something else, but for now a 22 has just the right amount of wallop.

Shooting the biggest pistol you are comfortable and accurate with is always a good plan. If that means a .22 then thats ok.

My wife is a an NRA certified RSO and coach at an all-women's shooting club here in Sierra Vista. The first class (required of all new members regardless of previous experience) is free and conducted by an NRA instructor. It includes range time shooting a variety of guns to help them decide what is best for them.

My wife carries several depending on the situation. She has a .22 Ruger LCR for around the property in case of snakes or to scare off coyotes. A .38 LCR in her purse for in the car, and a 9mm XD for CC which she almost never carries because she doesn't want to wear a holster. Therein lies the usual problem, the best tool is not handy because it doesn't fit the outfit. Her XD carries twice the number of rounds as my UPSc .45, yet it is almost always at home when we are out.

Even experience cannot always trump vanity.

Pat

LOL....it's the "cool guy gear" you are wearing :p. It makes the women go all "dreamy eyed", that's why they book extra lessons :o Ha....

That Taurus Judge looks sort of like the weapon my HQL instructor showed us when I first went shooting. That thing felt massive when I picked it up...Heck forget about me shooting that bad boy, I could always just use it to club someone to death:D

j/k, I've only been on a "public" range once, and once was enough. The "range safety personnel" on Ben Avery are low IQ idiots dealing with lower IQ idiots.

I'll take a spot in the desert any day. Besides if anyone here has ever watched me teach I stand in front of my students...... yes you read that right, in front. ;)

LOL too funny...that's why "You Da Man".....:p

Specific to the gun mentioned in the title:
I've heard very mixed things about'em. Several complaints of out of the box failures, but on the plus side they have a fairly generous warranty. For a while they even offered to replace them if they got stolen. To me that's an indicator of how inexpensively made they are. Not necessarily a bad thing, but in general I'd relegate such a gun to a beater. Wouldn't carry it as a first choice, but that's just my 0.02$

I'd personally recommend any 9mm from a well known and reputable manufacturer. The Walther CCP is a good example, but that particular gun has or previously had some drop safety issues that discount it from consideration specifically.... Unless they've been fixed, which I haven't heard of yet. There's also the P2000/VP9 SK models, but those are pricier. Same for single stack SIG. CZ makes a decent compact as well.

Holly:

These guys are spot on with the comments about training, listening, firing different handguns, and asking loads of questions prior to buying a handgun. Over the weekend I had my first lesson with my instructor, one-on-one and I have to say it was amazing. I shot 4-9mm handguns, 3 Glocks, and 1 Springfield XD9. I have to say practice, practice, practice, and pay attention …my thumb now has a nice blister on it, I have a redneck sunburn, and spent cartridge burns on my arms, collarbone, and had one fling down the front of my shirt, and you have to keep in mind to stand still when they hit. But it was worth it; oh wait the first burn made me do the backward jimmy leg dance.

You also need to find a great instructor, someone you feel very confident and comfortable with. I have to say I just love my instructor, he and I meshed right off the bat, like we have known each other for quite some time. (I have this impression that my husband thinks I am about to run off with him…LOL :p) Ask questions, after questions and LISTEN, especially when it comes to safety with handling the weapon. So much goes through your head the first time you go through lessons, it can be overwhelming at first. I am still texting questions and asking “when can we train again”. Plus, I need to work on my problem areas.

I have another lesson planned for Sept. 9 and I am psyched and cannot wait until September.

Best of luck to you….Rita :o

Rita, Wow Lady!!! Sounds like you had a helluva first lesson..

Thank you for the detailed Q&A!

Am already ahead of the game, as am going back to CO next week for some real live shooting practice with my friend from my recent visit.

He is qualified, and would...(and am,) trust him with my life as we are going to a very remote AO.

Will check back after completion of this training.


And if ya'll don't hear from me...send out the search party.:o. LOL


Holly

http://pistolpacknmama.com/

Echo! Your former student sends hellos and wishes you the best!

I purchased a purse from the above website for my better half and she uses it daily. She preferred wheel guns to auto loaders, she didn't like the slides on my 380's or 9mms. Started her on a .22 as mentioned earlier in this thread to build confidence and acquire some "fun factor", then progressed to light 38's in a small 5 shot Taurus Mod 85. She now can handle mid ranged .357 from a 6 inch SW M27. The .357 stays in the truck, while the 38 rides in her purse.

For home defense she has the choice between a pump 20 gauge shotgun or a suppressed 9mm AR 15. Both have lights.

1. Practice.

2. Look fashionable.

Hope this helps,,,

Last X-mas HH6 told me she wanted a new handgun, with the help of my go to gun shop she held and shot almost everything. We went home with the HK VP9. The grips adjusted to her hands and the slide was the easiest for her to manipulate. She has been a good shot since I've known her, but now it's fun to go to the range together. She heads to the pistol range, while I practice oh the rifle range. CC is not an option in The People's Republic of Maryland, thus the VP9 is set up as a "House Gun" as TR described.
Good luck and have fun with the process.

Thank you blue and commo, your advice will be committed to memory...

Practice, look fashionable, and have fun have been added to my list of tips...

In all seriousness though, I have been very inspired by so many folks on PS to practice.


Will update after training commences next week.


Holly

...just a thought


If you are going to carry concealed; carry concealed. A carry gun in your purse is just like having extra ammo in your ruck back at the patrol base.
It doesn't do you any good if it isn't on your person. If you fall victim to a purse snatcher, your have just armed your assailant with your only means of defense.

Men and women are built different AND they dress different. If you like to wear a skirt, you still can wear a holster that allows you to carry a small pistol on your inner thigh...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNL5pqn3Eng
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ja4mUIO4mw

You also have boobs... that means you can wear looser shirts that help conceal a gun on your belt. A man wearing the same
You can also wear a light jacket in the summer and it will just look like you are a sharp dressed lady in a business jacket.

If I wear a jacket in the summer, it makes me look like I am crazy, or to the more observant, it labels me as a guy that is probably carrying concealed.
You can wear a vest and it just looks like a fashion item
If I wear a vest, it ABSOLUTELY makes it look like I am hiding something. There are a few site (below) that cater to ladies that want to carry concealed.

...for what its worth, I'd have a lot of fun getting my wife to model some of these holsters wearing nothing more than a tiara and some high heels


https://www.cancanconcealment.com/
https://www.gungoddess.com/on-body-holsters/

Box Sir,

Wow, thank you for the insight and great ideas.

For me no skirts, tiaras, or high heels, (not in public anyway,) but since I do carry a chest around with me daily, it is good to know there are extra advantages for concealed carry. Thanks for the info. Have a lot of research and analysis to do before making the correct purchase. Try before you buy...and I plan on shooting a lot next week at targets designed to aide in this process of deduction.


Am continuing to learn, and thanks to all the advice here, am headed in the correct direction.


Thank you for taking the time to share.


Holly

When looking at CC alternatives (e.g. the "Flash Bang", etc.) please remember Safety First! As in - keep your finger out of the trigger guard until you're coming up on target. Save the tatas is more than just cancer; there have been injuries and fatalities as a result of "negligent discharges" (with firearms ;)).

OMFG... that is funny.
It has a bit of a "you'll shoot your eye out kid" ring to it


negligent discharges....
...you win the internet for the day

Sirrs,

No negligent discharges will be done, as I am confident in my shooting instructor to advise and prevent anything like that from happening.

We will be more focused on basics, beginning with proper grip of the firearm, and move up from there.

Am looking forward to the training so, god forbid, any accident results from of careless discharge of my firearm.

Thank you Sirrs for the updates on safety first!



Holly :o

LOL....And Holly, thinking about safety, don't go to the range wearing Daisy Duke shorts either....you could get a thigh burn from the spent cartridge....sort of like a "Cartridge Hicky"....:p

Thanks Rita, ;)


No shorts of any kind will be a part of this shooting exercise. Since my "friend" is taking the time to do this, the least I can do is Be Prepared with proper outfitting.

All kidding aside, this is a very serious undertaking on my part, and am very grateful to have this opportunity to learn from someone who knows what to do with a firearm.

Hope your lessons continue to go well Rita! The more intelligent females that are armed, the better.:)


Holly

Make sure you have the following at the range:

Weapon
Magazines
Ammunition
Ear pro
Eye pro
Holster or carrying device
Stiff belt if using a holster
Weapons cleaning kit
Any tools required to disassemble the weapon for cleaning
Targets
Target backers
Stapler and/or tape

TR

TR Sir,


Thank you for providing a great list. Am confident that all of the items will be there at the outdoor targets to be used. But it never is to be taken lightly, and a double and tripple check is always a good idea.

Being Prepared is always my first priority.



Holly:)