Good Semi Auto to Buy

SRGross · 01-06-2009, 12:34

Greetings,
figured this would be a good place to ask, I was thinking fo getting a 380 or 9mm for my wife she has a concealed permit, after alot of thought, I am leaning for the 9mm, need something small for her, she is all 118lbs, 5ft 6, and petit.
The 9mm tend to be abit larger the the 380ACP, but the 9mm has better stop power, but if I load her with Glaser Safety Slugs I do not hink that will matter.

looking for something in the 500.00 range, which would knock out the Sigs and Walthers.
Who else makes a nice compact 9mm or 380, that is of good quality.
I was looking @ the Ruger SR, but do not know much about it.

**The Reaper** · 01-06-2009, 12:53

I do not recommend giving weapons to novices for defense unless you are convinced that she is willing and able to use it. Is she prepared to take a human life to protect her own?

If she has a CCW, she knows the legalities pertaining to the use of deadly force. There are a lot of threads here discussing CCW weapons and ammo, by way of background.

Unless she has the hand strength to readily manipulate a slide, I recommend that you consider a revolver for her.

The better .38 Special loads are almost as good as the 9mm, and much better than the .380, which is essentially a 9mm (-P).

If she is going to carry concealed, I would look for a good hammerless design, like the S&W 642. It also has the added convenience of being light enough that she will actually carry it. Most of the 9mms are pretty heavy, when loaded.

If she wants to be a pistolero and pack a higher capacity 9mm within your price range, the Glocks and Kel-Tecs can be had in pretty small, lightweight packages. I would not use the Glock if she is not going to use a holster. Without a manual safety, tossing it into a cluttered purse while locked and loaded is akin to handing it to a chimp. Something bad is going to happen eventually.

As far as the ammo goes, look for something with sufficient penetration to reach vital areas. I would not bet the farm on the Glasers anymore. In most cases, you are better off using the same load as the local or Fed LEOs, and it is easier to defend in court. Most likely, it will be a Federal, Winchester, or Remington JHP load.

HTH.

TR

SRGross · 01-06-2009, 13:09

I have given great thought to what you said, we have talked about it alot, taking a human life, in truth know one really knowns until that time comes. But I feel that she would to protect herself or family member.
I agree with the Glock, I would hate to see her shoot by accidential discharge.
Hammerless sound good.
My church actually has a Firearms team and training, we will both attend it.
Will take your advice on the 38, seems like a good between round.
She has attend the Fire Arms safety course and also the Concealed weapons course and some shooting with myself.

Blitzzz (RIP) · 01-06-2009, 19:28

Many females that I know who carry ( about 6) really brag on their "Lady Smiths". I have never shot one but they mostly concur on it's ease of handling and ease f carry. Just passing it along, Blitzzz
I know it's not a semi-auto but they like 'um.

6.8SPC_DUMP · 01-06-2009, 20:17

Pro's hit it on the head as usual. Both girls I know who carry go with a stubby wheel gun because they trust it to fire 100%. One has a Charter arms .32 Mag (she wants to upgrade the load/capacity but on a budget) the other a S&W .38 Special. For weight, grip, concealment and cost your girl might like the Khar CW9. Just make sure it has a good 200 round though it first so you trust it. If you don't want to go through one of the bidding sights (gunbroker, auctionarms) here is a site that if you pay 5 bucks a month you get "dealer cost" - not sure about that but it's a good deal.

http://www.onpointsupply.com/cart.ph...tegory_id=2888

Just don't beat me to my idem.

GL

mcarey · 01-06-2009, 21:42

I would recommend that you look for a range in your area that has a women's pistol / self defense club or competitive pistol club (Check with NRA). Also, many ranges allow for rental or trial if you pay for ammo when contemplating a purchase. I mention both, because it is another social group that may aid in training more often, most females that belong to clubs are permitted and carry regularly, so they can provide your wife a womens view (purses, pack, fanny pack, clothing) They will most likely be willing to share their pistols at the range if you provide (or at least offer) some ammo, getting her more experience will make her choice become evident. Cost, while always an issue, should not be the limiting factor for a daily carry (in my opinion), save another month or two if you must and get what you like and functions well. Just my thoughts for what they are worth. Stay safe and train. Best of luck!

Trip_Wire (RIP) · 02-08-2009, 22:27

My recommendation is for a Glock Model 26 (9MM)

Take her to a place that has a selection of various firearm to rent and shoot, (Pistols & Revolvers) and try out some of the ones mentioned here and see which one she likes and can handle. Which one she shoots the best with.

Have her try the Glock Model 27 (.40), if she does alright with it, buy it instead of the model 26