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Gun suggestions please
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deadeyedick Offline
#1 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 11:12 AM EST
Joined: 03-13-2003
Posts: 17,112
I just sold off a bunch (7) of my old guns to a local guy who has a FFL. He gave almost double what my local gun shops wanted to give me. Most of these were 40+ years old or more and a few I can't even remember how I acquired some of them. Maybe some were in trades for ammo as I used to reload for my neighbors and hunting friends for many years before I sold off all my equipment and supplies.

Anyway, I'm looking to find a gun for my wife who does not like to shoot my Glock 17 as the grip is too big for her hand and she is a lefty and claims the ejections fly across in front of her face. I want to find something she will get very familiar with and feel comfortable in handling.

My local gun club has an indoor range with 32 bays and has something like 80-90 pistols that we can rent before we buy so we are going there this week. I'm thinking maybe a .380 auto or revolver?

Any suggestions from you gun addicts? Much appreciated.
MACS Offline
#2 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 11:48 AM EST
Joined: 02-26-2004
Posts: 79,809
380 would be good, I think. Not as much kick to it as other calibers but it's enough to do the trick. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield comes to mind.
Gene363 Offline
#3 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 12:29 PM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,834
My wife carries a Glock 43, it fits her hand perfectly. Being 5'2" she has a short trigger finger.

Hand strength for slide operation of semiautos can be an issue, Smith & Wesson makes their EZ series in several sizes and calibers.

The Ruger LR Revolver is another compact easy-to-run choice.

A lot of firearms now come with replaceable grip panels to get a better fit, including H&K, Beretta, S&W, Steyr, and Walther to name a few. Smaller pistols are harder to master and generally less comfortable to shoot. The biggest they can hold is better than the most compact.

The best way to pick the right pistol, IMHO, is to shoot them, buddies or a rental range are great, because fit and feel at the gun counter are not the same as actually firing.
Burner02 Offline
#4 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 12:54 PM EST
Joined: 12-21-2010
Posts: 12,884
Gene363 wrote:
Hand strength for slide operation of semiautos can be an issue, Smith & Wesson makes their EZ series in several sizes and calibers.

The best way to pick the right pistol, IMHO, is to shoot them, buddies or a rental range are great, because fit and feel at the gun counter are not the same as actually firing.


+1

I went through this with my wife a couple of years ago. She tried a Walther PPKS .380 and a S&W 638 .38 5 shot. She did not like the feel of the Walther and did not like the muzzle blast of the S&W. In the end we got her a S&W M&P 9 Shield EZ. She will carry in the car when she is running the roads to go see the grans.

I tried to push her towards the S&W 638 since it has the shrouded hammer and would be less likely to snag if she were to c/c in a purse. She liked everything about the EZ so that is what she got.
ZRX1200 Offline
#5 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 1:07 PM EST
Joined: 07-08-2007
Posts: 60,626
Is your G17 a gen 3? The extractor is a problem in those, part number 30724 is the gen 4 extractor and is super easy to change in the rear trigger housing. Your ejection will go closer to 3 o’clock.

The problem with going smaller is recoil. 43 can be a touch snappy for some, I have one, my daughter can shoot it but she prefers the G19 clone. 43X and 48 are worth looking at. A .38 revolver is always a solid choice IMO, I prefer hammerless just for simplicity of carry for shooters who are very experienced. Another really good auto loader is the Sig P365, tons of aftermarket support and holster choices there as well on a well proven platform.

And ^ Gene’s last paragraph is so true (the rest was solid too).

If you need help with the extractor lemme know, only tool you need is a small flathead screwdriver to push the part and a 3mm pusher (Glock tool) for your rear pin.
Brewha Offline
#6 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 1:21 PM EST
Joined: 01-25-2010
Posts: 12,201
My wife carries an Sig P238.
Small, thin 380 ACP, 7 rounds with the long clip I think. 1911 style action. And she is able to rack it.

Too small for may hands, but perfect for her.

She also has a S&W 442 Airweight (J-frame).
38 special, 5 rounds, aluminum, hammerless (purse friendly). Upgraded to the Hogue grips.
It’s about the simplest, most error free gun you can find. And not too large or heavy.
It does “look” more intimidating than the Sig.
MACS Offline
#7 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 2:14 PM EST
Joined: 02-26-2004
Posts: 79,809
I have the Glock 43 for CC as well... and a 19, which to me is too big for CC. I like the 43, but it is a bit small for my hand unless I use the mag with the extender.
JGRAZ Offline
#8 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 2:39 PM EST
Joined: 10-31-2022
Posts: 752
The 17 is a monster, but it and the 19 are nice shooting.
You could try the 19 or 26, or even the 43. The they should all have interchangeable backstraps which may make it more comfortable for her.
KingoftheCove Offline
#9 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 3:28 PM EST
Joined: 10-08-2011
Posts: 7,641
Depends on a lot of things……
Experience, hand strength and size, how will it be carried, and so on.

I’d at least have a look at the new Kimber K6xs

https://www.kimberamerica.com/k6xs-38-spl

Been wanting to check out the above Kimber myself, but it’s a bit of a challenge finding one here.
deadeyedick Offline
#10 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 3:30 PM EST
Joined: 03-13-2003
Posts: 17,112
Thanks for the suggestions guys.

We will definitely try a S&W, Glock, Sig and Ruger. Will also check out the S&W hammerless and see iffn the instructors have any additional recommendations. She is 5'3 and 105 lbs and did have problems racking my Glock somewhat as well and the EZ might be the ticket.

My Glock is Gen 1 bought about late 70's or so when I first saw them on the market.
Sunoverbeach Offline
#11 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 3:51 PM EST
Joined: 08-11-2017
Posts: 14,671
Desert Eagle .50. She won't even notice the brass eject
Stogie1020 Offline
#12 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 4:21 PM EST
Joined: 12-19-2019
Posts: 5,358
dont forget about the Sig P365, too.
ZRX1200 Offline
#13 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 5:38 PM EST
Joined: 07-08-2007
Posts: 60,626
Gen 1’s are collectible now!

I’ll look into it a bit, as I’m not as intimate with Gen1-2 as I am 3-5. I would assume it’s the same part though in gen 3 because that’s when they started being widely adopted by US LEO and that’s why they made so many changes in Gen 4.
ZRX1200 Offline
#14 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 5:41 PM EST
Joined: 07-08-2007
Posts: 60,626
DED has she ever shot with an optic?

Glock and Sig have mounting systems and cheapest replacement slides to accept optics.
PapaWhiskey Offline
#15 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 6:25 PM EST
Joined: 01-01-2023
Posts: 761
The Glock 42 .380 is a nice gun for her to try.
Gene363 Offline
#16 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 6:26 PM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,834

One very good thing about revolvers with shielded/covered hammers, they can be repeatedly fired from inside a pocket or purse. For semiautos, you tend to only get one shot and a jam.
KingoftheCove Offline
#17 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 6:59 PM EST
Joined: 10-08-2011
Posts: 7,641
Gene363 wrote:
One very good thing about revolvers with shielded/covered hammers, they can be repeatedly fired from inside a pocket or purse. For semiautos, you tend to only get one shot and a jam.

Or worse, gun gets pushed out of battery when shoved up against BG, no pew pew at all.
Yes, revolvers have ammo limitations compared to most semiautos.
But for many folks, they are a better choice.
Simpler manual of arms
Easy to maintain
Typically not as finicky about ammo
Easier to conceal
Versatility (think 3” .357…….. same gun will shoot very mild and light .38 specials up to hot and heavy 200gr magnums)
YMMV
edin508 Offline
#18 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 7:03 PM EST
Joined: 06-19-2012
Posts: 4,647
43x with the rmr cut slide, second choice would be a SIG 365.
8trackdisco Offline
#19 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 8:10 PM EST
Joined: 11-06-2004
Posts: 60,084
You lost me at

the grip is too big for her hand and she is a lefty and claims the ejections fly across in front of her face
Whistlebritches Offline
#20 Posted: Mon, Sep 4 2023, 10:30 PM EST
Joined: 04-23-2006
Posts: 22,128
While I am a Glock fan and the 43 would be my first choice, I am also a fan of S&W's hammerless revolvers,sounds to me like the 642 LadySmith would be perfect.........I have a 642 Centennial Airweight I carry in my coat pocket in the winter or back pocket in the summer.Damn hard to beat IMO and one fine weapon.
deadeyedick Offline
#21 Posted: Tue, Sep 5 2023, 6:36 AM EST
Joined: 03-13-2003
Posts: 17,112
8trackdisco wrote:
You lost me at

the grip is too big for her hand and she is a lefty and claims the ejections fly across in front of her face



LOL C u m to think of it.
deadeyedick Offline
#22 Posted: Tue, Sep 5 2023, 6:39 AM EST
Joined: 03-13-2003
Posts: 17,112
ZRX1200 wrote:
DED has she ever shot with an optic?

Glock and Sig have mounting systems and cheapest replacement slides to accept optics.


Never. I want to keep it as simple as possible. Guess it would be fine iffn it could be used for targets but removed for CC.
deadeyedick Offline
#23 Posted: Tue, Sep 5 2023, 6:50 AM EST
Joined: 03-13-2003
Posts: 17,112
KingoftheCove wrote:
Or worse, gun gets pushed out of battery when shoved up against BG, no pew pew at all.


I no speak da jive. What battery and BG??
KingoftheCove Offline
#24 Posted: Tue, Sep 5 2023, 8:37 AM EST
Joined: 10-08-2011
Posts: 7,641
deadeyedick wrote:
I no speak da jive. What battery and BG??


BG = bad guy
Battery = Battery (firearms): When a gun is properly in battery it means the slide or bolt is fully closed and ready to fire. Guns out of battery have the slide or bolt stuck partially open.……….(as can happen when jammed against someone, or a door, etc)

As Whistle noted, a 642 with wad cutters might be a good choice.
A SP101 might be as well, or an LCR.
Recoil is significant in most ANY gun that weighs a pound or less, regardless of caliber, with the exception of .22lr.
I have a LCR in .22lr, and it is FUN.
if one was to really train with it, it could be a suitable carry piece for many situations, despite the caliber limitations.
8 rounds, easy to shoot, hardly any recoil.
Three rounds in da face of .22lr, especially some of da stuff a available these days, will end trouble.
(Actually one round hitting anywhere typically changes behavior quickly.)
HockeyDad Offline
#25 Posted: Tue, Sep 5 2023, 8:53 AM EST
Joined: 09-20-2000
Posts: 46,156
I have a Ruger LCR in .38+P with Crimson Trace laser grip.

This is not a gun you go to the range with and put 100 rounds through it. It will wear your hand out.
deadeyedick Offline
#26 Posted: Tue, Sep 5 2023, 10:08 AM EST
Joined: 03-13-2003
Posts: 17,112
Anybody know anything about the Glock 42? Looks like the smallest 380.
Gene363 Offline
#27 Posted: Tue, Sep 5 2023, 12:41 PM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,834
deadeyedick wrote:
Anybody know anything about the Glock 42? Looks like the smallest 380.


I have one for CC, I can shoot it very well, conversely, I suck with my wife's Glock 43, go figure. The 42 is Glock design with their reliability and clean design that I liked from the first time I took Glock apart. The 42 is also a locked breach design as opposed to a plain blowback design, the latter tend to have more felt recoil.

The 42 does like full power .380 ammo, I hand load .380 and found it preferred loads near or at the maximum. A lot of .380, .32 ACP and even .25 ACP ammunition is downloaded to be safe in some of the crappy pistols made in those calibers.

The 42 is the only Glock I carry or shoot. I prefer a Beretta PX4 or Steyr M9. FWIW, the PSA Dagger is a Glock clone with a better grip.

The ruger LCP and the Keltec P3AT are a little smaller than the Glock 42.
PapaWhiskey Offline
#28 Posted: Tue, Sep 5 2023, 4:43 PM EST
Joined: 01-01-2023
Posts: 761
deadeyedick wrote:
Anybody know anything about the Glock 42? Looks like the smallest 380.


What Gene said above. I've had one for years and highly recommend checking it out. The 42 is so light and compact you or she will hardly notice you're carrying it.
deadeyedick Offline
#29 Posted: Tue, Sep 5 2023, 5:15 PM EST
Joined: 03-13-2003
Posts: 17,112
Added to the list to try out. Thanks guys.
ZRX1200 Offline
#30 Posted: Tue, Sep 5 2023, 8:12 PM EST
Joined: 07-08-2007
Posts: 60,626
Strike Industries makes a good mag extension for the 42/43 there’s also mags with a pinky flare added to the bottom.
deadeyedick Offline
#31 Posted: Wed, Sep 6 2023, 7:11 AM EST
Joined: 03-13-2003
Posts: 17,112
Headed to the gun shpo this morning.
Burner02 Offline
#32 Posted: Wed, Sep 6 2023, 11:09 AM EST
Joined: 12-21-2010
Posts: 12,884
HockeyDad wrote:
I have a Ruger LCR in .38+P with Crimson Trace laser grip.


The Crimson Trace is a nice addition when one's eyesight begins to go south. I added one to my PPKS 10 years ago and one to the Smith 638 5 years ago. A big plus in low light conditions.
HockeyDad Offline
#33 Posted: Wed, Sep 6 2023, 12:46 PM EST
Joined: 09-20-2000
Posts: 46,156
Burner02 wrote:
The Crimson Trace is a nice addition when one's eyesight begins to go south. I added one to my PPKS 10 years ago and one to the Smith 638 5 years ago. A big plus in low light conditions.


The Mrs has a SW 642 but no laser!
bencounter Offline
#34 Posted: Wed, Sep 6 2023, 2:21 PM EST
Joined: 07-07-2023
Posts: 204
we enjoy our little walther p22 lol Gonz
8trackdisco Offline
#35 Posted: Wed, Sep 6 2023, 2:44 PM EST
Joined: 11-06-2004
Posts: 60,084
.38 Smith & Wesson Bodyguard.

Small enough to woman to handle- or a guy with Tiny Fists. Also has a lazer sight.

If someone is menacing her, putting the red dot on someone takes the romance out of the wouldbe criminal.
DrafterX Offline
#36 Posted: Wed, Sep 6 2023, 2:49 PM EST
Joined: 10-18-2005
Posts: 98,559
A pic of Jade's momma would do the same thing... Mellow
MACS Offline
#37 Posted: Wed, Sep 6 2023, 3:56 PM EST
Joined: 02-26-2004
Posts: 79,809
DrafterX wrote:
A pic of Jade's momma would do the same thing... Mellow


True, true...
deadeyedick Offline
#38 Posted: Wed, Sep 6 2023, 5:07 PM EST
Joined: 03-13-2003
Posts: 17,112
Well, we fondled many different guns on this trip but did not get any time for actual shooting. Wife seemed to like the Glock 42/43 autos and SW Shield better than the revolvers. Prolly going to stick with 380 but I want her to try shooting some 9mm as well. She also liked the white dot sights and we started talking about lasers red or green.

Next trip we plan to shoot at least 4 along with my G17 again for comparison.
Gene363 Offline
#39 Posted: Wed, Sep 6 2023, 6:32 PM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,834
deadeyedick wrote:
Well, we fondled many different guns on this trip but did not get any time for actual shooting. Wife seemed to like the Glock 42/43 autos and SW Shield better than the revolvers. Prolly going to stick with 380 but I want her to try shooting some 9mm as well. She also liked the white dot sights and we started talking about lasers red or green.

Next trip we plan to shoot at least 4 along with my G17 again for comparison.


Sounds like good progress.

I know a lot of folks like lasers, I have on on an H&K pistol and some high powered green rifle lasers you can see in daylight... sort of. That said, my wife wanted one on her Ruger LCR .38 Special, it turned out to be too fiddly adjusting her grip to hold the gun and turn on the laser. That was also my experience with a Charter Arms bulldog .44 Special. We figured getting the laser to work would be a (deadly) distraction in a defensive situation. They are good for identifying hold problems and flinching at the range. IMO, a laser with an on/off switch is better than a button you have to hold down.
PapaWhiskey Offline
#40 Posted: Wed, Sep 6 2023, 7:17 PM EST
Joined: 01-01-2023
Posts: 761
I wanted to like the S&W Shield because the factory is 20 miles away from me so like supporting local but every one I've ever fired has been so mushy. I wonder if there is a performance center version with a better trigger pull. That would be a sweet gun. I like the size and form but I think the trigger was the only thing that turn me off. That and I'm a Glock fan. The 42 is a nice piece.
ZRX1200 Offline
#41 Posted: Wed, Sep 6 2023, 10:53 PM EST
Joined: 07-08-2007
Posts: 60,626
Red dots are better than lasers
Stogie1020 Offline
#42 Posted: Wed, Sep 6 2023, 11:17 PM EST
Joined: 12-19-2019
Posts: 5,358
Personally I am not a fan of lasers, but if they work for you, great.

Developing a natural point of aim is a better investment imo.
deadeyedick Offline
#43 Posted: Thu, Sep 7 2023, 6:48 AM EST
Joined: 03-13-2003
Posts: 17,112
Gene363 wrote:
Sounds like good progress.

I know a lot of folks like lasers, I have on on an H&K pistol and some high powered green rifle lasers you can see in daylight... sort of. That said, my wife wanted one on her Ruger LCR .38 Special, it turned out to be too fiddly adjusting her grip to hold the gun and turn on the laser. That was also my experience with a Charter Arms bulldog .44 Special. We figured getting the laser to work would be a (deadly) distraction in a defensive situation. They are good for identifying hold problems and flinching at the range. IMO, a laser with an on/off switch is better than a button you have to hold down.


That is my 1st thought. KISS
MACS Offline
#44 Posted: Thu, Sep 7 2023, 6:52 AM EST
Joined: 02-26-2004
Posts: 79,809
Stogie1020 wrote:
Personally I am not a fan of lasers, but if they work for you, great.

Developing a natural point of aim is a better investment imo.


Agreed. The Marine Cadre who taught me how to shoot was adamant about that. Seriously. I dry fired the 1911 for days to get it right before we ever went to the range. Natural point of aim, sight alignment/sight picture, trigger control, breathing.
deadeyedick Offline
#45 Posted: Thu, Sep 7 2023, 7:06 AM EST
Joined: 03-13-2003
Posts: 17,112
MACS wrote:
Agreed. The Marine Cadre who taught me how to shoot was adamant about that. Seriously. I dry fired the 1911 for days to get it right before we ever went to the range. Natural point of aim, sight alignment/sight picture, trigger control, breathing.


Chit, guess I naturally worked on all that with a BB gun at 6 years old hunting grasshoppers. Good training.
Burner02 Offline
#46 Posted: Thu, Sep 7 2023, 10:07 AM EST
Joined: 12-21-2010
Posts: 12,884
Burner02 wrote:
The Crimson Trace is a nice addition when one's eyesight begins to go south. I added one to my PPKS 10 years ago and one to the Smith 638 5 years ago. A big plus in low light conditions.



This!
Stogie1020 Offline
#47 Posted: Thu, Sep 7 2023, 11:46 AM EST
Joined: 12-19-2019
Posts: 5,358
MACS wrote:
Agreed. The Marine Cadre who taught me how to shoot was adamant about that. Seriously. I dry fired the 1911 for days to get it right before we ever went to the range. Natural point of aim, sight alignment/sight picture, trigger control, breathing.

I just confirmed MACS is (already) on my list of "don't get in a gun fight with" people...


Now, a two player Ms. Pac-Man fight, BRING IT!
MACS Offline
#48 Posted: Thu, Sep 7 2023, 1:36 PM EST
Joined: 02-26-2004
Posts: 79,809
It's a dispoasable skill, brother. Still gotta practice. Muscle memory kicks in when the shiite hits the fan though.
deadeyedick Offline
#49 Posted: Thu, Sep 7 2023, 4:52 PM EST
Joined: 03-13-2003
Posts: 17,112
Found this:

"Most defensive handgun uses happen in under 15 feet. While red dots easily outperform iron sights at a distance, they really suck for up close encounters–making them practically useless for your average self defense situation."
Gene363 Offline
#50 Posted: Thu, Sep 7 2023, 5:04 PM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,834
MACS wrote:
It's a dispoasable skill, brother. Still gotta practice. Muscle memory kicks in when the shiite hits the fan though.


Yup. a new carry gun needs +/- a case of ammo.
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