Weapon Choice?

I have just been granted the right to carry a concealed weapon, what handgun do You recommend? As I'm a business owner I will be using it mainly for protection. This will also be the gun I carry if SHTF. I need something easy to use, comfortable to carry and not too bulky. Of course if I'm put in the situation of actually using it I need something that is gonna stop someone in their tracks, cold. If it matters- I'm female, average build and height. Any suggestions?

Peace. K*

Reading your post, I automatically started to reply, "Kimber Ultra CDPII in .45 ACP", but then I read you're female.

May I suggest that you talk with friends who have handguns, and see if they'll allow you to shoot them. Always use ear protection, and I cannot stress that enough.

Go to gunshows, and gun stores, and "feel" the different models each of revolvers and automatics. Something will "feel" really, really good.

Then see how it shoots.

I'm not saying a female can't shoot a .45 ACP, because I know several who do, but, you might want to "work your way up."

A quality gun is truly something that you will use and have for life. Go onto the internet. Research manufacturers and read about their products online.

Find what works for you. My wife prefers a Colt Agent .38 special, and she can trim my ears with it at 25 yards. That's why I'm so polite around that woman.

Good luck.

My choice would be a Smith & Wesson M&P chambered in 9mm. The pistol comes with three different sized interchangeable palm swells that allow you to choose which is most comfortable to you. The ergonomics are great and the gun feels very comfortable in my hand. I would choose 9mm because ammo is plentiful and cheap, also the recoil is very light. It breaks down very easily into 4 or 5 pieces much like a Glock.

Many indoor gun ranges have a variety of hand guns for rent to use on there range.

I would suggest locating for a good indoor range in your area and trying a few different models to get a feel for wieght, kick back, size and hand fit.

Smith and Wesson M&P Hammerless revolver... This is what my wife carries, no hammer to get stuck on stuff in your purse or pocket. Just pull the trigger. Avoids the danger of mis-fire this way and is a revolver so no jams.

See the Pic Below:

www.impactguns.com...

[edit on 18-12-2008 by infolurker]

I would suggest the S&W model 3913LS. The LS stands for Lady Smith & Wesson. It is only a 9mm but if you get some good JHP ammo, Winchester SXT or something of that quality it should suffice.

I would have to put Springfield XD either a 9 or 45

I personally carry a Ruger .45 P90, fits me but maybe for you its to big!

What state are you carrying in?

If you got a license to carry a concealed gun, If I were you I wouldnt be keeping it in a purse because when danger occurs, you may not have enough time to pull it out to protect yourself, plus a purse is easy target for the purse snatchers and there goes your gun.

I would get a shoulder holster or waist holster with a locking strap that is easily opened and accessing your gun when needed. It is FAR better than fumbling through a purse full of stuff while your about to be attacked.

It all happens quickly so you dont want to be digging for your protection while the attacker already has the upper hand and simply takes advantage of you being distracted by trying to find your weapon.



Cheers!!!!

reply to post by Demetre

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I sent you a U to U.

The one you will always carry..be it a 38 special or 44 mag. Just don't get something that in time you stop carrying because of weight or because it's become uncomfortable.

Food for thought:

Obligation of Carry by Nutnfancy

YouTube Link

Edit: something in the S&W Airlight revolver family would be a very solid choice imo:

YouTube Link

[edit on 12/18/2008 by kinglizard]

[edit on 12/18/2008 by kinglizard]

I agree with you on the S&W revolver.

I am a S&W wheel gun fan for a new shooter, you can't go wrong with one.

I have the S&W 386PD 7 shot 357mag and the S&W 340SC 5 shot 357mag.

Yeah it's tough to go wrong with a revolver. Pull the trigger and it fires. No need to worry about a safety to flip, charging the weapon, magazine releases or all the other things that go along with a semi-autos. Most confrontations dealing with a sidearm happen within 7 yards and I doubt you would ever need to put 15 rounds down the barrel. With panic and stress it would be easy to forget about the safety on a semi-auto or forget to charge the weapon. But again with a revolver you pull the trigger and it fires...simple, simple, simple.

I have a couple Berettas...a mini-cougar 40 and a 92....I'm thinking about trading in the mini-cougar for a s&w revolver...something in a 38 or 357 not sure.

Depends on the size of your hands and your natural point of aim. pick out a spot on the wall then close your eyes and point at it, open your eyes and note the position of your palm. if it is more strait up and down, an automatic will do. if your palm is more angled forward, then a revolver. good revolvers are; s&w, tarus, or even charter arms. snubbies are nice because they always work and in any position. cal to consider are 38spl if the frame is strong enough to handle +P, 32 mags are sweet too, 357mag only if you don't mind recoil. autos to consider would be glock compacts in 9mm, 40, or my favorite 357sig (the model 32 is da bomb) though it has a tiny kick, but you did mention stopping power. remember small revolvers only hold 5 rounds, and compact autos hold 8-13 rounds and are easier to reload with a spare mag vs a speedloader. if you hate the square feel of the glock (as many do) try a kahr arms auto, they are small, thin, and super comfortable. they come in 9mm and the potent 40s&w. remember to use quality ammo like speer gold dot or win hydro shock. but most important is shot placement, so go to the range and shoot ALOT.

I live in a state where I can have a CWL....and I actually plan on getting one, sooner then later.

I dont own a gun now, but plan on getting one, as soon as I can. I have gone shooting but it has been a long time, and always gone with cops and used their guns. The only gun I have ever shot that I felt comfortable with was a Baby Glock and I loved it.

I too am a girl and not very big (5' tall)...and have small hands....but can handle most anything and not afraid of some power

I honestly dont know a lot about guns, so I would even ask those here, if you have other recommendations - other then a baby glock - what would they be.

I also wanted to tell the OP...if you go to a range, you can use the guns they have there and get a better feel for what works for you. I know, I just answered my own question above, but I too like to hear from the experts - well, those in the know

I think the first handgun anyone should own is a Glock. Buy a Glock in a size and caliber you like. My girlfriend is petite and loves her Glock 19.

reply to post by greeneyedleo

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Green, do you prefer a revolver or do you feel comfortable with an automatic?

I have only shot automatics and I feel very comfortable with them.
I know I need to go back to a range and check out some guns....
So, would you recommend I try a revolver and which one?

reply to post by greeneyedleo

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I would really recommend the weapon that you absolutely LOVE.

I've never seen a man go shopping for a car without doing a bit of homework, and even then, trying out many different models. At least prudent men.

I've never seen a woman walk into a shoe store and leave three minutes later.

The point is, don't get in a hurry, and try a lot of guns. If you get the chance, at gunshows or gunshops, especially when a woman comes in, they'll be very accommodating and you can try the "feel" of either automatics or revolvers. Try them all.

Don't toss out considering "used guns." The reason I say so, is that Colt revolvers use a V spring, and have the smoothest action of any revolvers. A Smith & Wesson can be customized to have a similarly smooth action, but it takes a bit of work. So if you see a used Colt, and it "feels" different when you use the trigger pull, you'll know why.

I have numerous weapons, both revolvers and automatics.

For a woman, who is going to purchase her first firearm, I'd strongly recommend she give a revolver significant weight. After all, it's point and shoot. A thousand guns can be made from the identical same raw materials, on the same machining, and assembled to the exact same specifications, but they are NOT THE SAME.

One will be special. Special to you. Don't get in a hurry and find that ONE.

I personally carry a Kimber Ultra CDP II with a three inch barrel. It's compact, powerful, easy to grip, and reliable as your mother. I had it outfitted with Crimson Trace laser grips, which means that in the dark, I instantly know exactly where the bullet will hit.

.380 is a bit weak, but certainly compact. 9mm is a bit better, and is mostly found in automatics. .38 is usually found in revolvers, and on par with the 9mm in stopping power. .357 (hotrod .38) in a smaller handgun is a fist buster, and you have to have mighty good grips. Then there's the .40's and 10mm, but ammo is not as plentiful. And then there's the .45, specifically designed to be a man stopper.

Everyone has their favorites, so my recommendation is to talk to everyone you know, and try out as many as you can. There will be one gun that not only "feels" right, but you just can't seem to miss with it.

It can be a fun hunt - looking for a gun. Go with a quality, name-brand piece, and you'll enjoy a lifetime of security.

green:
try a kahr arms, they are small, slim, and super comfortable. they come in both steel and poly frames, different sizes and in 9mm or 40cal. find a range that has a few and try one, when it "melts" into your hand you will fall in love.

That small Kahr (pm9) looks like a very nice carry piece, has got great reviews, and my friends at the local Gander Mountain store say they can't keep em in stock.

The best advice I can give is to handle different guns in the store to find what fits your hand nicely...you want a nice comfortable and natural feel. Once you find a make/model that feels good in your hand, rent a few in different calibers (if possible at your local gun shops... not all gun shops carry all models/calibers) fire some off and see what you like and don't like. You will always find the argument of stopping power (larger calibers) versus shot placement/multiple shot placement (smaller calibers)...so throw all that out the window and find what works for you. A .25 shot hitting your target is more effective than a .45 not hitting your targer, right?

Revolvers are nice, as many other posters stated, you never have to worry about jamming (+), small ones have short barrels (more recoil), have smaller capicity than autos (-). My mom has a .38...(she's in her 60's)

Automatics have higher capacity (+) can jam (-), have more moving parts/more complex make up (-)

Another piece of advice...dont get caught up in the name brands or what other people suggest...you are an individual. Take their advice to the store or range and try out their suggestions, but don't make a purchase based on a name brand or other peoples suggestions without ever firing or holding the weapon.

I rented at least 10 different pistols at the range along with trying out multiple friends pistols at the range before making my choice (Glock 23)...it works for me, and feels the most comfortable and natural in my hand. I have friends that knock the Glock, I don't get into the brand name comparison thing, or the price comparison thing. I tried Ruger, Sig, Heckler, Beretta, Smith & Wesson and the one I felt the most comfortable with was the Glock. Find what works the best for you and go with it.

and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE