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chezzieface
Starting Member
1 Posts |
 Posted - 07/22/2012 : 13:35:45
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Hello! I'm new to this site and new to the world of guns. I currently live in Utah and I just got my concealed permit in the mail yesterday. Sadly, this morning I received a phone call hearing that a girl was assaulted on a bike trail I take almost everyday. Luckily, she made it out safely, but she's pretty beat up. This scares me. It also reaffirms the idea that I need to purchase my first gun to actually carry.
I'm a smaller female, 21, about 5'2 125 lbs, petite. I don't think I have abnormally small hands for a woman, but they're definitely woman hands. I'm looking for a gun that's small enough to carry on my body, but doesn't hurt my hand when it recoils. I'm also a college student, so I can't spend much more that $400-$500 max. I also would like the ammo to be affordable to I can take it out to the range and practice.
For my concealed I used a Walther P22 and I really liked that one a lot. I also like the Springfield XD .40 cal. But I tried putting that in my pants and it was so awkward looking everyone and their mother would be able to tell I was carrying.
I absolutely HATED the SW 38spl and another one that was a 38 but I can't remember the name.
Does anyone have any advice for me? I |
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firefighter203
Average Member
USA
530 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2012 : 14:13:47
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| Go to your local gun shop and look around. I would suggest you take a good look at the Kahr and Kel Tec line. But be sure to get something 9mm or bigger in a auto gun and 38 or bigger in revolvers. I'm sure you can find a fine firearm in a service caliber to carry comfortably. |
I'd rather be tried by twelve, than carried by six.
Ky. CCDW Instructor |
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carlosamilcar
Starting Member
USA
43 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2012 : 15:20:15
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Hello and welcome to the forums. Make sure to stop by the new members section and introduce yourself. Thats too bad for the girl that got assaulted in that trail. Check this girl http://www.youtube.com/user/faliaphotography/videos?sort=dd&view=0&page=2 she has a lot of options for carrying concealed( my gf loves her). And like firefighter said go to your local gun shop and try different options to find the most comfortable one for you. Check the shooting ranges as well because usually they rent guns and that way you get to try them before you buy them.  Anyway good luck and make sure you read about the service calibers, there is a lot of great info on this site. |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21639 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2012 : 17:03:19
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| look at the kahr line. they make great single stack reliable pistols. |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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1813Anschutz
Advanced Member
USA
2304 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2012 : 18:04:39
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Not easy to find but many ladies greatly enjoy the Smith & Wesson "Lady Smith" 3913. I have yet find a lady that didn't like it A LOT. I carry one almost every day. Has never missed a beat in many thousands of rounds downrange.
Randy |
"The more I shoot,the LUCKIER I seem to get!" |
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nmuskier01
Senior Member
USA
1845 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2012 : 18:35:02
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quote:
Originally posted by 1813Anschutz
Not easy to find but many ladies greatly enjoy the Smith & Wesson "Lady Smith" 3913. I have yet find a lady that didn't like it A LOT. I carry one almost every day. Has never missed a beat in many thousands of rounds downrange.
Randy
This would be my #1 pick.
quote:
Nathan
Posted - 07/22/2012 : 17:03:19
look at the kahr line. they make great single stack reliable pistols.
This is my #2. |
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Renigeid
Advanced Member
USA
3045 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2012 : 05:57:57
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quote:
Originally posted by 1813Anschutz
Not easy to find but many ladies greatly enjoy the Smith & Wesson "Lady Smith" 3913. I have yet find a lady that didn't like it A LOT. I carry one almost every day. Has never missed a beat in many thousands of rounds downrange.
Randy
Ditto on this weapon. I also have one, although I do not carry it daily, and it is an outstanding weapon. I carry a Glock 22 almost entirely. I highly recoomend it for the ladies. |
Jim |
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zonker1986
Advanced Member
USA
8205 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2012 : 09:18:46
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agree that the Kahr CW9 would be a good choice. Very thin and soft recoiling. Can be had new for around $360 on www.budsgunshop.com and Davidsons Gallery of Guns.
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...7 Round Mag Limit? Silly Politicians!! |
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JoeSig
Starting Member
2 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2012 : 10:46:21
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My wife now carries the Sig P290RS 9MM [if this is what you decide - make certain it is an RS model] - certainly smaller than the XD40, recoil is not a problem due to the weight balance towards the front of the gun. The slide rack tension is no problem nor is the trigger pull weight or length. She does not have really small hands either, but still woman's hands.
She shot 200 rounds and was able to hit center of mass in all cases at 21 feet and was grouping many heart area shots with rapid aquisition, firing / sighting [not target shooting / aiming].
It does have the repeat strike which was mandatory in our specification.
She is carrying in a modified denim vest - right hand pocket with a pocket holster.
While the Smith revolvers are outstanding in make - she did not shoot hem well at all.
Best of luck on this |
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Buckeye887
Starting Member
USA
24 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2012 : 17:47:17
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quote:
Originally posted by zonker1986
agree that the Kahr CW9 would be a good choice. Very thin and soft recoiling. Can be had new for around $360 on www.budsgunshop.com and Davidsons Gallery of Guns.
+1
My wife likes the size of the grip of the CW9. I have larger hands, but it is comfortable for me. |
Kahr CW9 w/CT laser
S&W SW9VE
Federal HST 147 gr
Olight M20X-S
4Sevens QAAx2 XML
Stoner 415 IWB - Stoner Holsters strapless shoulder holster |
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JBARRETT
Average Member
USA
992 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2012 : 18:29:36
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| When you ask at a gun shop the first thing most of the people there are going to do is pull out a .380. Tell them no. Period. If they try to sell it to you anyways I would reccomend you go elsewhere. |
USN Veteran "Hooya"
"This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it or their revolutionary right to dismember it or overthrow it."
Abraham Lincoln, 4 April 1861
"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace."~ Thomas Paine
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pinkhamr
Advanced Member
USA
6078 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2012 : 01:21:44
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The Kel Tec PF9 is a solid little 9MM ....
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"Gun Control Is Being Able To Hit Your Target"
A 64 year old Retired U S Air Force Master Sergeant who's wife is also a Retired USAF Master Sergeant, and I have been a Life Member of the NRA since 1993. Also a Life Member of the NCOA and the VFW.
"A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in their life, signed a blank check made payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life." That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it. -- Author Unknown" |
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mumbo719
Junior Member
USA
242 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2012 : 05:19:31
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| My wife loves her Walther PPS more than she loves me. |
CZ P-01 . CZ 75B . CZ 912 . Walther PPS . Walther P99C QA . Kel-Tec PF-9 . Ruger 22/45 MKIII RP
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DebiB
Starting Member
USA
15 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2012 : 07:25:54
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| Feel in the hand and perceived recoil are such subjective things. For instance, recoil really tears my wrist up, but weight in the hand (or purse) doesn't bother me, so I go for a heavier model than some may find comfortable to carry, but I can fire it all afternoon without discomfort. You might feel exactly the opposite. My local gun store will let customers test fire weapons on their range (the used ones, anyway) as long as you buy the targets and ammo from them. I would suggest you pick out some models in your price range from the great suggestions everyone has made and see if you can test fire a few of them - see which one feels best to you. If your local gun store won't let you do this, find one that will. |
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Chris_T
Moderator
USA
2878 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2012 : 09:44:02
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Mom likes her lady smith 38, she's got the wood stocks on it but houge makes a rubberized grip that is recoil reducing IIRC.
My wife likes the GP100 but the thing is a tank, so it probably wont fit your criteria.
some others I know like the compact guns like the glock 26, walther pps, etc.
Stick with a service caliber, 9mm and up in an auto or 38 and up in a revolver.
download and read Nathan's Carry Guide.
DO NOT rely on that .22 to be a fight stopper if you ever need to use it. |
This post may contain opinions that are not intended to be popular. 
"Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither" - Benjamin Franklin. |
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RandyM
Junior Member
USA
437 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2012 : 03:45:36
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quote:
Originally posted by JBARRETT
When you ask at a gun shop the first thing most of the people there are going to do is pull out a .380. Tell them no. Period. If they try to sell it to you anyways I would reccomend you go elsewhere.
Agreed. They'll give you some nonsense about it making the same size hole as a 9mm, or the "no one wants to be shot by one". If they don't hear you say no, you won't get good service later either. |
A equals A
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Lost Sheep
New Member
USA
92 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2012 : 18:06:19
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You have at least one gun already, but we have no idea of your level of experience or familiarity. So, we are a bit handicapped on the advice to give.
I agree about the 380 vs 9mm. The cartridge is only 1mm longer, but the bullet choices are much in the favor of the 9mm, both in variety of construction and higher bullet weight. Also, practice ammo for the 9mm is widely available (380 can sometimes be in short supply and is 25% or more higher in price). Although, guns chambered for 380 are much lighter, smaller and more convenient (due to the lower power of the cartridge, mostly).
I suggest you visit this site:
Corneredcat.com
It is owned by Kathy Jackson who is highly articulate, experienced and thorough. (She is a moderator on TheFiringLine.com going by the name "Pax".)
The site is useful for men, too.
Good luck and thanks for asking our advice. Welcome to the site.
Lost Sheep |
Lost Sheep (and I didn't get that handle for nothin') |
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lmb531
Starting Member
USA
6 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2012 : 18:50:02
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Hi Chezzieface! Welcome to the world of guns  . Being a female similar to you in size (5'1, 120 lbs.) with woman hands I can tell you what my experiences have been and what I carry and how.
Let me first say that The Cornered Cat by Kathy Jackson is the most worthwhile book you can buy, and that FaliaPhotography on YouTube is another great resource that I would recommend. I also recommend that you take a class or get formal instruction on how to safely and dependably use firearms. Going to a shooting range is a no brainer, but try to find a salesperson who will treat you well and not "little lady" you to death.
admin edit: this portion of the post contained pro mousegun content and has been removed for admin review.
My winter carry weapon is a Glock 26 which is a 9mm subcompact that I love but because it's a double stack magazine it is more difficult to conceal. I carry it in a Crossbreed Super Tuck holster which is an IWB that clips onto my belt loops. It is a great holster but I have difficulty concealing it under anything less than a coat, sweatshirt, or other tent-like top.
I'm glad you're asking around and I hope you can find something that is comfortable for you to shoot confidently and that you keep learning!! Everyone has their opinions and preferences which is what makes forums and these types of communities so helpful and beneficial. Find what works for you, and work it!! |
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Chris_T
Moderator
USA
2878 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2012 : 20:33:07
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in light of pro mousegun content posted. Please reread the TOS
http://concealedcarryforum.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11724
 Mouse Guns: CLICK HERE. Our official recommendations are clearly outlined and they will not change until ballistic science produces a mouse gun bullet capable of creating effective, fight stopping wounds. Due to the efforts of some hell-bent on promoting mouse guns in spite of ballistic evidence that clearly shows they are inadequate as primary defensive weapons, mouse-gun threads will be deleted, edited, or linked to the above link and locked. Exceptions will be handled on a case by case basis but they should not be expected by anyone.
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This post may contain opinions that are not intended to be popular.
"Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither" - Benjamin Franklin. |
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whizzywyg
Starting Member
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2012 : 20:46:37
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| What a great thread. I've cut and pasted much of the information, been to some of the websites, downloaded Nathan's carry guide, and just read Chris' post and the link there to finally understand why everyone says NOT to get a .308... I didn't even know what a "mouse" gun was until I read that information. I'm taking my CCW class in a couple weeks so I'm trying to get educated. I'm borrowing a weapon for the range portion of the class and then I'll start my search for a weapon that suits me and I feel empowered to do so now. I'm in no way petite though as my new introduction states (I'm 6'3" tall) and I'm cross-dominant so it will be interesting to figure out what works for me. Thanks all! |
Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for. |
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Chris_T
Moderator
USA
2878 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2012 : 21:19:27
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on point A. this is flawed and dangerous logic never count on pulling your weapon "scaring" off the BG
on point C. with sufficient caliber this may or may not be true. its all about increasing your odds. There is no "magic" handgun bullet. |
This post may contain opinions that are not intended to be popular.
"Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither" - Benjamin Franklin. |
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Chris_T
Moderator
USA
2878 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2012 : 21:22:41
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quote:
Originally posted by whizzywyg
What a great thread. I've cut and pasted much of the information, been to some of the websites, downloaded Nathan's carry guide, and just read Chris' post and the link there to finally understand why everyone says NOT to get a .308... I didn't even know what a "mouse" gun was until I read that information. I'm taking my CCW class in a couple weeks so I'm trying to get educated. I'm borrowing a weapon for the range portion of the class and then I'll start my search for a weapon that suits me and I feel empowered to do so now. I'm in no way petite though as my new introduction states (I'm 6'3" tall) and I'm cross-dominant so it will be interesting to figure out what works for me. Thanks all!
glad we can be of help. |
This post may contain opinions that are not intended to be popular.
"Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither" - Benjamin Franklin. |
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SKIandSKY
Average Member
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2012 : 23:49:03
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Chezzieface,
These guys are spot on with the Kahr advice. My Kahr P9 "covert" (discontinued model, it was the regular P9 with the PM9 grip) is very light, small (I have small hands too), yet recoil is very mild, even with +P loads.
I helped a lady friend pick out a handgun once, we tried several at an indoor range. She hated the 38 revolver too, because of the flash from the cylinder ("cylinder blast") and ended up settling on a Glock 19 with night sights. I would suggest trying several models of 9mm's or larger caliber before you buy.
Do get a good holster as a holster is literally HALF THE BATTLE. Plenty of advice on here just browse. Do not neglect Nathan's excellent "Defensive Mindset" essay.
Good luck and we hope to see more posts from you!
S&S |
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SKIandSKY
Average Member
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2012 : 23:53:54
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PS:
Kahr's "P series" is very expensive, but they have a "CW" series that is much cheaper and would definately fit into your price range with money left over for a good holster and even laser grip sight if you wish for one of those. The CW series does not give anything up in quality or ease of use, they just take some manufacturing short cuts no one seems to notice anyway. Currently I prefer to carry a Kahr CW45 over the P9 because the CW 45 has a much better-sized handle to grab hold of. I might suggest getting the Kahr CW 9 because its grip is a tad bit longer than their very popular PM9 series. Up to you though.
S&S |
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mecread
Starting Member
1 Posts |
Posted - 09/07/2012 : 22:29:24
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Thanks for this thread, I am looking for a handgun for me. I pretty much only do target .22 with my 14 year old girl or trap. (she is in a shooting club) but I am looking for a on body concealed for me.
I have shot the bodyguard auto and the ruger lcp, and I just do not like the size and I have shot more with revolvers with .22 or with a Mark II ruger. I DO not like the feel of LCP at all yuck. After 20 rounds w/ the bodyguard and 10 w/ the ruger my wrist is killing me.
Tonight and it up to change is, a 642/442 S&W or a bodyguard revolver, or a Sig 9mm P250 Dh is getting worked up as I can't make my mind up, but like I said this is new to me I am used to going and buying .22lr or 20 gauge! I would love to have something that I could take out and shoot and not cost me a arm and leg while I get to know the handgun too
I would love to do on body, but I know that the p250 will not be the best, and also more to happen vs 642 in a bag.
I just need a sounding board thanks. |
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Chris_T
Moderator
USA
2878 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 11:16:13
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OK, 642 is a excellent choice but seriously consider the risks of carrying in a bag. This is "off body carry" and if someone was to snatch your bag then guess what else they got.
As far as cost effective carry 9mm is hard to beat. 38spcl isn't that bad but really in a service caliber 9mm is about as cheap as it comes.
So now its time for you to decide what kind of gun works for you, autoloader or wheel gun.
From there your onto trying and choosing the various options. Personally I think your on a right track with the smith wheelie. Auto loader options could be the Glock 26, Kahr, S&W M&P, etc. The list goes on for ever.
Personally if you can find one, and don't mind a little weight over the poly guns the Star Firestars are hard to beat for an autoloader. They were really a generation ahead of their time. Of course then there's always the Glock reliability....
Shoot and try as many as you can then pick one that not only WORKS, but works for you. |
This post may contain opinions that are not intended to be popular.
"Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither" - Benjamin Franklin. |
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Topic |
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Small female concealed gun?
