She was thinking of the Smith & Wesson 442 but we've recently decided a semi-auto would suit her better, 9mm preferably but we're not opposed to. 380. We want something 1.Reliable 2.Highly Concealable 3.Easy on the recoil yet still have stopping power. Also we'd like to keep it in the $300-$700 range preferably. I know it sounds crazy but we can't afford to spend $60-80 at the range trying guns because they make you feed them their ammo. We just don't have the money with 2 kids and me being the only one working. The firearm purchase will be going on the Cabelas card and paid off with tax returns.

So guns we're considering...

Kahr CM9
Kahr CW9 (although don't really care for Kahr's warranty or lack there of)
Kahr P380

Smith M&P Shield
Smith M&P 9c. (Would LOVE a shield but can't get our hands on one)
Smith Bodyguard (Is the bodyguard reliable, and enough stopping power?)

Ruger LC9 (a friend is letting me borrow his LC9 for the range this weekend)
Ruger LCP

Kel-Tec PF-9
Kel-Tec P3-AT (Don't know much about these, are they reliable?)

Sig P-290rs
Sig P-938 (Love Sig's but top if not over our price range, Cabelas has the original P290 on sale, are these any good? Any other models we should consider?)
Sig P-238

Walther PPS

HK P2000sk

Glock 26
Glock 19

Thanks for your help and please add suggestions to other makes and models as well as any input on the list we have so far.

Almost forgot she also wants something that she can easily pull the slide back on after the break in period. Some of these smaller pocket pistols are tough for her to pull back but we're not sure if after the break in process they loosen up or not?

The Sig P238 is AWESOME. My wife loves hers. It's super concealable but looks like a 1911 and is very accurate.
Sig also has a 9mm version that is slightly larger but I can't remember what it is called. You should check those out.
I would advise against the 442. It's a nice gun but it really suck to shoot.

While my first choice for reccomendation would be a Glock G19 with an Advantage Arms .22 Conversion Kit, you may also want to consider this...

If she has problems with racking the slide you might want to look at a Beretta Tip Up barrel like the Jetfire or Minx. These are .22 LR & .25 ACP pocket guns. If she is looking for a heavier caliber, the Tomcat is a similar gun in .32 ACP and .380.

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This from the Beretta website: "The exclusive tip-up barrel allows the user to easily load a round directly into the chamber. It also assists in the safe clearing of the pistol by allowing a live round to be easily removed from the chamber and the bore quickly checked".

Good Luck!

Drew

My wife has fired many of the hand guns in your list. Got her ccw permit last year and chose to carry my now her's glock 19. Simple to operate and maintain. She can rack the slide with ease and shoot well. Glock has over 15,000 rounds down range with out any problems. She is quite confident with her weapon of choice. She is 5'-2" tall.

Luscious tried several guns and settled on her 9C which she carries in a Coronado concealed carry purse every day. Shoots light's out at the range, too! Highly recommend the gun and if your wife is like mine, she doesn't want to talk about carrying any other way. Coronado is expensive but A-1.

I have not shot most of the guns on your list but I have had a J-frame (638 Airweight) and currently have a Shield 9 and a Bodyguard 380. I can report good reliability on all these guns. The J-frame was not fun to shoot much, as already noted; I replaced it with a BG 380. The BG is very concealable and plenty accurate, but the trigger is not great and it's not as pleasant to shoot. The Shield has been my primary carry and is terrific if you can find one.

Hi, you didn't state (or I missed it) whether this was just going to be a Home defense gun or a carry. My Wife originally began shooting for target but also wanted something that if she was home alone should could easily and accurately handle. She ended up with the Fn Five-seveN. She loves shooting it but now the ammo is really through the roof in price and she can't conceal it.
So we ended up looking around , she tried dozens of guns , can't conceal, Hand grip to big or too small etc... and narrowed it down. In the guns she liked , she found the 9's a little to crisp on the recoil for the concealability she was looking for (we were unable to get hold of an S@W shield which was highly recommended to check out however so you may want to check those) believe it or not she ended up with a rather inexpensive and in my opinion well made value for dollar gun, the Bersa Thunder CC in 380 acp. Pretty compact yet virtually no recoil. She loved shooting it and at 25 yards right out the box put the whole magazine through target (she is not a highly experienced shooter). The first shot is double action and has a great saftey allowing carry cocked and locked (9 shots). With a little research into the ammo and having her shoot it you can approach 9mm ballistics as well. Anyway, at first I dismissed it but honestly value for dollar is great and she loves it and can carry it! Just something to consider, best of luck!

Just my opinion, I would try a Glock 17 or 19. I hate to say this on this forum, but Glocks are the closest thing to a double action revolver. She can also try a Springfield XD9. She may decide something else. Those are just my suggestions.

When we were looking for a gun for my wife, she ruled out revolvers "just because." (I have migrated away from revolvers myself.) So, we looked at small semi's...and based on my own hunt for a good, small carry pistol, the one pistol (at the time) that she could easily manipulate the slide on was my LC9...so, I got her one. I got her a TALO Gold model, which she immediately said she loved, but it was "too pretty" to carry/shoot. So it sits in the safe.

I eventually moved on from the LC9 and through several other options, none of which she could handle (like my Kahr CW9, or my M&P9c.) but then we found the Shield. She likes it, and can handle it well. I would highly recommend it to men and women alike.

If you are interested in a SIG P238, Academy Sports sells a special run model for $479, which is a great price compared to what P238s sell for in gun shops.

IMO, the SIG P model pistols (like the P229, for example) are the closest semi-autos to a revolver, since you can fire them DA or SA, and you can (safely) de-cock them. To me, Glocks and other similar striker fired pistols are analogous to DAO revolvers.

Kahr makes a good pistol, but they're overbuilt and HEAVY. If you want something built like a tank that will last for three lifetimes, get the Kahr.

I have no love for the Smith autos. The Bodyguard 380 is a ****** little pistol, in my opinion. They tend to go back to the factory because people screw up the laser elevation and windage screws, or the laser quits working, or both. Probably the user's fault in a lot of cases, truth be told.

Ruger LCP has ****** sights, but you're not going to use them with this little pistol, anyway. The LC9 has a lot more going for it; Loaded chamber indicator is red and sticks up (you can see it when it's light, or feel it in the dark). There is a positive mechanical safety, the sights are better, the grip is longer, and it's a Ruger. The LC9 would be my choice in the $400 range. Ruger firearms are made in Connecticut and Arizona by Americans, if that means anything to you.

Kel-Tec makes rattle-trap garbage - which is again, my opinion.

Sig P-238 is very much like my Colt Mustang. It is my choice, if you have $700 to spend, but it's single-action only. It needs to be carried cocked and locked. Unlike the 1911, you can load a round in the chamber with the pistol on safe - and close the slide - with it on safe the whole time. That's a nicer safety, in my opinion. BUT, you have to learn how to safely carry a single-action pistol and keep it ready for use. If she's not familiar and doesn't want to learn, forget it.

Walther stuff goes back for repair all the time. I hate Walther, with a passion.

HK - probably not in your price range, is it? They make impeccable stuff, but man you're paying at least $300 for the name.

Glock 26 - great, but I prefer it with the +2 extended mag with extended base plate and purchase area for my pinky. Shoots just as well with short mag, though.

Glock 19 - nothing wrong there, but not as concealable as everything above, on this list.

The Shield in a 9mm is what we really want we just can't find one to save our life...no pun intended any idea where in the world we could purchase one?

I own a Keltec .32 acp which is very accurate & reliable. If recoil is a problem you might give this a try. To be honest my EDC is a 442 w/the Keltec serving in a role of last ditch gun when the 442 cannot be adequately concealed.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I purchased a Ruger SP101 from my local Cabelas 2 weeks ago. When I mentioned the S&W Shield to the salesperson, he just laughed. Said that they can't get any, said he tells about 5 people a day. Since you are going through Cabelas, I'd look at the Kahr.

Well, my story isn't going to make you feel any better...I have (or had, until recently) three of them (9mm.) On the day they were announced, I was browsing on Gun Genie, and I was dumbfounded to see that they had some in stock...I think there were 8 of them. I immediately placed my order for one, and watched the counter go to zero availability just after I placed my order. I felt sure I would get an e-mail saying "So sorry" but it went through, and in a few days, I picked it up at the FFL I had selected (not my usual LGS, which isn't listed on Gun Genie.) The FFL dealer was as surprised as I was that I got it, because he said his understanding was that the initial Shields available on Gun Genie were supposed to be reserved for those who had attended and registered for them at the SHOT Show...which I didn't. I thought for a moment he wasn't going to complete the transfer, but he shrugged and we did the deal.

The next day, I was browsing in a gun shop, and I asked them if they had a Shield, and the clerk said no. As I was looking at their counters, I saw one...the clerk didn't even know it had come in...so I bought it. A couple of days later, my usual LGS called me and said they had one in, and they had saved it for me. I felt like I was honor bound to buy it, so I did.

I just recently sold one of them, to a forum member. What's my point? I guess I am saying it is going to be luck and timing...get on lists with several gun shops, check Gun Genie, check other internet sources, put a WTB ad here, and maybe you'll find one. Good luck in your search...I think they are really worth the time and effort to find one.

We found the m&p 9c wonderful to shoot, but not as concealable as the shield. Bought both. Couldn't be happier.

I would suggest first take your list to a GOOD gun shop & let her handle as many as she can on the list. I did that for my wife a few weeks ago & she liked the Glock 26 & Smith M&P Shield. Finally decided on the Smith M&P Shield. If she has never racked an auto. show her how to do the overhand grip, did that with my wife & she had no problems.

Mike

I'd say go to your local gun shop and have her try some different guns on for size. See how well they fit her hand, can she reach the controls or work the slide? How does the trigger feel?
I carry a 442 myself, I had to change to Pachmayr compact grips to fit my hand better. My wife carries a 4" 66-3 with the factory grips and they fit her hand just fine.
It's true that a J frame snubby can be difficult to shoot accurately but it is possible with practice.

Kahrs are not overbuilt and heavy. They make 2 types the all steel and the polymer. The CW9 weights something like 15oz. I had both the CW9 and PPS. Liked the CW better but only because of the mag eject button. Nothing was wrong reliability wise. G19 are great and can be found for about $350 used/police trade. If this gun is going into a purse i wouldnt want it to be a striker fired gun with no safety. Women carry way too many things in their purses that can get into the trigger guard. I would recommend some sort of a holster that is secured inside of the purse.

A G26 Is a very nice compact reliable 9mm but it might not have enough grip for her to hold onto to and rack the slide.

Any 380 will have more felt recoil that a 9. But a9 has a lot better stopping power does a 380.

Overall I would stay away from keltec. They are not really well known for longevity unless you just don't use them.

The thinnest 9 Is thestock Walther PPS, If I'm not mistaken. It is less than an inch thick. Walthers PPK Did have a lot of problems under Smith and Wesson. Their PPS and the new PPQ, Along with the older
P99, are solid guns
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If you can find one used look at a 3913

It depends on a number of factors. Use?...House/car pistol or concealed carry? How does she intend to carry it. Hand size is a factor as well as her build and strength. Don't get caught up in getting a little gun for the "little lady". "Cute" or "pretty" is of no import...ANY effective pistol is "pretty" when dealing with a violent predator. Limited hand strength can be dealt with by hand exercises and technique. Stay away from blowback pistols such as the PP series Walthers and Sig 230's since the recoil springs have to be stiff in these pistols. I would go with something more effective than .22, .32 or .380...Women are more likely to be victims of sexual attacks and such attackers can be very determined and count on ambush and shock to overcome resistance. At close range with little time, a effective cartridge that penetrates well is vital...My daughter handles a Colt 1911 Govt Model very well...My two cents...Good luck with it and may she stay safe and never need a gun!

All of the above Home/Car and Concealed, she intends to carry on her waistband. OWB around the house IWB running errands.

Always been my recommendation when someone is looking for a handgun for their wife. They might surprise you. Mine currently owns a Model 28, Model 63, a M&P9C, a Ruger MKII, and a 3913LS.

When she asked to see the 3913 after spotting it used at a Gander Mountain, the gunstore cowboy said, "You know that's a 9mm". She pointed her thumb at me and said, "I shoot his .45 better than he does. What's your point?" She also shoots my 642 better than I do, but doesn't really like it or the 1911.

For IWB the length if the grip is more important than gun length. The Shield is good but if on a tight budget I'd look for a use G19 as suggested above. Since she will need a cover garment anyway. Plus replacement parts are cheap and easy to install if ever needed. Unlikely. Only issue with the Glock might be if she has very small hands as the grip, like all double stack pistols, is large. Be sure she handles one before buying. Also they are no more unsafe than a gun with a manual safety. ALWAYS carry in a holster for reasons stated above. About 15 years ago the sheriff of Claiborne county TN shot himself in the leg when his keys got tangled in the trigger guard.

Look on line if need be. You pick out the gun and they ship it to your local dealer.

As to working the slide, it's all in technique. A pre-teen girl can work the slide if she does it right. BTW, the smaller the gun the harder it is to shoot well and run.

Search the boards Sig, S&W and, any other and look for a P6, they can be had from anywhere from 375 to 450 depending on what work has been done to them and they are dead relaible and, in a decent price range. I have one that I rotate in my EDC line-up but you can't buy it no one could. It would be one of the last guns I would sell. You might find one on one of the auction sights.

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I Cor. 10:13 "1611KJV"

I will give another vote for a Glock 19. My wife loves hers. I installed a stainless steel guide rod as well as an extended mag release and slide stop. She wouldn't trade it for the world

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My advice is to learn the difference between striker fired with a long trigger pull, a striker fired that has a short trigger pull, an outside hammer that is double action on the first shot and single action on subsequent shots, an outside hammer that is single action, and outside hammer that is double action on all shots then make the choice. Accuracy is probably more important than bullet size. Liking the gun enough to carry it all the time is also important because it is not much good if you don't have it. Good luck with your choice. Larry

Well we just got back from the range, we borrowed my friends Ruger LC9. I found it to be fine as far as recoil, the wife on the other hand didn't care for it. She put 21 rounds through it and she was done, she new that it wasn't for her. We also had 1 misfire, we used Remington 115 grain UMC hollow points. So I guess it could be blamed on the ammo but I've never had that happen with my M&P 40c. Also we had 3 failure to feeds, AND the magazine came out 4 times! I've heard other reviews about this happening but now I know it's definitely a problem. It's an issue of where the mag release is, your thumb comes in contact with it while shooting the recoil causes you to hit it. In fact I happened to get it happening on video while my wife was shooting.

So we've come to the conclusion, the LC9 is not for her. I wouldn't recommend it for anybody!

She decided she wants the Smith & Wesson M&P 9 compact, she's familiar with it because she shoots my. 40 and we know it's reliability is far better than the Ruger after our trip to the range. We've also been put on the waiting list for the M&P shield 9mm, so should have it come in by Christmas 2013! So that'll be a nice gift for the wife then, but until then she'll be packing the M&P 9c!

Thanks for your input everyone, we appreciate all of the comments. And one thing I'd like to note as others have said, it is VERY important to shoot the gun your thinking of buying BEFORE you buy it. That would have sucked if we just went ahead and purchased the Ruger by feel alone and dry firing, because up until we fired it we liked it. We would have been sorry!

Best thing would be that she finds these guns and put her hands on. Perhaps she can rent some and shoot them before she decides what to buy.

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Jorge

My wife carries a 442 with a CT, (I forget the number, it's the one with a slightly larger grip). At 4' 11", 100lbs she has shot the 442 ALL weekend at training classes, it can be done. Decided to get into IDPA, another gun would be better. Three or four gun shows, picking up, racking different guns, (as an aside, racking all those guns is GREAT practice, she is real good at it now), finally settled on a M&P9, no safety. Ruger SR9 a close second.

I have found the SIG P290RS is accurate, is easy to charge, fits a smaller hand well, and has minimal recoil, has no unnecessary safety, a very reasonable 6.5/7 lb. trigger pull, night sights that work. I suggest having her try one at the range.
I don't work for SIG.

Since she likes the M&P compact it sounds like you found her gun. She may fine the recoil on the shield much like that of the Ruger she shot. The narrow grip contributes to felt recoil. More than one person doesn't like narrow grips, myself included. May be easier to conceal but may be harder for some to shoot well. I'd say good choice with the 9c.

Ouch.

Have you ever shot a 3913? I think your opinion of S&W autos would change drastically.

Smith made a lot of guns, not all were perfect. Try out the 3913 some day.

Maybe find one of these used....it's a little smaller 3913

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

You absolutely cannot decide on the best personal firearm from a set of spec sheets or recommendations. I agree with others above who suggested that your wife needs to go to a well-stocked gun store and handle a variety of different makes and models. The goal is not to get "the best 9mm," whatever that might be, but the best gun that she feels comfortable operating regardless of the round it chambers. That might be a 9mm, or a .380, or a .32 -- let her decide. The gun she can use effectively is a far better choice than a gun she cannot use well. The wrong gun is potentially no improvement over having no gun at all.

Do NOT let the decision be driven by a preference for light weight. If a shooter has small hands or lesser forearm strength that makes operating a slide even slightly challenging, then there is good chance that the recoil damping effect of additional forearm mass may not be available. Thinking like a contrarian, I would say there is great potential advantage to buying the heaviest gun one can comfortably operate. For medium-power cartridges in the 9mm/.38 Special class, even a couple of ounces can make a big difference in perceived recoil.

I know it is an article of faith in some quarters that any Houlton Walther is an unacceptable POC, but my own experience does not permit me to confirm the validity of that judgment. My 380 PPK/S is a fine pistol and has given me no problems. Your wife might reject it as a candidate at first encounter, but I would at least encourage her to include it in the list of possibles.

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David Wilson

DCWilson is right. Your question is like asking "My wife wants some new shoes. What size and style would you suggest?"

Let her look at several guns and make the decision. If she's like my wife, what ever I decided would be wrong.

I agree, but a gun and shoes may not be the right analogy, as one is for style and one is a lifelong investment that may be asked to protect your life!

Perhaps give her a choice of several guns that have been proven performers and not prone to problems, then let her pick one of those.

I wouldn't mind a bit if my wife wanted to choose one of the guns on my 'To Buy' list....

I have a couple of thoughts, and I'll jump into the fray. There are only a couple of 380s that I would suggest; the Sig P238 and the Kahr. The problem with almost all 380s is that they are so light that the recoil makes them jump all over the place. The Sig and Kahr have much more mass to them, and because of that, they are more comfortable to shoot, and the shots are much more accurate due to reduced muzzle flip.

Next, the Kahr MK 9 is a great gun. Because it has a stainless steel frame, instead of polymer, it has more mass; again making it much more comfortable to shoot. The Kahr MKs are subcompact guns, but shoot like a much larger gun. I just traded a Kahr CW40 for a Kahr MK40, and the smaller MK shoots much easier than the CW, which has a polymer frame.

The shield is a larger gun than both of the above mentioned. I own an M&P 9, and I love it, but I got it to target shoot not carry. I also have an M&P 22, so you can tell that I have nothing bad to say about the S&W guns, but they don't seem to me to be what you are looking for.

Both the Sig P238 and the Kahr MK9 have great sights on them, they will never wear out, they will feed any ammo you put into them, and they can be concealed. Both shoot very well on the range as well. You can change the grips on both guns also, which will the shooter get the right fit.

There are many good guns out there, so spend some time looking around. While you are looking, check out the Sig and the Kahr.

Kahr CW or PM 9 are great guns - the PM9 will be considered a classic CCW in years to come, IMO. But, slide may be too hard to rack for your wife. Pick up a used one if you like it bec otherwise new is at your price limit.

An SA XD or XDm compact or sub-compact is another great choice. I think the XD is better than the M&P and the Glock.

How about a used Baretta Model 86, the BARREL TILTS OPEN, load a cartridge in it, close, then insert the magazine.

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NRA Pistol/Rifle Inst. RSO

How about a gun shop with a range. Most around here have rentals. Then you can rent what is available there and let your Wife decide. As for Models they don't have, isn't that what friends are for ? Just my .02

Ok, got to get my 2 cents in. I spent three months looking for a Shield to just hold in my hand. When I did it was pre sold. I considered a lot of other guns but kept coming back to the Shield. Have one on order now and I will be thrilled if I have it by Christmas. Some things are worth waiting for. Since you didn't say how this gun would be used or I missed it, good to have something highly concealable, in a decent caliber, with a good trigger, and a good safety. I can tell you the Shield does have a great trigger and safety, hard to engage by accident but easy to thumb off as you draw the weapon. If she doesn't like/need the safety it won't get in the way. I can't stress enough that the gun needs to be pleasant to shoot. Otherwise, if your lady is anything like mine she will not join you at the range enough to be capable or even safe with the gun. As someone who failed miserably at this, I know. Definitely stay away from polymer 380s for this reason. One last thought, if she doesnt like the shield - you keep it and you still have about $300 for her next choice. Good luck!

GLOCK !
1. Model 26
2. Model 19
3. Consider a Model 36 even tho its .45acp

The Wife decided she wants a semi-auto, any suggestions?

Just one - good behavior

My wife uses a Kahr CW9 as her primary EDC. We put a Hogue grip cover over the handle and it is much more comfortable for her to hold and use. She loves using my M&P40c at the range. But, she prefers her CW9 for EDC. She's owned it for a few years now. Plenty of rounds through it at the range. The more she shoots it, the better it gets.

I also bought her, this past summer, the Ruger LCP. To get better control of the gun, I bought the crimson trace laser. We've practiced with it a lot and where she points the laser is where the bullet goes. She keeps it in her purse as a back up weapon.

Marcus

S&W 3913.

Second choice, M&P 9c.

Well we went with the Bodyguard 380, and we were added to the LONG waiting list for the Shield. They said by Christmas next year we should have it, so that'll be a nice 2nd gun for the wife and me

Wow... Did she shoot it first? No disrespect.

I have one... It wouldn't be the first choice I give to my wife to try. In fact, when I leave on trips, I lay out the 9c, the 642 and the 3913 and have her choose which one she wants by her bedside.

Right now she is keeping the 642 there. I am working on changing that. The M&P40 is on my side and she can get at it quickly enough, and it has a light.

I'd hate to leave her the 3913 because I want that with me! I wouldn't mind if she had the M&P22 even.

But I wouldn't leave her with my BG380.... I hope you have a better experience! I mean it shoots okay and mine has never had a glitch, but it's a real pocket pistol... a back up gun if you will.