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Old 02-18-2018, 11:14 AM
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Well with the recent tragedy in FL the wife and I are having discussions about safety. The problem is it's easy to get lulled into feeling like you live in Mayberry RFD here in the Idaho Banana Belt. However, in our discussions the wife made the statement, "It's like the wild west all over again, no one is safe any more".

Anyway, my experiences with CC are several small framed 5 or 6 shot revolvers so we will go with the venerable S&W 642. Inexpensive and we will have a pair, this way there is no confusion, you can pick up either weapon and go.

We will be taking an enhanced CCW class next month or the one after that, good legal education and a piece of paper for Oregon carry as well as on campus.

So my question is, what holster for her?

I'm going down to see Uncle Milt and get me another Summer Special but the wife doesn't know what she wants but she does want to carry her gun on her person.

Any suggestions from experience?

Thanks
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Old 02-18-2018, 11:59 AM
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First, congratulations on your plans. About the rest.......oh boy.....

She needs to handle, and if possible, shoot a couple examples to make her own gun choice. She may need/want different grips, steel frame, trigger work/Lady Smith version, etc. About holsters.............most of us have boxes of holsters we've tried and decided didn't work. Women are worse about this than we are and have a few physical differences, so what you think is a wonderful holster may not work for them (this makes me bulge in the wrong places/I can't get the gun out). Quite a few LGSs have used holster boxes, you may want to do a show and tell, let her try yours, look through the used box for examples. In short, explore options.

Remember, she not only has to lug it around, she has to shoot it enough to be good with it. You're both striving for unconscious competence.

Once upon a time I had a willowy lady friend who didn't have an American Express card, but wouldn't leave home without her Gold Cup in a shoulder holster. Worked for her-given the fashions of the day.

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Old 02-18-2018, 12:19 PM
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Quote:
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First, congratulations on your plans. About the rest.......oh boy.....

She needs to handle, and if possible, shoot a couple examples to make her own gun choice. She may need/want different grips, steel frame, trigger work/Lady Smith version, etc. About holsters.............most of us have boxes of holsters we've tried and decided didn't work. Women are worse about this than we are and have a few physical differences, so what you think is a wonderful holster may not work for them (this makes me bulge in the wrong places/I can't get the gun out). Quite a few LGSs have used holster boxes, you may want to do a show and tell, let her try yours, look through the used box for examples. In short, explore options.

Remember, she not only has to lug it around, she has to shoot it enough to be good with it. You're both striving for unconscious competence.

Once upon a time I had a willowy lady friend who didn't have an American Express card, but wouldn't leave home without her Gold Cup in a shoulder holster. Worked for her-given the fashions of the day.
Moore, thanks for the input.
I guess I should have included some more info. Wife has been shooting with me for the last 31 years, she is a proficient marksman with a .22 rifle and a safe shooter with a pistol (she can handle it and probably hit what she's aiming for).

Currently all we have is a Charter Arrms undercover, for me this is lacking in two respects. 1, the Undercover will only handle 38 standard, not +p. 2, I'm concerned that 25 to 50 rounds a month in practice would wear it out.

My experience with the 642 is that after 3,000 rounds it was still tight.

The wife likes the size and grip of the C.A. she's not an insubstantial woman but I know from personal experience that if the gun isn't almost "transparent" you might hesitate to grab it once in a while. I know that little .38 just disappears once you get used to it. I know this is all subjective but I have a decade of experience with the 642 and over 3 decades of experience with the lady ;-)

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Old 02-18-2018, 12:26 PM
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OWB, I've had good luck with the Bianchi Cyclone 111. It can be worn strong side or cross draw. The photo on the Safariland website doesn't do it justice. It's reasonably small.

Pocket carry, I like the Mika pocket holster.
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Old 02-18-2018, 12:35 PM
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Properly fitting a conceal carry holster to a woman can be extremely difficult. When she decides on a firearm, find a gun store with the largest selection of holsters available and try on several; with the unloaded firearm.

If you or the wife run across a female LEO of similar build politely ask their advice on a holster.
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Old 02-18-2018, 01:09 PM
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Come to think of it, John Farnam's wife Heidi has a video/book on firearms aimed at women. Might be worth the cost.
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Old 02-18-2018, 01:35 PM
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There is a forum, the cornered cat??? By and for women that may be of help.
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Old 02-18-2018, 02:10 PM
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You absolutely have to let a lady pick her own firearm and holster. Women will surprise you. Mine has purchased, without any help from me, a 28-2, a 3913LS, and a M&P9C 1.0.

She carries the 28-2 and 3913 in a dedicated purse and the M&P in a KingTuk. Having the wide hips that childbirth gives women, the KingTuk with 9C rides in the loose cloth above the hips in a normal stretch jean with belt.
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Old 02-18-2018, 02:15 PM
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My wife's EDC ir a Ruger LCP in a special purse. She also has a Model 36 Ladysmith but prefers the LCP.
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Old 02-18-2018, 02:20 PM
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Curious about your statment
"CCW class next month or the one after that, good legal education and a piece of paper for Oregon carry" In particualr piece of paper foe Oregeon carry. Can you clarify on what the paper for Oregon carry is

Thanks
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Old 02-18-2018, 04:02 PM
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Would help to know how your lady dresses .. jeans and T-shirt .. slacks and blouse or even skirts or dresses ..

Each may mean a different holster is used ..

But buy quality and do not try to get by cheaply ..
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Old 02-18-2018, 04:31 PM
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My wife, daughter and a female friend each EDC.

I am unable to extract a general rule based on age, build or experience.

They carry... A .38 Special M49, with Uncle Mike boots in a Mika pocket holster. A .327 Federal M632 Pro (good luck finding one for sale) just as it came from Springfield (dovetailed white dots), it rides in an Old Roy pancake holster. And a .357 Magnum LCR (and she carries .357 GDSBs) with stock Houges and a green HiViz front sight in a DeSantis LGSlide.
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Old 02-18-2018, 04:49 PM
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Curious about your statment
"CCW class next month or the one after that, good legal education and a piece of paper for Oregon carry" In particualr piece of paper foe Oregeon carry. Can you clarify on what the paper for Oregon carry is

Thanks
Unless my info is out of date and Oregon has joined the Contitutional Carry column, the piece of paper is about the size of a credit card and has "Permit" written somewhere on it.
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Old 02-18-2018, 04:59 PM
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You Tube has some good info on Conceald Carry Holsters for Women. Do a search there.
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Old 02-18-2018, 09:23 PM
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My girlfriend has a Glock 26 she carries. She does very well with it and it's set up JUST FOR HER.
You're making a mistake to think she's going to follow you on your J frame journey. You should know how difficult they are to hit well with. It's an experts gun for any kind of distance. Take her to a rental range and let her try a whole bunch of different types of guns. Let her shoot what feels good to her without steering her at first. Listen to what she says. She'll tell you everything you need to know if you listen.
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Old 02-18-2018, 09:42 PM
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Filipows, the enhanced CCW classes offered will provide a license recognized by Oregon.

Wife dresses mostly in jeans and t shirts or thereabouts.

And good points made by all about firearm selection. We will go to the indoor range and rent a variety and let her have at it.

And I've learned in the half century I've been kicking around that quality only costs me money once. We will spend wisely.

She seems pretty set on carrying the weapon on her person but once we get there she might consider some purse carry as well.
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Old 02-18-2018, 10:00 PM
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I took my wife to the NRA convention many years ago and she touched every handgun and talked to every manufacturer rep. She ended up going back to the Charter Arms booth and the CA president spent time going over every hand gun. She ended up with a Off Duty with a crimson trace grip. The pres took a Off Duty and took off and put on every trip he had. It was a wonderful experience.
Like every one else my wife went thru a bunch of holsters. She even made one using an old Daytimer case and a crossbreed holster. But her fav and one that she uses 90% of the time with multiple guns is a purse insert that fits most of her purses. PackinNeat Purse Insert. Women's Concealed Carry by Packin' Neat

She carries the CA, LCP or LC9 In the insert. At the range it is 45acp or 45 Long Colt. ��
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Old 02-18-2018, 10:26 PM
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Filipows, the enhanced CCW classes offered will provide a license recognized by Oregon.

Wife dresses mostly in jeans and t shirts or thereabouts.

And good points made by all about firearm selection. We will go to the indoor range and rent a variety and let her have at it.

And I've learned in the half century I've been kicking around that quality only costs me money once. We will spend wisely.

She seems pretty set on carrying the weapon on her person but once we get there she might consider some purse carry as well.
All the women I know with permits have a purse that they use for carry .. but only when they have too because of dress ..

All carry on body all other times .. and use a variety of holsters .. and carry many different models of pistols .. 2 of the smallest in stature you would never think carry 45's

If the local ranges have a women's/ladies night have her go and ask the women there how they are carrying .. Am sure they will be more then happy to help !! and she will get a variety of answers both in holsters they are using and the weapon's they carry ..

Good luck to her !!
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Old 02-18-2018, 10:31 PM
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Since your wife wears jeans most of the time, I assume OWB would work for her. Check out Wright Leather Works for 1st class workmanship and quality. I have the "Predator" and the fit and retention is perfect. This holster worn on a Gun belt will fit tight against the body.
Leather Concealed Carry Holsters & Belts | Wright Leather Works LLC

Here is my S&W 442
S&W 442 OWB by Jerry Jaynes, on Flickr
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Old 02-18-2018, 10:34 PM
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I'm seeing the theme of "variety" permeating this conversation.

I've still got my Milt Sparks Summer Special so I am set for the rest of my life! I guess this is why we love our women, right?
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Old 02-19-2018, 01:09 AM
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I always encourage someone who wants to buy a new S&W, but the advice in the posts above about letting her chose herself is golden.

I took note of your comments:

"Currently all we have is a Charter Arms undercover, for me this is lacking in two respects. 1, the Undercover will only handle 38 standard, not +p. 2, I'm concerned that 25 to 50 rounds a month in practice would wear it out."

According the CA website, their model 13820 Undercover is rated for 38+P

The 642 is much nicer looking though.
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Old 02-19-2018, 09:23 AM
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It's funny the firearms you mentioned. When the wife finally decided she needed to be more protected we checked out everything made, she decided on the Charter Arms undercover. It has been all she had hoped. The daughters went with a model 638 and the other one chose a 642. By the way, they have all been shooting for many years. 1911s are my first love but revolvers are pretty close. I carry a Ruger SP101 357mag. As far as holsters, good luck with that, a zillion choices. Best of luck to you.
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Old 02-19-2018, 10:41 AM
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JMO, while not as nicely finshed or as elagant in design as the Smith, CAs are plenty strong. I just don't see it falling apart from use.

I have an older .32S&WL Undercoverette. From handling a newer a .32 H&R magnum version, I think all they did was cut the bores deeper.
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Old 02-19-2018, 10:50 AM
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Originally, mine carried a Glock 43 with a Mika pocket holster in her purse. Yeah... I'd prefer that she not carry in her purse but it's better than having her leave the weapon at home. Over time, she changed to a 642 with a Crimson Trace LG-350 because she likes the size and relative safety of the DAO revolver, that red dot from the sights and the larger grip to soften the recoil.
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Old 02-19-2018, 10:56 AM
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To clarify, the CA Undercover I have is at least 25 years old.

It's not marked anywhere on the firearm.

Perhaps I will drop CA an email.
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Old 02-19-2018, 12:28 PM
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[QUOTE=dddddmorgan;139934055
So my question is, what holster for her?

I'm going down to see Uncle Milt and get me another Summer Special but the wife doesn't know what she wants but she does want to carry her gun on her person.

Any suggestions from experience?

Thanks[/QUOTE]


Have her take a look at the holster Tony at Milt Sparks designed for his wife.

PMK | Milt Sparks Holsters
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Old 02-19-2018, 03:55 PM
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I have to suggest that a Ruger LCR might be a better gun for her, especially is you shell out a bit extra and get the LCR327. The main reason is the LCR has the lightest factory trigger I have felt on a snubbie, and the 327 holds 6 rounds and can be loaded with very tame .32 Long for practice, then magnum for carry.

As far as holsters, one to consider is a basic Remora, which is also pretty flexible so she can move it around until she is comfortable.
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Old 02-19-2018, 06:07 PM
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If you can find one to shoot have her try a Beretta PX-4 Sub Compact in either 9mm or 40 .. has a 3 inch barrel .. very easy to shoot and even the 40 recoil is easily handled ..
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Old 02-19-2018, 06:29 PM
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Quote:
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There is a forum, the cornered cat??? By and for women that may be of help.
This is a great site.
I tried the small frame revolvers over the years, both S&W and Colt. Now, I don't even own a .38. For my own use, a trustworthy 9mm shoots better with less recoil, conceals easier on or off the body, and reloads smoother. (Yes, I know most gunfight are over in 2.7 rounds, or whatever, but ease of reloading should still be a factor.)
Circumstances sometimes require me to carry my pistol in a purse, and of course, the first thing a thief will grab will be my purse. it's the nature of the beast.
Being aware of that, I looked at security of the weapon and smoothness of presentation. I took a cloth cosmetic pouch and had a snap button attached with its mate in an old purse. Then I used Velcro to attach a pocket holster inside the pouch. I fiddled around with the idea until I was comfortable with the arrangement. Then I got another, stiffer pouch and fitted out several purses so it will go in whatever handbag fits my attire. A spare magazine goes in a carrier attached just like the pouch. Depending on my carry weapon, that gives me 14-24 rounds. Try that with a snubby .38.
I looked at the Packing Heat website and their ideas look OK, but I'm pretty Scotch with a roll. Sorry, is that description not politically correct? Oh, well. My homemade system works similarly and was definitely cheaper.
For body carry, I like a DeSantis pocket holster.
Unfortunately, I work for a school district and can't legally carry in the classroom, so my piece is locked in my car. Of course, that pistol's still illegal in the parking lot, but I'm in good with the campus police and don't expect to get hassled.
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Old 02-19-2018, 07:41 PM
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Brother has become disabled by Parkinson's. His wife asked me to help find her a cary handgun. I thought that I could loan her an air weight J-frame, but no. She wants a Glock 19 (15 rd version) because that is what her daughter and her granddaughter each carry. I thought that would be easy to find. I thought, "A police trade in and it should not be expensive as there are thousands out there." Also not so. Pickey women.......

Jack

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Old 02-19-2018, 07:42 PM
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Without reading any of the responses you've received so far, I just want to say that I appreciate that you are obviously experienced and knowledgeable, because you've chosen a small revolver. Step one is always to choose a pistol that is suited to the physiology of the person. You obviously know to choose the most pistol that fits into that package (years ago when I carried I chose a 44 Bulldog). And you know holsters and quality when you mention Sparks.

My comment, then, is that women are more difficult to 'suit up' than men, because men can be counted on to wear a belt. And belt carry hides small revolvers very well. Women introduce fashion choices that a holster maker otherwise doesn't have to contend with. I've personally fitted some very curvaceous agents (to the point of distraction) and at the waist is best. Modern TV shows make it even easier -- they use a paddle holster and place it at 1:00 so the camera can see it; but not good for safety or concealment.
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Old 02-19-2018, 11:59 PM
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Brother has become disabled by Parkinson's. His wife asked me to help find her a cary handgun. I thought that I could loan her an air weight J-frame, but no. She wants a Glock 19 (15 rd version) because that is what her daughter and her granddaughter each carry. I thought that would be easy to find. I thought, "A police trade in and it should not be expensive as there are thousands out there." Also not so. Pickey women.......

Jack
I'd change all the springs out in a police trade in. I'd never ever steer someone away from a Glock 19. It's one of the easiest pistols I have ever shot well. If a woman were to pick that gun, I'd see which sights she likes next. After that we can smooth out the trigger. After that it's pretty much fool proof. It just plain works.
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Old 02-20-2018, 12:24 AM
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I don't know what handguns your wife has shot a lot, and the 642 is a fine little carry gun. But some people find that .38 Special +P in an Airweight can sting and not be much fun to practice with. I hope she can try one with +P ammo before making a choice. If a few more ounces isn't an issue, an all steel gun might be a more comfortable EDC.

I made that decision years ago due to arthritis.

I apologize if I'm being unduly cautious. She may be at home shooting .454 Casull.
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Old 02-20-2018, 05:52 AM
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Originally Posted by nachogrande View Post
There is a forum, the cornered cat??? By and for women that may be of help.
The Cornered Cat is Kathy Jackson. Then there's Melody Lauer at MelodyLauer.com and her archived amateur blog at Limatunes' Range Diaries | The opinions, trainings and experiences of a wife, mother and woman with a gun..

Tamara Keel (View From The Porch) generally writes smart things, the smartest of which being not to ask her about what/how your wife should carry, because she walks around in tactical/CCW/rangeday shirts all the time.

Annette Evans wrote a decent thing over on Pew Pew Tactical: Best Way to Conceal Carry for Women: Holsters, Purses, & More - Pew Pew Tactical.

---

Other than that, seriously, don't pick stuff for her. She's going to have to carry it, so she has to like it and have confidence in it. And if she's going to carry, it's probably better if she starts getting in the habit of reading and studying and researching things herself. Maybe it makes her more interested in the subject. Maybe it reveals that this is just a passing fad that she's not going to expend a lot of time or energy on.

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Old 02-20-2018, 08:41 AM
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I think Wise A** sums it up best.

After reading the input and especially appreciated input from some women I'm inclined to throw my decisions out the window and just start from scratch.

As we've been talking about going this coming Friday to pick up a 9mm purchased on this forum she commented how much she likes shooting a 9mm (i.e. recoil, semi-auto capacity etc...) all things mentioned here.

So when the opportunity arises it's off to the indoor range where they rent a good variety of firearms, all it will cost me is a couple of boxes of ammo. Okay, maybe three, well four at the most....
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Old 02-20-2018, 08:45 AM
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My wife carries a 4" Ruger Security-Six!
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Old 02-20-2018, 09:59 AM
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My Wife and Daughter prefer the Bianmi (spi) Hip Grip
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Old 02-20-2018, 10:53 AM
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After reading the input and especially appreciated input from some women I'm inclined to throw my decisions out the window and just start from scratch.

As we've been talking about going this coming Friday to pick up a 9mm purchased on this forum she commented how much she likes shooting a 9mm (i.e. recoil, semi-auto capacity etc...) all things mentioned here.

So when the opportunity arises it's off to the indoor range where they rent a good variety of firearms, all it will cost me is a couple of boxes of ammo. Okay, maybe three, well four at the most....
There's a very big difference between range range shooting and personal defense. My wife much prefers shooting my 9mm Glocks over our 642's. However, my wife won't carry a Glock 19, but she will an airweight. A gun left at home will do you little good when you need it.

And "shoot-ability" isn't the only factor to consider. I've seen many women do fine shooting a particular auto at the range from a static stance using a firm two hand grip, but have them shoot one handed from an odd position or while moving, and they often start to experience malfunctions. Reliabilty in the circumstances that you'll actually have to use it is the most important consideration. You simply can't count on a real world shooting to look anything like range practice. Chaos is the norm and a snub will function reliably pretty much no matter what.

And consider the distances and scenarios that she would likely be shooting in. Does she plan on having to engage an active-shooter or multiple gang members at long range or is reactively having to defend against a sudden close-quarter attack more likely. I think it prudent to focus on the latter. Considering you'll most likely have to respond quickly, be shooting at very close range and have to fire only a few shots, a realiable, quick into action snub makes pretty good sense.

And another point to consider in regards to the snub is its advantages in extreme close-quarter or contact distance defense scenarios. I think this are especially important for a woman. A semi-auto will jam if the rearward movement of the slide is obstructed or inadvertently makes contact with your body, which is a possibility during compressed or retention shooting. If you make contact or push on the muzzle of a semi-auto, it will be forced out of battery and will not fire. This is not an issue with a revolver.

From Massad Ayoob...

"Gun dealers tell me the single most popular carry gun they're selling to women is the lightweight .38 Special, 2-inch revolver with snag-free configuration, such as the S&W Centennial Airweight. Yes, it kicks enough to hurt your hand. Yes, it will be one of the toughest guns for you to "qualify" with on the 15 to 25 yard line of a police-style shooting course.


However, the women who buy them for daily carry have no illusions about being involved in across-the-street shootouts. They're worried about the mugger who is within arm's length or maybe even closer when they have to defend their lives.


Male criminals tend to be misogynists. The man who would surrender to her at gunpoint would die rather than go to prison with it known that he had surrendered to her. He is more likely by far to attack and attempt to disarm a woman. More than 20 years of teaching handgun disarming and retention has taught me the hardest gun to take away from its legitimate owner is a 2-inch barreled revolver. With a shrouded hammer, this is also the only gun a woman can fire through a coat pocket without a hammer or a slide fouling in fabric and stopping her stream of fire.


Ideal for shooting all day at a training school? No. Ideal for concealed carry in real world circumstances? Yes.


The snubnose .38 revolver with snag-free hammer might just be the best choice for the defensive problems an armed woman in this society is most likely to face."

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Old 02-21-2018, 01:24 PM
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Filipows, the enhanced CCW classes offered will provide a license recognized by Oregon.

If you plan on traveling to Oregon and want to carry you might want to research a bit more. OR. is shall issue for resident may issue for non residents. The rules and restrictions are tight there.

It is up to each sheriff as to whether or not you are permitted. Grant county is the one I know of that will with minimal effort issue one See links for more info

http://oregonfirearms.org/pdfs/grantcochlapp.pdf Note grey color for OR they do not recognize any other state resident permit.

http://oregonfirearms.org/pdfs/grantcochlapp.pdf This is the information from Grant County.

I expect your enhanced CCW call will qualify as one of the training requirements.

Know before you go.
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Old 02-22-2018, 08:37 AM
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All good input. I'm inclined to agree with Ayoob, and since the wife has a liking for the snubby revolvers we will certainly give those a shot ;-)

I agree with the advice that shooting at a range and shooting in a real incident are completely different, therefore the requirements differ, i.e. capacity, accuracy and so forth.

IMHO there is nothing simpler or easier to pack around than a 38 snubby. This is just my opinion, yours may vary and that's what makes the world go round, right?

Still a little cold for the Mrs to go banging right now, we are starting with my meager collection and working our way up from there.
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Old 02-23-2018, 02:23 PM
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This is a great thread, and not just for dddddmorgan's wife.

How does anybody decide what to carry and how? Did anyone here wake up one morning and intuitively know, "Oh, I want a S&W Centennial snub-nose loaded with Speer SBHP .38 Special ammo and a Lobo Enhanced Pancake holster with 1¾" belt loops riding on a Milt Sparks lined belt." Uh, no!

Research, a friend, a family member, this forum, the gang at the lgs, books, magazines and maybe other sources helped each of us make a decision. That first decision may not have been the right one, either. That's why so many here talk about the drawer full of holsters and stocks (grips). Does anyone really "get it right" the first time?

Maybe, but I sure didn't so why do we suggest "the best" solution for a newbie with the belief "this" is the right gun and leather for "you"? I'm not hammering anyone for their suggestions; I've done the same thing in other threads. This thread, though, brought this to my mind. We can all offer the "this is what works for me (after how many different guns, holsters and grips?)," but none of us can say, "This will work for you!"

The great inputs in this thread have led the OP to the best solution: have his wife try a bunch of things and see which seems to be the right one for her. Nothing at all wrong with him "helping" her with ideas he's collected here and from his own research; we all had a hand along the way. In the end she'll make her decision based on what seems right for her.
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Old 03-23-2018, 07:07 PM
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dddddmorgan wondering if your wife has made up her mind on the
pistol she will CC ?? Or is she still trying different pistols ??
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Old 03-23-2018, 10:12 PM
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The Cornered Cat by Kathy Jackson


The Cornered Cat: A Woman's Guide to Concealed Carry by Kathy Jackson
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Old 03-26-2018, 05:54 PM
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Quote:
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All good input. I'm inclined to agree with Ayoob, and since the wife has a liking for the snubby revolvers we will certainly give those a shot ;-)

I agree with the advice that shooting at a range and shooting in a real incident are completely different, therefore the requirements differ, i.e. capacity, accuracy and so forth.

IMHO there is nothing simpler or easier to pack around than a 38 snubby. This is just my opinion, yours may vary and that's what makes the world go round, right?

Still a little cold for the Mrs to go banging right now, we are starting with my meager collection and working our way up from there.
you might have her shoot 38's in a 357 L frame .. she could shoot 38's but would be able to step up to 357's at a later date if she wanted to .. and 38+P would be light recoil in an L frame ..
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Old 03-26-2018, 09:57 PM
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I agree with the Ayoob material, but I suspect that if a woman, or many men, tried an Airweight snub and the same model in all steel the difference in comfort would favor the steel. They aren't that much heavier or harder to carry.

A side note: Ayoob's thoughts apply at least equally well for someone of either sex who is elderly and looks vulnerable.
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Old 03-30-2018, 02:08 PM
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The.wife currently uses a Deana Adams corset holster and a can can holster, depending on her dress. Only complaint is heat.In South Louisiana, heat is an issue
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Old 04-03-2018, 08:13 PM
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I took my wife to the range with my complete arsenal of hand guns and she picked my 642 nl and one of my Bucheimer 835S holsters.... wow...would not have guessed that would be her choices..... ever.

445 (2).jpg
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Old 04-03-2018, 09:14 PM
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I agree with the Ayoob material, but I suspect that if a woman, or many men, tried an Airweight snub and the same model in all steel the difference in comfort would favor the steel. They aren't that much heavier or harder to carry.

A side note: Ayoob's thoughts apply at least equally well for someone of either sex who is elderly and looks vulnerable.
I agree. A lot of alloy frame revolvers are sold under the assumption that women won't carry a heavier revolver. That's a very questionable assumption.

However the alloy frame 442 or 642 weighs 14.7 oz while the stainless steel 642 weighs 22.4 oz. That 7.7 oz difference isn't all that significant in comparison to many women's "every day carry". That extra weight however make the steel frame revolver much more pleasant to shoot with both standard pressure and.38 +P loads. And, a women who actually shoots her revolver on a regular basis is going to be far more likely to be comfortable with it, carry it, and be effective with it if she ever needs to use it in self defense.
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Old 04-04-2018, 09:03 AM
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There is a page on you tube where a firearms instuctor teaches just women and many of them prefer the S&W Shield 9mm. I dont know the exact name of the site.
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