Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics
o

Notices

Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics Post Your General Gun Topics and Non-S&W Gun and Blade Topics Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11-04-2011, 11:39 PM
Pete99004's Avatar
Pete99004 Pete99004 is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: AZ
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 2,605
Liked 2,128 Times in 787 Posts
Default Best gun for new female shooter

My wife came out last weekend and did some target shooting with me. She doesn't have any gun training at this point, but was surprised that she enjoyed it so much, she didn't think she would. She indicated tonight that she would like to learn to shoot and get a comfort level handling and firing the guns safely. I'm all for that and will work with her along with signing her up for an independent safety course, but I'm wondering what others have found the gals in their life are more comfortable with - revolvers or Semi Auto's - DA or DAO? Any suggestions on what guns she should try out first?
__________________
Don't tread on me
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11-04-2011, 11:47 PM
625smith's Avatar
625smith 625smith is offline
SWCA Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Central Illinois
Posts: 1,759
Likes: 2,571
Liked 2,697 Times in 607 Posts
Default

To teach the fundamentals I would choose a .22 with a 5-6" barrel. Semi auto or revolver. A S&W 22a is a good choice for a trainer. .22 for the mild recoil and lower noise.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 11-04-2011, 11:54 PM
DeadAye's Avatar
DeadAye DeadAye is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: GVL TN
Posts: 3,937
Likes: 1,359
Liked 2,549 Times in 1,098 Posts
Default

My wife shoots a Model 10 quite proficiently. Even shooting it DA...
She also shoots most semi-autos well, but cannot work the slide easily. If the auto jams - Well, that's it.
The Ruger MK series .22 autos are an exception, btw.

Be sure your wife can do a complete manual of arms with whatever she chooses.
A good trigger makes a BIG difference too
__________________
In dog years I'm dead.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 11-05-2011, 12:04 AM
Dragon88 Dragon88 is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 107
Liked 456 Times in 205 Posts
Default

Definitely start with a .22. I have found that the "thrill" of recoil wears out quickly for many girls, sometimes in just one magazine. A good step up from that is light 38s once they start to feel comfortable. Revolvers are nice because they don't have to worry about racking the slide or fiddling with the magazine.

Gross generalization alert: New female shooters do not like "features" and "gadgets", they do like a manual safety on semi-autos, they do not like recoil, and they must have a gun that feels comfortable in their hand. That's the deal breaker, if it doesn't feel comfortable in their hand they won't like the gun, regardless of how awesome you think it is. Again, there are many accomplished female shooters out their, but for ones just starting out, these are the norms I have seen.

Also be aware that as she practices, she will probably become a better shooter than you in no time flat. Seen it many times.

Good luck.
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 11-05-2011, 12:16 AM
amazingflapjack amazingflapjack is offline
US Veteran
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: North Central Florida
Posts: 5,947
Likes: 24,644
Liked 6,195 Times in 2,575 Posts
Default wives and husbands...

It would help to know the person, and the type of personality she has. When I started to "really" learn to shoot hand guns-after the Army-I used a Ruger MK II-and that really gave me a great foundation-but that's me, but could be a wonderful learning tool for shooting and hand gun for anyone. I also like the idea of a revolver, for the reasons stated above-love the model 10. I got my wife a m-65-3 rnd bt 3 inch, and put Hogue Bantams on it-great fit, and another K frame. I'm just glad for the both of you that she wants to learn. One thing I did that I would suggest is that you enroll her in an NRA course that will also qualify her to carry. It is a rare husband that can be as effective in teaching their wives safety better than some stranger that has no baggage with her at all. Nuff said. Flapjack.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #6  
Old 11-05-2011, 12:31 AM
jkc jkc is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Mesa, AZ
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 1,256
Liked 630 Times in 357 Posts
Default

1. .22 rimfire
2. DA revolver is easiest manual of arms, but, grip girth issues may indicate Ruger semi-auto or etc. as preferred alternative.
3. Let someone else (not spouse or boyfriend) handle the training --- DIY is recipe for relationship disaster... Trainer needs to be stern authoritarian task-master/enforcer of strict safety rules --- not what most spouses or etc. will tolerate.
4. Expect to be outshot after any reasonable amount of training --- in my experience, women learn faster and are more quickly proficient than men ---get over it, and consider it a job well done... by somebody other than you...
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #7  
Old 11-05-2011, 12:45 AM
Pete99004's Avatar
Pete99004 Pete99004 is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: AZ
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 2,605
Liked 2,128 Times in 787 Posts
Unhappy

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dragon88 View Post

Also be aware that as she practices, she will probably become a better shooter than you in no time flat. Seen it many times.

Good luck.
She already had tighter groups than me + 3 rounds dead center!
Bummed me out so much I made excuses for my poor shots!!
Dust got in my eye...yea that's it - dust!

By the way we were shooting my Sig P232 and I think it fit her pretty well, but I'm not sure she be comfortable racking the slide on it - we're going to go out again this weekend and try the 3913 and 686 with some 38 spl. loads.
__________________
Don't tread on me

Last edited by Pete99004; 11-05-2011 at 12:49 AM. Reason: added info on gun choices
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #8  
Old 11-05-2011, 01:06 AM
kmyers's Avatar
kmyers kmyers is offline
SWCA Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 6,488
Liked 4,337 Times in 1,593 Posts
Default

Mine came already owning a couple of dozen, but she is a typical Texas gal.
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 11-05-2011, 01:50 AM
TACC1 TACC1 is offline
US Veteran
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Wautoma, WI 54982
Posts: 4,118
Likes: 6,564
Liked 799 Times in 499 Posts
Default

I had read somewhere that people trust themselves with a
revolver as their first firearm. The logic behind that, is that they can See what is happening, unlike an auto, where everything is a
mystery. I've seen this myself, and it makes sense to me.
As was posted above, a 22 is the best bet. Hard to be afraid of
something that is a challenge just to get the sights lined up.
Either a kitgun/M34 or a 317. JMHO, TACC1
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 11-05-2011, 03:27 AM
Bicky Robby's Avatar
Bicky Robby Bicky Robby is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Smack dab in the middle
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times in 5 Posts
Default

My wife decided she did not want a revolver, but rather a semi auto. Her choice at the time was a Glock 19 (she liked the way my Glock 23 fit her hand).

Since then she, not me, has picked up a Kahr CW-9, a M&P-9, Glock 26, and XDm-9. And she loves shooting my 1911's.

My experince, however tells me that my wife is the exception to most new female shooters. The sound of a gun shot is a scary for many. Using a .22 can help slowly ease a new shooter into the sport and help to stay focused on the shooting fundamentals.
__________________
NRA Certified Instructor
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11-05-2011, 06:23 AM
oldafsp's Avatar
oldafsp oldafsp is offline
US Veteran
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 1,286
Liked 1,204 Times in 380 Posts
Default

I have taught more women to shoot on a Model 10 4 inch than any other gun. All of them became better than average shots

Only a couple liked autoloaders. As they progressed, most of them stayed with the .38. But one gal adapted so fast it was scary. Superior hand eye coordination. She now has her CCW and bought a 2.5 in Model 19.

I start them at 7 yards and we work out from there. The more hits on target early in training builds confidence.

The gals usually don't have preconceived notions about how good they are.
__________________
Take your time..quickly.
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #12  
Old 11-05-2011, 06:54 AM
GeorgiaShooter GeorgiaShooter is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Near Atlanta
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Liked 23 Times in 13 Posts
Default

I like all these ideas but I'm also in the same boat as you. My wife situation is almost identical and she's actually a darn good natural shooter. She even took her snap caps and gun into the garage yesterday and dry fire practiced without my prodding for a change!!!!

I say the .22 is a great idea for revolver and point shooting, intuitive close range shooting because it naturally points perfectly on target with the hand compared to most pistols that point slightly downward. Never the less the big difference for my wife has been her past history with a very nice browning semi-auto 380 I bought her in the 80/90s that jammed with half the ammo we bought and just befuddled her all the time.

So for that reason she's owned a Taurus light weight snubby 38 for maybe 10 years. Bedside gun, you can shoot 38 in it and 38P. So that has allowed me to buy mild ammo she can practice with. Recently I bought her a S&W version of this gun which is way way better, the 442 which is the covered hammer version, as you probably know.

Now I've bought a body guard 380 she likes semi autos agains suddenly, and her small hand fits around to the trigger better than the 442 snubby 38 with it's long stiff trigger. She does feel safer with the stock trigger pull. But she also LOVES the thumb safety on the bodyguard.

I would say 22 is the best starter but honestly if you can't afford to buy a lot of guns those 22s can be more expensive than just buying her the final solution and focusing on dry fire practice. If she wants to endlessly plink on the range, outdoors and save money on ammo, heck yes. But if you have a tight budget I'd say buy one of these newer generations of carry guns and get her directly onto the personal defense wagon.

My wife is already developing her point shoot abilities and can nail targets at 7 yards without using the sights (combat accuracy). That's farther than any distance she is likely to ever shoot in our home or in self defense. But I have been starting her drills MUCH close than that (important). One last note. I own an LCR by Ruger too and they have the one benefit of a trigger that's smooth as butter. One thing I like about revolvers is they simply WORK and less picky about ammo and cleaning. And the grip activated laser comes on for her without the need to intentionally press a button.

By the way another alternative is to buy one of those S&W revolver BB guns, they even have bio degradable BBs and she can set up targets in the yard and practice drills. I have not done this yet, but considering it and the 22 idea.

In either case good luck, sorry for the rambling.

Last edited by GeorgiaShooter; 11-05-2011 at 06:59 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #13  
Old 11-05-2011, 11:19 AM
Fishslayer Fishslayer is offline
US Veteran
Absent Comrade
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: San Diego, PRK
Posts: 9,238
Likes: 11,531
Liked 11,249 Times in 3,916 Posts
Default

My wife decided she doesn't like revolvers because she gets her hands dirty reloading. Fine with me.
That reminds me. Gotta roll up another hunnert or so of those light Green Dot target rounds.

I got her a 22/45. She didn't like it & I don't blame her. The controls are fairly stiff, the slide lock works a bit differently from everything else on the planet, and the safety is in an awkward location.

So I actually took her to the gun shop so she could fondle for herself.

Turns out she likes SIGs. So far she has a .22 Mosquito & an SP2022 in 9mm.

The gun she REALLY lusts after is my RIA Tactical though. She has arthritis & can only handle a couple mags of my powderpuff target loads but I wouldn't like a zombie's chances at 10 yards & less... she shoots it pretty well.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 11-05-2011, 09:20 PM
gunlovingirl's Avatar
gunlovingirl gunlovingirl is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: MI
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 922
Liked 870 Times in 256 Posts
Default

I think you or your wife can answer that question better than we can. Especially after she tries some .38s. She should have an idea of what she's comfortable with then. And what she likes better, a revolver or semi-auto. For someone with no experience and little handgun knowledge, I'd recommend a revolver. A .22 is nice for beginners, but with you helping and teaching, and seeing as how she's already shot your P232, she might be fine with a .38. Like I said, you should have a better answer than anyone here after she shoots the .38s.
__________________
Misty
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #15  
Old 11-05-2011, 09:51 PM
Magnumdood Magnumdood is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Illinausia
Posts: 271
Likes: 10
Liked 27 Times in 18 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by kmyers View Post
Mine came already owning a couple of dozen, but she is a typical Texas gal.
Mine too!

She is a better shot than me, and I ain't all that bad.

If we go hunting, she'll kill the best trophy; if we go fishing, the fish seem to want to jump in the boat with her.

Her Daddy raised her right.
__________________
Ralph J.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #16  
Old 11-05-2011, 11:53 PM
LAS&W4me LAS&W4me is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posts: 246
Likes: 39
Liked 104 Times in 44 Posts
Default

My wife started out with a pink Walther P22. It was something small, easy to use, and in her words "pretty."

This year she upgraded to a Glock 19 and laid claim to my Saiga 12 and my Arsenal AK. I may have created a monster.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 11-06-2011, 10:09 AM
Brian41 Brian41 is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Davison, Michigan
Posts: 2,622
Likes: 60
Liked 1,166 Times in 723 Posts
Default

My wife didn't like guns much when I met her at age 30. She wanted to become familar with them as I'd have them in the house so sent her to an NRA class with my Model 19 and light 38 special loads. She did very well in the class and shooting with me later. She's still not wild about guns but knows revolvers and won't have anything to do with auto loaders. She also didn't like shooting 22s as they didn't have enough kick for her to have fun shooting them or so she says.
Partially because of her we keep mainly K and J frames for HD as those she is most comfortable with. I'd think K or L frames would be a good start for your wife but do keep the loads down so she isn't dealing with heavy recoil to start with. Now that my wife is familar with revolvers she likes shooting 357s in K frames but won't shoot anything bigger.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 11-06-2011, 10:50 AM
sps282's Avatar
sps282 sps282 is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Kettering, OH
Posts: 303
Likes: 225
Liked 97 Times in 53 Posts
Default

Model 10 or 15 start with target wadcutters see how it goes from there.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #19  
Old 11-06-2011, 01:06 PM
GeorgiaShooter GeorgiaShooter is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Near Atlanta
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Liked 23 Times in 13 Posts
Default

Took wife to gun store yesterday, walked away with a Walther P22, what sold us was the grip angle compatible with our revolvers enough to make practice shooting work well on a pistol. She loved it and fired about 500 rounds yesterday and boy it was cheap. Plus the features really help prepare her for operating more high end, larger semi-autos. The P22 selling point for us was quality for price and ergonomics. There were some nice 22s but they didn't feel good in her hand. I saved a lot of money over trying to get a similar level of 22 revolver which are pricey, imo. I can see why so many people choose this route for practice and recreation. No flinching when firing.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 11-06-2011, 01:20 PM
Joe in SC Joe in SC is offline
US Veteran
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: up-state SC
Posts: 759
Likes: 134
Liked 90 Times in 49 Posts
Default

A .22 long rifle revolver to learn the basics, which should focus initially on safe gun handling. A lot of husbands/boyfriends jump into the shooting part right off, but a little time discussing safety and learning a little "gun" talk always helps. Women are very quick to p/u basic knowledge. I don't think it makes much difference if the gun is single or double action as long as it is accurate.

I have found that women as well as children enjoy a mix of targets, not just all paper, which can become boring rather quickly to the new shooter. Try to keep it interesting.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 11-06-2011, 02:30 PM
tom turner's Avatar
tom turner tom turner is offline
US Veteran
Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Georgia
Posts: 1,814
Likes: 180
Liked 2,270 Times in 285 Posts
Default

Sound logic will always be to start a novice handgun shooter with

1. An accurate long-barreled .22 handgun with a good trigger! This means a S&W .22 revolver or a Ruger MkII (or comparable Browning or whatever).

2. A good (quiet) set of ear muffs.

3. Sound training on safety, followed by handgun technique before taking a shot


The combination of the very gentle recoil and soft report (plus proper grip, etc.) will allow the novice to develop good shooting habits without developing a flinch from the combination of loud recoil and the front sight of a .500 magnum stuck in their forehead! LOL

A soft-shooting .22 rimfire handgun that is tack-driving accurate will also greatly improve the chances she'll fall in love with shooting sports . . . and thus spend the countless hours in the field falling in love with shooting sports!

Later on, transition her to a centerfire handgun of your choice but

WARNING . . .

NEVER LET HER SHOOT YOUR S&W Centerfire REVOLVERS WITH 3" BARRELS . . . or you'll lose that gun to her forever (whether it is a J frame, K frame, L frame or N frame)!!!



PS: I was able to reclaim my Model 65 3" after finding her a 3" barreled Model 37 Airweight J-frame that pleased her more because of its small size and light weight! She shoots it, according to a LEO firearms instructor, better than most cops shoot too, and she's confident in the simple, never jamming quality of a S&W revolver!

Last edited by tom turner; 11-06-2011 at 02:34 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #22  
Old 11-06-2011, 04:34 PM
keith44spl's Avatar
keith44spl keith44spl is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Red River Valley
Posts: 7,690
Likes: 13,045
Liked 28,605 Times in 5,151 Posts
Default

Lots of good advise here abouts.

I started my daughter off years ago with a S&W 34 with sub-sonic 22LRs.
When she was comfortable and proficient with that one we move up to a M18 4" next.
Then on to a M15 .38 Spl. with wad-cutters and so on.


She been shooting for 25 or so years now...Carrys Dad's old 4" model 19 with 145gr Winchester STHPs
or her Kahr 9mm with +P Winchester Rangers JHPs.

I personally think it's all about progression in caliber and skill level with anyone, male or female.

Su Amigo,
Dave
__________________
"IN GOD WE TRUST"
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #23  
Old 11-06-2011, 04:44 PM
ogilvyspecial's Avatar
ogilvyspecial ogilvyspecial is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,656
Likes: 1,362
Liked 1,371 Times in 699 Posts
Default

Every person, male or female will have their own personal preferences. My wife has something like 10 different guns, including a .22 semi & revolver and her favorite is a Model 64 with 4" heavy barrel. She took to that gun like a duck to water.........
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #24  
Old 11-05-2015, 05:52 PM
black hawk 88 black hawk 88 is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 16
Likes: 3
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I would try 22 lr colt 1911 very smooth and fun to shoot.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 11-05-2015, 07:20 PM
shotgun693 shotgun693 is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 497
Likes: 82
Liked 681 Times in 236 Posts
Default

You might take her to a gun show and let her handle as many different guns as possible. Just like buying a car, she needs to sit in the seat, work the controls and see how it handles. You can explain the pros and cons of each one, hopefully. I'll bet the gun that feels right will be in a caliber that she can handle.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #26  
Old 11-05-2015, 07:27 PM
Muss Muggins's Avatar
Muss Muggins Muss Muggins is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: bootheel of Missouri
Posts: 16,852
Likes: 6,981
Liked 28,082 Times in 8,896 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete99004 View Post
My wife came out last weekend and did some target shooting with me. She doesn't have any gun training at this point, but was surprised that she enjoyed it so much, she didn't think she would. She indicated tonight that she would like to learn to shoot and get a comfort level handling and firing the guns safely. I'm all for that and will work with her along with signing her up for an independent safety course, but I'm wondering what others have found the gals in their life are more comfortable with - revolvers or Semi Auto's - DA or DAO? Any suggestions on what guns she should try out first?
My wife has a 640 Centennial. Removes a couple things from the equation - No worries about safeties, cocking, etc. Just grip, stance, sight alignment/sight picture and trigger control . . . One sentence manual of arms. Pull the trigger all the way through and it goes bang.
__________________
Wisdom comes thru fear . . .
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 11-05-2015, 07:37 PM
Houlton Houlton is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 375
Likes: 1
Liked 531 Times in 173 Posts
Default

I took an old M-10 M&P and made a round but out of it for my wife. She preferred it to everything else I had. Stayed behind her head in the bed frame for 35 years till the arthritis set in. I was an instructor for my Dept for 22 years. We had M-10's for 17 years. Then went to Beretta G's. It was easier to train new shooters with a revolver. One of the advantages was being able to place a nickel on the bbl and dry fire. Great practice.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #28  
Old 11-05-2015, 07:38 PM
hangnoose hangnoose is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: W coast central Fl
Posts: 2,042
Likes: 1,426
Liked 1,407 Times in 774 Posts
Default GENDER REALLY HAS NO BEARING.

The gun certainly does not know which sex is pulling the trigger. The same rules for size, experience, preference go for either sex. The inexperienced females I've taken shooting seem to gravitate towards revolvers with 4" barrels, "not too heavy", low recoil, low noise, excellent accuracy. I kinda wish more men had the same preferences at times. +1 for the model 10 & target loads, they all liked the 617 but it was too heavy, they liked the Ruger MKll but you gotta watch them closer & forget about them field stripping & cleaning one, for a while at the very least.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #29  
Old 11-05-2015, 09:41 PM
gregintenn gregintenn is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Lafayette, Tennessee
Posts: 6,926
Likes: 6,833
Liked 8,936 Times in 2,910 Posts
Default

Let her shoot a variety of guns and choose what she likes for herself.

My wife has a Remington Nylon 66, a Beretta AL391 Urika 20 gauge, and a flat latch Model 37 Smith and Wesson. Her favorite gun of mine to shoot is an M1 Carbine. Who am I to pick out a gun for her?
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #30  
Old 11-06-2015, 02:42 PM
Grayfox's Avatar
Grayfox Grayfox is offline
US Veteran
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Bartlett, Tennessee
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 2,923
Liked 18,635 Times in 4,777 Posts
Default

Over the years I've taught several women how to shoot. Most recently, my girlfriend.
I start at home by showing them a number of different types and sizes of handguns. I let them look, handle and dry fire as much as they like. Also let her dig around in the safe to see if something catches their fancy. Then we go over the safety rules until she has that down pat.
Off to the range with a number of different guns. Include both revolvers and semi and also one J-frame .38. Most women tend to gravitate towards the little J-frame. However, most also only shoot one cylinder full and then decide its not for them. I think its good to at least let them try it for themselves.
I start her off with a Model 18 and a .22 semi-auto. Move up to a Model 10 with light loads. Then on to more powerful .38 loads. Next up is a medium sized 9mm.
If she's still game at this point, we'll break out the .44 Special and .45 acps just to give her a taste.
The important thing is to give her as much variety as possible to choose from.
The absolute most important thing is to let her decide what she likes and works for her.
In the case of my girlfriend, she asked me to take her to the up coming gun show. She came home with a really nice 2" Model 10-8. She loves it!
Her choice made me plumb proud of her.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #31  
Old 11-06-2015, 03:10 PM
Big Cholla Big Cholla is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5,932
Liked 5,259 Times in 1,732 Posts
Default

IMHO, you wife 'needs' two handguns if she chooses a revolver; a 22LR and a 357mag both by S&W of course. If she chooses a autoloader, one gun can do the job IF a 22LF slide is available for the chosen gun. As stated, the 22 LR allows her to develop good training habits, trigger press, stance and grip without developing flinch and other bad habits. The larger center fire then gives her a basic self defense handgun to start with. As other have said, she just might become a 'gunny' and will expand her 'likes' to equal yours. ...............

And, don't be surprised when she starts to out shoot you. ...... :-)
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 11-06-2015, 04:18 PM
John R's Avatar
John R John R is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 647
Liked 798 Times in 392 Posts
Default

Woman need to pick their own guns out.
__________________
John
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #33  
Old 11-06-2015, 06:52 PM
Scott in NCal Scott in NCal is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 242
Likes: 16
Liked 296 Times in 114 Posts
Default

I take women that have never shot before to the range fairly often. Before we go out there though we spend some time on range safety and good maners, along with stuff like how to handel a pistol, what all the controls are for, sight allingment, site picture, grip, finger placement and control, stance ect. They always prefer the service size 9 mm Glocks. 17, 19 and at the range itself, a model 34. They never have any problems and their skills and confidence develope fast. Fact is recoil is nill, 9mm cost about the same as 22rf and they feel like they are shooting a real gun (they are). One thing I don't do is take several different pistols to the range the first time. I have no desire to have a discusssion at the range reguarding why a safety on a SR9 goes down to shoot and the one on a Baretta Cougar goes up to shoot, ect.
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 11-06-2015, 07:35 PM
murphydog's Avatar
murphydog murphydog is offline
Moderator
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,780
Likes: 934
Liked 18,872 Times in 9,240 Posts
Default

Guys, I bet the OP figured out what gun his wife liked not long after he started the thread 4 years ago .
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #35  
Old 11-07-2015, 12:37 AM
crankyoldlady's Avatar
crankyoldlady crankyoldlady is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Puget Sound
Posts: 616
Likes: 578
Liked 802 Times in 287 Posts
Default

Best gun for any new shooter is a .22LR.

Size, style, fit, and configuration to be determined by the user.
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 11-07-2015, 12:44 AM
snubbyfan's Avatar
snubbyfan snubbyfan is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: WVa East Panhandle
Posts: 28,590
Likes: 70,879
Liked 81,379 Times in 18,440 Posts
Default

My wife learned to shoot with a 66-3. She ain't afraid to load it up with 158 grain .357 magnums.

She named it "Betsy."
__________________
Keep on Chooglin'
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 11-07-2015, 09:52 AM
Collo Rosso's Avatar
Collo Rosso Collo Rosso is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Upstate South Carolina
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 1,267
Liked 2,021 Times in 760 Posts
Default

Let them decide what fits them best. After 26 years together I'm done telling her anything!
Have a old MKII target that's a favorite with the wife and daughter. Also bought a SR-22 they enjoy. Either is great practice.
My wife is a small woman and has always struggled racking a semi-auto. 20 something years ago she took to revolvers and is a great shot with them. For her birthday this summer she got a CWP class and a Ruger LCR. SHE picked out the LCR. Good choice too!
My daughter has long "piano player" hands so any pistol fits her and she has no trouble racking most slides. She's shot everything from the MKII to my 629. Her favorite handgun is my 21-4! That's my girl!
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 11-07-2015, 10:45 AM
OLDSTER's Avatar
OLDSTER OLDSTER is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: North Dakota
Posts: 10,146
Likes: 14,187
Liked 12,739 Times in 3,480 Posts
Default female shooter

Quote:
Originally Posted by oldafsp View Post
I have taught more women to shoot on a Model 10 4 inch than any other gun. All of them became better than average shots

Only a couple liked autoloaders. As they progressed, most of them stayed with the .38. But one gal adapted so fast it was scary. Superior hand eye coordination. She now has her CCW and bought a 2.5 in Model 19.

I start them at 7 yards and we work out from there. The more hits on target early in training builds confidence.

The gals usually don't have preconceived notions about how good they are.
Start them at seven yards ? Wow you've got some great women shooters there We go 3, 5, 7, to a maximum of 15.
__________________
John
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 11-07-2015, 02:04 PM
BC38's Avatar
BC38 BC38 is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Spokane, WA
Posts: 13,474
Likes: 1,145
Liked 18,396 Times in 7,278 Posts
Default

3" round butt K-frame 357 loaded with light 38 specials. Great light recoil for a beginner, but plenty of "room to grow" with the shooter as they get more comfortable with recoil and muzzle blast. When they reach that point hot 357's have enough power, and BANG to suit 95% of the people.

Also there are a WIDE variety of grips available to make sure it fits her hand comfortably, and it can be shot SA for the beginner and they can learn DA as they get more proficient.

3" is short enough for CC but long enough for a decent sight radius and ballistic performance. A 3" K-frame chambered for 357 is about the most all-around versatile handgun there is IMO. If I had to choose just ONE sidearm for myself, that would be it. So it is also what I would suggest as the best gun for a new shooter.
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 11-07-2015, 03:05 PM
raylan007's Avatar
raylan007 raylan007 is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Bend, Oregon
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 1,261
Liked 1,375 Times in 451 Posts
Default Best Starter

A model 18 L/R will prepare her for any .38 as she progresses. The M18 is on the same frame as the M15 but actually a few ounces heavier. You can't go wrong if your going to be staying within the "K" frame family. A good place to be IMO.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Smith And Wesson M18-3 006.jpg (76.9 KB, 24 views)
File Type: jpg Smith And Wesson M18-3 002.jpg (79.0 KB, 22 views)
File Type: jpg M15-2 .38 4 inch sn#K773279 1959 002.jpg (71.2 KB, 25 views)
File Type: jpg M15-2 .38 4 inch sn#K773279 1959 003.jpg (77.4 KB, 26 views)
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 11-08-2015, 04:12 AM
Irn-Bru Irn-Bru is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 928
Liked 1,751 Times in 542 Posts
Default

Ruger SR-22 is what I'd suggest. I had a Ruger MKII but traded it for the SR-22. The MKII was too much of a pain to take down and clean.
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 11-08-2015, 08:56 AM
jimmyj's Avatar
jimmyj jimmyj is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: DUNNELLON, FLORIDA USA
Posts: 11,102
Likes: 1,690
Liked 16,300 Times in 4,231 Posts
Default

REVOLVER !
depending on hand size:
1. 38 spl "J" Frame with three inch barrel
2. 38 spl "K" Frame with three to four inch barrel

Ammo: 148 grain W/C
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #43  
Old 11-08-2015, 09:04 AM
ChattanoogaPhil's Avatar
ChattanoogaPhil ChattanoogaPhil is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 14,661
Likes: 7,937
Liked 20,623 Times in 5,958 Posts
Default

"Best gun" is a suppressed .22 and no other shooters around.

Eliminating recoil, muzzle report and distractions provides a much more relaxed environment to introduce someone to guns and learn the basics compared to a centerfire gun with muffs strapped to their skull and other shooters around.

If that's not doable, then give her a few pointers and let her pick out a gun or two or three for herself.
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 05-20-2016, 12:45 AM
susieqz's Avatar
susieqz susieqz is offline
Absent Comrade
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: high plains
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 5,571
Liked 7,041 Times in 2,023 Posts
Default

i started with a 22/45. i found it tons of fun.
i still prefer 22lr for plain fun, but i do enjoy my 38 spc too.
if she's like me, try rimfire.
__________________
susie
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 05-20-2016, 12:56 AM
Rpg Rpg is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Denver area
Posts: 6,221
Likes: 20,240
Liked 13,057 Times in 4,157 Posts
Default

Most women I've taught prefer my pre war Colt Woodsman to any of the modern offerings.

In revolvers, most prefer the M34 to K frames.

Neither are cheap.
Reply With Quote
  #46  
Old 05-20-2016, 07:51 AM
stykshooter stykshooter is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Roanoke, Va.
Posts: 228
Likes: 12
Liked 429 Times in 148 Posts
Default

I started mine with a Glock 19 and an Advantage Arms .22 LR conversion kit. She probably shot 700-800 rounds of .22 through the gun, just learning the basics and having fun before she shot her first 9mm. She loves shooting 9mm at bowling pins and keeps it loaded with 9mm for home defense, but still shoots .22's through it a lot when shooting just for fun.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #47  
Old 05-20-2016, 08:53 AM
BearBio BearBio is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Eastern Washington
Posts: 4,913
Likes: 3,226
Liked 6,813 Times in 2,543 Posts
Default

Pass the popcorn and the butter, please.
Reply With Quote
  #48  
Old 05-20-2016, 09:01 AM
Jim1392's Avatar
Jim1392 Jim1392 is offline
US Veteran
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 1,043
Liked 1,459 Times in 515 Posts
Default

I started my wife 3 months ago with a M & P 22C. So far she is really into it and we go twice a week. I hope to move her up when she really gets comfortable with handling an automatic.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg M & P 22C 003.jpg (72.9 KB, 16 views)
Reply With Quote
  #49  
Old 05-20-2016, 09:52 AM
BearBio BearBio is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Eastern Washington
Posts: 4,913
Likes: 3,226
Liked 6,813 Times in 2,543 Posts
Default

Where on the "dry side" are you?
Reply With Quote
  #50  
Old 05-20-2016, 10:18 AM
Packin Heavy Packin Heavy is offline
Member
Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter Best gun for new female shooter  
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

My son's wife began shooting at a local range about 6 months ago. She began with a 9mm Semi then went to a S&W hammerless 38 Spl. She is a very strong gal and took to the 38 quite well. She attended a gun class and got her CWP and carries it in her purse.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
22a, 317, 3913, 686, airweight, browning, j frame, k frame, kahr, l frame, lock, model 10, model 15, model 19, model 37, model 65, model 66, nra, rimfire, ruger, sig arms, tactical, transition, winchester

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
QUESTION FOR FEMALE CCW jimmyj Concealed Carry & Self Defense 19 12-07-2015 10:35 PM
What is this gun? Female needs help! hammerswinger S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 8 10-09-2012 07:25 PM
Female Perps Gun Smoke The Lounge 32 09-18-2010 01:52 PM
The Female of the Species BarbC The Lounge 12 11-07-2009 08:04 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:24 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)