This lady is new to shooting

Walkingwolf · #51 09-25-2017, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lrrifleman

Michelle, welcome from the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey.

I applaud your decision to carry. Since you have RA, I would suggest that you practice with 148gr wadcutters. Additionally, I would suggest that your first cylinder of defensive ammo be 148gr wadcutters, and that your reload has some form of round nose or hollow point bullet.

For reloads, do you plan on carrying a speedloader or speed strips? If you are using a speedloader, I would suggest the 110gr Hornady Critical Defense ammo. True, the bullet may act like a FMJ, but it is still punching a hole and delivering hurt. Where I live, use of (or possession of) hollow points out of the house or off of the range can deliver a 1.5 year mandatory prison sentence. Reloading wadcutters from a speed strip can be quicker and more positive than from a speedloader.

I use semi wadcutters for reloads, they load without problems. But a gunsmith can chamfer the rear of the cylinder to make them load quicker.

nachogrande · #52 09-25-2017, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silversnake

Spot on. I love .22s (and .38s with light loads), but wouldn't do more than 50% of my practice that way, you just don't get the same training when there's little to no recoil.

For the beginner & exspurt alike you will focus on the technique rather than the recoil. Walk before you run, & build your house from the ground up. It's easier to learn than unlearn. (flinch)

You are doing well, keep it up.

silversnake · #53 09-25-2017, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lobster Picnic

There are also the 90gr Hormady Critical Defense Lite, specifically made for reduced recoil yet suitable for self defense. And they're pink!

Wouldn't use these, just too light, little evidence of them performing well in real-life defensive shootings.

For a snubby I consider three main options:

1) a +P JHP, e.g. Speer Gold Dots or similar;
2) 148 gr wadcutters;
3) a low pressure round that can still expand out of a snubby e.g. Buffalo Bore or Federal Nyclad

One other idea (and people are going to hate me for saying this, but being new to shooting, you might want to try all options) is to consider a semiauto. The slide helps to soak up recoil and sometimes the hand position helps too, a gun like the M&P Shield is going to recoil a lot less than a 442.

Walkingwolf · #54 09-26-2017, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silversnake

Wouldn't use these, just too light, little evidence of them performing well in real-life defensive shootings.

For a snubby I consider three main options:

1) a +P JHP, e.g. Speer Gold Dots or similar;
2) 148 gr wadcutters;
3) a low pressure round that can still expand out of a snubby e.g. Buffalo Bore or Federal Nyclad

One other idea (and people are going to hate me for saying this, but being new to shooting, you might want to try all options) is to consider a semiauto. The slide helps to soak up recoil and sometimes the hand position helps too, a gun like the M&P Shield is going to recoil a lot less than a 442.

Semi autos have a different felt recoil than revolvers. The bore on a revolver is higher, which tends to cause the gun to roll up. The SA the recoil if felt as more of an impact. Both can cause pain depending on physical conditions.

If she has no serious conditions, her hands, and wrists can get stronger. If she does, and the pain persists then she might consider change of caliber, or reloading. Even a powder puff 38 spl has more energy than a 22.

silversnake · #55 09-26-2017, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walkingwolf

Semi autos have a different felt recoil than revolvers. The bore on a revolver is higher, which tends to cause the gun to roll up. The SA the recoil if felt as more of an impact. Both can cause pain depending on physical conditions.

If she has no serious conditions, her hands, and wrists can get stronger. If she does, and the pain persists then she might consider change of caliber, or reloading. Even a powder puff 38 spl has more energy than a 22.

That is true, it really depends on the person. Airweight J-frames are some of the hardest guns to master, for someone new to shooting who doesn't like the recoil I think it helps to try some different options. A 442 wouldn't be my first choice for learning how to shoot, any steel framed revolver would be more enjoyable at the range.

Bfils · #56 10-07-2017, 06:33 PM

Good evening everyone!

Once again, a big thank you to everyone for your help and suggestions for me. I have had trouble finding wadcutters here in Houston. Both Academy and Carter's Country told me it was hard to keep them in stock for a .38 special. I may have to order them online. I tried and liked Winchester and American Eagle/Federal. I also followed some advice I got here and tried adjusting the way I grip the gun. This made a big difference in controlling it. I think I was doing a teacup type of grip? Once I got my left hand gripping the revolver more, it was a lot easier. More good news: I took the LTC class this past Wednesday night and passed. Yay! I've already sent in the paperwork and Texas DPS's status shows "pending print." I used Blazer Brass 125 gr. On the test because I also liked those during previous practice. Not much recoil with these. I am so excited and already have my mind set on purchasing a different revolver to just shoot for fun without all the recoil. I attached my proficiency test for you to see and will now focus on improving this. Thanks again!

reddogs · #57 10-08-2017, 01:19 PM

Congratulations on a great start.Be safe and enjoy shooting.