CC handgun for Granddaughter

[H Richard]

Granddaughter is graduating from College this spring, and has indicated she would like a handgun. I have taken her shooting a few times, and she is competent, but I would also include the cost of her getting a CCL class and getting her license.

She has indicated she likes the compact type semi-auto, and seemed to like my Shield in 9mm. What I want to do is make a list of comparable size and quality handguns to have her try, (go by some stores and ranges and handle them). So far I am including the Shield, Ruger LC9, Glock 43. What other handguns should I add to the list. (She does not like the sub compacts like the Ruger LCP as it is too small). The problem is she lives 800 miles away and I won't be there to help her decide.

I'd like her to make a good informed decision.

[WVSig]

I would add the following to the list.

Kahr CW9
Kahr P9
Sig P320 Subcompact or Compact

If she can shoot them that would be best. I recommend 25-50 rounds each and have her write down her thoughts and then compare them as objectively as she can.

How does she plan to carry the gun? That can also make a difference in what to choose.

[GatorFarmer]

You do not mention a budget. The Kel Tec P11, Kel Tec PF9 and Sccy 9mm pistols are inexpensive options that generally work. Going with a thicker grip than the single stacks in the case of the Sccy and P11. If that size grips works then there is the G26/27/what not, various XDs, and the like.

[Whitwabit]

you might look at the Beretta PX4 Sub Compact or Compact .. its a DA/SA .. is not striker fired .. has a nice trigger pull and can be bought with a Safety/DeCocker which is a Model Type F or just a Decocker which is Model G.

Good luck on what ever she decides !!

[robertrwalsh]

How the gun fits the hand and how one intends to carry it are BIG parts of the decision. She seems to have made a lot of that already if the Shield (9mm frame single stack) fits her will. Will she be carrying on-body or something else? What sort of clothing does she routinely wear? Does she spend a lot of time in a car? I can almost guarantee she will got through 2 or 3 holsters before she gets something she likes and works for her. The options listed by others above are valid for hardware considerations.

[shotgun693]

Encourage her to send some time at a gun show, she can handle and try many different guns out. Anything I recommend is what I'd like, not her.

[H Richard]

I won't consider any firearms that are not considered "quality" firearms as I value her safety above all and reliability is paramount. I have only put a est of probably not over $1000 for gun, range bag, muffs, eye protection, cleaning kit, etc. and at least 500 rounds of ammo. There has been no decision on method of carry, and initially is intended for home defense. I'll let any discussion of carry method until after she has had a good CCL course and makes the decision as to how she may want to carry.

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I'd add Springfield XDS 9mm to the list. It's about 3oz heavier than the Shield.

I've got the 45 and it's been flawless.

[MaxS]

I'm a woman, and I used to own a Kahr PM9. It was very accurate, and not too snappy to shoot but I had a lot of trouble racking the slide. I put about 1,500 rounds through it and it never loosened up. I got rid of it because of how difficult it was to rack.

I now carry a S&W 638 and have a Glock 19 as well.

[WVSig]

Originally Posted by H Richard

I won't consider any firearms that are not considered "quality" firearms as I value her safety above all and reliability is paramount. I have only put a est of probably not over $1000 for gun, range bag, muffs, eye protection, cleaning kit, etc. and at least 500 rounds of ammo. There has been no decision on method of carry, and initially is intended for home defense. I'll let any discussion of carry method until after she has had a good CCL course and makes the decision as to how she may want to carry.

Not determining method of carry before purchasing is putting the cart before the horse IMHO. If this gun is going to serve as a dual duty gun home defense and carry you are complicating the scenario in my mind.

I prefer a larger gun for home defense. Guns like the Shield, Ruger LC9, Glock 43 great for spitting length distances in which concealed carry encounters most often occur but when you get into home defense you are talking about longer distances. Think down a hallway or across a living room or large master bedroom. Larger guns are easier to shoot for newer shooters. More weight longer sight radius all equal easier to use.

If you are looking for an all around gun I would step up in size to something like a Glock 19. Ideally home defense guns are fullsized guns but they are harder to lug around and clothing and style often prevent them from being options for a lot of females. Me have less of an issue using an IWB holster and a cover garment which is often needed to carry fullsized guns. For this reason I like true compacts like the Glock 19, Sig P228 or CZ P01.

The issue becomes mode of carry which brings me back to my original question. How she will carry will play a major roll in gun selection IMHO. If she need a smaller gun for carry consider getting 2.

[ScottN]

I'd suggest adding the Walther PPS Model 2 and the FNS 9 Compact.

[Comrad]

What ever you choose, it's only just a start and more will soon follow.

After all, how many of us here stopped at owning just one?

[UNCLE PAULY]

Berreta Nano - 9mm is another.
But you need to shoot the heavier bullets. It doesn't have 100% reliably with 115gr bullets.
I have one but would recommend the Glock.

[Arik]

Glock 43
LC9
Walther PPS
Sheild
Kahr P9 & PM9 &CW9
Sig 238

[JaPes]

Originally Posted by H Richard

She has indicated she likes the compact type semi-auto, and seemed to like my Shield in 9mm. What I want to do is make a list of comparable size and quality handguns to have her try, (go by some stores and ranges and handle them). So far I am including the Shield, Ruger LC9, Glock 43.

First of all, I want to give you an virtual handshake for helping out your Granddaughter. Family is the most important thing in the world.

I've shot all three pistols. I rented a Ruger LC9. I bought a Glock 43. I shot a S&W Shield after I bought the Glock 43. I'll admit that I shied away from the Shield because my primary double stack carry is a Glock 19. I made a mistake. It's not that I don't like the Glock 43, but it took a new connector and springs to get the trigger to feel exactly like my stock Glock 19. The S&W Shield is good to go right out of the box. I also find the S&W Shield to be a bit more comfortable to shoot at the range. If I had it to do over again, I'd have bought the S&W Shield.

Recently, I was out with a friend who was choosing her first handgun. She's very petite and the grip size was a primary concern. She wanted a 9mm. She didn't like the "pocket" size 9mm's because of their recoil profile. She wanted a Glock 19, but the double stack grip didn't accommodate her hands. What fit the bill was an XD-s 4.0 Bi-Tone. The added slide length and weight was just enough for the pistol to be comfortable. She gets Glock 19 size in a single-stack with the short mag giving her a sub-compact grip length and the extended mag giving her a compact grip length. The extra kit that comes with an XD was an added bonus (holster, mag pouch) and the recent promo (range bag, two mags, additional mag pouch) are of true value. The steel rear sight and fiber optic front sight are excellent.

[bigwheelzip]

for a bottom feeder, I prefer a DA/SA with a decocker.

Something like the CZ 2075 RAMI

CZ-USA CZ 2075 RAMI BD - CZ-USA

[Protected One]

I would remove the LC9 from the list and replace it with the LC9S.

[686-380]

Actually, I'd recommend a S&W Bodyguard 380 (maybe M&P version) for cc. I'd recommend at least trying an FN FiveseveN for the home. Good luck and good on you for looking out for family!