Need help choosing a CC gun for my daughter

[44magsam]

Looking for a gun for my daughter and would like to know about this one (S@W Airweight 642) anyone know anything about this gun? Would you recommend this for your daughter? I know its all-aluminum and there have been some issues with it concerning the finish. Can someone fill me in on this?
thanks

 

[gutterman]

Not sure about the finish but a good choice in a light weight revolver for CC.

 

[MH8675309]

Probably better to start out with a revolver since IMHO they are safer for a new shooter. Just heard that last night a woman somewhere shot herself in the leg with an auto. Just like Plaxico B. Only she had it in a no carry zone.

 

[Guys1911]

My wife settled on the Smith & Wesson 642LS, it's so nice i'm jealous.

 

[spfortjohn]

Better for her to try different guns and pick the one she likes and can shoot well. It is going to be her gun and she needs to shoot it often to get comfortable with it. I got my wife the S&W air 38 and she hates shooting it. She now has started carrying my Sig 232 .380 auto she shoots it well and loves it.

 

[C Islander]

It's super that you want to buy your daughter a handgun, but just pay for it. Let her pick it out since she's the one that's going to carry it. Have her shoot as many different firearms as possible, and get the one she likes best. Otherwise, it'll end up in a drawer.

 

[MichiganScott]

It's super that you want to buy your daughter a handgun, but just pay for it. Let her pick it out since she's the one that's going to carry it. Have her shoot as many different firearms as possible, and get the one she likes best. Otherwise, it'll end up in a drawer.

What he says.

You might be surprised at what she ends up with. My wife's first revolver was a 4" 28-2.

When she carries it's a M&P9C.

 

[riverrat38]

"Just like Plaxico B. Only she had it in a no carry zone."

So did he. Thats why he spent time in prison. All of New York City is a no carry zone for most citizens, and it was in a night club, also a no carry zone, even in gun friendly cities.

Best,
Rick

 

[snubbyfan]

The 642/442 is a excellent little gun for concealed carry. The grips can be changed to get a more comfortable fit.
The only thing is it has a stiff trigger and short sight radius and requires lotsa practice to become proficient with. She'll need to have the dedication to practice alot both dry fire and live fire.
That said, I'm reccommending a J frame snubby for my sister to get for her ccw. She likes my 442 and I know I'll have to nag at her to keep her practicing with a snubby.

 

[Lenny_D]

I agree with the advise snubbyfan gave you above. I love my 442 but my daughter hated it and she'd have nothing to do with it after she shot it a few times. She tried a Bersa Thunder in 380 and really liked it. That is what I bought her and she's been happy with it for about 3 years. I'm trying to push her into a compact 9 as it has a better power factor.

Len

 

[shawn mccarver]

Looking for a gun for my daughter and would like to know about this one (S@W Airweight 642) anyone know anything about this gun? Would you recommend this for your daughter? I know its all-aluminum and there have been some issues with it concerning the finish. Can someone fill me in on this?
thanks

Pro: It is a nice lightweight revolver.

Con: It is a nice lightweight revolver.

No woman that I have ever taught to shoot picked one when shooting side by side with a similar sized 9mm, such as the Glock 19. Yes, the G19 really is similar in size to the 642. If you don't believe me, lay a 642 on top of a G19.

As I said, they are similar in size, yet the G19 holds three times the amount of ammo (15 in the magazine), the good 9mm loads are a little more effective than the best 38 Special +P ammo, yet the 9mm recoils less and is more comfortable in the hand. In addition, the trigger on the G19 is infinitely better than the 642's trigger.

Make your own choice, or better yet, let her make her own choice.

I see no reason a woman should be relegated to a less effective weapon just because we men think that the women in our lives cannot be trusted with anything but a simple-to-operate revolver.

Don't forget that many women carry in a purse instead of a pocket. Thus, they have the advantage over us men in that they can carry something slightly bigger and more user friendly.

 

[Harry58]

I would also have her try a 640 (all stainless steel) as it has less felt recoil than the 642. You have already gotten the best advice. . . have her try it before you buy it.

 

[riverrat38]

I suspect that when women say they don't like an Airweight, its really the ammo they don't like. A M442 with target WC's offers more protection than a .380 Auto. A Glock in 9mm would be another story.

Best,
Rick

 

[MikeyB]

I just bought my wife a 642 Airweight for her CCW. I let my wife try out my 360 (using .38's only) and she had no problem handling the recoil from the light weight revolver.

As others mention have her take one for a test drive before buying.

 

[Florida J Frame]

I suspect that when women say they don't like an Airweight, its really the ammo they don't like. A M442 with target WC's offers more protection than a .380 Auto. A Glock in 9mm would be another story.

Best,
Rick

It depends on what you load the .380 with.

 

[D7dun]

It sounds like you have raised and competent and world smart WOMAN.
I suggest you afford her the courtesy and respect to research and choose and gun on her own. If you want to gift her, then pay for it.

 

[TDC]

I would suggest if she leans toward any of the very popular mini auto-loaders, (a S&W Shield 9mm/40 or a Springfield XDs 45 ACP for example), be sure she has an opportunity to work both the slide and the slide release on any choice. They are very difficult for many women to use.

My wife has a Mod. 66 2 1/2 she shoots very well for CC. She's currently working with a M&P Shield 9mm. For most women I'd likely recommend a 2" to 3" J or K frame - and then as with any firearm for anyone - only if they are willing to practice to be reasonably proficient with it...

JMHO

 

[riverrat38]

It depends on what you load the .380 with.

I understand, however, we are talking about shootability for smaller folk here. That would limit a sub 10 oz. pistol to fairly mild ammo, or there wouldn't be much reason to be limited to wad cutters in the Airweight. If were talking about wild loads in the pistol, a plus P in the M442 would be a good comparison. The M442 is about 50% heavier than an LCP, and should be more recoil friendly at any given power factor (momentum).

Best,
Rick

 

[Smitty357]

Agreed, let her choose what she is comfortable with. My ole lady has always carried her 9mm Shield. Here lately she has decided to started carrying and training with my kimber ultra carry .45. I guess it may as well be her kimber now, lol. Her Shield 9mm has went back into the safe for the time being and depending on how she likes the kimber. I just may end up selling her Shield. I just never would have thought she would want to carry a kimber, but i give her credit for having good taste LMAO.

 

[THE ROLLING STONES]

44magsam,

Take your daughter to a shooting range were they rent firearms. Let her shoot some of them and give her a chance to handle them. Then she can make a choice. It could save you from buying something that may not suit her.

THE ROLLING STONES