Carry gun for wife

[Kensterfly]

I'd like to get a carry gun for my wife. She currently carries a cheap .22 auto. I'd like to move her to a .38. I want to repeat that this is a carry gun, not a house gun. She is reasonably comfortable with my Model 10-5 4 inch bedside/house gun and moves it to her own nightstand when I'm out of town. She has spent some time (not a great deal) with my .38 at the range.
I recently acquired a nice Model 10-5 Snub for my own carry. I have a line on a really nice Model 12-2 that looks like a twin to my 10-5. Being much lighter than my M10, I think it would make a good carry for her. She could do most of her training with my M10s to lessen any "kick."
I like the idea of having near identical guns so that care, handling, and ammo would be virtually the same. I'm not into semi-autos. The M12 might be a wee bit heavier than a J model but I like having the extra cylinder.

So, what about it? Does my logic hold up?

 

[Muley Gil]

Sounds good to me, but what does your wife think about it? Has she shot your M10 snubby? If you do get the M12, load it with light wadcutters at first, since these have the lightest recoil.

 

[427mach1]

You need to let her handle and shoot several different handguns, then let HER decide which one she likes, is comfortable with, and is most likely to use. What you think she needs and what she likes are most likely completely different. Would you be comfortable letting her choose your next power tool or would you rather pick it out yourself?

 

[Kensterfly]

Sounds good to me, but what does your wife think about it? Has she shot your M10 snubby? If you do get the M12, load it with light wadcutters at first, since these have the lightest recoil.

Gil, she's going out into the woods with me soon to shoot the M10. Yes, I plan on putting wadcutters in the M12 if I get one. I may even leave the wadcutters in all the time as a SD load.

 

[Zebulon]

S&W 2" 64......Just like this one........Zebulon

 

[Kensterfly]

S&W 2" 64......Just like this one........Zebulon

Why so, Zebulon?

 

[Doug M.]

Probably because it is another K frame, 2", RB variant. The bobbed hammer has some appeal since S/A is not all that useful, and stainless makes it a bit more tolerant of being close to the body, especially in more humid climates - less demanding of maintenance. Myself, if your wife likes revolvers ok, that M12 with wadcutters might be just the ticket in terms of weight etc.

Whether that will work with her lifestyle and clothes (women tend to be less inclined to dress around the gun for social reasons) is a different issue.

 

[KarmannGhia]

Kensterfly,

Your logic is sound, however, logic and MY wife do not reside in the same zip code. Have your wife try several guns and decide.

 

[Jaymo]

6 shots, weighs about the same as a steel frame J, grip frame is longer/wider.
Sounds like a plan to me.
The J is great for pocket carry, but the K is a lot more fun to shoot.

 

[flagman1776]

A lot depends on how she carries... with a holster, pocket or a purse? With a proper holster, weight is less of an issue.
A steel J frame might recoil similar recoil to a alloy K frame... but be more flexible to carry. I used to conceal a M36-1 (3" & banana targets) under a sweater in a IWB holster. I'd look at a HB or a magnum for the nose heavy feel to soak up recoil. I am very fond of a 3" HB. I like the look of the 2"HB posted above or a 2 1/2" magnum (shoots 38s just fine).
My suggestion is to bring together as many of these as possible & let her try them. Even just handling has merits.
There are J frame 22 kit guns... even high cap revolvers... but the bulk & weight is very close.

 

[Kensterfly]

I suspect it will mostly be in the console of her car when she's away from the house, or in her purse. Can't see her wearing a holster.

A lot depends on how she carries... with a holster, pocket or a purse? With a proper holster, weight is less of an issue.
A steel J frame might recoil similar recoil to a alloy K frame... but be more flexible to carry. I used to conceal a M36-1 (3" & banana targets) under a sweater in a IWB holster. I'd look at a HB or a magnum for the nose heavy to soak up recoil. I am very fond of a 3" HB. I like the look of the 2"HB posted above or a 2 1/2" magnum (shoots 38s just fine).
My suggestion is to bring together as many of these as possible & let her try them. Even just handling has merits.
There are J frame 22 kit guns... even high cap revolvers... but the bulk & weight is very close.

 

[jinx]

I think your logic is sound on the model 12. I would also agree with the wadcutters.

 

[Buttercup]

How is your wife currently carrying? I personally use a conceal carry purse and the heavier weight of the revolver will pull on her purse especially when out shopping and such and she may not like that. You may want to look at an airweight or a .380 auto since she is comfortable with semi autos and already currently carries one.

 

[Kensterfly]

How is your wife currently carrying? I personally use a conceal carry purse and the heavier weight of the revolver will pull on her purse especially when out shopping and such and she may not like that. You may want to look at an airweight or a .380 auto since she is comfortable with semi autos and already currently carries one.

As I said, I've got a line on a Model 12 (airweight) snub. She keeps a Jennings .22 auto in the car and has had it for close to 30 years. Hasn't been fired in 29, I'll bet. I really think a .38 is the best way to go. If I am familiar with the gun, she'll be more at ease with it. That's just the way we roll. After 40 years together, I know this woman. She may not like the Model 12 but I will still guide her to choosing a .38 Smith of some kind. Her best friend has a M12, so that helps.

 

[hudsonvalley]

Let her decide what she's good with...there are 22 and 22 mag revolvers she might like...no recoil.....

 

[rwsmith]

I think you've narrowed it down

A K frame if she can carry it, if not model 10 then Model 12 for something lighter. If the K frame isn't suitable, then the J frames. It also sounds like you need ammo that isn't too 'hot'.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
If the CCW is not on your person--Its too far away. Bad/Evil things happen quickly and without prior warning.
A lady is not going to carry if the CCW is bulkly/uncomfortable.
My wife chose a S&W "J" Frame 2" with Barami grips many years ago.
She went from a Model 37 to a Model 642 after years with the Model 37 (no hammer spur).
SECRET: use standard velocity ammo. Do Not try to make a small frame .38 into a buffalo gun.
You might also consider a Colt or Ruger.

 

[sunnyd]

As I said, I've got a line on a Model 12 (airweight) snub. She keeps a Jennings .22 auto in the car and has had it for close to 30 years. Hasn't been fired in 29, I'll bet. I really think a .38 is the best way to go. If I am familiar with the gun, she'll be more at ease with it. That's just the way we roll. After 40 years together, I know this woman. She may not like the Model 12 but I will still guide her to choosing a .38 Smith of some kind. Her best friend has a M12, so that helps.

It is always easy to convince a woman to like something that she doesn't????????????????????

 

[Jaymo]

A J frame in .32 Long or .32 H&R Mag, loaded with Buffalo Bore ammo would have very little recoil and still be a respectable defense gun.

 

[Zebulon]

For all the reasons mentioned above.....The K Framed Shubs are far easier to shoot than any J framed S&W. Extra weight, better grip, 6 rounds instead of 5....Tailor the .38 Loads to her comfort and increasing skill level. I had the gun converted to DA Only....Especially friendly to a non-gun person to learn...Like a point and shoot camera....everything you need and nothing you don't.....Zebulon