CC for the Mrs

[adwjc]

I always encourage someone who wants to buy a new S&W, but the advice in the posts above about letting her chose herself is golden.

I took note of your comments:

"Currently all we have is a Charter Arms undercover, for me this is lacking in two respects. 1, the Undercover will only handle 38 standard, not +p. 2, I'm concerned that 25 to 50 rounds a month in practice would wear it out."

According the CA website, their model 13820 Undercover is rated for 38+P

The 642 is much nicer looking though.

 

[joeintexas]

It's funny the firearms you mentioned. When the wife finally decided she needed to be more protected we checked out everything made, she decided on the Charter Arms undercover. It has been all she had hoped. The daughters went with a model 638 and the other one chose a 642. By the way, they have all been shooting for many years. 1911s are my first love but revolvers are pretty close. I carry a Ruger SP101 357mag. As far as holsters, good luck with that, a zillion choices. Best of luck to you.

 

[TomkinsSP]

JMO, while not as nicely finshed or as elagant in design as the Smith, CAs are plenty strong. I just don't see it falling apart from use.

I have an older .32S&WL Undercoverette. From handling a newer a .32 H&R magnum version, I think all they did was cut the bores deeper.

 

[ldryder]

Originally, mine carried a Glock 43 with a Mika pocket holster in her purse. Yeah... I'd prefer that she not carry in her purse but it's better than having her leave the weapon at home. Over time, she changed to a 642 with a Crimson Trace LG-350 because she likes the size and relative safety of the DAO revolver, that red dot from the sights and the larger grip to soften the recoil.

 

[dddddmorgan]

To clarify, the CA Undercover I have is at least 25 years old.

It's not marked anywhere on the firearm.

Perhaps I will drop CA an email.

 

[REM 3200]

Have her take a look at the holster Tony at Milt Sparks designed for his wife.

PMK | Milt Sparks Holsters

 

[dr. mordo]

I have to suggest that a Ruger LCR might be a better gun for her, especially is you shell out a bit extra and get the LCR327. The main reason is the LCR has the lightest factory trigger I have felt on a snubbie, and the 327 holds 6 rounds and can be loaded with very tame .32 Long for practice, then magnum for carry.

As far as holsters, one to consider is a basic Remora, which is also pretty flexible so she can move it around until she is comfortable.

 

[Whitwabit]

If you can find one to shoot have her try a Beretta PX-4 Sub Compact in either 9mm or 40 .. has a 3 inch barrel .. very easy to shoot and even the 40 recoil is easily handled ..

 

[barbara_em]

There is a forum, the cornered cat??? By and for women that may be of help.

This is a great site.
I tried the small frame revolvers over the years, both S&W and Colt. Now, I don't even own a .38. For my own use, a trustworthy 9mm shoots better with less recoil, conceals easier on or off the body, and reloads smoother. (Yes, I know most gunfight are over in 2.7 rounds, or whatever, but ease of reloading should still be a factor.)
Circumstances sometimes require me to carry my pistol in a purse, and of course, the first thing a thief will grab will be my purse. it's the nature of the beast.
Being aware of that, I looked at security of the weapon and smoothness of presentation. I took a cloth cosmetic pouch and had a snap button attached with its mate in an old purse. Then I used Velcro to attach a pocket holster inside the pouch. I fiddled around with the idea until I was comfortable with the arrangement. Then I got another, stiffer pouch and fitted out several purses so it will go in whatever handbag fits my attire. A spare magazine goes in a carrier attached just like the pouch. Depending on my carry weapon, that gives me 14-24 rounds. Try that with a snubby .38.
I looked at the Packing Heat website and their ideas look OK, but I'm pretty Scotch with a roll. Sorry, is that description not politically correct? Oh, well. My homemade system works similarly and was definitely cheaper.
For body carry, I like a DeSantis pocket holster.
Unfortunately, I work for a school district and can't legally carry in the classroom, so my piece is locked in my car. Of course, that pistol's still illegal in the parking lot, but I'm in good with the campus police and don't expect to get hassled.

 

[daddy bear]

Brother has become disabled by Parkinson's. His wife asked me to help find her a cary handgun. I thought that I could loan her an air weight J-frame, but no. She wants a Glock 19 (15 rd version) because that is what her daughter and her granddaughter each carry. I thought that would be easy to find. I thought, "A police trade in and it should not be expensive as there are thousands out there." Also not so. Pickey women.......

Jack

 

[rednichols]

Without reading any of the responses you've received so far, I just want to say that I appreciate that you are obviously experienced and knowledgeable, because you've chosen a small revolver. Step one is always to choose a pistol that is suited to the physiology of the person. You obviously know to choose the most pistol that fits into that package (years ago when I carried I chose a 44 Bulldog). And you know holsters and quality when you mention Sparks.

My comment, then, is that women are more difficult to 'suit up' than men, because men can be counted on to wear a belt. And belt carry hides small revolvers very well. Women introduce fashion choices that a holster maker otherwise doesn't have to contend with. I've personally fitted some very curvaceous agents (to the point of distraction) and at the waist is best. Modern TV shows make it even easier -- they use a paddle holster and place it at 1:00 so the camera can see it; but not good for safety or concealment.

 

[forrestinmathews]

Brother has become disabled by Parkinson's. His wife asked me to help find her a cary handgun. I thought that I could loan her an air weight J-frame, but no. She wants a Glock 19 (15 rd version) because that is what her daughter and her granddaughter each carry. I thought that would be easy to find. I thought, "A police trade in and it should not be expensive as there are thousands out there." Also not so. Pickey women.......

Jack

I'd change all the springs out in a police trade in. I'd never ever steer someone away from a Glock 19. It's one of the easiest pistols I have ever shot well. If a woman were to pick that gun, I'd see which sights she likes next. After that we can smooth out the trigger. After that it's pretty much fool proof. It just plain works.

 

[shouldazagged]

I don't know what handguns your wife has shot a lot, and the 642 is a fine little carry gun. But some people find that .38 Special +P in an Airweight can sting and not be much fun to practice with. I hope she can try one with +P ammo before making a choice. If a few more ounces isn't an issue, an all steel gun might be a more comfortable EDC.

I made that decision years ago due to arthritis.

I apologize if I'm being unduly cautious. She may be at home shooting .454 Casull.

 

[Wise_A]

There is a forum, the cornered cat??? By and for women that may be of help.

The Cornered Cat is Kathy Jackson. Then there's Melody Lauer at MelodyLauer.com and her archived amateur blog at Limatunes' Range Diaries | The opinions, trainings and experiences of a wife, mother and woman with a gun..

Tamara Keel (View From The Porch) generally writes smart things, the smartest of which being not to ask her about what/how your wife should carry, because she walks around in tactical/CCW/rangeday shirts all the time.

Annette Evans wrote a decent thing over on Pew Pew Tactical: Best Way to Conceal Carry for Women: Holsters, Purses, & More - Pew Pew Tactical.

---

Other than that, seriously, don't pick stuff for her. She's going to have to carry it, so she has to like it and have confidence in it. And if she's going to carry, it's probably better if she starts getting in the habit of reading and studying and researching things herself. Maybe it makes her more interested in the subject. Maybe it reveals that this is just a passing fad that she's not going to expend a lot of time or energy on.

 

[dddddmorgan]

I think Wise A** sums it up best.

After reading the input and especially appreciated input from some women I'm inclined to throw my decisions out the window and just start from scratch.

As we've been talking about going this coming Friday to pick up a 9mm purchased on this forum she commented how much she likes shooting a 9mm (i.e. recoil, semi-auto capacity etc...) all things mentioned here.

So when the opportunity arises it's off to the indoor range where they rent a good variety of firearms, all it will cost me is a couple of boxes of ammo. Okay, maybe three, well four at the most....

 

[Bakebfr480]

My wife carries a 4" Ruger Security-Six!

 

[jimmyj]

My Wife and Daughter prefer the Bianmi (spi) Hip Grip

 

[Mister X]

After reading the input and especially appreciated input from some women I'm inclined to throw my decisions out the window and just start from scratch.

As we've been talking about going this coming Friday to pick up a 9mm purchased on this forum she commented how much she likes shooting a 9mm (i.e. recoil, semi-auto capacity etc...) all things mentioned here.

So when the opportunity arises it's off to the indoor range where they rent a good variety of firearms, all it will cost me is a couple of boxes of ammo. Okay, maybe three, well four at the most....

There's a very big difference between range range shooting and personal defense. My wife much prefers shooting my 9mm Glocks over our 642's. However, my wife won't carry a Glock 19, but she will an airweight. A gun left at home will do you little good when you need it.

And "shoot-ability" isn't the only factor to consider. I've seen many women do fine shooting a particular auto at the range from a static stance using a firm two hand grip, but have them shoot one handed from an odd position or while moving, and they often start to experience malfunctions. Reliabilty in the circumstances that you'll actually have to use it is the most important consideration. You simply can't count on a real world shooting to look anything like range practice. Chaos is the norm and a snub will function reliably pretty much no matter what.

And consider the distances and scenarios that she would likely be shooting in. Does she plan on having to engage an active-shooter or multiple gang members at long range or is reactively having to defend against a sudden close-quarter attack more likely. I think it prudent to focus on the latter. Considering you'll most likely have to respond quickly, be shooting at very close range and have to fire only a few shots, a realiable, quick into action snub makes pretty good sense.

And another point to consider in regards to the snub is its advantages in extreme close-quarter or contact distance defense scenarios. I think this are especially important for a woman. A semi-auto will jam if the rearward movement of the slide is obstructed or inadvertently makes contact with your body, which is a possibility during compressed or retention shooting. If you make contact or push on the muzzle of a semi-auto, it will be forced out of battery and will not fire. This is not an issue with a revolver.

From Massad Ayoob...

"Gun dealers tell me the single most popular carry gun they're selling to women is the lightweight .38 Special, 2-inch revolver with snag-free configuration, such as the S&W Centennial Airweight. Yes, it kicks enough to hurt your hand. Yes, it will be one of the toughest guns for you to "qualify" with on the 15 to 25 yard line of a police-style shooting course.


However, the women who buy them for daily carry have no illusions about being involved in across-the-street shootouts. They're worried about the mugger who is within arm's length or maybe even closer when they have to defend their lives.


Male criminals tend to be misogynists. The man who would surrender to her at gunpoint would die rather than go to prison with it known that he had surrendered to her. He is more likely by far to attack and attempt to disarm a woman. More than 20 years of teaching handgun disarming and retention has taught me the hardest gun to take away from its legitimate owner is a 2-inch barreled revolver. With a shrouded hammer, this is also the only gun a woman can fire through a coat pocket without a hammer or a slide fouling in fabric and stopping her stream of fire.


Ideal for shooting all day at a training school? No. Ideal for concealed carry in real world circumstances? Yes.


The snubnose .38 revolver with snag-free hammer might just be the best choice for the defensive problems an armed woman in this society is most likely to face."

 

[filipows]

Filipows, the enhanced CCW classes offered will provide a license recognized by Oregon.

If you plan on traveling to Oregon and want to carry you might want to research a bit more. OR. is shall issue for resident may issue for non residents. The rules and restrictions are tight there.

It is up to each sheriff as to whether or not you are permitted. Grant county is the one I know of that will with minimal effort issue one See links for more info

http://oregonfirearms.org/pdfs/grantcochlapp.pdf Note grey color for OR they do not recognize any other state resident permit.

http://oregonfirearms.org/pdfs/grantcochlapp.pdf This is the information from Grant County.

I expect your enhanced CCW call will qualify as one of the training requirements.

Know before you go.

 

[dddddmorgan]

All good input. I'm inclined to agree with Ayoob, and since the wife has a liking for the snubby revolvers we will certainly give those a shot ;-)

I agree with the advice that shooting at a range and shooting in a real incident are completely different, therefore the requirements differ, i.e. capacity, accuracy and so forth.

IMHO there is nothing simpler or easier to pack around than a 38 snubby. This is just my opinion, yours may vary and that's what makes the world go round, right?

Still a little cold for the Mrs to go banging right now, we are starting with my meager collection and working our way up from there.