Ladysmith = "Girl Gun?"

fpuhan

fpuhan

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My son-in-law and I are trying to get my daughter interested in a handgun. She has a shotgun for home defense, but we both think she ought to also have a carry weapon.

The problem is getting her interested in one. I've had her shoot my Sig P938 9mm and my XDs .45. She didn't like the feel of the Sig, but thought the .45 was "okay."

The two of us have suggested gun after gun: Kimber Solo, Diamondback DB9, Beretta Nano, M&P Shield, and the like. We both think she should pack 9mm or greater, so we're staying away from the .380s (although some are borderline close...).

So, I thought maybe she would think a revolver something more to her liking. I have a J frame 360 (that she hasn't shot yet) in .38 Special that is one of the guns in my EDC rotation.

I got to thinking: Some guns are designed more for women (the reason I have the Tanfoglio Witness Pavona; she thought it was too big), and isn't the Ladysmith from S&W in this category?

I've seen Ladysmith applied to both revolvers and semi-automatics. I found a Model 60LS that I think would be a keeper -- even in my collection -- and that was positively reviewed on The Well-Armed Woman web site.

Am I on the right track? Are there any guns matching my rather vague specification that I could mention to my daughter?
 
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Hard to say, my wife's a tiny woman only 5'4" has tiny hands and not much muscle. But her favorite shooter in the collection is actually my 8" .500 with 400 grain FMJs that she does well with. Only one round in the cylinder though for fear of the double tap. She caries a .38 bodyguard, and a 9mm star super B (all steal Spanish pistol simmer to a high power)

I'd definitely give give her a chance with a J frame, if you have one. Do you have the option of renting guns at a local range? Or is just that she has no real interest in any gun's?
 
Just let that high power simmer until the stakes finish cooking. Darn auto type.

Obviously that was supposed to say similar.
 
There are a few differences in some Ladysmith products but for all intents and purposes on the J-frame lineup (as it seems the central part of your question), it's just the wood bantam grips and the Ladysmith badge.
 
Named User said:
Hard to say, my wife's a tiny woman only 5'4" has tiny hands and not much muscle. But her favorite shooter in the collection is actually my 8" .500 with 400 grain FMJs that she does well with. Only one round in the cylinder though for fear of the double tap. She caries a .38 bodyguard, and a 9mm star super B (all steal Spanish pistol simmer to a high power)

I'd definitely give give her a chance with a J frame, if you have one. Do you have the option of renting guns at a local range? Or is just that she has no real interest in any gun's?
Click to expand...


Yep. My daughter likes it. Made up some loads for both my girls. The 230 gr .451 45 acp bullet in 460 case with 9 g of HS-6
With the bullet flush with the top of 460 case. Shoots like a 22 at 900fps
 

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i love my model 15. the k frame works for me as does the all steel construction.
9mm in a plastic gun hurts me but 38 spc in a heavy gun doesn't.
for practice she needs a 22lr, my fav round.
it's just fun.
 
There are several excellent Lady Smith offerings old and new. There's been debate on the board as to whether they're any different save for stocks and roll marks; some are under the impression the LSs are sprung a little lighter, but there's no definitive proof of this. Having handled many and their non-LS counterparts, I think there's no difference, so best to concentrate on the firearm with the right configuration for the shooter.

That said, it seems you and your son-in-law are pushing a carry weapon on someone who doesn't want one. Given the training, mindset and responsibility required to properly carry and -- if needed -- deploy a personal defense weapon, might be better to let her make her own decisions.
 
I was at the range when a man was having his daughter and SIL try a bunch of different guns Big guns, little guns, autos and revolvers. The one she liked best was my 4 inch model 10.
 
From what you say, she is better off with a shotgun.

Lady Smith-wise, my personal opinion is that a 21oz short barrel gun shooting .357magnum loads is a joke, as well as a 14.5oz gun shooting .38 specials. Unless she is willing to do a lot of range shooting with it, it will probably fly from her hand after the first round.
 
Start with a .22lr revolver. The DA pull will be harder but manageable on most revolvers. My LCR .22 is smooth and not overly difficult to shoot DA. Great cheap training and if she like shooting it maybe she will try a larger caliber later. If not having a gun is better than not having one, for most people, and no one is going to encourage her to shoot them with whatever she is pointing at them.:D Keep her away from the lite weight J frames- go all steel or move up to the model 10.
 
I agree with the "let her decide" to a point, but someone lacking in knowledge and training cannot make an informed decision. No one should be forced to carry so gun, but a coherent, reasonable explanation of why it's warranted might be influential and make her more inclined to want to do so.

In terms of specific carry gun choices, consider how it will be carried and how it will likely be used. What may be the most comfortable gun to shoot at the range, will not likely be the most comfortable to carry. The gun most capable of accurate range shooting isn't necessarily the most effective effective weapon against a mugger or rapist at arms length. So, decisions should be made in proper context.

If the goal is to simply be prepared for self-defense rather than be a shooter, the snubnose revolver is a good choice. Expanded explanation from Massad Ayoob... The Real Ladies Gun -- Handguns

And I think the "hammerless" models make sense for a defense weapon, especially an inexperienced individual. The need for some type of long range, precision shot in a civilian self-defense situation is not at all probable, so single action simply isn't needed. And it's not sensible to train using SA since it won't be used in an actual defense scenario. Plus being DAO removes the possibility of cocking the weapon creating a "hair trigger", they are safer for carry as well as not allowing debris and lint to possibly work it's way into the action.

The enclosed hammer could also prove to be an advantage in a close-quarter struggle since the hammer can't be blocked or entangled in clothing.

A 642/442 would make a fine choice and you might consider standard pressure ammunition although the most effective defense loads are +P. My wife and mother have no issues managing and effectively firing the Airweights.
 
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I went through this with my (25 at the time) daughter. Being stupid, I bought her several models to try. This included a Colt Magnum Carry, Ruger SP101, Browning BDA, Sig P230. She ended up liking my friends Glock 17. So that's what she has. My son and son in law were easy but not cheap. They have HK USP compact stainless 9's.

Let her try a few different guns and decide.
 
Her gun, her choice.
I suggest some type of laser grips or laser equipped no matter what the choice ends up being.
As far as triggers go on a carry revolver (this coming from a J frame fan) the Ruger LCR is the best of the breed IMO right now.
 
S&W marketing understood that by removing the words LADYsmith and replacing with Airweight would increase sales;);) and remove any stigma from men buying the gun. They were right!!:D

Ladysmith = 642 S&W Airweight.. .38 +P rated, no hammer to hang up.

I sold more of them to first time buyers BOTH men and women, than any other revolver. Ordered them 1000+ at a time.
AIRWEIGHT
163810_01_md.jpg


LADYSMITH
163808_01_lg.jpg
 
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The only downside I see to getting a Ladysmith is it would cut your potential market in half if you ever decide to sell. Personally I would get a 642 with Crimson Trace laser grips. You can but new 642 with no lock.
 
I personally would not dismiss the .380 out of hand. Lots of good options in that round. Very viable option, IMO, with the proper round. My wife actually carries a S&W 432 Airweight in .32H&R Mag. I wouldnt want to take one of those rounds.

Bottom line, keep all options open and let HER decide. She will be more apt to carry a gun she can control and is happy with rather than one you believe she should carry.
 
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