.380 any make any model?

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DigiRebel

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Ok, my wife's 40th birthday is coming up and after some discussion we've decided to get her a gun that will be *SOLELY* hers. (I'll get to shoot my 586 again! Yay!)

So far the decisions she's made is that she wants a .380 (she is small framed, and wants a small gun that she feels really fits her) she also wants the gun to be a pretty one, so something that comes in color, but not necessarily pink (she's been digging the Ruger LCP in purple, but we'll have to figure out where/how to get one).

The question here is this. What suggestions does everyone have? Makes? Models? Suggestions on converting a normal black pistol to a color she likes?

Please stay away from suggestions for a different caliber. she want's .380, its her birthday, she gets .380 we're both well aware of the SD implications, strengths, weaknesses and price of the round. (Besides if she goes with a different caliber it will be a 9mm shield so that will be an easy pick... she held on at the LGS the other day and really liked it.)

This is a big step for her, she comes from a "Guns r bad, mmmkay?" household. She loves shooting, but has been VERY resistant to having anything in "her name." She's getting excited about owning her own so for now its really going to be her wish is my purchase.

Thanks!!
 
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Ruger LCP. It's perfect for what it was intended to be...an up close, personal defense firearm. You'll hear people complain about it being uncomfortable to shoot. MY HECK, PEOPLE!!! It wasn't intended to be a firearm that you take out to the range and burn through 50-100 rounds!!! It's NOT a target pistol!! It's a small-caliber pistol made to fire six or seven shots rapidly into the center of mass of some bad guy. Period. And for that, it's perfect.
001_zps9bb923ec.jpg
 
ALWAYS let a lady pick her own gun. :rolleyes:
Lots of good .380s out there, she just needs to look and handle a few.
As far as colors, why does it have to be the whole pistol? Lots of different grips out there to add a touch of style to her liking. Tell her it would be a mistake to choose a firearm based soley on color.
BTW: I don't consider the .380 to be under powered. I carry one every now and then myself.
 
Sig P238. I just picked up the P938 and love it. Would not mind a P238 to go with it. More expensive than an LCP but also a much better looking gun.
 
I am with you all on this for the most part.

It her gun, she's gonna be the one to pick it. I am trying to be hands off, except to encourage her to pick and choose something she wants on her own. She asks for more information on something and I am the research guy, so this thread will be invaluable! Thanks!

Our FLGS actually just opened an indoor range with rentals... it sounds more and more like I am going to want to get her in there to actually shoot some .380s she is hoping that they will be easier to handle because its a less powerful round (I've never fired .380.) Of course... she likes shooting .357 magnum in my 586... so who knows.

The color thing is she doesn't want what she perceives to be a "manly" gun. She thinks the people who scoff at pink/colored guns are morons, but I think she is worried that I think she is being silly for wanting one... I just want her to come to the range more with me... and to be able to shoot my own guns when we go... so I think I need to keep playing that up to her... (I'll admit I kinda think the purple LCP is cute.)

With the choice of ammo I am more concerned about the cost honestly, but am willing to go with whatever she chooses... Outside of that, my opinion is far more that the best gun for self defense is the one you practice with and know inside and out. (Besides if she *REALLY* needs firepower, she knows how to operate my "Shannon Watts does not approve" rifle. LOL)

Honestly, I think some of this is she will feel better hearing some of these things from people who aren't me too... ;) Its why I want to get her enrolled in a NRA basic pistol course too...

I'll admit that its kinda fun seeing her get excited about it too, so I don't wanna be one of those guys who hands their wife/gf who is just starting to have fun a .44 magnum and ruin it forever.
 
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A question I would ask is how is she going to carry it? Most women don't or wont use a belt holster, so I am figuring pocket or purse carry. That means a relatively small and light weight gun.

I have an LCP that is in my pants pocket every day I leave the house, whether I am packing something bigger on my hip or not. 100% reliable with HB and HP ammo, maybe 800 shots thru it. Like that long trigger pull for a pocket carry gun, as opposed to the shorter, lighter triggers like on a Glock. A consideration if she purse carries.

Problem with the LCP is they are small to the point they can be hard to hit with, and be uncomfortable to shoot. Not inspiring for a new shooter. Might want to look at the new Ruger model (don't remember the model name) that is 380, but uses the slightly larger compact 9mm frame. It should be easier for her to shoot well, and has better sights then the LCP, and is only very slightly larger.

A Google search will show a number of companies that offer various colored metal and plastic gun coatings that could really personalize her new present.

Larry
 
I'm still leary of the small Kel Techs and LCPs for a lot of women shooters. Too much recoil and difficult for follow up shots.

You may say "it's a sd gun, not a range shooter", but if it's uncomfortable to shoot, she's not going practice with it, and if she doesn't practice with it regularly, it's useless as a sd weapon.

Maybe take a look at the Colt Mustang or the small Sigs (I forget the model numbers). Maybe even the Bersa Thunder.
They are all fine shooters.

Just another opinion.
 
Suggest she at least look at and consider the LC 380 by Ruger.
Where as the LCP is a sub compact the LC is a compact. Not
that much bigger but has some safety features well worth having.
You could also look at the Smith & Wesson auto bodyguard which
is very similar to the LCP. It at least has a manuel safety where
the LCP doesn't. Agree the decision should be hers. Check some
local shooting ranges if possible and see if you can rent any she
likes the looks of for a real live try out. Just my two cents worth.
Also with some of the modern ammo available now, with practice
and good shot placement I think the 380 may be a acceptable
choice for some people.
 
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I would not rule out a revolver vs. a semi auto it all depends on her comfort. You are wise to take her to a range to fire various makes/models. I would not buy on the first visit unless you get a smoking deal. Let a little time sink in and if she narrows the choices down to 2-3 guns go back and fire them again. She needs to be 100 % confident in herself and the weapon to be able to react in a panic situation ( hopefully never ). Once you get the gun practice , practice , practice. It really has to become a natural feeling in the hand you shouldn't have to " think " what do I do next ? Good luck in the search and have fun.
 
Aloha,

I would suggest a Beretta 85, IF you can find one.

Of All the 380s we own, it is the Most Comfortable shooting.

It is slightly on the large side as far as 380s go.

This is an 86, same as the 85 except it has a Tip-Up barrel.

P10004992.JPG


Having an Aluminum frame makes it carry comfortably.

Downside is that it is likely to be the Most expensive,

IF you can find one.

The Sig is a clone of the Colt Mustang and an all steel one

will be slightly less comfortable than the Beretta 85.
 
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