My wife came out last weekend and did some target shooting with me. She doesn't have any gun training at this point, but was surprised that she enjoyed it so much, she didn't think she would. She indicated tonight that she would like to learn to shoot and get a comfort level handling and firing the guns safely. I'm all for that and will work with her along with signing her up for an independent safety course, but I'm wondering what others have found the gals in their life are more comfortable with - revolvers or Semi Auto's - DA or DAO? Any suggestions on what guns she should try out first?
Best gun for new female shooter
- Thread starter Pete99004
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To teach the fundamentals I would choose a .22 with a 5-6" barrel. Semi auto or revolver. A S&W 22a is a good choice for a trainer. .22 for the mild recoil and lower noise.
My wife shoots a Model 10 quite proficiently. Even shooting it DA...
She also shoots most semi-autos well, but cannot work the slide easily. If the auto jams - Well, that's it.
The Ruger MK series .22 autos are an exception, btw.
Be sure your wife can do a complete manual of arms with whatever she chooses.
A good trigger makes a BIG difference too
She also shoots most semi-autos well, but cannot work the slide easily. If the auto jams - Well, that's it.
The Ruger MK series .22 autos are an exception, btw.
Be sure your wife can do a complete manual of arms with whatever she chooses.
A good trigger makes a BIG difference too
Dragon88
Member
Definitely start with a .22. I have found that the "thrill" of recoil wears out quickly for many girls, sometimes in just one magazine. A good step up from that is light 38s once they start to feel comfortable. Revolvers are nice because they don't have to worry about racking the slide or fiddling with the magazine.
Gross generalization alert: New female shooters do not like "features" and "gadgets", they do like a manual safety on semi-autos, they do not like recoil, and they must have a gun that feels comfortable in their hand. That's the deal breaker, if it doesn't feel comfortable in their hand they won't like the gun, regardless of how awesome you think it is. Again, there are many accomplished female shooters out their, but for ones just starting out, these are the norms I have seen.
Also be aware that as she practices, she will probably become a better shooter than you in no time flat. Seen it many times.
Good luck.
Gross generalization alert: New female shooters do not like "features" and "gadgets", they do like a manual safety on semi-autos, they do not like recoil, and they must have a gun that feels comfortable in their hand. That's the deal breaker, if it doesn't feel comfortable in their hand they won't like the gun, regardless of how awesome you think it is. Again, there are many accomplished female shooters out their, but for ones just starting out, these are the norms I have seen.
Also be aware that as she practices, she will probably become a better shooter than you in no time flat. Seen it many times.
Good luck.
amazingflapjack
US Veteran
wives and husbands...
It would help to know the person, and the type of personality she has. When I started to "really" learn to shoot hand guns-after the Army-I used a Ruger MK II-and that really gave me a great foundation-but that's me, but could be a wonderful learning tool for shooting and hand gun for anyone. I also like the idea of a revolver, for the reasons stated above-love the model 10. I got my wife a m-65-3 rnd bt 3 inch, and put Hogue Bantams on it-great fit, and another K frame. I'm just glad for the both of you that she wants to learn. One thing I did that I would suggest is that you enroll her in an NRA course that will also qualify her to carry. It is a rare husband that can be as effective in teaching their wives safety better than some stranger that has no baggage with her at all. Nuff said. Flapjack.
It would help to know the person, and the type of personality she has. When I started to "really" learn to shoot hand guns-after the Army-I used a Ruger MK II-and that really gave me a great foundation-but that's me, but could be a wonderful learning tool for shooting and hand gun for anyone. I also like the idea of a revolver, for the reasons stated above-love the model 10. I got my wife a m-65-3 rnd bt 3 inch, and put Hogue Bantams on it-great fit, and another K frame. I'm just glad for the both of you that she wants to learn. One thing I did that I would suggest is that you enroll her in an NRA course that will also qualify her to carry. It is a rare husband that can be as effective in teaching their wives safety better than some stranger that has no baggage with her at all. Nuff said. Flapjack.
1. .22 rimfire
2. DA revolver is easiest manual of arms, but, grip girth issues may indicate Ruger semi-auto or etc. as preferred alternative.
3. Let someone else (not spouse or boyfriend) handle the training --- DIY is recipe for relationship disaster... Trainer needs to be stern authoritarian task-master/enforcer of strict safety rules --- not what most spouses or etc. will tolerate.
4. Expect to be outshot after any reasonable amount of training --- in my experience, women learn faster and are more quickly proficient than men ---get over it, and consider it a job well done... by somebody other than you...
2. DA revolver is easiest manual of arms, but, grip girth issues may indicate Ruger semi-auto or etc. as preferred alternative.
3. Let someone else (not spouse or boyfriend) handle the training --- DIY is recipe for relationship disaster... Trainer needs to be stern authoritarian task-master/enforcer of strict safety rules --- not what most spouses or etc. will tolerate.
4. Expect to be outshot after any reasonable amount of training --- in my experience, women learn faster and are more quickly proficient than men ---get over it, and consider it a job well done... by somebody other than you...
Also be aware that as she practices, she will probably become a better shooter than you in no time flat. Seen it many times.
Good luck.
She already had tighter groups than me + 3 rounds dead center!
Bummed me out so much I made excuses for my poor shots!!
Dust got in my eye...yea that's it - dust!
By the way we were shooting my Sig P232 and I think it fit her pretty well, but I'm not sure she be comfortable racking the slide on it - we're going to go out again this weekend and try the 3913 and 686 with some 38 spl. loads.
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Mine came already owning a couple of dozen, but she is a typical Texas gal.
I had read somewhere that people trust themselves with a
revolver as their first firearm. The logic behind that, is that they can See what is happening, unlike an auto, where everything is a
mystery. I've seen this myself, and it makes sense to me.
As was posted above, a 22 is the best bet. Hard to be afraid of
something that is a challenge just to get the sights lined up.
Either a kitgun/M34 or a 317. JMHO, TACC1
revolver as their first firearm. The logic behind that, is that they can See what is happening, unlike an auto, where everything is a
mystery. I've seen this myself, and it makes sense to me.
As was posted above, a 22 is the best bet. Hard to be afraid of
something that is a challenge just to get the sights lined up.
Either a kitgun/M34 or a 317. JMHO, TACC1
Bicky Robby
Member
My wife decided she did not want a revolver, but rather a semi auto. Her choice at the time was a Glock 19 (she liked the way my Glock 23 fit her hand).
Since then she, not me, has picked up a Kahr CW-9, a M&P-9, Glock 26, and XDm-9. And she loves shooting my 1911's.
My experince, however tells me that my wife is the exception to most new female shooters. The sound of a gun shot is a scary for many. Using a .22 can help slowly ease a new shooter into the sport and help to stay focused on the shooting fundamentals.
Since then she, not me, has picked up a Kahr CW-9, a M&P-9, Glock 26, and XDm-9. And she loves shooting my 1911's.
My experince, however tells me that my wife is the exception to most new female shooters. The sound of a gun shot is a scary for many. Using a .22 can help slowly ease a new shooter into the sport and help to stay focused on the shooting fundamentals.
I have taught more women to shoot on a Model 10 4 inch than any other gun. All of them became better than average shots
Only a couple liked autoloaders. As they progressed, most of them stayed with the .38. But one gal adapted so fast it was scary. Superior hand eye coordination. She now has her CCW and bought a 2.5 in Model 19.
I start them at 7 yards and we work out from there. The more hits on target early in training builds confidence.
The gals usually don't have preconceived notions about how good they are.
Only a couple liked autoloaders. As they progressed, most of them stayed with the .38. But one gal adapted so fast it was scary. Superior hand eye coordination. She now has her CCW and bought a 2.5 in Model 19.
I start them at 7 yards and we work out from there. The more hits on target early in training builds confidence.
The gals usually don't have preconceived notions about how good they are.
GeorgiaShooter
Member
I like all these ideas but I'm also in the same boat as you. My wife situation is almost identical and she's actually a darn good natural shooter. She even took her snap caps and gun into the garage yesterday and dry fire practiced without my prodding for a change!!!!
I say the .22 is a great idea for revolver and point shooting, intuitive close range shooting because it naturally points perfectly on target with the hand compared to most pistols that point slightly downward. Never the less the big difference for my wife has been her past history with a very nice browning semi-auto 380 I bought her in the 80/90s that jammed with half the ammo we bought and just befuddled her all the time.
So for that reason she's owned a Taurus light weight snubby 38 for maybe 10 years. Bedside gun, you can shoot 38 in it and 38P. So that has allowed me to buy mild ammo she can practice with. Recently I bought her a S&W version of this gun which is way way better, the 442 which is the covered hammer version, as you probably know.
Now I've bought a body guard 380 she likes semi autos agains suddenly, and her small hand fits around to the trigger better than the 442 snubby 38 with it's long stiff trigger. She does feel safer with the stock trigger pull. But she also LOVES the thumb safety on the bodyguard.
I would say 22 is the best starter but honestly if you can't afford to buy a lot of guns those 22s can be more expensive than just buying her the final solution and focusing on dry fire practice. If she wants to endlessly plink on the range, outdoors and save money on ammo, heck yes. But if you have a tight budget I'd say buy one of these newer generations of carry guns and get her directly onto the personal defense wagon.
My wife is already developing her point shoot abilities and can nail targets at 7 yards without using the sights (combat accuracy). That's farther than any distance she is likely to ever shoot in our home or in self defense. But I have been starting her drills MUCH close than that (important). One last note. I own an LCR by Ruger too and they have the one benefit of a trigger that's smooth as butter. One thing I like about revolvers is they simply WORK and less picky about ammo and cleaning. And the grip activated laser comes on for her without the need to intentionally press a button.
By the way another alternative is to buy one of those S&W revolver BB guns, they even have bio degradable BBs and she can set up targets in the yard and practice drills. I have not done this yet, but considering it and the 22 idea.
In either case good luck, sorry for the rambling.
I say the .22 is a great idea for revolver and point shooting, intuitive close range shooting because it naturally points perfectly on target with the hand compared to most pistols that point slightly downward. Never the less the big difference for my wife has been her past history with a very nice browning semi-auto 380 I bought her in the 80/90s that jammed with half the ammo we bought and just befuddled her all the time.
So for that reason she's owned a Taurus light weight snubby 38 for maybe 10 years. Bedside gun, you can shoot 38 in it and 38P. So that has allowed me to buy mild ammo she can practice with. Recently I bought her a S&W version of this gun which is way way better, the 442 which is the covered hammer version, as you probably know.
Now I've bought a body guard 380 she likes semi autos agains suddenly, and her small hand fits around to the trigger better than the 442 snubby 38 with it's long stiff trigger. She does feel safer with the stock trigger pull. But she also LOVES the thumb safety on the bodyguard.
I would say 22 is the best starter but honestly if you can't afford to buy a lot of guns those 22s can be more expensive than just buying her the final solution and focusing on dry fire practice. If she wants to endlessly plink on the range, outdoors and save money on ammo, heck yes. But if you have a tight budget I'd say buy one of these newer generations of carry guns and get her directly onto the personal defense wagon.
My wife is already developing her point shoot abilities and can nail targets at 7 yards without using the sights (combat accuracy). That's farther than any distance she is likely to ever shoot in our home or in self defense. But I have been starting her drills MUCH close than that (important). One last note. I own an LCR by Ruger too and they have the one benefit of a trigger that's smooth as butter. One thing I like about revolvers is they simply WORK and less picky about ammo and cleaning. And the grip activated laser comes on for her without the need to intentionally press a button.
By the way another alternative is to buy one of those S&W revolver BB guns, they even have bio degradable BBs and she can set up targets in the yard and practice drills. I have not done this yet, but considering it and the 22 idea.
In either case good luck, sorry for the rambling.
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Fishslayer
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
My wife decided she doesn't like revolvers because she gets her hands dirty reloading. Fine with me.
That reminds me. Gotta roll up another hunnert or so of those light Green Dot target rounds.
I got her a 22/45. She didn't like it & I don't blame her. The controls are fairly stiff, the slide lock works a bit differently from everything else on the planet, and the safety is in an awkward location.
So I actually took her to the gun shop so she could fondle for herself.
Turns out she likes SIGs. So far she has a .22 Mosquito & an SP2022 in 9mm.
The gun she REALLY lusts after is my RIA Tactical though. She has arthritis & can only handle a couple mags of my powderpuff target loads but I wouldn't like a zombie's chances at 10 yards & less... she shoots it pretty well.
That reminds me. Gotta roll up another hunnert or so of those light Green Dot target rounds.
I got her a 22/45. She didn't like it & I don't blame her. The controls are fairly stiff, the slide lock works a bit differently from everything else on the planet, and the safety is in an awkward location.
So I actually took her to the gun shop so she could fondle for herself.
Turns out she likes SIGs. So far she has a .22 Mosquito & an SP2022 in 9mm.
The gun she REALLY lusts after is my RIA Tactical though. She has arthritis & can only handle a couple mags of my powderpuff target loads but I wouldn't like a zombie's chances at 10 yards & less... she shoots it pretty well.
gunlovingirl
Member
I think you or your wife can answer that question better than we can. Especially after she tries some .38s. She should have an idea of what she's comfortable with then. And what she likes better, a revolver or semi-auto. For someone with no experience and little handgun knowledge, I'd recommend a revolver. A .22 is nice for beginners, but with you helping and teaching, and seeing as how she's already shot your P232, she might be fine with a .38. Like I said, you should have a better answer than anyone here after she shoots the .38s.
Magnumdood
Member
Mine too!
She is a better shot than me, and I ain't all that bad.
If we go hunting, she'll kill the best trophy; if we go fishing, the fish seem to want to jump in the boat with her.
Her Daddy raised her right.
LAS&W4me
Member
My wife started out with a pink Walther P22. It was something small, easy to use, and in her words "pretty."
This year she upgraded to a Glock 19 and laid claim to my Saiga 12 and my Arsenal AK. I may have created a monster.
This year she upgraded to a Glock 19 and laid claim to my Saiga 12 and my Arsenal AK. I may have created a monster.
Brian41
Member
My wife didn't like guns much when I met her at age 30. She wanted to become familar with them as I'd have them in the house so sent her to an NRA class with my Model 19 and light 38 special loads. She did very well in the class and shooting with me later. She's still not wild about guns but knows revolvers and won't have anything to do with auto loaders. She also didn't like shooting 22s as they didn't have enough kick for her to have fun shooting them or so she says.
Partially because of her we keep mainly K and J frames for HD as those she is most comfortable with. I'd think K or L frames would be a good start for your wife but do keep the loads down so she isn't dealing with heavy recoil to start with. Now that my wife is familar with revolvers she likes shooting 357s in K frames but won't shoot anything bigger.
Partially because of her we keep mainly K and J frames for HD as those she is most comfortable with. I'd think K or L frames would be a good start for your wife but do keep the loads down so she isn't dealing with heavy recoil to start with. Now that my wife is familar with revolvers she likes shooting 357s in K frames but won't shoot anything bigger.
sps282
Member
Model 10 or 15 start with target wadcutters see how it goes from there.
GeorgiaShooter
Member
Took wife to gun store yesterday, walked away with a Walther P22, what sold us was the grip angle compatible with our revolvers enough to make practice shooting work well on a pistol. She loved it and fired about 500 rounds yesterday and boy it was cheap. Plus the features really help prepare her for operating more high end, larger semi-autos. The P22 selling point for us was quality for price and ergonomics. There were some nice 22s but they didn't feel good in her hand. I saved a lot of money over trying to get a similar level of 22 revolver which are pricey, imo. I can see why so many people choose this route for practice and recreation. No flinching when firing.
Joe in SC
US Veteran
A .22 long rifle revolver to learn the basics, which should focus initially on safe gun handling. A lot of husbands/boyfriends jump into the shooting part right off, but a little time discussing safety and learning a little "gun" talk always helps. Women are very quick to p/u basic knowledge. I don't think it makes much difference if the gun is single or double action as long as it is accurate.
I have found that women as well as children enjoy a mix of targets, not just all paper, which can become boring rather quickly to the new shooter. Try to keep it interesting.
I have found that women as well as children enjoy a mix of targets, not just all paper, which can become boring rather quickly to the new shooter. Try to keep it interesting.
