Her issue with weight vs. recoil is killing me…

[Maximumbob54]

Mine is killing me with her issue of weight vs. recoil. She wants a gun to be as light as she can find but have a minimal recoil. That pretty much narrows this down to a .22 LR but she can't figure out how to hold a revolver. She wants to have way too low of a grip and it bucks up in her hand and she doesn't like it. I keep trying to show her a proper hold on it but then she complains she doesn't like it. She bought a Taurus 94 a year ago because she thought she liked the grip. I own several Taurus handguns and they have all been problem free for me. So go figure this one is the first one with problems. One cylinder won't fire, the double action trigger pull is off the charts heavy, and pulling the hammer back for single action is so hard it almost slips out from your thumb each time. So I let her shoot my Ruger MK3 and she starts tearing up the target. Like as in make me proud tear up that target. She still has the terrible grip but it's working for her. She then informs me that she hates the grip, it's too fat. Before I start wailing that I can't win, I swallowed some pride and took her shopping some more at a gun show last weekend. She thinks she likes the grip on the Browning Buckmark but she doesn't like the feel and weight of the S&W 22A. She says the 22A is too fat like my Ruger. While she likes the grip on the Buckmark, she says it is too heavy. So… One more time here… Before I start wailing that I can't win…

HELP!!!

 

[Hunt200]

Have her try a Beretta NEOS, I bet she likes the grip on it.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I forgot to add the Neos to the "loves the grip but too heavy" status list.

 

[photoman]

Maybe she doesn't really want a gun...

Some people are just not comfortable with the idea of owning/carrying a gun. If they did have one, they might have to shoot someone with it and that is a very uncomfortable thought to some.

 

[The Big D]

Photoman, think you have hit the nail on the head.

Not everyone is equipped to own/carry/use a firearm.

Be safe.

Maybe she doesn't really want a gun...

Some people are just not comfortable with the idea of owning/carrying a gun. If they did have one, they might have to shoot someone with it and that is a very uncomfortable thought to some.

 

[Maximumbob54]

She would be happy with the Taurus 94 if it wasn't the first Taurus that is junk that has come into this house. The 605, 445, and PT-92 are all great guns and the revolvers are as smooth as they should be. I would say the double action is on par with any stock S&W or Colt. That 94, I could hang a full winter coat with liner on that trigger and feel safe. Lesson learned from it is to bring snap caps to the store if they will let you dry fire. You would think since they are in the business of selling guns that they would pander to you just a bit instead of the "buy it or get out" attitude that most of them give you. I asked at a dealer table if they had any more Buckmarks to try or if we could order one and was told, "That's all we have" and he walked away. I know sales are good right now, but wow… That is pretty coarse treatment of a buying customer. So we left. So she has the desire, but she is being very picky. The all steel construction and the lighter weight of the small frame on the Taurus 94 with the three finger grip was just right for her. The twenty pound trigger and bad cylinder were not. If I can find a 317 that she can hold and maybe get her a three finger grip for it then she may like that. But they are rare as hen's teeth where I am and I don't want to pressure her. It's like the seed of gun ownership in her has sprouted and I'm trying to encourage it to bloom. But she is at that point where if I get all dumb about this or if I don't give proper encouragement then that sprout may die off. Right now she has had a nice fun range visit that I managed to save with the Ruger when her Taurus became a brick, We has a so so shopping experience, and I swear I'm trying my best not to be the bad guy about too much advice and overkill with critiquing. Any female forum members, please throw me some advice!!! I'm not asking how to make her like guns and I now women are just as different from each other as men are from each other but there have to be a few tips or pointers that could help me out with this!?!?

 

[APS]

Does she have wrist pain issues or perhaps hyper sensitive skin on her hands?
If not, I agree with Photoman44. Unless she has the above issues what does "liking how the grip feels" really have to do with effectively shooting a gun?
Nothing, as long as you can reach the trigger and not impede the gun's function.
Smith has an all steel 3" J frame out now as well.

 

[pete950]

did you look at the ruger 22/45 MarkIII 3 inch

Pete

 

[jtpur]

photoman might be onto something....but please dont take any offense here.....Teaching your wife the proper grip is like teaching a (you name it) to sing......it just aint gonna happen....take her to a reputable gun range...get a good instructor (female if you can find one) and let them teach her grip etc...she can try a variety of guns....my suggestion to you, is stay out of the fray...let her pick and choose with the help of an "expert." I dont care if we husbands have a collective million years of gun experience, teaching our wives is a sure way to spend a night on the couch........dont try it and dont do it....

 

[Pasifikawv]

ISSC M-22: Pros: light, small, familiar design. Cons: VERY ammo sensitive. Needs CCI MiniMags or similiar to run, SAO.

Bersa/Firestorm 22LR: Pros: Familiar Bersa Thunder/Walther design, good grip size for smaller hands, fits many Bersa-type accessories. Cons: Not much lighter than ones tried.

Sig Mosquito: Pros: Sig Sauer quality. Cons: Pricey for a 22LR, not much lighter.

Walther P22: Same class as the Sig with similar pros/cons.

Beretta 87: Very nice buy WAY pricey.

 

[4011]

X2 on the J frame. I used an airweight however. I did have to get her some pearl grips cause it made it look less masculine.

 

[Maximumbob54]

did you look at the ruger 22/45 MarkIII 3 inch

Pete

So far I am thinking that or the Buck Mark Lite Green 5.5 since it is close the the one she looked at but much lighter. I talked to a while ago and she said she wants the Taurus 94 repaired and no more revolvers. Well, she gets what she wants with this one, so yes ma'am...

 

[G.T. Smith]

My wife didn't like handguns period until she shot my M37 airweight with standard pressure .38 LRN bullets. Now I am afraid it is her gun.
Peace,
gordon

 

[MotorCityGun]

Sig Mosquito: Pros: Sig Sauer quality. Cons: Pricey for a 22LR, not much lighter.

Walther P22: Same class as the Sig with similar pros/cons.

Got my "boss"/"jefe"/"warden" (sorry ladies, but that's how we [guys] jokingly refer to our better halves), a P22. She loves shootin' it and is darn good with it too (and we all know how important shot placement is). When I put my 40c in her hands, she gave it back to me after firing 3 rounds which barely hit the paper at 7 yds. Avoid the bulk 22 LR stuff when loaded for SD. For the range they're ok as long as you can put up with about 10% failures. No failures with CCI Stingers (1640 fps on box) which pack a noticeably greater punch than anything else I've put through it, as indicated by the louder report and larger muzzle flash. Another "con" to the P22 is that extra mags are difficult to come by. Also, it goes without saying that most .22 lr pistols need to be kept immaculately clean.

 

[MotorCityGun]

About the same recoil as a .22 yet a lot more reliable with more stopping power.

I know there's been a plethora of opinions and discussion about the merits and stopping power of .22 cal (handgun/round), or lack thereof, but here's another recent example of where a .22 "completed the job".

This particular article does not mention the caliber of the weapon that took this nutcase out, but it was indicated in another media outlet, that it was a .22, not to mention that it's one bizzare story.

2 Teens Hurt, Father Killed In Shootout - Detroit Local News Story - WDIV Detroit

 

[JohnnieB]

I didn't see any mention if she wanted a gun for SD/HD or just shooting in general.

Because some of the recoil energy is used in the reload cycle, semi-auto pistols have less recoil than revolvers, but the perceived recoil is greater for some people because of all the mechanical movement taking place.

Perhaps a slight jump in caliber might work. There are lightweight pistols in .32acp that have about the same recoil as a .22lr and pistols in .25acp that have less. I have a CZ 70 that doesn't seem to kick any harder than my Ruger MkII. Of course those are more expensive rounds than .22lr.



I doubt if you'll ever get the Taurus M94 to have a DA trigger or SA hammer anywhere near as good as your Taurus center-fire revolvers, but miracles do happen. Aftermarket grips on a 317 or 63 might work if she changes her mind about revolvers.

Also, a revolver will shoot reduced loads while a pistol is limited to ammo powerful enough to cycle the action.

I believe the key here is the grips. If it don't feel right, it ain't gonna shoot right no matter what the weight or recoil is.

Best advice in whole thread is to find a woman shooter for her to talk with.

 

[growr]

Under similar circumstances, I have found that finger groove grips on a J frame revolver works well. The finger groves almost force a proper grip and the weight is attractive and the be sure to use mild .38 Spl loads to start with...
Might work for you as well.

Randy
NRA Certified Instructor 1988 to present

 

[nogoodnamesleft]

Hire a buddy to hide in an underground parking lot and come running out at her screaming wearing a ski mask and wielding an ax while wearing pantyhose and an inflatable unicorn outfit.

The next day, she may not be so choosy.

 

[grampa p]

a suggestion

Have you looked at the S&W M&P 9 full size or 9C with 3 different size grips? The full size is a great choice for a target gun.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I believe the key here is the grips. If it don't feel right, it ain't gonna shoot right no matter what the weight or recoil is.

Best part of the whole thread. It is NOT easy these days to find good grips for a J, which is probably what she ought to be carrying. Maybe SB Magnas with a Tyler, maybe some nice bulky Pachmayr Presentations, but possibly something else entirely. If you give her a RB J with Magnas, there are (at least) two ways she can hold it: naturally and securely, or with her finger correctly on the the trigger for good results with aimed fire. Not both; one or the other. It is NOT her fault if she picks the one you think she shouldn't.

IMO, it would be good to re-read JohnnieB's whole post, especially the last sentence.

 

[luangtom]

Maybe she doesn't really want a gun...

Some people are just not comfortable with the idea of owning/carrying a gun. If they did have one, they might have to shoot someone with it and that is a very uncomfortable thought to some.

Very true. At the start of our classes we try to get an idea of the mind-set of those in the class. Mind-set plays such a role that it cannot be ignored.

Over the years, our local Sheriff was an active instructor with us and he came right out and asked, "Are all of you ready to take another life?" He then went on to say that if they were not, they should think of taking classes in non-lethal defense. His biggest concern was those students that expressed a desire "to just scare" the perp, not harm them. To these students, he gave an invitation to leave........

 

[Lost Californian]

Mine is killing me with her issue of weight vs. recoil. She wants a gun to be as light as she can find but have a minimal recoil. That pretty much narrows this down to a .22 LR but she can't figure out how to hold a revolver. She wants to have way too low of a grip and it bucks up in her hand and she doesn't like it. I keep trying to show her a proper hold on it but then she complains she doesn't like it. She bought a Taurus 94 a year ago because she thought she liked the grip. I own several Taurus handguns and they have all been problem free for me. So go figure this one is the first one with problems. One cylinder won't fire, the double action trigger pull is off the charts heavy, and pulling the hammer back for single action is so hard it almost slips out from your thumb each time. So I let her shoot my Ruger MK3 and she starts tearing up the target. Like as in make me proud tear up that target. She still has the terrible grip but it's working for her. She then informs me that she hates the grip, it's too fat. Before I start wailing that I can't win, I swallowed some pride and took her shopping some more at a gun show last weekend. She thinks she likes the grip on the Browning Buckmark but she doesn't like the feel and weight of the S&W 22A. She says the 22A is too fat like my Ruger. While she likes the grip on the Buckmark, she says it is too heavy. So… One more time here… Before I start wailing that I can't win…

HELP!!!

How about the S&W 622/422 family of pistols? Alloy frame, slender grips, .22lr, 4" to 6" barrels. Only find them on the used market. Or even the 2206 stainless version, tho my daughter states its heavy compared to my Ruger MkII. Or smaller yet, the 2213/2214, the 8 round, 3" barrel version. I have had one of each, and they are all fine guns.

 

[11B Lifer]

M 36/J frame on target

Those advocating J frames are (in my opinion) right on target. In training double action its critical that the small handed person be able to keep on target, stage the cylinder, follow thru on pull. Get good at point shooting.
Despite having cancer, my wife can get my Colt Comander going-accurately. BUT, she carries a M36 in .38 with wad cutters, or .38 shorts!
She also likes our M36s in .22-and with high speed hollow point they will do the job.
It is a challenge to find a 36-and it may cost a little more-or even need some fixing (hers did). But its worth it. After all, she covers my six.

 

[justsumstuff]

I tried, but I couldn't hit a thing with the J-frame. Got a blister for my efforts in less than one cylinder. I bought a used 64-4 instead. Yes it is all SS, & a little heavy, but I can hit what I aim at. I have a 3953 & a m&P 9c. I love the 9c, but I'm not very good with it. I think that I can shoot the revolver better because I can see the cylinder moving. ??? My daughter loves & can hit all with the 9c.
I attended a Women on Target class (I think it's the name)? thru NRA. 2 women taught the "concealed carry" & the "I refuse to be a victim" classes. The women were knowledgeable. For example, I can not rack the slide on semi-auto like u do (out in front of your body). I put it to my side, grab the top with my weak hand, push the gun through & rack the slide.
A woman instructor taught me that. I agree, a knowledgeable WOMAN instructor will have women-knowledge that you might never think of in a million hours!
Pay the $ for a class before she gets discouraged.

 

[Maximumbob54]

Answers to a few of these questions…

She mainly wants a gun to be able to go to the range with me. I don't have the slightest problem with her keeping a .22LR for a SD gun. CCI Stingers would ruin my day in a hurry if they went into my belly. And like I said before, she did pretty good with my Ruger but she didn't care for the bulky grips and the weight. So I'm thinking this weekend we will be Buckmark shopping for the Lite version. She has already had a night of being "Scared straight" when someone was at the back door and she woke me up ordering me to get my shotgun. She didn't like the fact that she had to go to me for her defense. I'm looking for a females only training class that is local to us. I know there has to be something. As a guy I at least have half a clue that if I press her too much on this then we both lose, not just her or me.

 

[justsumstuff]

Answers to a few of these questions…

She mainly wants a gun to be able to go to the range with me. I don't have the slightest problem with her keeping a .22LR for a SD gun. CCI Stingers would ruin my day in a hurry if they went into my belly. And like I said before, she did pretty good with my Ruger but she didn't care for the bulky grips and the weight. So I'm thinking this weekend we will be Buckmark shopping for the Lite version. She has already had a night of being "Scared straight" when someone was at the back door and she woke me up ordering me to get my shotgun. She didn't like the fact that she had to go to me for her defense. I'm looking for a females only training class that is local to us. I know there has to be something. As a guy I at least have half a clue that if I press her too much on this then we both lose, not just her or me.

So you're looking at shotguns too?
I like shooting mine. We had to have 2 1/2" chopped off the stock & a shorter barrel on my 1100 to get it to fit me. I'm small & the youth models of almost everything are comfortable for me. Alas the youth shotguns were few when I started.

 

[growr]

I would seek out a local Women on Target class for her and go from there. Another choice would be an NRA Basic Pistol class.
Randy
NRA Certified Instructor since 1988

 

[Maximumbob54]

So you're looking at shotguns too?
I like shooting mine. We had to have 2 1/2" chopped off the stock & a shorter barrel on my 1100 to get it to fit me. I'm small & the youth models of almost everything are comfortable for me. Alas the youth shotguns were few when I started.

No, that is mine. And I hate it. Mossberg 500A. Never again. Remington or nothing.

I would seek out a local Women on Target class for her and go from there. Another choice would be an NRA Basic Pistol class.
Randy
NRA Certified Instructor since 1988

I think I found one at Gateway Pistol and Rifle Club... Need to call for schedule.

 

[amazingflapjack]

A Beretta 21-A in .22LR-11 1/2 OZS-pop up barrel loading-double action-different grips available-accurate and dependable. Ladys like it, can opperate it easily, and are not intimidated by it ("it's cute"). Flapjack

 

[BillBingham2]

How about either of these with adjustable sights and in 22 magnum?

North American Arms

You can get a boot grip which just might be the right size for her hands.

North American Arms

You can make your own grips if that sort of thing moves you or her too.

I'm not really into the idea of rimfire rounds in anything but a revolver for SD. Remembering to how to clear jams and the time is not where you want the focus.

Not a S&W, but then many of your other options presented are not.

B2 (;->