J or K frame for a woman?

[jaymoore]

I think my sister (5' 4" and with arthritis) shot about 15 different handguns before deciding on a 3" 66. I can't remember how many different stocks/grips we tried. And don't ask me why she liked it! Trigger pull, trigger reach grip shape, weight, sights, balance, recoil, etc. were all factors. And that's just revolvers. Never mind the various autos. (She did shoot a well equipped 1911 well, but decided it was "too violent!")

Going through another similar trial period now with LG, who already has a .32 Mag Centennial. She's partial to another 3" 66 and a Glock 17. She may get both....The 10 shot 4" 617 is also favored, but not for defensive use.

 

[Rock185]

Hello and welcome Rye, FWIW I'd agree with some others that if she already likes the .22, make the .22 available to her. Within my humble experience, men tend to buy firearms for spouses, that the men in their infinite wisdom decide they should have, or would like to have themselves. Then if the spouse doesn't like it, the guy is ahead one gun. My wife is familiar with firearms. But just like clothes,shoes, purses or whatever, she decides what she wants.........ymmv

 

[Mister X]

There is a big difference between static range shooting and armed self-defense(fighting with a gun).

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

The ,22 is a generally under estimated and lethal round. More people are killed with 22 rounds than any other caliber. It does not tear big holes or rip open body cavities, but it definitely can deter a bad guy from his previous plans. For one, when brandished, it is not obviously a 22. No one wants to be shot - even with a 22. When shot with a 22 at least a great deal of pain is inflicted. It is better for any of us to have the gun we like and can hit our target with than a gun that we do not like enough to train with - without regard to caliber. She has a 22 that she is comfortable with, leave well enough alone; she will change when she wants to.

 

[Jingles]

My wife LOVES her S&W 317, shoots it well and has confidence in it. She's OK with my 3" model 37 but only if it is loaded with low power reloads. I figure she's better off with a .22 that she trusts than with a .38 with HBWC reloads that she is dubious about.

She can shoot several K frames with barrels ranging from 2" to 8" but I can't recall the last time she picked one up. She likes her J frame and I don't try and change her mind for fear I might push her away from guns all together.

 

[bigwheelzip]

My wife .... has become particularly enamored of a little J ..... She would like me to make the pistol accessible to her .....

Sometimes you guys have a legitimate beef about women not being clear when informing you about what they want. Not this time. Count yourself lucky. Just do as your asked and your golden.

 

[Rpg]

The 22 j frame your wife likes is fine for sd.

She'll shoot it, enjoy shooting it and develop great proficiency with it.

She's quite likely to develop minute of eyeball accuracy with it which will be much more effective than misses or fringe hits with a 38 (or anything else, for that matter.

Give her the 22 and be happy she enjoys it and will use it.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

She is happy with the Model 34 and has developed skill with it. Now she wants to expand her mindset to include self-defense. I'd say the answer is simple. Make the Model 34 available to her. In the future she may want something more powerful. For now she is ready to protect herself and your home with the tool she knows and has confidence in.

Mindset > Skillset > Toolset.

 

[Echo40]

Let her choose.

 

[JEBar]

the J shown below serves as my wife's concealed carry .... she picked it out and is happy with it .... she particularly likes the Crimson Trace Laser grip

 

[cmansguns]

Welcome to the Forum from Virginia,

I also recommend listening to your wife as, like mine, my sons and daughters found out....shoot all kinds that you have access to and you'll sure become comfortable with at least one favorite, sometimes more.

My wife and I are both in our 70's and she did like (still does) the Model 34 in 22 LR, does NOT care for Model 637 2" (my EDC) too much flash and bang, so it's not the recoil. For nightstand duty she prefers the 36-1 3" 38 Spl, or lately the 65-3 4" but loaded with 38 Spl. She likes the stainless feature.

Another one that fit right in when she really wants "smaller but sufficient" seems to be the Model 31-1 2" in 32 Long.

I don't really care because she is at least comfortable with all, grip fits are just right for her, really doesn't care at all for semi's, and I feel confident that if the need ever arose, she could defend herself and to me...that's what its all about.

Best part? They are all Smiths and none will break the bank on used gun, or on ammo.

 

[Mister X]

A .22 is sufficient for psychological stops, but physiological ones are a different matter altogether. While civilian self-defense encounters usually involve the former, I would in no way count on it and think it prudent to prepare to have to do the latter. While it's definitely better than nothing, I would in no way want my wife or mother armed with a .22 in any life and death encounter. Proficiency at shooting static targets from a static stance won't mean a whole lot when trying to stop a violent male intent on doing her harm. Shooting vs Armed Self-Defense/Fighting with a gun are two very different things. Male criminals tend to be misogynist and will often try to close the distance and disarm a woman believing they won't have the guts to pull the trigger and there may be some truth to that belief, so take that into account in terms of tactics and weaponry. Woman also are more prone panic in such situations and I witnessed my own normally level-headed wife completely fall apart during what we thought was an attempted home invasion. The idea she is going to be capable of precision shooting with any caliber weapon in any circumstances is not realistic.

This whole notion of simply letting an individual with no real experience or knowledge on the subject choose whatever they like or that all choices are equally valid is not rational. It reminds me of the politically correct thinking that borders on delusion that is so common nowadays. It would be the same as telling a woman with no experience in H2H, who is looking for an effective martial art for rape prevention to simply choose whatever she likes. Sorry, but not all martial arts are equally effective and it would not be irresponsible or ethical to tell her otherwise, especially if it's someone you love. The same applies to choosing a firearm for personal defense.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

Luckily for both of us I'm not your wife.Like mentionned above,you should have some tests ran with her.Don't ask us male (well most of us)shooters what your wife should have.
But I sure can tell you what I'd do if in your situation.I'd go to the shooting range and ask friends who have different guns to loan them to her and offer to pay for the ammo(an offer they'll probably turn down for the $$ part of it).
Let her try and decide.And if a .22 is her choice,well,insist on lots of practice for accurate bullet placement.