Need help - Wife needs DA/SA CCW

[truckemup97]

We've figured out that the long DA trigger pull on most carry-style pistols is a problem for my wife. I've had her dry firing a Model 15 on DA to get a better feel for it, but she would feel more comfortable knowing that at least the second shot would be SA. So what is out there that either has an external hammer or is SA on the second and consecutive trigger pulls? Compact/Sub-Compact size, .380/9MM? Doesn't have to be a S&W but she does like S&Ws and Walthers.

 

[jeffsmith]

S&W CS-9 ???

 

[nachogrande]

cc for wife

sounds like she wants a semi, so SIG 239 single stack 9mm. 7 or 8 shot mag. nothing to do but draw and squeeze. can recommend it with firsthand exp. a nice slim profile, accurate, easy to conceal/carry. I'm from the 1 is none state and carry a 239 stainless in 40 cal owb and an air wt 38 snub in the pocket.

 

[timn8er]

How about a Model 6906? Light, easily carried & concealed, magazines of various capacities are available. I've been seeing them on GB & GA in the $400 to $500 range. There's a really nice looking one(if you like the Square trigger guard!)on Gun Auctions right now. It fits all your requirements & 3rd Gen goodness...What's bad?

 

[wly1942]

The CS9 would be my recommendation. I have one and love it. It is 9mm, 7 + 1, 1st shot DA then SA. and best of all it is a totally reliable 3rd gen S&W. Hard to find but worth the look.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Truckemup97:

Does the pistol have to be a SA/DA semiauto? Won't a SA semiauto work? I have two SA semiautos chambered in 9mm that are very accurate, and very "soft shooting" that you may want to consider for your wife. The first is my H&K PSP (P7), the second is the M&P 9C (mine is actually a 40C with a 9mm barrel and magazines). I have arthritis in my hands and wrists, which makes handgun shooting painful most of the time. I qualified for my CHL with the H&K, and recently used it for my recertification. I shot a perfect score both times. The downside with the H&K is (1) they can be pricey; and (2) because they have an unusual operating style (squeeze cocker - a front mounted grip safety), for safety's sake, it should be her only semiauto pistol. The M&P is also very soft shooting, and is easier to find (and afford) than the H&K. Also, the adjustable back straps will help her find a good fit.

I hope this helps.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[jeffsmith]

I recommended the CS-9 because you required DA/SA

BUT

I Love my M&P9c for its low recoil and easy trigger

 

[truckemup97]

Truckemup97:

Does the pistol have to be a SA/DA semiauto? Won't a SA semiauto work?

No, and yes.

I've never had any experience with the M&P pistols. Are they DA/SA, or "pre-cocked", or what?

 

[growr]

The 3913 and CS 9 are incredible selections when you can find them.

 

[25elk]

In .380 the Sig P 230 which is no longer made fits your specifications. It was replaced by the P 232, but I do not know what is different about the newer model. From the de-cocked position the P 230 can be fired SA or DA on the first round and is SA for each successive round. Very nice small pistol and the one my wife carries.

 

[PA Reb]

Take a long serious look at the Sig Sauer P238 SAS or one of the SAS variants in .380 P238 SAS . I have one I bought the other day and I can tell you that they are a little pricey but they are well made and are good reliable shooters. They fit anywhere you like including right in your pocket. Light weight and ready to go to work if needed. She won't be dissatisfied as it seems to be exactly as you describe.

 

[Gunslinger808]

Another vote for the Sig 239.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

No, and yes.

I've never had any experience with the M&P pistols. Are they DA/SA, or "pre-cocked", or what?

The M&P semiauto, as well as the Shield (basically, a single-stack M&P) are both SA, striker fired pistols. A return to the Mother Ship (S&W website) yields descriptions (here's the one for the Shield):

Product: Smith & Wesson M&P SHIELD? 9mm

The Shield is the hot gun at the moment, so availability can be an issue. Also, it is, to my understanding, somewhat smaller than a M&P compact, but still not a pocket pistol. Therefore, some shooters prefer to stay with the M&P because if both are essentially belt (holstered) pistols, it makes more sense to stay with the M&P full size or compact. By the way, one thing some like to do (including myself), is to buy a M&P chambered in either .40 S&W or .357 Sig, and then get a 9mm barrel and magazines so you'll have 2 guns in one.

Regards,

Dave

 

[edgehill]

You may want to look at the Barretta Px4 Storm. It's a DA/SA with an external hammer and comes in compact, subcompact and 9/.40.

 

[DeadAye]

S&W M38
SA/DA - Light - Small (J Frame) and you can buy a used one without a lock.

 

[nachogrande]

PISTOL FOR WIFE

I'm a sig guy if you couldn't tell in semi's and old colts and S&W's and Rugers for revolvers. SIGS are not as expensive used as everyone would think. also SIGS and Glocks are the only used post 1980's guns I'd consider in the 300- 500$ price range. I've bought 8 used Sigs from 1983 to present, ALL for exactly $500 each. that seems to be the magic # for me.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I got a few different options for you.

CZ83. Although discontinued last year they can still be found. DA/SA. 12+1 rounds. All steel so a little heavy but helps with recoil. Not sure what the DA trigger pull is though. Excellent gun.

Star Firestar 9MM. Not made for years but a good gun. It came in a single and double stack version. All steel but the single stack is pretty light. SA only. Wouldn't pay too much because IF it breaks parts could be hard to find.

S&W Bodyguard. Light. DOA. 6+1 rounds. Laser.

Walther PPK (NOT S&W). Find an older one if you can. DA/SA. 6+1 rounds.

S&W M&P Compact. High capacity in a small package. Seems to fit female hands very well. Easy to shoot. Same constant trigger. Sold many of these to women.

Colt Mustang/Pony. SA. Good gun but hard to find sometimes.

Kahr P380. DAO. Smooth DA trigger. Light so not sure of recoil.

Bersa Thunder 380. Seen many of these sold but don't know of the quality. Relatively inexpensive. DA/SA. Light.There a few different variations of the Bersa 380.

 

[Hack]

Have you ever tried an H&K P2000 SK V2? From the H&K web site:

"The P2000 SK is available with Law Enforcement Modification (also known as Combat Defense Action) trigger system introduced in 2001 on the USP Compact "LEM" (Law Enforcement Modification) model. This unique pre-cocked hammer system combines the advantages of a cocked striker component (constant level of trigger pull and short trigger travel from first to last round fired) with a double action hammer system. The LEM/CDA trigger pull has been reduced to 7.3 - 8.5 pounds of pressure (32.5 - 37.8 Newtons), compared to 12 - 15 pounds (53.4 - 66.7 N) found on many conventional double action pistols. Optional adjustment by an HK certified armorer can bring the trigger pull into the 5.5 pound (24.5 N) range."

Constant DAO trigger pull from the first to last shot, but at a reduced weight. No external safeties: grip, aim, squeeze, BANG.

I own the P2000 V2 (full size) .40 S&W, and like the trigger pull. My wife's duty gun is the same P2000 V2 (.40 S&W). She's 5', has no problems with the trigger pull, and consistently outshoots me.

 

[Ogandydancer]

H & K P30 V3 is DA/SA decocker there is also the V3 S meaning it has manuel safety. Everytime I pick mine up i'm impressed with the way it feels in my hand. It is available in 40S&W or 9mm. Nothing but good reports over on HK pro forum. The only thing is right now they can be hardd to find and are a bit pricey. Anyway that's my 2 cents worth. You could also opt for the Sig P6 and change out the hammer spring in order to lighten the pull. It is however single stack.

 

[cmort666]

Do you REALLY need double action at all?

Wouldn't a "safe action" type, like a S&W M&P, Glock 19, or Springfield XD work as well or better?

The trigger pulls are almost always better than ANY double action auto, and are consistent from shot to shot.

The ONLY double action autos I'd even consider would be a Walther PPK, small Kahr, or Ruger LCP9, and then only for pocket carry.

I've got two Glocks, a 19 and a 22, and after installing 3.5lb. connectors and doing the "$0.25 trigger job" on them, I'm VERY happy with the triggers.

I think that something like a S&W Shield would work very well.