New Female on board needs a lot of help!

[cshoff]

Let me add one more vote to the "Find a COMPETENT instructor and take the NRA Basic Pistol class" line of thought. I stress the word competent because not all instructors are created equal. Check the instructor out, ask questions, get a list of references, and CHECK those references! If anything smells a little fishy or doesn't check out, move on to the next instructor and try again.

There is a lot more involved with using a gun for self defense than just merely having a gun, and there are a lot of other things you really need to consider before making a purchase of ANY kind. You might very well find that a revolver is NOT the right gun for you, but you'll only figure that out after gaining some knowledge and going through a series of personal assessments. You might be pleasantly surprised to find out just how easy recoil is to manage with a properly selected handgun.

 

[grampa p]

Another vote for finding a good instructor and trying different guns. It is well worth the money.

We have a bodyguard 380 not the 38. The trigger is really hard. I would not carry it because it is so hard to pull, even though I can shoot the center out of a target with it.

I have the m&p 9c. It is not too big and is easy to learn.

It is great to hear from others who are willing to learn, and willing to take the responsibility to defend themselves.

 

[blujax01]

Grampa P, the M&P9C is my wife's daily carry and I'm thinking about buying one as well. Excellent choice.

 

[Old cop]

Along with the good advise offered here I would add a book that may help. "The Shooters Guide To Airweight J Frames" by Stephen A. Camp. It compares semi-autos to revolvers and light weight to steel frame small (J Frame) revolvers. He also goes into ammo selection for self defense and the recoil sensitive. If you Google the author you can find your way to his book.

 

[hobby-gunsmith]

help for new female on board

I would strongly recommend the NRA certified 1st steps intro to basic pistol. It is the first of pistol courses and it is three hours long. It is geared to the shooter who is a novice and hasn't the clue what gun to purchase. The instructor will advise you of his recommendations. If you log in on the NRA web site, and the link education and training, and find the nearest course to your zip code. There is also a link describing each course. The course emphasizes safety and how to determine your dominant eye, identifying ammo and the marking on the gun to determine the caliber. The members have given you a great deal of information but you need to decide what and how to use it to your advantage. The only way to identify your handicaps is through the course. Also, I would recommend, as the instructor would recommend, a .22LR or .22mag revolver to start with at least a four inch barrel. The ammo is cheap and you want to concentrate on you sight alignment and trigger control. You can dry fire in the garage, with snap caps, elimating the range costs. About once a month, use the range to shoot what you practice at home. Once you gain enough experience and practice, you can advance yourself to the NRA basic pistol course which is 8 hours. My experience is over 15 years as firearms instructor and 25 years law enforcement experience. I currently hold a NRA Police Firearms Instructor certification and in addition NRA instructor with five disciplines in firearms and refuse to be a victim instructor. Most of my students are ladies and the elderly with minimal experience and eager to learn. I start them slowly so they will be able to absorb the information at their level. Take the course and I know you will be a better informed as well a better shooter. Good Luck
Nick

 

[BillBingham2]

NFOB,

You will find instructors all over the board with respect to how to shoot. They all should be teaching the same approaches to safety. That should be the primary focus of any class you take. There are many excellent instructors, some good ones and some that need some help. What works for you may not work for others with respect to style. Keep in minded a level of discipline is required for handling guns and there are many different approaches to implementing it.

Picking a gun is like picking a bra. It might fit but is it you? Just about any will do the job, but will it do it way you want. It's the same thing as a car or a camera, a personal choice. Some people can work with any camera given (e.g. Brownie, 4x5 Press, Leica, Nikon) and produce great shots, other people can hardly get something from a P&S (Point and Shoot).

Some people say if it's any smaller than a 45ACP you might as well not be carrying. These are often the same people who say that their way of shooting is the best way period. For most people just drawing a gun will affect the change in the situation they are looking for. If you are looking to start I would say a 22WMR (22 Magnum) would be my recommendation. Packs a lot of punch, low cost ammo and lots of options in ammo styles and the ammo is small so easy to carry extra and keep at home.

The gun you start with is not the only gun you can ever own. Find one that feels right, that fits your needs and give it a try. I would recommend buying used until you find the one that is really you, then pay for either new or in EXCELLENT condition. Unlike bras, but like cameras you can resell a used gun most of the time for what you have into it, minus a reasonable rental fee.

Don't rush to buy a gun, like houses there are lots of them out there. Put aside some money for one along with ammo, goggles, and a cleaning kit. Also put aside money for a second class and membership at a range.

The biggest thing you have to do is practice. After that is more Practice. And you know you really should PRACTICE. Think that you will be much better with your new little friend after about 1,000 rounds. Look around for other ranges, not sure where you live but you can find them in most places, though their numbers are shrinking.

For me I love wheel guns. While I can respect semi-autos and all too many of them jam too often for me. I'm not a LEO and while lots of shooting is ingrained in my mind, clearing a round between shots is not. I give up thin-ness and more rounds for simplistic reliability.

This is a great place, welcome

B2

 

[Dominus_Lex]

Welcome to the fold, tons of good input here please take it to heart. You have overcome the first (and perhaps largest) error most people in your situation make just by posting the question. That is not asking questions and making a thoughtful review of the answers to then choose a course of action. Keep in mind what works for me or anyone else on this site might not be right for you, if not take note (the opinion may apply to you at a future date) and make the call on what you deem correct for you. In the end it is your health and safety we are talking about here.

One though on instruction, make sure you are comfortable with the instructor and the make up of the class. Many women are turned off my the tone of classes (frankly that's a instructors fault) and great if you don't give a darn about the actions of your class mates, but you have the right to feel 100% accepted and comfortable in any training class, if not leave, and request a refund.

Finally, really ask yourself if this is right for you. I know several folks who are very skilled with firearms, but would never carry for self defense. While they each have reasons it is important that they make the choice as to what is right for them and move forward in that manner. While I disagree with them, I would rather they not carry then do so with less than total commitment. For both their well being and that of others.

Oh yeah what they said Shoot shoot shoot and shoot some more... in the end ammo is cheap.

 

[blujax01]

My local range offers classes targeted to women. From what I understand, they are excellent.
By the way, they do not recommend any adult, male or female, spend $$$ on a .22 to train with until they think they can handle a "real" gun. Male superior upper body strength has nothing to do with shooting a .38 or a 9mm.
Women have the same number of fingers and more brain cells than males. Any "fear" they experience will be quickly overcome with knowledge. Most males experience that same fear but hide it with bravado. Psych 101.

 

[Patrol dog handler]

Ok, guess I'll add my 2 cents worth too. "The Little Redhead", yes little, she might be 5 foot with shoes and maybe weigh a buck and a quarter, had never been around firearms untill we got together. Her first firearm was a .22 magnum snubnose revolver followed by a Remington 870 20 gauge youth model. Training is paramont importance to a new shooter. The wife and her daughter attended the NRA course for novice shooters and came away "sold" on having firearms in the house. She now has a S&W .38 spl. Bodyguard but keeps her stainless 22 mag in her vehicle. I don't feel she is under gunned with the .22 magnum which carries 8 rounds. Far better to have a gun and not need it than to need it and not have one.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
My Wife and Daughter CCWs are S&W Model 642s (with pink grips).
They practice with Target wadcutters and used standard velocity W_W silvertips.
Two Daughter-Inlaws are LEOs and CCW S&W Model 638s off duty.
They all carry IWB at 2 O'clock.
Hope this helps.
Jimmy

 

[WR Moore]

There are a few folks with appropriate experiece who favor the J frame in .327 Federal Magnum. It holds 6 rounds & can be used with several .32 rounds of lesser power for practice and, according to them, doesn't have the recoil of a .38.

If you could try this at the range, it may be worthwhile.

There is something to be said for a female firearms instructor. Try as we might, there are just some things guys just don't relate to.

 

[tgd31968]

I have an older Model 36. My brother has a 642. I have shot both, one after the other with the same ammo, and the recoil difference is remarkable. I am experienced, but after a couple cylinders out of the 642, I am ready to put it down. The weight of the steel frame in the model 36 tames the recoil down considerably.

My girlfriend likes the model 36, but with the factory wood grips, it still hurts her hand due to an old injury, major cut with lots of stiches, to the web of her shooting hand. I put larger aftermarket rubber grips on it, and it has helped a lot.

Not sure how much help this is, but it is my experience.

 

[williamlayton]

HUMMMMM
Lest's talk about recoil. The heavier the gun the less the felt recoil. I don't like "J" frames--even for myownself. I like big heavy guns.
My daughter is 36 yrs old and is not a big woman. She is also as liberal as she can be without me taking an ax handle to her. She has never been interested in shooting.
She is a counselor at a school for those folks going into crime for a living. She has recieved threats. I sat at her scool every day for a month waiting for her to leave and then I followed her home at a discreet distance.
She asked me to teach her to shoot.
I immediatly got a S&W .327mag for her---she got pregnant and that put off the shooting for awhile.
This spring i took her shooting---I had been giving her safety lessons and handeling lessons at home for several months.
The ay I took her shooting I started off with a K22--she had a blast and soon was putting lead on a paper plate at 15 yards.
I loaded up the .327--even got her some stocks from Esmeralda to dress it up--and she started shooting. Developed a flinch from the noise and we overcame that in about 5 minutes.
I was shooting my M28 .357, a real tank, and I asked her if she wanted to try it. She said yes. I warned her it was going to be a cultural shock.
She shot it--laid the gun down and did a jig. Picked it up and shot about 2 boxes of ammo thru it--squeeling and laughing all the way. She liked it better than the .327 mag---it didn't jump as much.
Long story short--she stole the M28 and posted her exploits, including targets on facebook.
I had to by me another M28----I aint crying.
Today, she asked me when we were going to start shooting this summer. She wants to shoot my Semi's---She is greedy.
Anywho, I said all of that to say, try em all, Try some heavy ones also.
Blessings

 

[Cyrano]

A point concerning recoil: If you get a 38 Special revolver, practice with the lightest ammo you can find, like the 148 gr target loads. Save the +P (high powered) loads for carrying. If you ever have to shoot for real, you'll have adrenaline dripping off your nose, and won't feel the recoil of anything less than a 105mm howitzer.

A point concerening materials: if you get a lightweight revolver, like a S&W 638 or 642, that has an aluminum alloy frame and a stainless barrel and cylinder, you won't have to oil the ouside of it to prevent rusting. This makes it a lot easier for carrying on a day-by-day basis.

 

[sunnyskyez]

Hello all,

I posted a few months back asking for advice on buying a first gun. OKFC05 suggested I take a NRA Basic Pistol course. Well Im proud to say I just completed that course. Im not afraid of guns now that Ive fired a couple. We trained on revolvers and pistols. I was using a SW 357- 6inch barrel, I hit the bull's-eye 10 times! I also tried a 9mm Ruger pistol, the recoil was more than the 357. I also didn't rack it very well two times and the casing didn't eject. So that being said, I decided to stick with a revolver for my first gun, less things to fool with. Oh yeah, I found out I shoot equally well both right and left handed with my left eye being the dominant. Normally Im a righty.

I went and applied for my LTC, then went to a local gun shop. The instructors told us to stick with nothing less than a 4" barrel, anything less is an angry gun if you are not used to the recoil. The new guns were a bit out of my budget. So based on the SW reputation, I ended up getting a used SW model 64- 4" barrel- 38 Special +P. The owner of the gun was one of the sales guys in the store. He stated he collects guns and this was one of the many he has that has never been fired. The gun was in really good shape, felt good in my hand, trigger pull was good. I looked into the chamber and the area that houses the chamber to see if I could tell if it was used. Im a novice so to me, it looked pretty darn clean. I took him at his word, I hope all gun owners are honest, I know I would be if I were selling a used gun. At $550, it was in my budget. So now Ive got plans to visit a local rifle range and use this new/used revolver. Im hoping someone there will have a smaller gun I can try to see just how "angry" they are.

I also purchased 3 different brands of ammo, Remington 130 grain, American Eagle 158 grain with lead round nose, and Remington 38sp +P 125 grain hollow points. The first two were $20 ea, the third was $23. I don't know much about the ammo grain thing, except I think the guy at the store said the higher grain would be less recoil? Don't quote me on that, I could have gotten that wrong.

I purchased a few more accessories; they were out of cleaning kits but will call me when they come in.

I wanted to come back and tell you all what I decided on and to thank you all for your guidance. I hope I never have to use this gun except at a range, but I know I feel better having it.

I will be back to read up on instructions and how toos here. You guys ROCK!

Sunny

 

[growr]

As and instructor myself for over 20 years I have to agree totally with OKFC05's post. Hard to get any better advice. Find, and then take the NRA Basic Pistol class as soon as possible. This will be invaluable to you in many ways.

My advice to new students is to go to as many stores as possible and handle as many different firearms as possible. Bring a small notebook and take note of the top three in each store that seem to fit YOUR hand the best. Take note of the ones that keep showing up...
Then if possible, try to actually live fire the top three choices. You will sometimes find that a gun that fits well in the store doesn't always do the job for you.
I like to use the analogy of shoes, especially for lady students. When was the last time you put on a pair of shoes that really FIT your foot well?
You knew it and so did your foot. However, your shoes that you would go hiking in are not the best choice with an evening dress and vice versa. Also, a size 9 might fit many people but if you foot is a size 7 it won't work well either.
There are many well-meaning folks that will tell you to get a specific firearm without knowing how you are using it or how it fits YOU. Don't fall into that trap.
Find what fits YOUR hand and your experience during live fire is almost guaranteed to be pleasant and successful.
Hope that helps in some manner.
Randy
PS. Sorry I didn't notice your post on your revolver purchase. You made a good decision with some good guidance. You will have a blast with it for many years to come!

 

[coach22]

I suggest you take a long look at a Ruger SP101.
2 & 1/4 inch barrel, stainless steel and a very comfortable rubber grip.
It weighs more than the Bodyguard, but unless you are carrying it concealed,
weight is your friend. The recoil will be far less.
Almost no maintenance and a very nice trigger pull.
You can use any bullet weight in 38 Special,
so you could practice and work your way up.
I would also suggest you do not load it with 357 Magnum ammo,
even though the gun is capable of those.
I work part time in a gun store and whenever I recommend the Ruger
and explain why I do, people buy them. When they come in to buy
ammo or accessories, they always thank me for steering them
in that direction.
Good Luck.

 

[The Big D]

How do you plan on carrying/concealing the 64-4" ?

Be safe.

Hello all,

I posted a few months back asking for advice on buying a first gun. OKFC05 suggested I take a NRA Basic Pistol course. Well Im proud to say I just completed that course. Im not afraid of guns now that Ive fired a couple. We trained on revolvers and pistols. I was using a SW 357- 6inch barrel, I hit the bull's-eye 10 times! I also tried a 9mm Ruger pistol, the recoil was more than the 357. I also didn't rack it very well two times and the casing didn't eject. So that being said, I decided to stick with a revolver for my first gun, less things to fool with. Oh yeah, I found out I shoot equally well both right and left handed with my left eye being the dominant. Normally Im a righty.

I went and applied for my LTC, then went to a local gun shop. The instructors told us to stick with nothing less than a 4" barrel, anything less is an angry gun if you are not used to the recoil. The new guns were a bit out of my budget. So based on the SW reputation, I ended up getting a used SW model 64- 4" barrel- 38 Special +P. The owner of the gun was one of the sales guys in the store. He stated he collects guns and this was one of the many he has that has never been fired. The gun was in really good shape, felt good in my hand, trigger pull was good. I looked into the chamber and the area that houses the chamber to see if I could tell if it was used. Im a novice so to me, it looked pretty darn clean. I took him at his word, I hope all gun owners are honest, I know I would be if I were selling a used gun. At $550, it was in my budget. So now Ive got plans to visit a local rifle range and use this new/used revolver. Im hoping someone there will have a smaller gun I can try to see just how "angry" they are.

I also purchased 3 different brands of ammo, Remington 130 grain, American Eagle 158 grain with lead round nose, and Remington 38sp +P 125 grain hollow points. The first two were $20 ea, the third was $23. I don't know much about the ammo grain thing, except I think the guy at the store said the higher grain would be less recoil? Don't quote me on that, I could have gotten that wrong.

I purchased a few more accessories; they were out of cleaning kits but will call me when they come in.

I wanted to come back and tell you all what I decided on and to thank you all for your guidance. I hope I never have to use this gun except at a range, but I know I feel better having it.

I will be back to read up on instructions and how toos here. You guys ROCK!

Sunny

 

[HeyJoe]

i second a 32 h&r magnum 2" model 431 or 432 revolver. Easy to conceal, easy to operate low recoil, accurate, light. There are some effective 32 H&R self defense rounds out there now from georgia arms, buffalo bore, and federal.
A light weight .38 revolver using wad cutters is also a good low recoil option.

 

[sunnyskyez]

Hi Guys,
Yes this is my first but I will be looking in to a more concealed gun like the Ruger sp101, which I caught my eye at the local gun shop. I really just want to get comfortable with my new purchase right now before I go for a second one, and money plays a big part of that.

I will be carrying the 4" in a shoulder bag that has a back pocket large enough to accomodate it. Ive practiced with it and it comes out very easily.

Thank you for all of your comments, I keep them all.

Cheers Sunny