New Female on board needs a lot of help!

[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

 

[scooter123]

Sunny, I am NOT a fan of purse or shoulder bag carry, too many snatch and run thieves target womens bags and some use box cutters to cut the straps.

While it may seem very old school I would suggest that you may want to look into a shoulder holster and start wearing a fashionable jacket. It's one advantage of the "layered" look so prevalvent in womens fashions today, women have options for concealed carry us men lost when we stopped wearing suits and ties.

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

Just a couple of comments. I would suggest that you ask the salesman at your gun store what products you need to buy to clean your new revolver, then ask him to show you how to properly clean your new gun. The ammo you mentioned refer to the weight of the bullet. Usually the higher the weight the greater the recoil. Practice with lighter weight bullets...they are usually cheaper to purchase as well. +P ammo gives a bit more muzzle velocity, but also has more recoil.

My wife has quite a few guns...a M&P9c, the new Ruger LC9, and the Ruger LCR .38spl. Her favorite carry gun is the LCR because it is small, light weight, and felt recoil is minimal compared to the other guns. She also used to carry it in a concealed carry purse, but after a class at Gunsite she now carries either in her pocket in a pocket holster or in a Crossbreed Supertuck holster on her belt. Purses are easy targets for bad guys. You also need a means to carry spare ammunition...Tuff Products have Quick Strips that make it easy to do a reload. Holsters and reloaders are available at Midway USA: Shop Shooting Supplies | Reloading | Gunsmithing | Hunting gear — MidwayUSA

Whatever you decide to carry just practice, practice, practice. A lot can be learned from dry-fire practice, but nothing replaces live fire at the range. Have fun....

 

[arp32]

I second the advice about finding a class that will allow you to try out a few models before you purchase. The Smith & Wesson J frames might be a bit snappy in your hands until you're used to shooting. K frames are a bit bigger, but more comfortable to shoot. Id go with comfort for your first gun, might as well start with something thats pleasurable to practice with!

Lots of different model numbers, dont worry about memorizing them. once you handle a few you can easily tell which frame style it is. Have fun!

 

[arp32]

Just noticed the dates on this thread! Hope you enjoy the 64-4. I have a 64-5 that's one of my favorite guns to shoot. Excellent gun in my opinion, no goofy bells and whistles to screw up under stress!

 

[sunnyskyez]

Keep all those suggestions coming, Im checking them all out. Thanks.

 

[rpbcab]

Congratulations on your purchase. There is some really good information on this forum and some people with great knowledge and advice. I admire how you went about your gun experience, investigating, asking questions and getting training. If more people followed your example there would be a lot more experienced safe shooters around. Keep up the good work. I don't have any advice to give, all the good stuff has already been said....

 

[1jimmy]

lots of good advice so far and from what you say your putting yourself in the right direction. nra course and try many different guns is what you need to do. nobody but you can pick the right gun for you. lightweight revolvers do have a lot of recoil and traditionally have a hard trigger pull. heavier revolvers usually have less recoil but now you get into big and bulky. try some semi autos, but stay away from the so called mouse guns which are pocket size , and have hard triggers. ex: s&w 380, ruger lc9, kahr pm9. etc. imo you need at least a 38 caliber for decent stopping power but it is mostly only available in revolvers. my suggegestion is and i know you said smith and nobody can come close to making a better revolver of which i have many, however try a glock model 27, its a forty caliber with plenty of stopping power and size and weight is about the same as the small revolvers, the trigger pull is about half what it takes in a revolver, can carry 10 or more rounds and the recoil is not that bad. as far as the range problem find some friends with guns and go with them most guys at the ranges i go to don't have any problem swapping off guns for others to try. keep focused the way you are your approaching this, its the right way. hope this helps!

 

[celticfisherman]

Here is new holster just for the Ladies. Interesting concept...

Flashbang Women?s Holster

YouTube - ‪Flashbang bra holster demo, sexy, fast, and practical.‬‏

Thank you for that. I just sent that to my wife. She has just gotten her CCW and we've been discussing the best way for her to carry. We have 4 kids so purse carry is not as good as with some people. And it makes everything difficult.

 

[230therapy]

Hi Sunny!!

What city are you near?

Now that you've taken your first course, it's time to consider more extensive training. The first thing to remember here is that you are now likely to develop bad shooting habits. It is very important that you have someone review your shooting in person and correct mistakes. For now, you should focus upon trigger control and grouping well at 3, 5, 7, 10, 15 and 25 yards. Good groups mean you are doing something consistently (correctly or not). Get help early if you're all over the place or feeling frustrated.

Self-defense is a complex topic. Some of the skills you need to learn are:

Running your gun and malfunction handling
Movement
Retention
Basic combatives
Managing the police
Tactics
Low Light techniques

"Running your gun" includes many subskills and does not mean "open the cylinder, load, close cylinder". It is far more than that. It includes rapid fire, the sight continuum, alternative methods of loading, and so forth.

There are many self-defense oriented schools and trainers. Unfortunately, the VAST majority of trainers do not know how to properly run a revolver. A few people still train with them: Thunder Ranch, Gunsite, Grant Cunningham, and Michael J. de Bethencourt. Attending a course by a semi-automatic oriented trainer is better than nothing! Much of it will be the same (tactics, managing the police, etc). Gunsite and Thunder Ranch are quite expensive; I generally never pay more than $400 for a two or three day course. I know these may not seem worth it, but they are because you'll really get to know your gun and learn quite a few new skills. Keep in mind that you are increasing the odds of winning; you can do everything right and still die. Some of the most important lessons are when to shoot, how to handle the police, court, and how to properly practice after the course.

Check out SnubTraining.com. There are videos on reloading and de Bethencourt offers training.

Look around your area for ICORE, IDPA, and IPSC competitions. These sports include revolvers...and revolver shooters! You'll meet a bunch of good people who can put you in touch with trainers or groups to train with. If all else fails, just jump into competition (even if your gun isn't very competitive) to get the experience. It's lots of fun and you'll get to shoot a wide variety of fun targets.