Small semi-autos

[Moonman]

Janet L.,

Before moving on, try some FULL WADCUTTER AMMO, in the Airweight.

148 Grain Full Wadcutters
Fiocchi, Federal, Remington

A 38 caliber round that makes a FULL CALIBER WOUND CHANNEL even without it expanding.

I have ladies use it in an Airweight, MUCH better than the recoil of other ammo, especially the +P stuff that husbands and boyfriends buy for them.

+P ammo and Airweights are NO FUN AT ALL.

 

[Moonman]

Janet L.,

Several Weeks ago I shot a friends Kimber SOLO 9MM.

It's SMALL, FLAT, VERY HARD TO RACK THE SLIDE, EXPENSIVE,

AND IT DOES RECOIL A HAND FULL.

Overall, I was not impressed with it, but it's owner liked it, even with the double spring slide.

 

[Arik]

I would be careful with SOLO's. They had a lot of problems early on.

Kahr CW9, P9, CM9 or PM9. Are very nice compact slim handguns. Ive owned the CW9. Its the bigger of the bunch. PM9 is only slightly smaller, if im not mistaken its a shorter grip. CM and PM are the smallest. They are the same gun but the PM is laser engraved and has a metal guide rod thus more expansive. The CW has stamped engraving and a plastic guide rod.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[18DAI]

Small 45's are sometimes challenging. Even for folks who are use to shooting full size 45's.

I would suggest you try a 3913. Slightly larger than a PPK. 9mm chambering. 8+1 capacity. Thin and relatively light weight. Tack driving accurate and bet your life reliable.

Out of the seventeen females I've taught to shoot in the last decade, using a 3913 as their first service caliber semi auto, one dozen of them went on to purchase their own 3913. Most went for the "LadySmith" version.

These pistols are readily available on the gun auction boards such as Gunbroker. Some can be found LNIB. Around $575 to $650 depending on condition and extras such as extra mags, box and documents. Still less money than you might pay for other lesser guns.

If you like plastic striker fired guns, try a Walther PPS. A guy on my squad has one and it has given him good service. Very thin 9mm.

Based on extensive personal experience I would avoid any Kimber product. Good luck! Regards 18DAI

 

[Cheyenne WYO]

I am a fan of the pocket nines. However, once you get below the Glock 26/S&W Shield sized guns, and get into the Kahr CM/PM,/Sig P938/Beretta Nano sized guns, you really need to wring them out before actually carrying them. Tiny guns firing high pressure rounds can be quirky at first. In my experience, the sights on the Sig and Beretta are so good that they easily become 25 yard guns. In addition, the recoil is substantially less than aluminum J frame Smiths, and they are actually fun to practice with. I have no personal experience with the Kimber Solo or the Kahr CM/PM line.

 

[Moonman]

The Taurus PT 709 is a lightweight, THIN, 9MM, that is not too bad to shoot, I've had one and incurred ZERO problems with it's function.

Friends that have shot it, liked it, and they liked the reasonable price for it.

 

[22dec]

"If I found something that was like a 3/5 scale 1911, I'd shure be tempted."

A Sig Sauer 938 might be worth looking at, like a 1911 that went through the dryer and shrunk a little.


Don

 

[orvillelee]

I carry the 457, compact .45. It is, as some would say, a little bulky. So if I want to run down to the store, but still carry, I grab the wife's peppy .380 Bodyguard and slip it in the pocket and off I go. I'm a skinny little guy also. Perfect matchup IMHO.

 

[Kadonny]

Janet L.,

Before moving on, try some FULL WADCUTTER AMMO, in the Airweight.

148 Grain Full Wadcutters
Fiocchi, Federal, Remington

A 38 caliber round that makes a FULL CALIBER WOUND CHANNEL even without it expanding.

I have ladies use it in an Airweight, MUCH better than the recoil of other ammo, especially the +P stuff that husbands and boyfriends buy for them.

+P ammo and Airweights are NO FUN AT ALL.

Agree. Buffalo Bore makes some non +P 38 special low flash wadcutters with 150grs that approaches 900fps in a 2" revolver. Pretty nice SD load that is handled nicely in an airweight.

 

[GLV]

Wadcutter, target??

Janet L.,

Before moving on, try some FULL WADCUTTER AMMO, in the Airweight.

148 Grain Full Wadcutters
Fiocchi, Federal, Remington

A 38 caliber round that makes a FULL CALIBER WOUND CHANNEL even without it expanding.

I have ladies use it in an Airweight, MUCH better than the recoil of other ammo, especially the +P stuff that husbands and boyfriends buy for them.

+P ammo and Airweights are NO FUN AT ALL.

Fine for practice, but penetration would likely be lacking, more so from a 2" gun, with velocity about 600fps. The DPX which will expand and penetrate is very manageable and need not be shot for practice.

 

[Moonman]

GLVO,

You need to consult with some ballistics experts about the penetration of a FULL WADCUTTER and it's wound channel.

You just may be enlightened about it's characteristics.

I carry them in an Airweight and recommend my students try and use them too.

 

[Moonman]

GLVO,

Buffalo Bore 150 grain Full Wadcutter,

Hard Cast, Low Flash.

868FPS and 261 lbs energy from 2" barrel

14" to 16" of penetration in human flesh.

Easier shooting than their +P loads.

Full Caliber sharp bullet edge for full sized wound channel.

When you feel your WHEATIES, STAND INFRONT OF 5 OR 6 OF EM'.

 

[Lost Lake]

I'd rather shoot my Shield 9, 9c or 3913 than my BG380. Heck I think my 4513 shoots easier than my BG380. Those small autos can pack a good recoil.

As 18DAI said, the 3913 is a favorite gun of many. Weight wise it's within a couple ounces of a M&P9c.

Today I am carrying my Shield 9. It's a touch smaller than the 3913, and lighter, and so far it is dependable. I'd just rather bang it around than any of my third gens so it's getting a little holster time.

I think you'd be happier with a small 9 because you know guns and you can handle them. I only resort to my .380 when I want to pocket carry and my wife has my 642.

For concealment ideas, I really like watching the videos by FaliaPhotography Concealed Carry Holsters & Outfits for Women - YouTube she is so common sense and can conceal her guns really well, even in a dress. She's 5'4 120lbs and just has some great videos.

 

[BeSmiley]

Great info here, this is why I joined the forum! I carry a 638, but I am also looking at a semiauto, probably 9mm. Really eyeing the Ruger LC9. Tried my friend's BG .380, not bad, felt a bit small for my hand, though.

As Janet mentioned, the revolver just doesn't work with some items in the wardrobe. I don't purse carry, I don't feel like it's completely in my control that way. I carry at work since I'm usually alone in the store, so I need it well hidden. Am currently using a Remora for the .38. So, bigger than a .380 but smaller than my 638. Lots of great suggestions mentioned above, more research for me to do!

 

[pineappleshooter]

If you are concerned with limp wristing - stay away from the P3at - it is a brute to shoot and you have to have a good grip or it will stovepipe on you. On the other hand, my PM9 has been flawless - I tried to stovepipe it by limp wristing it on purpose and couldn't get it to misfire.

 

[all357mag]

Your size and strength have nothing to do with shooting. Unless you get into magnum calibers, any of the common auto calibers will suffice. Go with what feels good in your hand. Recoil is not an issue as much as technique is. With practice, you'll learn how to stay on target, and focus on the front sight. Don't choose the gun based on size. Work your wardrobe around your choice of firearm.

 

[Kanewpadle]

GLVO,

Buffalo Bore 150 grain Full Wadcutter,

Hard Cast, Low Flash.

868FPS and 261 lbs energy from 2" barrel

14" to 16" of penetration in human flesh.

Easier shooting than their +P loads.

Full Caliber sharp bullet edge for full sized wound channel.

When you feel your WHEATIES, STAND INFRONT OF 5 OR 6 OF EM'.

DPX is sill better. Go shoot some. DPX exhibits outstanding penetration, low recoil for a +P round, and does not fragment. Don't knock it until you see for yourself.
http://www.shopcorbon.com/DPX-Handgun/38-Special-Plus-P-110gr-DPX/DPX38110-20/200/Product

 

[Moonman]

Knew,

The Specs shown for the DPX is through a 4" barrel and are +P's

She can shoot an AIRWEIGHT but says it's not fun, Been there done that with +P's.

That why I suggested Full Wadcutters, not a +P version.

The one I listed the specs were from a 2" barrel also not a 4".

As for a semi-auto the original poster also has limp-wristing problems, so nix that.

 

[alwslate]

I would suggest that you take a serious look at the glock 26 9mm.
Very rugged and reliable. Due to their design Glocks are a bit easier
to rack the slide on than many other autos. As for limp-wristing you
will just have to fire one and see for yourself. Always using both hands
when firing the gun might help in this issue so a design that is easier
to grip rather than being the most compact in it's class might be best.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Knew,

The Specs shown for the DPX is through a 4" barrel and are +P's

She can shoot an AIRWEIGHT but says it's not fun, Been there done that with +P's.

That why I suggested Full Wadcutters, not a +P version.

The one I listed the specs were from a 2" barrel also not a 4".

As for a semi-auto the original poster also has limp-wristing problems, so nix that.

Moon, you obviously have no experience with DPX. As I stated above, recoil is not an issue with DPX. Even though it is a +P round, you wouldn't know it if you shot it.

I don't doubt the validity of wad cutters or Nyclads but more modern technology has left them in the dust.