What would be the best handgun?

[ndtish]

44 year old female, 5'7", 138 lb. I haven't had much experience with a handgun whatseoever. I have fired my husband's Springfield XDM .9mm a few times, but I'm really not comfortable with it. It does have the small grips on it, but something just isn't right for me. I have been thinking of a S&W model 60 with a 3" barrel .38 Small Chef's special. I held one a few months ago when my husband was shopping for a handgun. The revolver felt right. I've just never had the chance to fire one.

I am taking a 1st Steps program next Sunday, so I will hopefully be able to fire one or something similar to that model. I do know that I am not looking for synthetic material, but a stainless steel body...I hear the recoil is not as bad.

I am also hoping down the road that I can get my carry permit. I was thinking this would be a good carry handgun.

Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ndtish]

44 year old female, 5'7", 138 lb. I haven't had much experience with a handgun whatseoever. I have fired my husband's Springfield XDM .9mm a few times, but I'm really not comfortable with it. It does have the small grips on it, but something just isn't right for me. I have been thinking of a S&W model 60 with a 3" barrel .38 Small Chef's special. I held one a few months ago when my husband was shopping for a handgun. The revolver felt right. I've just never had the chance to fire one.

I am taking a 1st Steps program next Sunday, so I will hopefully be able to fire one or something similar to that model. I do know that I am not looking for synthetic material, but a stainless steel body...I hear the recoil is not as bad.

I am also hoping down the road that I can get my carry permit. I was thinking this would be a good carry handgun.

Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[gregintenn]

If you can shoot it well and like it, a Model 60 would be tough to beat. I'd advise you to stay away from 357 manum rounds in a j frame. If you find one chambered for 357, it will still fire 38 specials as well. Welcome to the forum.

 

[7003006]

Where in Mn are you located?I have a few J frames,includeing a 3" MOD.60, along with some K and L frames you could try if we are in the same area.

 

[Indiana George]

Welcome aboard!

IMHO, a 3" Model 60 would be an excellent choice. As would most any "2 - 3" J Frame.

 

[gregintenn]

My wife is 5-8, 120lbs. She shoots and carries a model 37, which is an aluminum frame version of a chief's special. She shoots it well, and has never complained of excessive recoil. I don't think it is that bad either. If it is too much for you, you might try a model 10. It is a bit less concealable, but easier to shoot well.

 

[RobO]

Welcome to the forum! I see you are 5'7"....you may have long fingers, or a hand that is quite comfortable with a k frame .38. S&W makes a BUNCH of different models of k frame .38 specials. It may be even more comfortable than the model 60.
Another gun to consider, is a S&W 9mm. There a ton of them out there used, like a 3913 (I think). That way you and your hubby can split the cost of buying bulk quantities of 9mm. I hope you have good experiences in your classes. Let us know how it goes.

 

[M28]

You're really not going to know until you shoot it....it's a very individualistic kinda' deal. Hopefully the program you are taking will allow to fire several different makes and models. Good Luck!

Brian~

 

[sar4937]

If you are near a major city, try to find a shooting range that has gun rentals and try as many as you can. A stainless steel gun will help with the recoil, but will make a big clunk if you carry in your purse. The internal or shrouded hammer j-frames snag less. I carry a 649 w/2" barrel, but as it comes from the factory the grips are hard to hang on to. You should definitely shoot one before you buy it. There are different styles of grips you can change to if needed. There is no best handgun, you must find a gun that you are comfortable with and practice with it.

 

[crofoot629]

I greatly prefer the 3” J-frames with the much easier to see adjustable sights for shootability as apposed to 2” guns. Though I’ve had a 2” 442 in a Kramer Pocket Holster in my back pocket this morning.

My non-shooter liberal, feminist, social worker wife swears by Glocks after two trips to Thunder Ranch. Most of us don’t have the time and money for such training but it’s the way to go if you can.

Emory

 

[ndtish]

I do have long fingers, but they are not strong. I think that's why I don't like my husband's .9mm. The slide is really hard for me to pull back, so it freaks me out thinking that something bad might happen if I work it correctly.

Originally posted by RobO:
Welcome to the forum! I see you are 5'7"....you may have long fingers, or a hand that is quite comfortable with a k frame...

 

[ndtish]

Hey Chad,

I live close to New Ulm, in southern Minnesota.

Originally posted by 7003006:
Where in Mn are you located?I have a few J frames,includeing a 3" MOD.60, along with some K and L frames you could try if we are in the same area.

 

[Speedo2]

My recommendation would be a 60-4, 3" w/ adj.sights; they're about the best all-around, reasonably concealable handgun out there.
Next, I'd look at 2" M60's, M36's and/or 640's if snagging a hammer would be a concern. I'd stay away from the 37's; based on my wife's complaints of snappy recoil from such a light gun. I found the M37 a little difficult to control, but nice to carry.
K-frames generally have much smoother triggers than j-frames, so if you don't object to a little more weight and bulk, maybe look at a M65 Ladysmith which also have the advantage of a 6th shot. I would also agree with the recommendation to stick with 38 Spl, rather than 357 Mags, especially if you decide to go with a j-frame. About the only thing more unpleasant that a 357-J would be a 357-J in Scandium or aluminum alloy. Welcome and good luck. -S2

 

[badam0112]

S&W 642 J Frame .38 Spl.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Originally posted by ndtish:
44 year old female, 5'7", 138 lb.

Need to see pictures

Seriously though, Look at the J frames, but also look at a 3" K frame-you sound perfect for a 3" model 10/13/64/65. You are the same stature as my Mom and a K frame 38 is what I got her (she's 74 ).

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

1) Welcome.
2) Try out as many guns as you can before buying - your opinions will likely change.
3) Revolvers are also easier to clean properly.
4) Don't make decisions based on recoil if you are going to practice a lot. The importance of recoil fades quickly with practice for any gun that you would likely carry. You might want to get a 357 magnum revolver that you like, since they also shoot 38 special and if you wanted to you could carry 357 rounds - just a thought.
5) The last time that I ordered the "Small Chef's Special", I got sick - we look for any excuse to try to be funny on here.

 

[fitz]

JpGrl has carried a model 60 w/ .38 spl. +P for a few years now. Suits her to a tee.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Originally posted by HOUSTON RICK:
1) Welcome.
2) Try out as many guns as you can before buying - your opinions will likely change.
3) Revolvers are also easier to clean properly.
4) Don't make decisions based on recoil if you are going to practice a lot. The importance of recoil fades quickly with practice for any gun that you would likely carry. You might want to get a 357 magnum revolver that you like, since they also shoot 38 special and if you wanted to you could carry 357 rounds - just a thought.
5) The last time that I ordered the "Small Chef's Special", I got sick - we look for any excuse to try to be funny on here.

HoustonRick is a lawyer-don't listen to anything he says-still waiting for pictures.

 

[Lenshappy]

None of the layers here can take
photos so don't hold your breath.....

 

[mjr]

Originally posted by ndtish:
What would be the best handgun?

Many would answer, "The one you have with you when you need it," so don't buy something too big or too heavy to actually carry.