What would be the best handgun?

[Smithfan]

Hi, and welcome to the Forum.

Lots of good advice here. I could only agree with the opinions about a J-franme .38, but with this caveat: shoot, shoot, shoot -- a lot!

Why? well, recoil becomes manageable the more you shoot and become familiar with handguns, for one thing. For another, you might be surpised at what you end up liking a lot.

Example: it isn't a CCW arm by any means, but unless I am shooting regularly, Mama Smithfan, my go-anywhere bride of the last 43 years. can shoot my M-29 Classic in .44 mag better than I can. Neither of us is particularly bothered by recoil, but she has a lot better hand-eye coordination.

Just my nickel's worth...

But do try as many arms as you can in various sizes and calibers, and practice as much as you can. It will make a serious difference.

Bill

 

[kmyers]

Originally posted by Smithfan:
Hi, and welcome to the Forum.

Lots of good advice here. I could only agree with the opinions about a J-franme .38, but with this caveat: shoot, shoot, shoot -- a lot!

Why? well, recoil becomes manageable the more you shoot and become familiar with handguns, for one thing. For another, you might be surpised at what you end up liking a lot.

Example: it isn't a CCW arm by any means, but unless I am shooting regularly, Mama Smithfan, my go-anywhere bride of the last 43 years. can shoot my M-29 Classic in .44 mag better than I can. Neither of us is particularly bothered by recoil, but she has a lot better hand-eye coordination.

Just my nickel's worth...

But do try as many arms as you can in various sizes and calibers, and practice as much as you can. It will make a serious difference.

Bill

Same here. My best shooting is with my H & K USP in .45. Next after that is my 686 +. It is a 3" barrel, but both of those are either big and/or heavy to carry concealed.

 

[Guest]

Originally posted by ndtish: Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Go shopping alone and buy what feels good to you. With any luck you should be able to find a "Gun Shop" in Minnesota that will be willing to swap grips/stocks around on a revolver and you can get one that really feels and points right for you. If you can find a place where you can 'try'(read: actually shoot) a few different guns then so much the better.

Also, if you decide to take a shooting class - I recommend this strongly - make sure you take it without your other half present. It never fails that the Husband/Boyfriend/Parent always knows more than the Instructor.

A Model 60-4 would be a good place to start. I suggest you also start shooting light target loads before going on to the heavier self defense ammo. But, you need to shoot a good amount of the "Good Stuff" too, just to make sure you are comfortable with the gun.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Originally posted by GatorFarmer:
5'7 and 138 is roughly the same size as the "average" GI or Marine in WW2.

Well aren't you the incurable romantic???

Welcome to the forum, two of our moderators are classy ladies who, along with our other ladies can give you all the good advice you will need. Us guys are just chest thumping a bit to impress you. ( I think the correct term is "struttin'")

 

[Spotteddog]

It sounds as though your tending towards a revolver, which I support entirely. Their ergonomics are almost infinitely adjustable due to the huge number of grip styles. They're simple to operate, and inherently more accurate. Less disassembly for cleaning, and if selected in a .357 Magnum chambering it will shoot a broad number of .38 Special/.357 Mag loadings. (Of which, there are probably more than any other). My Wife and indeed 3/4 of her female friends seem universally to take to a K (medium) frame with a 3" or longer barrel for target range and home defense. And a J (small) frame for carry. If you can live with the barrel being a 3" on a J frame, you'll have a package most find easier to shoot. For the record, my Wife has a K frame at bedside, a J frame for carry.
Call around to ask the pistol ranges if they have a selection to use as rentals. It's the easiest way to try stuff.
WELCOME BTW!
I think the consistent advice coming from all the learned above, speaks well of the quality of advice being offered. This place is something, isn't it!