I am looking for a pistol for PP and possibly to carry. My wife may be the primary user. I recall a long thread with many recommendations for a higher end pistol. However, I just want something reliable with stopping power and reasonbly priced (Is <$500 realistic?) I have never owned a handgun before, but have fired a S&W .357 and a Glock. Revolver or Semi-automatic? Manufacturers to avoid?

I do have shotguns and rifles. Will enroll both my wife and myself in a gun safety class. Thanks.

I like my Glock 9mm, it's light and fits me nicely.

For what you want in a reputable mfr., <$500 may be doable for a revolver; probably not for a semi. In revolvers, I recommend (in decreasing order of preference) Ruger, S&W, Taurus. Depending on carry mode, hammerless may be a wise choice if you go revolver. I like the Ruger SP-101 series. Note that if she develops a revolver preference, you can load much lighter .38 Special +P loads in any revolver designated as a .357, and in essence get a "2 for 1" - one gun that handles both .38 and .357.

For a semi, understand that there's a bit more maintenance and cost involved but one tradeoff is that it can be slimmer and lighter than a comparable revolver - a major factor if it is to be used for CC. Consider the Glock 26, 27, 28, or 30 (all classified as "subcompacts" but some are much smaller than others), one of the Khar models, or a Walther PPK or PPK/S, the caliber determined largely by how much training/practice/confidence she will attain. In the semi world, my choices are Glock and Kimber, but I don't think you want to go down the Kimber road ($1K+ single action 1911A1's).

Everything else being equal I'd prefer a minimum caliber of .40, but confidence, mindset, training, and the ability to hit are far more important than caliber. If she can deploy and hit confidently with a .380 or 9mm, then that's what the choice should be. Remember, in theory you're talking about encounters spanning distances of 10' or less. "Splashback" distances. The smaller the caliber, the more important ammunition selection becomes. Very effective choices in the smaller centerfire calibers are available.

The most important point is that this is an extremely personal decision. If she will be the primary user, this must be a decision she makes. Many ranges have rental guns where you can go and try the different candidates. It's money well spent IMO.

Finally, there's a small book I recommend, in addition to any classes you/she might take. "In The Gravest Extreme," by Massad Ayoob. It has chapters on gun selection which are very outdated, but the chapters on mindset, training, what to expect if the worst ever does occur, etc., ought to be required reading by anyone considering carrying a gun.

I choose the Glock model 22 for many reasons a few of which are:

1) This particular handgun is used by many law enforcement agency's including the FBI and bullets are readily available and fairly inexpensive. You can still get the 15 round clips for a while only the 10 round clips were available to the public. Only makes a difference when your practicing at the range.

2) On this model the grip is larger and more comfortable than the other smaller Glock offerings. Allows you to practice longer without hand and wrist fatigue. Better control of the weapon.

3) Glock is known for it's ability to be dirty, neglected and keep on firing without jamming.

4) This particular model is a .40 cal and has pretty good stopping power. The 9mm is much smaller but may be ok if only plinking at the range.

Random thoughts: If you're going to carry this weapon it is full size and will be noticed. If your wife has small hands perhaps another model will suit you better. Larger .40 cal will go through drywall if used in a home defense situation. The safety is not child friendly. Not that any gun should be kept loaded at home with children around. All Glocks are considered light. Field strip one and you will notice the handle weighs almost nothing. Weight is concentrated in the barrel and slide.

Have fun. Be safe and keep it unloaded and locked up. If your concerned about home security use a shotgun it's much more affective.

This is what I recommend. Mine is stainless. No way I'd put a .357 in a woman's hands. The noise, recoil, and especially the flash are all really intimidating. A .380 is a .38 or 9mm short. It's "stopping power" is not that of a .357, but I sure as heck wouldn't want to be shot with it. But in selecting a house gun that a woman will not be afraid of, or drop it after firing it once, fits her hand, etc., this is a really nice gun. It carrys twice the rounds of a revolver, is double action, so it *could* be kept with a round in the chamber (I do - no young-uns here). I've owned it quite a while, and have no clue what I paid for it. I taught my first wife to shoot it, reasonably successfully.

Another thing I like about an auto, is you can store it empty, with a loaded magazine nearby, and load it with reasonable speed and ease. More so than a revolver.

http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg75-e.htm

Type: Double Action
Chamber: 9x17mm (.380ACP) or 7.65x17mm (.32ACP)
Weight unloaded: 640 g
Length: 173 mm
Barrel length:
Capacity: 12 (9mm) or 13 (7.65mm) rounds

The Browning BDA 380 pistol was introduced in 1980 or so as a compact and lightweight pistol for police and civilian use. The gun was manufactured in Italy under contract from FN Herstal (Belgium) and marketed as FN model 140DA (in Europe) or Browning BDA 380 (in USA). Some sources said that BDA 380 is a copy of Beretta 84, but close inspection shows some differences (i.e. Beretta 84 has frame mounted safety while BDA 380 has slide mounted safety). The manufacture of the BDA 380 was ceased circa 1997. It was adopted by Belgian police.

The BDA 380 is a blowback operated, double action semi automatic pistol. It has aluminium alloy frame and steel slide. Ambidextrous slide mounted safety switch disconnects the trigger from the hammer when engaged. The pistol featured low profile fixed sightst and was available in either polished steel or blued finish, with wooden grip panels.

The gun deserved good reputation as reliable and comfortable to fire.

** You really should, as suggested, take her to a range and she how she reacts to various guns. Even a .22 is better than nothing, if she's afraid of anything bigger.

not sure i'd want to arm my wife with anyting more than a vacation suggestion.

Interesting thread. Thanks for the thoughts all. Have spoken to many lately that are considering such a purchase at this time.

Really good and well thought out points made by all! Thanks. I'm not sure if there is a range around here, but I am picking up the phone book as soon as I hit 'submit". Thanks again!

I sure can't add any better information than what has already been given. Though, if I were to give my wife a gun, I'd go for a good 22 semi automatic. Light, easy to load and fire, holds lots of rounds, and most likely won't kill anyone but will send them running or slow them down enough so you can run.

But seeing as this is a timely post, I was out at the shooting range yesterday and since my guns are still out, gives me a good oppertunity to post a pic of mine freshly cleaned.

Top to Bottom

S&W.357 Magnum
SigSauer 9mm P226
Piece of crap Davis Industries P-380 (Good 'ol Saturday Night Special) Always jams but easy to carry in your pocket.

My friend that pulls out my boat, he just bought what he calls his "personal survival kit", which consists of a small automatic rifle with a 150 round clip, and a small, very lightweight automatic pistol with a 20 round clip. Both use the same ammo....For the life of me I can't remember the name or the exact caliber, but the bullets are about an inch long, about the diameter of a pencil, something like .280 or so. He says the rounds are very fast, accurate for 300 yards, and there's virtually no kickback. He just loves them. But one thing I do know, they ain't cheap...

I agree.

I talked my wife into shooting my Colt Python .357. I talked, and I talked, and I talked some more, and she finally agreed.

Scared the livin' he!! out of her.

Too much gun for her.

How about a .357 Magnum? LOL just a little more than intimidating. I'm thinking divorce, that is if the muzzle flash doesn't ignite the hair spray.

Such generalizations serve little use IMO. There are women out there who shoot circles around many men, and do it with large calibers. It's just an individual thing.

Oh just a little tip an old timer told me. Always wash your hands in cold water after being at the range and cleaning the guns. Thought is that the GSR or lead is less likely to be absorbed into the skin if the pores aren't opened up from the hot water.

All in good fun. Don't get the "panties" in a bunch.