first time gun buyer

[TwinOaks]

Johnny, please check your PMs

[Bree]

A woman's self defense needs differ from those of an ordinary man. Normally a woman must stop the bad guy before he can get to her because she is at a big disadvantage in hand-to hand combat. Consequently, as far as handguns are concerned, a woman needs to carry the largest caliber that she can handle. If at all possible I recommend .45 ACP. Second would be the .357 Magnum with 125 gr. cartridges. The recoil of the .45 ACP is actually less than that of the .357 Magnum but both are within the range of almost all women with some training and practice. Both have substantial stopping power.

Best for the situation described is a 12 Ga shotgun with either slugs or 00 buckshot. I would add a Knoxx Spec Ops Recoil Reducing stock. The stock will absorb about 75% of the considerable recoil of the 12 Ga. That makes it a doable option for any woman and extremely powerful. A shotgun slug is just about the strongest stopper you will find.

Shotguns must be aimed so practice is necessary. A shotgun with a slug is not unlike a rifle in that respect. Buckshot will expand giving you some leeway but of course the expansion reduces the effectiveness as fewer pellets hit the target and penetrate to vital regions. At ranges found in home defense the expansion won't make much of a difference and buckshot is highly effective.

Bottom line women need BIG self defense power to stop big attackers before the BG can get to them. Go to the range and rent handguns of different calibers and find the biggest caliber that she can fire with reasonable comfort and accuracy. Then find a make/model that suits her taste. For shotguns... make sure you get a 12 Ga that supports the recoil reducing Knoxx Spec Ops stock. Just trust me on this one. The difference is HUGE.

Myself, I have a Springfield Armory XD 45 Compact, a Ruger SP-101 .357 Magnum, and a Keltec P3AT .380 as a backup pocket pistol. For home defense I have a Mossberg 590 Mariner 12 Ga and a Rock River Arms AR-15. For plinking at the range I have a fun gun... the Ruger 10/22.

Oh... don't forget pepper spray. Fox Labs... 4 oz can is perfect. Fox is top rated... what the cops and military use... really strong stuff. She should carry it everywhere she goes. She is much more likely to use pepper spray then a gun. Get the best that is legal and available in your state. Pay extra to get the best. Even the threat of using it will stop most would be attackers. When they look down the bore of the spray nozzle they think twice.

I have used it 4 different times and I believe that it has saved my life.

Edited March 17, 2009 by Bree

[rhall]

Damn Bree I think I have seen another side of you!, You know your way around a Firearm ....I think I am Fallin in Love!LOL

[wildrose]

I've been enjoying the "women's side of things" comments as much as the men's!

[TwinOaks]

Johnny's post got me thinking and I'd like to clarify my comments about trigger work.

I don't mean that the triggerweight on a revolver should be taken to VERY light weights - say the ~2lb and under range. That should be reserved for special purpose pistols used only in competition. The basic trigger job, IMO, smooths things out and removes tool marks, burrs and rough spots. This gives a smoother trigger pull with a clean breaking point and less creep, which is the feeling of trigger movement when there shouldn't be any....usually side to side. The result is a trigger pull that feels lighter and is smooth all the way to the break.

Personally, I don't think it's an issue if it's performed "to spec" by a competent gunsmith, and Johnny and I disagree to an extent there. However, he does raise a valid point about possible litigation issues and we are continueing the discussion 'off board'.

I'll start up another thread in "off topic" for that discussion.

[Bree]

Damn Bree I think I have seen another side of you!, You know your way around a Firearm ....I think I am Fallin in Love!LOL

Ha! Now comes the really hard question... Do you love ME or MY GUNS!!

:wtf:

[tonyc1]

I used a 686 that had been tuned up by a competent gunsmith for several years in competition and, within reason, the D/A was as smooth as silk and I didn't even notice the trigger weight . You just need good accurate loads that will impact where you point the gun and I believe in adjustable sights so the sights can be adjusted to coincide the the group on the target.

Tony

[Art]

Hi Holly,

Let her take an NRA course FIRST. If you want, you can borrow a wheelgun or two (big and small), an auto, and a shotgun from me and have the instructor show her about all of them. Let her choose style and then go shopping. Unless, knowing Holly, she has all of those. Call me.

Art

PLEASE no politics here!!!

My mom is looking to purchase a handgun for protection. She lives in a rural area, off the main road, and wants something easy to use, that will be kept at home. Two of her brothers have been giving her some advice, and even target practice, but I know there are some really knowledgeable people here that can help me pass some info on to her.

Dad occassionally goes on short-term mission trips, and Mom would feel more secure if she had something close by if needed. She's not afraid to learn, and not afraid to use it, and plans on taking some concealed weapon classes shortly. Though she's in her 60's, she's very athletic (has run the NYC Marathon, and runs every day still) and does most of the work on their horse farm.

For point of reference, we live in Virginia.

[JohnnyDingus]

Art,

Nice Offer!

vince

[wildrose]

LOL Art, you're a treat!

To be honest, there aren't ANY guns in my house...but there are a bunch of swords, a double headed Starfire axe, a pike, and several daggers...