Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?

[hoserack]

A couple months ago Jody was a boarderline anti gun person.
After spending some time at the range and getting familar with the opertion of various guns she showed interest in getting a CCW permit. Now that is a swing, just shows how lack of knowledge of a subject or topic can create unjustified fear.
This past weekend Jody took the CCW class and has everything ready to mail off.
We also looked around the gun show shopping for her.
I of course prefer autoloaders and was steering her in the direction. That was until we talked to an old timer at one of the booths, when he found out this was her first gun he recommended a wheel gun. He steered us towards the airweight S&W .38 special. I'm thinking this would be a good choice for a first gun for a lady.
What are your guys thoughts on the topic???

Here is the lovely Jody at the range.

[ccoorreeyy]

Sometimes the "old timer" 's are full of wisdom.  Sounds like this one is right on line with his wheelgun thought.  I can't see her going wrong with the smith, thats what I started my wife out with too.
Corey

[tracker]

I think whatever suits her style will work; you have to like it
to pack it but the good thing is that she took the first step.

[eddie_c-clamp]

How about a Colt Defender?

3" bbl.  1911 style    .45 acp     easier to handle for someone with smaller hands........Just a thought.....

[hoserack]

How about a Colt Defender?

3" bbl.  1911 style    .45 acp     easier to handle for someone with smaller hands........Just a thought.....

She liked the Colts for some reason she wanted to know about them.
I think she might have even handled a Defender.
Do you think the .45 round would be too much?
Plus what if a cartridge failed? The wheel gun she could just pull again, the Colt would be a definate problem.

[eddie_c-clamp]

Semi-auto ftf's or fte's are issues to consider........I think there's another female member here w/ a colt defender......maybe she could give some advice.....

[BytorJr]

Almost every firearms instructor I've had would recommend a revolver for a first defensive firearm.  

I'd be worried that with a small gun like the R9, there is more of a chance inexperience could yield a bad experience.  I'm not saying don't buy one, but until more rounds are shot, a class or 3 are taken, I'd be hesitant to recommend carrying the R9 without a lot more of "seat time."

That said, if she does end up with a 38, I'd recommend not getting an airweight unless she carries in her pocket.  That would defeat the purpose of this first timer wheelgun.  An "old fashioned" revolver in 38 would have less recoil for sure.  I'd also go with a shrouded hammer model (aka hammerless) like a Centennial.    Also, if it's purse carried, that heavy 12lb trigger will be a LOT more safe.

Just my 0.02.

ps...

Good job converting Jody!!!!!!!!!!  Almost anti-gun, and now applying for a CCW, Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Richard S]

If you decide to go with a revolver rather than one of the R9s or a Seecamp .380, you might want to consider the S&W Model: 642LS LadySmith™, which would give her a DAO revolver with 5 rounds of .38 Special +P and a weight of only 14.5 ounces. The MSRP is $711.00. (See Product No. 163808642LS at the on-line catalog.)

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/other/2008_Catalog_PartII.pdf

Congratulations, and good luck to you both!

[theirishguard]

Also S&W made a model 332pd in .32H&R Mag. They are no longer in the line but can be found. It's also a 6 shot hammerless. I might know a dealer in Wisc that has some. Tom

[hoserack]

Also S&W made a model 332pd in .32H&R Mag. They are no longer in the line but can be found. It's also a 6 shot hammerless. I might know a dealer in Wisc that has some. Tom

Wouldn't a .32 be a bit small for personal defense?
I carried a .380 Kel tec before stepping up to the R9 and I never really felt confident with that round.

[hoserack]

I'm gonna take Jody shooting again this weekend and we'll see what kind of wheel guns can be rented.
That way she can decide what feels good and hits the target.
I'll let her shoot the R9 again just for grins, I wouldn't want to be in front of her with the R9, She'd damn sure hit something.  

[Richard S]

* * * I'll let her shoot the R9 again just for grins, I wouldn't want to be in front of her with the R9, She'd d**n sure hit something.  

Now that's funny, I don't care who you are.            (I rarely award four.   )

[DTM_39]

Hoserack,  How about the Rohrbaugh 380.  They are coming off the machines as I post this.  As far as I know the only holdup is waiting on mags.  It's very easy to fire. Very little recoil.  Would make a very nice first gun. Dan

[hoserack]

Hoserack,  How about the Rohrbaugh 380.  They are coming off the machines as I post this.  As far as I know the only holdup is waiting on mags.  It's very easy to fire. Very little recoil.  Would make a very nice first gun. Dan

How much do they cost?

[DTM_39]

I would think they are going to be about the same as the R-9. They are essentially the same gun.  So cost to produce is going to very close.  But that is just my guess. My wife and daughters like to shoot but the R-9 beats them up a little.  The 380 should be perfect.  I have my order in.  Dan