New Gun

[wtburnette]

Glock 19 is great for recoil, but most women aren't going to find it that concealable. The Shield is a great gun, at least for me, but my wife didn't like it much. I would still rent one to have her try it out. If really small hands, a Sig Sauer P238 would be good. We just got one for my stepdaughter who is very tiny. She loves it. Small gun, light recoil, but expensive. When I was researching, it was the only .380 of it's size that was rated as very reliable. Read horror stories about most other models. Rented the G42 at a couple different places (new and old versions) and both jammed more than once. You might have to spend a little more for the Sig, but it's worth it.

 

[looney2ns]

As others have stated, you both need to rent and shoot a variety of guns. You can't decide while just standing in a gun store.
With that said, the Glock 42 with Hornady Critical Defense ammo is a pleasure to shoot for most people. Much more pleasant then the LCP.

 

[DeadeyeChrista'sdad]

So far, you've been counseled to look at the shield in 9mm, the lcp, the kahr .380, the walther, sig 238, and the smith bodyguard. I've never ran a shield, as it didn't fit my little girl hands well, but of the others I like and carry the 238, and will admit that perceived recoil on the Walther (my youngest daughter's new baby, she loves it) is negligible. I don't like the controls on the walther, and the 238's controls are 1911 style, so more familiar to most folks.
It's been a long time since I've shot.a Bersa, but they are good good shooting .380s.
I think the best advice you've received is to rent a few and discover what YOU like best.

 

[ketilla]

Bigelowe,
First off thanks for the advice. I have read a little about the S & W Shield 9 mm and a little about the Ruger LCP 9 mm. So now here is another question, I live in Muncie and there is a range in Anderson and one in Gas City but neither rent these two guns, do you know of a range in Indianapolis that would rent those? Thanks.

 

[PLM2001]

If you are really set on a .380 I would go with a Bersa Thunder. The recoil is very minimum. Great little gun!

 

[wtburnette]

Bigelowe,
First off thanks for the advice. I have read a little about the S & W Shield 9 mm and a little about the Ruger LCP 9 mm. So now here is another question, I live in Muncie and there is a range in Anderson and one in Gas City but neither rent these two guns, do you know of a range in Indianapolis that would rent those? Thanks.

Several ranges in Indy rent guns. Parabellum in Avon, Point Blank in Greenwood and Carmel, Indy Trading Post just south of Indy on Madison and Tim's in Westfield. I'm sure there are more, but those are the ones I know of. Probably the closest to you would be Point Blank Carmel and they have a pretty good selection of rental guns.

 

[saberstar]

I really like the Bersa. But .380 is not cheap to shoot. 9mm is much cheaper.

 

[wildhair]

Yea the 9mm ammo is a lot cheaper but the .380 is real small and double action so I can put it in my pocket. I carry it EVERYWHERE I GO. But I don't target with it much.

 

[croy]

I would not put a small 380 in the hands of a new shooter or a recoil sensitive shooter. They are a lot to handle.

If you're dead set on 380 I'd take the advice and go bersa 380.

 

[seagullplayer]

My wife shoots my Taurus 709 slim pretty well.
She likes it anyway, it is well within your budget and very concealable.

 

[ketilla]

Just thought I say thanks for your advice! My wife and I went to the range and rented a couple of guns. The gun she finally settled on a 38 revolver. The gun she shot and loved was a Charter Arms Pink Lady. According to the guy at the range it is a good gun. Any thoughts are appreciated!

 

[halfmileharry]

IF she likes the gun and shoots it competently then it's the best of choices.
Happy is good.

 

[looney2ns]

IF she likes the gun and shoots it competently then it's the best of choices.
Happy is good.

Ditto!