| Many women prefer to own a gun. What advice | | | | think the Lady Smiths are the same as the other |
| people have for a first time handgun for a | | | | "J" frames, with a bit of extra engraving and for |
| woman, who is not a big fan of revolvers, so | | | | a bit more money, of course. Rossi makes good |
| something in the semi-automatic category? | | | | firearms too, which will cost less the S&Ws, |
| Be aware that some of the wannabe swat-types | | | | Rugers, Colts, etc. |
| and other video game playing types will tell you to | | | | Ruger Standard .22 auto is easy to learn on, next |
| buy some artillery piece. Disregard them and do a | | | | to no recoil, great accuracy, used from plinking to |
| little homework. The .22LR cal. is the way to go | | | | small game hunting, can be used in a pinch for |
| for a first gun. When and if woman gets | | | | defense...which beats a phone call not made to |
| comfortable with it and can hit the target, then | | | | 911. |
| she could move up to a bigger caliber. | | | | If she is gun savvy at all, then a 1911A1. Recoil is |
| Try searching for Smith & Wesson (or get a | | | | not excessive (my daughter regularly shoots |
| catalog at a local gun shop). Go to a local shooting | | | | mine, as do the many thousands of female IPSC |
| range and rent or borrow a couple of different | | | | competitors). Obviously, quite good for defense |
| ones to get used to. The one near me let's you | | | | targets, small game hunting, plinking, and |
| borrow their pistol if you buy a bag of their | | | | competition. However, unless her hands are on |
| ammo. Start with .22 cal, and then if the woman | | | | the large side, a 1911A1 style handgun may be a |
| can handle it OK, try the .38 Spcl. Ask one of the | | | | bit big. |
| range guys to instruct you. | | | | Smith and Wesson .22 auto mag for the same |
| Try the revolver; it is still the most goof-proof | | | | reasons S&B noted but with more "knock |
| weapon. No decocking lever, safeties, no | | | | down" power for self defense. Load it with hollow |
| lost-the-magazine (when you need it the most), | | | | points and it is the best home defense weapon |
| no "rack the slide" at 0300 when her palms are | | | | for more petite people. The ammo is very cheap |
| sweaty, and it doesn't need to be kept as clean | | | | so it allows for a lot of range time. |
| as a "self loader". | | | | Look at the Taurus Model 85s. It is a very good |
| Avoid off-brand and chippo priced guns. | | | | pistol at about half the price of an S&W. |
| Remember the saying: You get what you pay for. | | | | You will be able to put your eyes and hands on a |
| The suggestion is to stick with S&W, Colt or | | | | lot of different makes, models, calibers, and sizes. |
| Ruger. If you really need a handgun, you want | | | | You'll be able to eliminate some of them from |
| one that goes bang when you pull the trigger. I | | | | consideration pretty quick. |