Handgun for a friend question

[X-Rated30]

I have a female friend that wants a handgun. I am getting her to take a CCW class, not for the CCW, but for the safety aspects.

Here is the dilema: She has rhumatoid arthritis and can't comfortably pull a double action trigger. I also have reservations about her carrying a Glock type trigger loose in her purse. Suggestions?

[fund razor]

I am sure that some of our more knowledgeable gun guys will have an idea about some models that may fit the bill. But while we wait for them, here is something that came to mind:

We have a family-owned gun shop and range here in town. They will let you try out popular models on the range before purchase. They will also rent guns for like 5 bucks.
If you can find a situation like this... she can try some out to make sure that the overall design geometry works with her hand, and that the amount of trigger pull is ok for her.

[X-Rated30]

Yeah - we went shooting yesterday and thats how it came up. I was hoping someone knew of a DA/SA revolver or auto with a light trigger pull or some other solution.

[Ratickle]

Yeah - we went shooting yesterday and thats how it came up. I was hoping someone knew of a DA/SA revolver or auto with a light trigger pull or some other solution.

You can always modify trigger pull to where it is way too light even. At what point does safety become a concern is something some of our gun experts will have to answer.

I'm thinking one of the smaller, .380's, modified. But, you also have the issue with cocking thew first round into the chamber. At least I never carry with one in the chamber.

[ar15meister]

Yeah - we went shooting yesterday and thats how it came up. I was hoping someone knew of a DA/SA revolver or auto with a light trigger pull or some other solution.

HK USP 9mm carry version.

single and double action with a decocker.

She can have it safety on with the hammer cocked.

I have done CCW courses but I have never carried in real life scenarios (being Canadian). I dont have the same practical knowledge of alot of these guys IMO. I do like the HK though.

The HK is a very reliable pistol and the 9mm has a bit smaller handgrips than my .45 I think.

[Tony]

642 S&W with the concealed hammer. Reccoil is managable the pistol itself is ultra concealable and it will fire in SA or DA mode, revolvers almost never fail to go bang when you pull the trigger and theres no chance of having to clear a jam in a life threatening situation.

[Chris]

If you have to have an auto, I'd look at the SIG P230 in 380ACP. Not as powerful as 9mm but with the right ammo it's definitely a good argument-stopper. (Just ask James Bond) In fact, the 230 is pretty much a Walther PPK copy, with some refinements.

But I'm with Tony- I'd rather see a novice or intermediate shooter with a revolver.

[Ratickle]

642 S&W with the concealed hammer. Reccoil is managable the pistol itself is ultra concealable and it will fire in SA or DA mode, revolvers almost never fail to go bang when you pull the trigger and theres no chance of having to clear a jam in a life threatening situation.

If you have to have an auto, I'd look at the SIG P230 in 380ACP. Not as powerful as 9mm but with the right ammo it's definitely a good argument-stopper. (Just ask James Bond) In fact, the 230 is pretty much a Walther PPK copy, with some refinements.

But I'm with Tony- I'd rather see a novice or intermediate shooter with a revolver.

Do you guys have any idea what the trigger pull can be modified down to on a DA Revolver? Looking for something for Terri also. I'm not a fan of Autos in the hands of someone who doesn't practice all the time.

[X-Rated30]

Do you guys have any idea what the trigger pull can be modified down to on a DA Revolver? Looking for something for Terri also. I'm not a fan of Autos in the hands of someone who doesn't practice all the time.

LOL! I was confused! I am looking for one for a friend named Terri!

[Tony]

Do you guys have any idea what the trigger pull can be modified down to on a DA Revolver? Looking for something for Terri also. I'm not a fan of Autos in the hands of someone who doesn't practice all the time.

Theres no reason to modify the trigger if you buy the concealed hammer version, there is actually a hammer to cock with your thumb, its just real small, a slight knurled nub on the back of the pistol. The DAO, "dual action only" or commonly called hammerless versions have a stout and long trigger pull that take some time and frequent practice to master.

[Slick02]

Theres no reason to modify the trigger if you buy the concealed hammer version, there is actually a hammer to cock with your thumb, its just real small, a slight knurled nub on the back of the pistol. The DAO, "dual action only" or commonly called hammerless versions have a stout and long trigger pull that take some time and frequent practice to master.

If I'm not mistaken Smith calls that a shrouded hammer and I would keep her away from the hammerless 38's due to not being able to de-cock them, and I personally have never been a big proponent of giving the average female an automatic of any kind.
Just my personal opinion, not meant to offend anyone.

[Uncle Dave]

If I'm not mistaken Smith calls that a shrouded hammer and I would keep her away from the hammerless 38's due to not being able to de-cock them, and I personally have never been a big proponent of giving the average female an automatic of any kind.
Just my personal opinion, not meant to offend anyone.

The ability to de cock easily is a big deal, especially in the home. (grandson/neighbor mistaken for burglar) hence my comments about which small autos have a de-cocker. Preferably a silent HK style de-cock- not the Ruger P80 stye that sounds like a "dry firing"- this could potentially escalate a situation you want calmed down.

Beginner + female + automatic for me has been an especially bad combo.

An experienced Female with standard arm /hand strength- no problem.

Id advise some reading along with the handgun experience a book called "in the gravest extreme" by Massad Ayoob.

He is a highly respected former LEO with tremendous knowledge of the system & the book is loaded with good sound advice.


UD

PS: here come the "decocker" jokes........

[X-Rated30]

...I personally have never been a big proponent of giving the average female an automatic of any kind.

I have personally never been a fan of arming a woman. There is a fair chance you will see my name in the "victim" space in the report.

But I took a chance starting this thread looking for some information, because she lives alone in the country and works in the court system. I know most people like small frames in .38 for newer female shooters, but she doesn't have the finger strength for a revolver in D/A mode. As she squeezes the trigger her hand begins to shake from the exertion, so much so that even at close range it could cause a miss or non-debilitating hit. And no - she can't afford a $500 handgun and $300 in trigger work.

Yes, ideally a revolver would be nice for a newer shooter, but with a little training, I see no reason an intelligent young woman can't carry an XD9 safely and with some practice in her purse. I mentioned getting her in the CCW class, and there is little more training out there - certainly very little til after you get past that step. We talk of "clearing drills" and what ifs, but frankly the average handgun shooting involves 5 rounds or less, regardless of weapon capacity.

Someone mentioned trouble loading auto clips and cycling the action. Neither of these should be done while there is a life threatening situation going on. A revolver is the best handgun ther is for the first 6 rounds... Does that mean autos are useless?

Sorry to vent, but I guess this thread went from "does any one have a suggestion?" to "If you can't carry a $900 auto or work a DA revolver, don't carry." Thats not correct and all of you know it.

...Theres no reason to modify the trigger if you buy the concealed hammer version, there is actually a hammer to cock with your thumb, its just real small, a slight knurled nub on the back of the pistol.

Ummm lessee... if she has trouble pulling a trigger in a dire situation, why would a bobbed hammer make ANY sense? This shows as little thought for the original question as the "limp wrist" opinions. At least someone with a safely carried weapon could get the first round off accurately... I'd consider this a distinct advantage over an unarmed potential victim.

Frankly it isn't an ideal situation, but I believe the knowledgable folks on this board can come up with an acceptable solution that might allow her to carry safely to and from her office/car/house. Training is important, but I was asking for a good mechanical situation. Don't wail on me too bad - I am really looking for some good info.

[Megabyte*3]

If you have to have an auto, I'd look at the SIG P230 in 380ACP.

I second the recommendation. I would also recommend trying out a SIG P239 in 9mm. I have used one with a DAK trigger. First shot requires about 8 lbs of pull. Subsequent shots are less than 4 pounds. Very manageable recoil.

The recommendation to carry in condition 1, i.e. cocked & locked is for a traditional 1911 - typically a .45 ACP. That is way too powerful a caliber for hands that suffer from RA.

Keep in mind that recoil will be mitigated by the weight of the gun. The Ruger LCP & LCR, although technical wonders, are very light and transmit a great deal of recoil to the hands. If her knuckles are at all disformed by the RA, then she may have trouble lining up the gun so that recoil impact is directed through the hand & wrist in a straight line to the forearm. In other words, her wrist may be cocked to one side or the other and therefore have to absorb most of the impact.

All that being said, in a close range self defense situation, I doubt she will be concerned about the recoil. Take her to the range and try out a few handguns and calibers. She'll figure out pretty quickly which one(s) she likes.

[2112]

If you have to have an auto, I'd look at the SIG P230 in 380ACP. Not as powerful as 9mm but with the right ammo it's definitely a good argument-stopper. (Just ask James Bond) In fact, the 230 is pretty much a Walther PPK copy, with some refinements.

I agree on the Sig. I am very happy with it's performance and fit and finish. Also, Sphinx makes very a nice 9mm and 40 ACP but they are getting Rare. The Pic is a police special, short nose. Both are very reasonable trigger pulls from the factory.

[Bobcat]

with a revolver you do not have to stick around and pick up the casings......

[Trim'd Up]

Check out the ruger LCR if you can find one. I bought one a while back and it is a great concealed piece that shoots WAY better than it should.

[Tommy Gun]

Check out the ruger LCR if you can find one. I bought one a while back and it is a great concealed piece that shoots WAY better than it should.

The LCP is my wife's carry...very nice gun.

[JupiterSunsation]

Enjoy your gun rentals now......in FL it has been the new rage in suicides! 6 people in the last month have walked in, rented a gun and shot themselves. One lady shot her 20 year old in the head then killed herself.

I have always thought gun ranges were sketchy places. The first time I went to one was with a neighbor. Range was in a marginal neighborhood, gun fanatics working there (all wearing side arms) and it was just before closing time. Two hoodrats walked in and everyone simutaneously unbuckled the holsters or placed guns within reach. Hoodrats browsed for a minute and left.

I was more worried about the crossfire than the actual hoodrats!

[fund razor]

Enjoy your gun rentals now......in FL it has been the new rage in suicides! 6 people in the last month have walked in, rented a gun and shot themselves. One lady shot her 20 year old in the head then killed herself.

I have always thought gun ranges were sketchy places. The first time I went to one was with a neighbor. Range was in a marginal neighborhood, gun fanatics working there (all wearing side arms) and it was just before closing time. Two hoodrats walked in and everyone simutaneously unbuckled the holsters or placed guns within reach. Hoodrats browsed for a minute and left.

I was more worried about the crossfire than the actual hoodrats!

We had someone commit suicide at the very range that I spoke of. It is not in a bad neighborhood. It is next to the Highway Patrol. It is staffed by professionals, some of the family members in the family business hold marksmanship records. They do carry while working. Nobody "places guns within reach." They maintain absolute custody and control of their weapon.

Nice story though.

Although rentals may go away, trial range sessions with weapons that regular customers are considering should be around, which is fine with me.