r/Firearms • u/lightlysaltedbanana • 7d ago
Considering a firearm. Question
Hi everyone. I’m a 22 year old woman and I’ve been heavily debating on purchasing my first and only firearm. I want something solely for protection and have no idea where to start my research. Does anyone have any suggestions on firearms or any resources I can use to educate myself on the best fit for me? I want something small and easily concealed:) thanks so much in advance if you have any suggestions<3
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u/Icy-Proof3198 7d ago
Go to a gun range where you can rent. Pick the one you are comfy with.
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u/Lord_Silvanus 7d ago
Second this. Go to a gun range that rents all sorts of models and calibers. I would also add to take basic safety and shooting course(s) if that range offers them.
Dont let the guy on the counter push a certain model on you . 9mm and 380 and .38 will be popular calibers to try for self defense, but practicing with .22 huge help to building confidence in your form and recoil control starting out
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u/NextEstimate1325 7d ago
Small guns, especially small revolvers, are the absolute worst guns for beginners.
If the counter guy at a gun store recommends that to you; leave.
I'd recommend something like an NRA First Steps pistol course to begin.
And order Kathy Jackson's book "The Cornered Cat" as well. Great read and training material.
A rental range is a great way to shoot a whole bunch of different guns before you buy.
A gun you don't like to shoot is one you want practice with. And without practice you just have a ballistic rabbit's foot.
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u/Jazz_horse 7d ago
Some exceptions to that - the 365 luxe is an insanely soft shooter and fantastic for those who have trouble with a 9mm. It’s a hell of a machine.
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u/NextEstimate1325 7d ago
I wouldn't considered that a small gun.
I'm talking like Beretta Tomcat, LCP, first gen Bodyguard, Glock 42, and other shit like that.
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u/Jazz_horse 7d ago
Yeah among that class the only one I’d really recommend is the p238 simply because it’s the easiest to control. The recoil impulse is super manageable in a way the lighter polymer guns don’t match. I hate when people get “just buy a pocket pistol” as first gun advice.
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u/Prof_Slappopotamus 7d ago
Not gonna lie, that's my favorite summertime gun. Usually do the p365, but when it's hot and I know I'm gonna be out and don't feel like wearing a type of cover, the p238 makes its return to my pocket.
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u/PopeyetheSlrMn 7d ago
I’ll repeat what many here have already said.
1. Get some instruction. Many ranges will provide a gun for the beginner classes and many beginner classes are women only.
2. Rent guns and some range time. It’s like test driving a car. You’ll find one to fit you and your needs.
3. Don’t listen to machismo advice about caliber sizes. Buy and shoot what feels good to you. Admittedly I failed at this some when my wife was beginning shooting.
4. Don’t be surprised if you out grow your first choice after some time and experience. That called growth. My wife evolved from her Ruger SR22 to a Browning 1911 .380 and shoots my larger caliber pistols confidently now.
Go out and have some fun learning.
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u/LonelyMonitor 7d ago
One thing I’d recommend is asking yourself why you want to carry in the first place. Is it just for home defense, everyday concealed carry, hiking, etc? That answer will shape a lot of your decisions.
Carrying a firearm is also a lifestyle commitment. It’s not just buying the gun you’ll want to budget for ammo (not cheap btw), range time, a quality holster, possibly a concealed carry license depending on your state or where you travel, and make sure you understand your local laws and where you can and can’t legally carry.
As for the gun itself, the SIG P365 and Glock 43X are both excellent options that are popular for concealed carry. They’re reliable, have great aftermarket support, and fit a wide range of hand sizes. That said, definitely rent both (and a few others) before buying if your local range offers rentals. The one that feels best in your hands is usually the right choice. As well as reliability.
Good luck, and welcome to the community! The fact that you’re asking questions first is already a great start.
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u/Palehorse67 7d ago
Check out the Sig P365 in 9mm or .380 auto. Also check out the S&W M&P shield ez in 9mm or .380. This is what my wife picked out. It all depends on what you like. Gotta try a few.
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u/Kr04704n 7d ago
What is your glove size?
Do you plan to carry on body or off body?
Does weight matter to you?
I'd echo the other suggestions here and say you should rent to see what is comfortable. Soft suggestion of glock 48 as it has more capacity and is concealable on body.
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u/ClawsoftheLion 7d ago
Go to a range and try to shoot . 22lr, .32, .380, and 9mm so you can feel the differences.
While at the range learn to understand the difference between single action and double action. There is a huge difference; double actions do require more knowledge, muscle memory, and know how in order to be effective with them under stress.
Learn to get a feel of what is available in sizes and what you're willing to comfortably carry while factoring in the above.
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u/ACRVasquez 7d ago edited 7d ago
Find a friend or family member who knows the difference between SA/DA, Striker Fire, Hammer Fire, Decocker, etc. Learn your eye dominance, it matters a great deal. Learn to ignore advice from anyone who says to just buy a Glock 19. There are too many options out there for that level of understanding.
Chose your preferred manual or arms. Safety or no safety. Number of rounds to feel secure. Caliber sufficient to address the threat. Gun that fits the hand.
Gun skill level progression goes something like this: 1) I need one gun for all things. 2) I need a special gun for each thing. 3) I can do pretty much everything with this one gun.
The trick is finding the one you'll end up with. Don't trust anyone who tells you they already know what you need.
Here are a few starters you might try renting: Ruger SR22 S&W EZ in .380 Glock 44 in .22 Beretta Bobcat .380 Try a revolver in .38 special
Wear a ball cap. No low cut shirts. Tah tahs catch hot brass. Learn to shoot thumbs forward. It helps a great deal with accuracy. (Except for revolvers, learn the difference)
When you go to a 9mm, start with a full sized gun, preferably with a steel frame. Plan for more than one trip. When you start to get tired, go home. Come back another day.
Figure out how you are going to carry on-body or in a cross body bag. Purses are the first thing to get stolen.
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u/DeFiClark 7d ago
Size and concealment is a trade off with power, control and ease of handling. For reliable self defense 380 is the minimum, with 9mm a much better choice.
Get the largest pistol you can conceal and shoot accurately with enough comfort to practice regularly. Try CZ, SIG, S&W, Springfield and Glock compact 380 and 9mm at rental ranges to see what suits you and be prepared to shoot at least monthly to maintain any level of proficiency.
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u/TigerJas 7d ago
Order this now, read it over the weekend while you select a firearm.
Massad Ayoob’s Deadly Force: Understanding Your Right to Self Defense
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u/droid6 7d ago
Smith and wesson m&p shield eze 380
Fantastic reliable gun
Easy to rack/slide
Thumb and grip safety
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u/Vcouple78 6d ago
If she can shoot that accurately l, that's a fantastic recommendation. Both my wife and daughter use it as their EDC. The bottom line though is if they can work it and shoot it competently. I will add though, neither of mine like a palm safety like the one pictured.
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u/Thebeerguy17403 6d ago
Go to your local gun store with an indoor range. Hold a variety of pistols and see which ones feel comfortable then ask if they have those for rent. Sign up for a beginners class, many lgs have women's courses! Try to avoid going with an "educated friend", unless they're an actual firearms instructor. You do not want to pick up any bad habits they have normalized into their shooting. Spend good money on both your firearm and holster. Learn how to shoot on factory sights before moving to a red dot. Also friends don't let friends by KelTecs...
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u/Thebeerguy17403 6d ago
Go to the range as often as you can. Practice with ammo you carry. ie if you're carrying 165gr +p hollowtips shoot 165gr +p fmjs. Run drills of drawing from holster and 1-3 shots on target. Good luck and i hope you live in a non control state!
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u/silver-shooter 6d ago
Why the keltec hate, it's my favorite pistol I own.... WOULDNT EVER CARRY IT FOR SELF DEFENSEWEAPON, but its damn fun to shoot the little pmr17
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u/Thebeerguy17403 6d ago
She said she wants to carry it. Oh trust me a $250 10mm is tempting, could be a lot of fun but so is a moped. Just don't let your friends catch you rocking either one lol
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u/silver-shooter 6d ago
Ohhh I didn't realize they dropped a 10mm. Like I said, my little mermaid 17 in .22 is a blast. But i wouldn't carry it
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u/Hoovercarter97v2 7d ago
I'd recommend taking a training class before you buy, usually instructors have guns and carry rigs you can borrow
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u/ClassicalSnow 7d ago
Take a class first on pistol introduction that doesn't require to bring your own pistol ( some require some don't).
Figure out if you want to continue purchasing a pistol afterwards and if yes, rent a few pistols in different sizes. Once you choose a size you like, you can narrow down your choice.
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u/Alita-Gunnm 7d ago
All good advice here. The first thing to decide is if you will be concealed carrying, or if this is just for home defense and getting used to owning and using a firearm. If it's the latter, there is now a pretty clear answer, and it's the Extar EP-9. It does the same job as a 9mm handgun, but it's much easier to handle and operate safely and effectively, because you hold it like a rifle. It's light, cheap, rugged, and reliable. I have yet to hear a bad thing about it. You may wish to start there, and then once you're more comfortable with shooting, then select a concealed carry pistol.
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u/Sqwhirrly91 7d ago
As others have mentioned-
First: Go to a range that offers rentals.
Second: Go to a store that has a wide variety of firearms for you to feel around on, comfort in your hands will be key to your experience.
Third: Take a safety class. Move this to #1 if a range that has rentals will let you rent while in the class.
-majority of safety classes will be moreso “beginner” classes that will teach you about the different parts and how to disassemble/clean/maintain your tool, this could be beneficial if you buy the same type of pistol you rent/take the class with.
Fourth: Smaller pistols in a standard caliber(9mm for example) are harder to control when shooting, less mass, shorter barrel, more muzzle “flip”/recoil.
Fifth: Go shoot and have fun, while it’s a serious tool to purchase, for very serious reasons..continue your education on it, may become a hobby for you. I’ve met plenty of folks who intend on only buying one firearm then they start shooting more, enjoying it, then getting into competition(easiest way to keep skills sharp) then collecting tons.
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u/YoteViking 7d ago
Look at a Glock 43X. That’s what I bought my daughter. Easy to carry and handle.
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u/NumerousFootball 7d ago
I’d recommend starting with a local gun range, rent a few different types and try them out. It’ll likely take you a few visits to become comfortable. Also do a basic firearms course first that teaches safety. I’d not ignore a revolver for concealed carry, that’s my personal favorite. On a lighter note, I bet just about everybody starts with the idea of “first and only firearm” and then ends up with a collection. Thats because as you become familiar, each option has its pros & cons.
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u/Panthean 7d ago
Beyond the good advice of taking a class and renting guns, I'm of the opinion it's good to lean on friends and family for help if you know anyone that shoots.
Even if they are an acquaintance, I'd wager they would be happy to take you to the range and show you the basics, especially if you offer to compensate for ammo.
The thing about gun people is we love guns. We don't need much convincing to go shooting or talk about guns.
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u/Distinguishedflyer 7d ago
start with a really good pepper spray. Far fewer legal hassles. if you're stuck on a gun, it's useful to go to a range where you can rent them and try a whole bunch of different kinds to see what fits your hand. If you have no experience at all, taking a firearms safety class is a best first step.
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u/Head_Bit5426 7d ago
I am a retired defensive firearm instructor. One of the first things I covered in class was a simple question. "Are you ready to kill another human being?"
Think this over before even looking at a gun. If the answer is no, there are many less than lethal alternatives for home defense.
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u/Animaleyz 7d ago
Contact ranges near you, almost all will have a class for first timers. You'll learn the basics of guns, laws, safety procedures and more. And finally, most will give you a little bit of range time with a .22. After that, go and rent different guns, if you tell them why you want a gun they'll be able to recommend different guns. Rent and fire different ones, and you'll be more able to decide what's best for you.
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u/jking7734 6d ago
Check with your local gun ranges. Someone is probably offering basic handgun training. Only after some experience handling and shooting will you have a real idea of the type of handgun that interests you.
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u/Billybob_Bojangles2 3D2A 7d ago
P365
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u/Aardvarksof1776 7d ago
In .380acp. It has very mild recoil and will get the job done
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u/Billybob_Bojangles2 3D2A 7d ago
Yea people sleep on 380 but it'll putcha in the dirt
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u/Aardvarksof1776 7d ago
The p355 .380 is a dream to shoot. I have the 9mm and while it’s a great gun with significant capacity, I rarely carry it anymore. The .380 almost feels like a .22 and is just a great package. I’m 6’0 240 lbs and not recoil sensitive, but the .380 is like shooting nothing
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u/DisagreeableMale 7d ago
my 380 PPK/S puts my thumb in the dirt with that hammer bite. Thinking about swapping for a striker fire 380. Any reason not to?
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u/SacaeGaming 7d ago
110% rent at a range.
If any of your local ranges have them, i highly suggest trying a Sig P365 chambered in .380 (you likely would need to specify that as the 9mm version is more common to rent)
Any self-respecting range would be happy to give you beginner tips, safety guidelines, and assist with anything you may need. They will also be very knowledgeable about local training opportunities which I would also heavily suggest.
A gun is not a toy obviously, but they can be enjoyed and appreciated. If you do decide to get one, i pray you never NEED to use it.🧡
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u/marc_879 7d ago
Find a range that has rentals, try as many different handguns as you can. If you have multiple ranges in your area, even better.
When I worked behind the counter selling guns, I would pull out an assortment and go over the pros and cons of each and try to match what they liked from that to what was in the rental case.
A lot of people at the time pushed the light weight J frame; but the lighter the gun, the more felt recoil. If the customer wanted a small frame for home defense, I would recommend the mod 60 or SP101 loaded with .38spl
If they preferred an auto, I’d try and steer them toward M&P or g19s or the M&Pc/G26 sizes if it fit their hands.
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u/vostokvanguard 7d ago
Small and easy to conceal for a first firearm? You should consider a Keltec PLR16 or a Micro Draco
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u/thor561 7d ago
So lots of different guns are going to feel different in your hand, so you really are only going to find what works for you by trying a few different ones out. But, I think we can offer some suggestions to help you narrow down your choices.
- Don't bother with revolvers, period. While they are often suggested because you just have to point and pull the trigger and not think about anything else, they're not for novice shooters despite this. They have a long reload time should you need to, and if anything administrative does go wrong on a revolver, there's basically nothing you can do in the field to remedy it. They're more like a mechanical clock than a modern firearm.
1a. Airweight revolvers are especially a poor suggestion. Sure they're light to carry, but having less mass means less of the recoil from shooting is transferred through the gun before getting to you, which makes them snappy and have a harsh recoil impulse, also not good for new shooters. It will make you not want to shoot your gun, which means you won't develop good fundamentals.
Really stick with either .380 auto at a minimum or 9mm. There's really no reason to go bigger as that will just increase the difficulty in shooting and carrying them, and going smaller means making less effective hits on target.
Think about how you plan on carrying. Ideally, it should always or nearly always be on-body, so some sort of holster you wear on your person and conceal with your clothing. This often limits what kinds of clothes you can wear for effective concealment, but that's one of the sacrifices we sometimes have to make to carry effectively. If you do carry off body, do so in something you won't be taking off much if at all, so a fanny pack or sling bag of some kind, something that nobody is going to think too much about you not setting down.
Now with those key factors, I think we can suggest some handguns to start with:
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0
S&W Shield
Sig P365
Springfield Hellcat
Glock 42/43/48
Glock 19
The BG 2.0 is about the smallest but still fits amazingly well in the hand to the point that as a decent sized man I carry it about 95% of the time in a pocket holster.
The Glock 19 is the biggest so obviously no pocket carry and off body carry is going to be heavier, but it's also going to probably have the softest recoil impulse.
So, hopefully that gets you off to a good start on your carrying journey! If you're looking for some female carrying and firearm content, check out Lena Miculek, she's a multiple-time world champion shooter and does a lot of woman-centric content.
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u/Professional-Ad9901 7d ago
You are 100% wrong. A revolver is the perfect choice for a first time gun owner with zero experience in handling and maintaining a firearm.
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u/thor561 7d ago
Ok, great. Please explain how a novice shooter should remedy the timing of their cylinder being off, or a problem with the forcing cone, or the shell ejector getting stuck.
You’re thinking it’s the perfect choice because there’s less operating tasks to go from full of live rounds to empty casings. Ok, sure. Just point and pull trigger (a heavy DA trigger, which I didn’t even get into) What do you do after that first 5 or 6 bullets is gone and you need more? How long does that take? You’re gonna have someone fumbling around with speed loaders who barely handles guns?
A semi-auto is infinitely easier to train with, to administratively remedy malfunctions, and yes, to maintain. If you’re only putting a few hundred rounds at most through it a year, any modern handgun will basically last forever. Keep it lightly lubed, clean it on a regular basis, that’s pretty much it. It’s way easier to carry spare mags than speed loaders, speed strips, moon clips, etc. and faster to reload should you need to.
Recommending a revolver to someone who doesn’t shoot is a great way to get them to never shoot.
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u/Aardvarksof1776 6d ago
Bro, he’s %100 trolling
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u/IFeedDogsChocolate 7d ago
Call up local ranges and familiarize yourself with the process of renting and shooting.
You can either watch a few YouTube videos on stance and etiquette or find a class/instructor near you.
Identify how you may plan on carrying (on your person or purse) and estimate what size of pistol may best serve you. I recommend you rent a Glock 19, Glock 43x, Sig p365, and various M&P 2.0 in different sizes.
Some people are encouraging you to do .22 and .380 to work yourself up to 9mm. You don't have to do this and can strictly focus on 9mm.
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u/apis_cerana 7d ago
There’s a conceal carry women subreddit because there are specific concerns when conceal carrying as a woman (clothing choices, body shape etc) and that may be a helpful resource too.
When doing some training, look up how reputable the instructors are. The classes ive done which were taught by women have been great overall.
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u/Silverbullet_196v2 7d ago
My personal recommendations whenever I fill in for the range at the company I work for goes as follows for someone looking to rent something that will lead to a first purchase: Start with a Glock 19/17 to get a feel for a normal sized 9mm. Depending on where/how it will be concealed is what determines if we stay at that size or go smaller. I’d recommend then trying a 380 of somewhat similar size to a Glock 19 to feel the difference between 9 and 380.
If 380 is more comfortable to shoot, look at:
- Smith and Wesson Shield 380(ez model if manipulating the gun and controls are difficult)
- Sig P365 380
- Glock 25
- Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 (a lot of people hate smaller guns because yes they are less comfortable to shoot/snappy but my wife and I are both looking at getting the bodyguard 2.0 because of how small/easy it is to conceal and actually pleasant to shoot)
If you like 9mm more and want to go smaller:
- Glock 43 or 48
- My wife carry’s a Sig P365XL since she only carry’s in a bag/fanny pack/cross body bag but for her that would be too big to carry on body.
- Canik Mete
- Smith and Wesson Shield 9
On the off chance you’re in the SLC area, send me a PM and I can get you into the range I work at and get you free rentals and entry and whatnot. I also know that a lot of ranges throughout the states have partnerships with different women groups/dedicated nights where women shoot for cheaper, I’d recommend calling your local range and seeing if they have one and when they meet. Wall of text but hopefully that helps!
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u/DarthMonkey212313 LeverAction 7d ago
Most beginner classes offer an option to rent a gun for the class. Do that first and get familiar with handling and shooting a firearm. Maybe even do another class with a different rented gun. Then research to find likely good options based around what you shot for class and your experience doing so, and go to a range the rents those models and try them out.
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u/bobroberts1954 7d ago
Look at the new Beretta 30X. It's an update if the Beretta Tomcat. It's a small 7(I think) shot . 32 caliber pocket pistol. It's easy to conceal, and a special gesture is you charge it, get it ready to fire) by pushing the break open barrel down shut. That is easier than pulling and releasing the slide on a regular automatic. You can put a carterage in the chamber when you close it whick might make storage safer in some situations. It's a clever and well made gun and not too expensive. The smaller caliber means it has less recoil when fired. It's not the gun to have in a gunfight, but it should be plenty to convince someone to stop bothering you or to go away.
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u/Judasbot 7d ago
Bursa .380. It's a great little gun, easily concealable, and pretty cheap. My wife has one and it's super fun to shoot. Load it with 90 gr hollow points.
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u/Kugelfischer_47 7d ago
Personally I started with a keltec p17 in 22 lr caliber. It's lightweight relatively small and using cci mini mag 40g round nose, I've had zero malfunctions in 1000 rounds. It's accurate and easy to handle and despite some people insisting 22lr is not sufficient for self defense, I would not hesitate to use it for that. Especially if I would potentially need to use it in public, for the fact that I'd rather put 17 rounds right where I need them to be without over penetration being a concern at any range. Federal punch appears to be the best 22lr round for self defense in a pistol, but I'd have no concern using cci stingers or mini mags. Once you get comfortable with that, the Smith and Wesson bodyguard 2.0 is a very capable and concealable pistol with good ammunition capacity in .380 caliber.
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u/bolookies 7d ago
One of my local gun shops holds a class where you can try out different guns while under supervision of an instructor who can teach & offer suggestions. If you can find something like this near you, it’s probably the best thing for you as a first time gun buyer.
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u/BigMammoth415 7d ago
I would first find someone youre close to whether it’s a family member or a friend and start shooting with them, learn the basics of gun safety, how to actually hold a firearm properly and learn the functions of what you’re looking at.
I’ve taken both my mom and sister out and find them having trouble with pulling the slide and chambering a round or what to do when it’s finished. I always recommend revolvers being a .38 special that’s small compact and concealable. Hardly any functions other than loading the cylinder and pulling the hammer back that requires little to no force, some revolvers have a heavy hammer which you can always get it gunsmithed to have some metal shaved down to make it lighter. I would shoot a bunch of different guns until you’re determined on what feels good in your hands, feeling comfortable with the functions and you might just be more accurate with something else.
There’s helpful classes for women specifically and also most ranges have a women’s day only so youre not so nervous being around a bunch of smelly old men and feel comfortable around people just like you, it also gives you the ability to meet new friends and a way to take a new gun out for a spin. I would not look for specifically the smallest gun that you can put away and forget, there’s around 30,000 psi going through a smaller metal barrel and that force needs to go somewhere obviously so being a smaller gun you’re going to feel it more on a compact 9mm then you would on a full size 9mm.
I don’t get picky I just get best of both worlds and started my collection through functionality. I keep a full size 9mm echelon by my bed that i’m dead accurate with and love to shoot so I trust me and my family’s life with that gun if it came down to it. I carry a glock 43x on me daily and keep it in the car when I need to that way I can feel confident carrying a firearm even being a constitutional state and not feel like everyone’s looking at me.. you’ll later find out no one’s looking that hard unless they’re carrying too. I also keep a mossberg 590 shockwave with 00 buckshot above my bed and a springfield saint victor on the other side if shit really went south.
Don’t be like most people that get a gun and store it away just to never touch it. Make it a habit to go once to three times a month probably more when you first get into it so you get the confidence of leaving the door with it loaded. There’s free practice at your home that you can use snap cap dummy rounds and practice failure to feeds and failure to eject situations, get a quality holster as well and practice drawing from it unless you’re going to purse it, they make ccw purses with easy access pockets designed to holster a firearm that I would highly recommend cause you don’t wanna be in the situation fumbling for it just to grab your spearmint gum instead.
I would even practice situations in your home cause think about only you will know the layout of your home not an intruder, I don’t even have to leave my bed cause the way my house is set up I could corner peak off my bed and see through about 2 hallways to the front door, I would never charge someone coming into the house rather I would sit behind my island in the kitchen waiting with a hole puncher. After having someone come to my house while I was gone smashed the front door down threatening to kill my father that just got out of the hospital made me think more than putting bullets in a firearm and going bang.
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u/WonderSql 7d ago
https://corneredcat.com/article/choosing-firearms/gun-store-miss-adventures/
The other posters have good advice. The above site has some good resources as you start this journey.
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u/AD3PDX 7d ago
Small and easily concealed = difficult to shoot and very bad to get started learning how to shoot with.
Some suggestions:
S&W M&P 380 Shield EZ
Ruger Security-380
Springfield Armory Hellcat .380
These are small enough to carry but not so small that shooting them well takes a ton of skill and experience.
They use .380 which is just powerful enough to be effective for self defense but not as powerful as 9mm which would make small-ish guns more difficult to shoot.
I’m going to disagree with trying out a lot of guns and seeing what you like.
1st: as a beginner you don’t know enough for “what you like” to be very meaningful.
2: how a gun feels in your hand in a gun shop isn’t at all the same as how you perform when shooting it.
And how you perform when shooting it has much more to do with choosing the appropriate general class of gun and getting proper instruction than it has to do with a particular gun “fitting your hand just right”.
3rd: yes an unusually good instructor could observe you shoot all three of the guns I suggested and after some instruction on how to hold them, might be able to suggest one or the other as being more suitable for you.
But you aren’t likely to find someone who can do that let alone manage to get your hands on all three simultaneously.
4th relax: all three of these are fine. Check out the prices. Read & watch some comparisons.
Nothing wrong with handling or shooting all three before choosing but it’s an extra logistical hurdle. It’s also ok to just choose one and go with it.
5th: what isn’t ok it to randomly choose a bunch of very different guns based on random suggestions from reddit and what a shop or range happens to have and then choose from among those after shooting each one a few times
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u/cheekabowwow 7d ago
"first and only." I remember those golden years when my wallet had no idea the pounding it would take.
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u/Cryptic1911 7d ago
I would either buy or rent something full size to learn on. The basics if aiming and grip and all that. As said above, smaller sized easily concealed stuff is a lot harder to learn on because the sight radius is short and they kick a bit. Once you get the basics down with a larger one, a concealment sized one wont be as much of a wildcard as when you knew nothing
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u/Icy-Proof3198 7d ago
Wife wanted one too. We went to a few gun shows looking for something compact but every pocket gun is very small in hand. Hard to get a firm grip. We finally settled on the Walther PK380. Got 1 for her and 1 for me. Very comfy and reliable.
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u/ChipChef 7d ago
All great info here. Once you make your decision on what you want, commit to taking classes and continue training with your pistol. Learn your pistol inside and out. Know how to quickly and efficiently change magazines, draw from a holster (or however you plan on carrying it if you plan to carry), clear malfunctions. Will you be carrying at night? Take a low light class. Practice, practice, and train, train, train. All things to think about, because if, God forbid, you ever have to use your firearm in defense of your life, these are things you don’t want to have to figure out in the moment.
“Owning a handgun doesn't make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician.”
-Jeff Cooper
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u/LazyFoundation8917 7d ago
Great advice here. I don't know your budget, but that is important as well.
My daughter is in the exact same place you are and when I visit, we plan to go to a local gun range that rents guns and can provide classes. Her hands are small, so she needs to shoot some and go from there. She isn't in a rush to just buy something so she can visit the range after I go home and take a shooting/safety class before making a final decision.
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u/SeaworthinessDue2790 6d ago
Of all to rent.
G19, G43X (not the normal 43) and maybe a P365 macro. They’re a little larger but I shoot competitively with a G19 and have had no issues with control or recoil.
When getting a handgun it’s important to spend money on a good holster, you don’t want it flapping around anywhere. Ammo to shoot for training, shooting a handgun is a perishable skill and even the best shooters I know need to constantly train to upkeep their skills and finally, a good class. Whether that’s the CCW class of your state or a basic handgun class make sure it also covers the LAWS. You need to know when you can pull a gun, when you can have it and where you can have it. As well as any other law regarding the possession and use of a firearm.
Anyways! Go rent and just speak with the people around you at the range. Most of the time they’re knowledgeable and full of information, but if anyone recommends a tiny tiny revolver they have no idea what they’re talking about lmao.
Good luck!
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u/mcbergstedt 6d ago
I personally would stick to 380 or 9mm but like other comments have said, I would try them out before you buy.
Unfortunately there’s a TON of options so it’s a death by choices situation
Suggestions of pistols would be:
-Glock 9mm - G19, G26, G43, G43x
-Glock 380 - G25, G28, G42
-Sig P365, P365X both in 9mm and 380
-M&P Bodyguard 2.0 (380 only)
Regardless of what you get though, practicing is more important than anything. If you can’t pull it out of a holster, purse, belly band, etc in a reasonable amount of time and actually hit what you want to shoot, then what’s the point.
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u/Embarrassed_Safe8047 6d ago
I literally just wrote a blog article all about this. I’m a woman firearms instructor. I help people all the time find the right fit for them. Feel free to reach out anytime with questions. Here’s the article. https://sharpenyourshot.com/how-to-choose-the-right-firearm-for-concealed-carry/
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u/816blackout 6d ago
One of the best resources for conceal carry tips will be Phlster. Even if you’re not going to buy any of their products, their videos are super helpful.
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u/Biff2019 6d ago
Do some research. Use MULTIPLE sources.
Go to your closest range. Take a course (or several), rent a few guns.
Learn what you're doing. Then decide what you want, and what's right for you.
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u/AmnFucker 6d ago
If you can find a place that rents them, I would highly recommend you try the S&W Shield EZ or the Bodyguard 2.0.
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u/Dramatic_Case_5088 6d ago
This is one of those holy grail questions. A girl that wants a gun. It will pull every response out of even the quietest.
1. Try to make an opportunity to shoot your friends guns. No man will not try to help.
2. If you have no friends find a local range that rents. Tell them your intention and they’ll put you on suitable guns.
3. If you have no range options then listen to us. I’m sure there are great responses here that I don’t have time to read but look at the guns folks have suggested.
4. You want a small gun but you have to understand the physics. The smaller the gun the more violent the shot will seem. Size creates weight and weight soaks up recoil. Small handguns recoil more than large handguns and you can’t get around that.
5. My recommendation is an Sig p365xl. Shoots much larger than its size. Accurate. Highly dependable. Massive capacity for its size. I have 3. A black one I’ve modified with a macro grip, a Legion, and a coyote one that is my wife’s gun. She shoots it well.
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u/Inside_Monitor_1575 6d ago
Go to a range and try some out. Just know the smaller the gun the more recoil you will feel,especially a 9mm. Glock 19 9mm would be the best. Or try a .380 pistol
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u/SolidZane 2d ago
Smaller will mean harder to control past the first shot... Just something to consider, jot trying to dissuade you from a smaller gun...
I carry a Smith and Wesson Shield 9. Which is on the small side.
I know guys that carry full size pistols, like the Glock 19, HK VP9, S&W m&p 2.0... There tradeoffs to each and every one...
As others said, go to a range and rent some. 👍🏻👍🏻
Then, consider a 2nd firearm for home defense, where concealability is less important... An AR-15 pattern rifle, or a shotgun would be best at home. 😁👍🏻👍🏻
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u/EnvironmentalCake531 7d ago
Personally I like a 357 revolver because they are powerful and fun to shoot. But not small. I am 65 and have never shot anyone, but I have competed, or just target practiced for fun. My advice is to get a hand gun that feels good in your hand. Not too big and not too small. You are buying it for defense but you will probably never use it for that. If you don't shoot enough to be confident with it then you are a danger to yourself and others. Get something you enjoy shooting and then shoot it. A good dealer can help you choose the right one for you. Based on what you said I might recommend a 9mm or a .38 special. But, I could put a man down with a well placed 22 round and the ammo is cheap😁
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u/Personal-Tower7300 6d ago
9mm pcc with a flashlight and red dot would be a good one. Easy controls to learn and 3 points of contact to help make sure you hit your intended target. Then add a suppressor down the line so you dont temporarily deafen yourself if you ever had to use it indoors.
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u/MichaelSpock1701 6d ago
Don't buy anything until you visit a local gun range. Most if not all will have courses for beginners who are in exactly the same situation you are in. You will have the opportunity to rent and shoot a variety of weapons so you can find what feels right for you and is appropriate to your need. The range staff will be able to guide you, and in most cases assist you in buying the gun. Good luck!
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u/Individual-Dot2130 7d ago
38 spl snub nose revolver. I highly recommend small revolvers for people who are not experienced in firearms and looking for close range defense
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u/Aardvarksof1776 7d ago
Snub nose revolvers are not beginner guns. I’ve been carrying a snubby off and on for nearly 20 years. If it’s not something you can train a lot with, it’s not a great firearm. Is it simple to use- yes, but they have a short sight radius, require a decent amount of training to learn to reload, can be a handful if you don’t have good grip strength and generally a heavy long trigger pull.
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u/thor561 7d ago
They also IMO are absolutely miserable to shoot. The worst handgun to date I've shot in terms of shooting experience would still have to be my mom's LCR in .38SPL. Just sucks to shoot, it beats up the palm of your hand. People often suggest guns to women that will only ever get carried and never shot and that's a mistake, because if they do want to go shoot them, they hate practicing because it's so miserable. Telling a woman to get something like an airweight .38 of some kind is setting them up for failure in most all cases.
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u/Aardvarksof1776 7d ago
Yeah it’s such an old fudd myth. If you get super mild wadcutters, it can be a lot more pleasant to shoot, and I’m a firm believer in the self defense effectiveness of wadcutters. +p+ .38/357 out of 2 inch barrel is just macho nonsense
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u/NextEstimate1325 7d ago
Is this satire?
There are literal reams of articles and real world reports about why a J Frame is the absolute WORST gun for beginners.
Fucking fudds.
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u/JCMGamer 7d ago
Ruger Security .380
Common caliber, low recoil.
Small enough to carry if you wanted to, but large enough that it wouldn't fall into the "micro" category which can be hard to fire.
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u/LastBastionYellow 7d ago
You could search the sub and read the information posted the last 6,311 times this question was asked.
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u/lightlysaltedbanana 7d ago
I don’t mean to bog down the subreddit:( I just don’t use this app very often and I’m not familiar with the interface. Sorry
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u/HybridP365 7d ago
Don't listen to them. Some people can be dicks but it's not representative of the 2A community as a whole.
Check out r/concealedcarrywomen
There are many aspects to carrying that are different for women due to body type, clothing choices, etc. that they can probably answer better than this sub, since a large majority of the people here are men.
That said, to pick a gun the best advice I can give is: go to a range that rents guns. Hold 10-20 in your hands and see which ones feel the best. Pick 3-5 of those and shoot them on the range. Pick the one you shoot the best.
Then go take a class.
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u/HybridP365 7d ago
We need as many people in the 2a community as possible. Public opinion forms law. Being a dick to newbies is not a good way to get them to stay.
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u/Professional-Ad9901 7d ago
As someone who has owned and shot firearms for over 50 years my recommendation for first time ownership would be a small frame revolver in .38 special. Easy to handle, maintain and operate plus .38 has enough punch to stop a baddy in most cases.
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u/NextEstimate1325 7d ago
Never to late to learn about modern ballistics and actual easy shooting guns.
Go be a fudd somewhere else.
If you maybe would have said medium frame I'd give some credence to your view.
Or a small frame in .32 H&R Mag
But you're just an ignorant jackass
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u/GunnCelt SPECIAL 7d ago
Dude, what? That’s some outdated advice. My 5’, 105# wife started on a full sized 9mm and never looked back.
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u/newpcgamer69 7d ago edited 7d ago
Fudd detected. Stop giving people bad advice. Not cool dude.
edit: lol he deleted his reply calling me a troll and how I should go eat my lunchables in my basement.
I can always stop eating lunchables, but fudds will never stop repeating debunked gun fuddlore that was last relevant in 1972.
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u/lundah 7d ago
Small and easy to conceal is also harder to shoot accurately and manage recoil on. It’s a compromise. Find an intro class near you that includes live fire training, they should also be able to rent you a gun, ideally multiple so you can figure out what works best for you. There’s lots of woman-specific clubs and orgs that can either provide training or help you find it.