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380 or 32 cal
Amberjack Reels
Member Posts: 60 ✭✭
Wife wants to take up shooting. She is small framed 100lbs soaking wet. I don't want to scare her with a 45ACP. Was thinking of a 380 or 32 cal. What brand would you recommend. I see I can pick up a Browning, for about $400. I was also looking at the Llamas, but I am not impressed with my 45, jams about every 4th clip. May consider a 9mm but concerned about recoil.
Penn Saltwater Reel Specialist
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Penn Saltwater Reel Specialist
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Comments
Check SOG for some good buys
http://www.southernohiogun.com/surplus_hand.html
If she may move up to 45 ACP later then consider the Star 9MM
a good value.
BTW I have a Llama 380 IIIA that never jams.
Just my 2 cents
SOLD MY COW SO I DON'T NEED YOUR BULL
A Grumpy Old Man
It will hurt you, More than it will hurt me..
Life Member... N R A
Thanks for all the help!
Is this shooting just plinking/target shooting? Glocks are really good, but the minis (that might fit her hand better) have a pretty stiff spring. One of the reasons they're so accurate and easy to shoot. Unfortunately, it can be tough to rack the slide.
Also keep in mind, little .380's and .32's (if they're light guns), can have a bit of muzzle whip and be uncomfortable to shoot.
My recommendation: .38spl Taurus revolver, Beretta Tomcat (.32acp w\tip up bbl is easy to load), or compact Glock 9mm (don't know the model #'s).
My $.02, hope it helps.
Got a new gun for my ex-wife.....pretty good trade, huh?
Love them Beavers
I've never been able to hit anything with a 1911,Kimber,Wilson,STI,Paraord, etc. in 45acp; and I'm not a small person by any standard.
Just my 2 cents for the recoil sensitive: Start with a 22wmrf, if they can tolerate an AMTII, try a 32H/R mag., if that's ok, try a 38spl., etc. on up the power scale until she's comfortable with a caliber that could actually save her life.
My ex loves the SP101 in 357mag-good thing it was an amiable split!
You might try (if you're going to get an auto anyway) a 38 superauto on her-the kick is non-existent, and they're pretty reliable(fer an auto).
If you know it all; you must have been listening.WEAR EAR PROTECTION!
The only thing worse than lawbreakers, are lawmakers.
Penn Saltwater Reel Specialist
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PS: as far as 45 autos go, the recoil on the 1911 is really light. Only 45 I've shot that has lighter recoil is the Glock 21, but the slide on those is comparatively quite heavy.
Love them Beavers
SUPPORT THE I.N.S. , THE COUNTRY THEY SAVE COULD BE YOUR OWN
I can really understand where you are coming from with a serious gun for a smallish woman. Your initial idea of a .32 or a .380 appears a good one at first glance. In this vein, I would chose the .380 over the .32. The Federal, Win., PMC, etc. JHP+P loadings are minimally serious defense rounds.
BUT--you will find, that since the pistols that shoot them are smaller guns, the net gain in reduction of recoil is insignificant when using the hotter rounds. Also, the trigger pull on MOST PPK-type guns is USUALLY awful. And then, there is the reliability question....
AND--if you use standard velocity ammo for manageable recoil, the terminal effect is not what you will desire.
Although there is no staucher defender of the 1911-type pistol and the .45 ACP cartridge than myself, I realize that it is not the answer for everyone or every situation. I would hesitate to provide one for a small female who may not only have difficulty in handling the recoil, but in operating the slide.
THEREFORE--although I could give you my answer here, I would prefer that you read it from someone who is a nationally recognized expert. Read Massad Ayoob's article, "The Real Ladies Gun" in the March 2003 issue of Guns Magazine, page 18. I will be happy to send you a xerox copy of this one page article if the magazine is not available to you.
(Glad you agree with me, Mas....[;)])
-Marcus
***When the Second Amendment falls, the First will be sure to follow.***
Greg