With almost perfect timing with the latest brouha involving the NRA daring to suggest that women arm themselves (and know how to shoot), a drugged out psychopath forced his way into my girlfriend's apartment. She had a friend over and they raised enough hell that several neighbors came over to help so she was unharmed. The crackhead managed to escape and was long gone when the cops arrived half a hour later.

That she is going to have a handgun in the apartment within easy reach is a foregone conclusion as is the conclusion that she will take a class on defending herself with said handgun. Unfortunately I ran up against a brick wall or two. For one, what sort of automatic do I give a 5'3" woman with small hands? For another, where do I find a decent course for her to take?

I could set her up with a nifty C&R piece, but I'd certainly rather her have something a bit more modern. I can't exactly hand her one of my .45's and expect decent results. She's fired them before and, best I could tell, the round went "somewhere down range." She knows all about gun safety from all the times she's gone to the range with me. Anyone have any advice...other than moving me in with her?

Mods: Sorry if this post is in the wrong forum. I wasn't sure where to post, but "hardware" seemed as good a place as any. Please move it as necessary...not that you need my permission.

I would suggest a .38 snubnose S&W with the internal hammer. Its not an automatic but then if you go small enough for her hands you end up with a .22 or worse a .380 like I had which jammed every three rounds (not good).

As for the course where are you geographically?

Perhaps some other members with more knowledge than I will suggest otherwise but that's my two cents worth.

Why not a Glock 17?

http://www.glock.com/g17.htm

Or maybe a Derringer?

I like the S&W .38 revolver but for a house gun I wouldn't use a snubby.

Purchasing a firearm is like purchasing a car. There are certain questions you have to ask.

1. Is size a consideration, for a female, it usually is.
2. How much power do you need and can handle?
3. Is cost a factor ?
4. How much will it be shot?
5. Maintenance of weapon? (Some are more user friendly)
6. Ammo cost? Reload? (9mm cheap)
7. Weapons features (safety, grip, controls) What's most comfortable.

For a first handgun, I would suggest a ruger 22/45 or a Glock 19, 21, 26, 33.

What you really need to do is take her to a range that rents firearms, let her try several out. Make sure it feels comfortable in her hand, the trigger isn't too heavy, etc. If nothing else, at least take her to the gun shop and let her handle the weapons to find a good fit.

Originally Posted by FutureDevilDog

Why not a Glock 17?

http://www.glock.com/g17.htm

Or maybe a Derringer?

My sister's about the same size and she handles the Glock 17 very well.

How about CZ-52? Just my little help....

Originally Posted by Fox

How about CZ-52? Just my little help....

Arent those really really old? Like cold war era?. anyway how about a walther? Small and reliable!

I would suggest you learn her a two handed grip so she can handle a M1911. Even if she misses, everybody wets himself looking down the barrel of a .45.

Well that explains a lot...