Phoenix Arms HP22A as woman's defense pistol?

[bdickens]

Lots of people get killed with .22s. Though I think she's def going to have to train to "shoot until the threat is stopped"....and carry some reloads!

Yeah, but a lot of them end up dying later on in the hospital from an infection.

If she insists on a .22, at least get a decent one.

While you can carry any pistol you want, you have to qualify with at least a .32.

Believe it or not, some people handle the recoil from a .45 better than a .40 or 9mm. The .45 is more of a push, while the .40 and 9mm tend to be much sharper.

[randomoutburst]

bdickens is right - she has to qualify with at least a .32 caliber so she'd better get to the range and start practicing with more than a .22.

I'm a woman, and I started off shooting a Kel-Tec PF9 (9mm). The recoil was horrendous but I didn't know it was until I shot something else! I took the "grin and bear it" route because I wanted to shoot. I now use a S&W Model 60 and the recoil from a .38 special isn't bad at all -- I could shoot it all day!

I strongly encourage you to take her to the range and perhaps rent a .22LR pistol for her to try. Once she's comfortable with that, bump her up to a .32. Then a .380 or .38 special. If she can take those calibers, it would be a better self-defense weapon. There are merits to .22LR but in a moment that could decide if you live or die, I personally don't want to leave it to chance.

Also explain to her that a heavier gun means she feels less recoil. My Model 60 is not by any means light, but it makes shooting more pleasant. If she can carry a gun that's a little heavier, it will help her recoil problem.

Two reasons I like my S&W Model 60: it comes in a 3" barrel option (a little easier to aim and shoot than a snubby, for me anyway), and I can also shoot .357 through it without a problem. So, at the range I shoot .38 special and then fire off 10 rounds of .357 just to feel it. The .357 hurts my hands but since I know I can handle at least ten shots in a row, I know I can carry .357 with me and handle it in a stressful situation.

I still shoot my .22 at the range, but I would never let my life depend on it over one of my other guns.

[blue]

Randomoutburst is RIGHT ON TARGET!!!

Well said!!!
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Run two bricks of .22lr to get the"training wheels off" then get a REAL caliber. The Model 60 is mighty hard to beat all around.

[randomoutburst]

Randomoutburst is RIGHT ON TARGET!!!

Well said!!!
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Run two bricks of .22lr to get the"training wheels off" then get a REAL caliber. The Model 60 is mighty hard to beat all around.

Although, I probably should admit that I'm not a typical woman. I'm more practical and no-nonsense than most women I know. That's probably why I don't drive my husband crazy...often.

Also, would you believe that a handful of salesmen had the gall to suggest an AirWeight over that Model 60 when I was looking for one? "Oh, honey, you'll only shoot .38 special anyway. Those .357s are a pain, so don't worry about getting one that can't shoot them. Plus it's light so you can keep it in your purse!" Yeah, they failed to notice that I carry a man's wallet, no purse, and could discuss why I chose the Model 60 in great detail. Needless to say, I didn't buy from them.

I think the way some (but by no means all!) sales clerks treat women looking for a gun has an impact on the women's confidence. If they suggest the woman needs a lighter gun in a smaller caliber she's going to think she can't handle much else. The clerk who helps her find one that fits her hand and has a recoil that's manageable will make the woman more confident in her abilities. Same thing with boyfriends and husbands. OP, build her confidence and let her know she doesn't have to carry a .22 "because she's a lady". If she's a lady she can carry the biggest, baddest thing she can handle.