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"The method I use and that I've demonstrated to her is the method that you describe, meat of the palm on top of the slide, grasp and push and pull at the same time. I am seriously considering suggesting that she take a training course from Crossfire."
You mentioned grasping and using a push and pull motion. In some of the programs for ladies the technique to grasp as you say with the palm, but close into the body, hands like unscrewing a jar and you push both hands toward each other is a much stronger method. My wife uses this and handles my 1911 45s just fine that way. Just a suggestion.

Gary

gwashorn wrote:"The method I use and that I've demonstrated to her is the method that you describe, meat of the palm on top of the slide, grasp and push and pull at the same time. I am seriously considering suggesting that she take a training course from Crossfire."
You mentioned grasping and using a push and pull motion. In some of the programs for ladies the technique to grasp as you say with the palm, but close into the body, hands like unscrewing a jar and you push both hands toward each other is a much stronger method. My wife uses this and handles my 1911 45s just fine that way. Just a suggestion.

Gary

I'm not sure I totally grasp (no pun intended) the concept of unscrewing the jar, but she tried this a few minutes ago. She was able to get the slide back but could not push the slide lock lever at the same time. This was on my P239. The spring tension seems to be too much for her to overcome. She really struggles to get the slide back.

If she is still open to the idea of an auto, take a look at the Beretta PX4 series. I looked at one today and found it to be one of the easiest slides to rack, the slide is tall and wide with plenty of material to grab (quite a bit different from my CZ!).


I'm a fan of the lever gun for personal protection. If heading down that route, take a look at the Henry rifles in addition to Marlin.




BTW, are you coming to the Forum Day at PSC? If so, I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities to try some folks' guns.

bnc wrote:If she is still open to the idea of an auto, take a look at the Beretta PX4 series. I looked at one today and found it to be one of the easiest slides to rack, the slide is tall and wide with plenty of material to grab (quite a bit different from my CZ!).


I'm a fan of the lever gun for personal protection. If heading down that route, take a look at the Henry rifles in addition to Marlin.




BTW, are you coming to the Forum Day at PSC? If so, I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities to try some folks' guns.

No, we won't be coming to the forum day this year. I hope to make it next year.

I'll check out the Henry's. Henry Repeaters were what got Custer his last stand.

If she needs to lock the slide back for storage, try using an empty mag to activate the slide lock.

baldeagle wrote:

gwashorn wrote:"The method I use and that I've demonstrated to her is the method that you describe, meat of the palm on top of the slide, grasp and push and pull at the same time. I am seriously considering suggesting that she take a training course from Crossfire."
You mentioned grasping and using a push and pull motion. In some of the programs for ladies the technique to grasp as you say with the palm, but close into the body, hands like unscrewing a jar and you push both hands toward each other is a much stronger method. My wife uses this and handles my 1911 45s just fine that way. Just a suggestion.

Gary

I'm not sure I totally grasp (no pun intended) the concept of unscrewing the jar, but she tried this a few minutes ago. She was able to get the slide back but could not push the slide lock lever at the same time. This was on my P239. The spring tension seems to be too much for her to overcome. She really struggles to get the slide back.

LOL, well, it has been a tough weekend here for me and I was trying to figure out a way to describe, though not very well, that the hands are in an opposing direction to each other. I really could have done a better job of trying to say that I think. But the goal is the same, hands close to the body and then grasping the top of the slide with the left hand, grip with right, (assuming you are right handed) and the push your hands toward each other. Gives the most leverage. It seems you got that part well. The operating the slide lock is another practiced thing. My wife has had the same problem.

Still others have offered varying options. I still stand by if she wants an auto, try to find a S&W3913. My wife operates it with ease so you may have the same luck. best of luck.

Gary

Thanks to everyone! The input has been invaluable. My wife has decided to enroll in Crossfire's Basic Pistol course, and she insisted that I attend with her. So, we will be attending the class together, and she will get to shoot a lot of different weapons. Perhaps some of the ones mentioned in this thread will be included. Also, we're meeting a forum member this week to shoot his P238, so things are progressing well at this point.

baldeagle wrote:Thanks to everyone! The input has been invaluable. My wife has decided to enroll in Crossfire's Basic Pistol course, and she insisted that I attend with her. So, we will be attending the class together, and she will get to shoot a lot of different weapons. Perhaps some of the ones mentioned in this thread will be included. Also, we're meeting a forum member this week to shoot his P238, so things are progressing well at this point.

Outstanding!

I think she's going to really enjoy herself and learn so much at the class. Keep us posted and encourage her to become a member here on the forum!

T.

Find an SP101 in 3" or 2" balance is pretty good weight is in range of 25-26 recoil with 38 +p or 38 special should be tolerable for her. Upgrade to Hogue or CTC grips The stock ones fit small hands but not as pleasant to shoot. and don't get th DAO only. My wife loves hers for semi auto try Kahr in 9 mm wife love her PM also. Not great hand strength she can rack the slide or pull the hammer back on the revolver with no problem and she will carry and shoot any of the three.

Well, we went to the Garland Public range this evening to meet up with Pawpaw and eliminated the P238 as a possible purchase for the wife. She didn't like it at all. However, Pawpaw brought some other guns, including a P239 in 9mm, and she liked that. She found the slide much easier to rack, and she wasn't bothered at all by the recoil. Who knew! It was surprising how much easier the slide was to rack on Pawpaw's 9mm than it was to rack my .357 Sig. Same gun, but big difference for her. I learned something new.

OTOH, I found that the P238 was a nice little gun that might make a great BUG. We did have some stovepiping issues, but the gun was factory, out of the box, with nothing but factory lube on it. I think Pawpaw will have some more to say about that, as he has some ideas what the problem might be.

I'm going to put it in another thread instead of hijacking yours.

It was great meeting you and your lovely wife! Thanks also for letting me shoot your P239. I had never shot .357 Sig before. It was a bit milder than I was expecting, but vastly different from my 9mm. The gun had an entirely different feel.

Good luck to you both on your quest!