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You may also want to take a look at an XD.

Mrs. Hammer carries a Glock 26 at 2 o'clock IWB, but she's not entirely happy. She's looking at thinner pistols. The Kahr was a nice size, but she didn't like shooting it. The search is still on. Until then, it's the purse.

If you like the sub compact 1911 ergonomics, I suggest looking at the HK 2000sk in 40 or 357. It can be had in double/single action, which I reccommend.

If you are comfortable with double action, the 2000sk is available in that configuration as well.

I am also happy with a double action Tarus pt 111 in 9mm. It is small, concealable and has never missed a lick. My wife uses it most of the time.

Although it would be my first choice, my Colt Defender is too finicky for me to carry it and feel confident that it will work reliably.

VP,

My wife tried several guns. She didn't like Kahrs or Glocks(ergonomic/grip issues). She ended up with a SIG P239/40 S&W.

Take Charles up on the offer to shoot his wife's P239 before you deceide.

My wife didn't want to look at double stack guns. I've handled the Springfield XD compact, the Walther/S&W 99 compacts and the Taurus Millenium Pros. They all have a slim grip compared to a Glock26/27.

Concealment (for women) is another story. My wife is 90% purse carry.
She has the best luck with a bellyband. Limited sucess with OWB. And NO luck at all IWB.

The P239 is the heaviest of the bunch but it conceals well and shoots great!

Good Luck, OE

VP you can't go wrong with a Glock the 19 is almost the perfect carry gun. If you want a single stack that is rock solid reliable then take a look at an S&W 3913 or an S&W 908S they are basically the same gun one just has more whistles and bells. The Sig a d XD are good choices too.

I shy away from any 1911 pattern pistol with a 3" barrel I've seen too many of them choke even on ball ammo. If your heart is set on a 1911 then get a Commander length gun or longer. Reliability is the foremost criteria in a carry gun if it won't go bang every time you pull the trigger then it's just an expensive paperweight.

Good luck in your quest.

looked at one @ Top Gun today. Really nice - 11 rd mag

I'll probably take Charles up on his offer. Dh wants to make a purchase, so I need to make a decision.
(I may even take Donna up on SRVA's offer. )

The people at the range even mentioned that it could have been the gun, but I won't risk my life on it. (I'm more inclined to believe it was the user, especially since I don't have much strength in the wrists.)

I can't go with a Glock. For me, Glocks are blocks. They're fun to shoot, reliable, but if I wear it in the front, it looks like I've had a sex-change operation. (Is that kosher with the ten-year-old daughter rule?) If I wear it in back, it isn't really concealed. (I considered this gun and the Springfield XD for their ease of use, reliabililty, and affordability.)

I definitely need something slim, both to fit in my hands and IWB. (It's against my religion to carry in my purse; I'm constantly leaving it places.)

I will probably be out there sunday sorting out some problems with my new 1911. You can shoot my XD if you want to try it out, it's not a compact but it shoots about the same and has almost the same grip. Compact version is a bit shorter. If you are into revolvers I can bring the S&W 642 I got my mom, she loves it for concealability.

You could also take a look at the CZ line .
I have the 2075 Rami w/14rd mag that gives you a better grip than with
the 10rd mag.
I think they are very good and very under rated .
I got mine at Texas Tripods in Spring.

VP, as stated before, don't rely on the operation or accuracy of a rental.

When we were looking for a carry weapon for my oldest daughter (the last of the brood to get CHL) she tried sveral rentals and none were reliable as far as accuracy and a few with operation. She was set on a G19 because she used one for her class and shot well with it.

However, I took her to handle different guns that I knew would be reliable and she fell in love with the XD9 subcompact. Just had to add grip extenders for her (large hands). Tou could probably use it without the extenders as your hands are not as large as hers.

If you are looking for a larger caliber, they have the XD40 subcompact as well.

You pretty much know the reliable brands. See what feels right for you to hold and carry. Then try a rental to see if you can handle the recoil. Don't worry as much about sighting or failures.

Venus Pax:

Once you've settled on a selection, please come online and let us know what your choice was.

I know several females that have decided to get their CHL after talking with my wife, but they have no experience with pistols and she sent them my way. Your feedback would help me help them.

I would also be very interested in what you choose as your carry method (holster, location, and concealment method).

Good luck on your search!

Right now, I carry a Bersa .380 in a Comp-Tac shirt tucker holster (kydex).
Most of the time, this works very well for me, although dh swears that I'm printing. (Usually there's a bulge if my clothing isn't loose enough, but the holster breaks up the print.)

My frustration is with wanting to carry a "big girl gun". I want to carry a 9mm or larger, but want to shoot it comfortably. I also need to be able to hide it.
I'm meeting up w/ Charles tomorrow, so I'll let you know what I decide on.

If 9mm is big enough, you might consider the 908 or 3913 S&W.

http://tinyurl.com/sv9so

http://tinyurl.com/yjpy8a

At the last George R. Brown show, the 908's were $469 new and as low as $285 used.

I saw a used 3913 there for $469.

Another choice might be the CW9 Kahr.

http://www.kahr.com/pistols_9mm.html

They were $399 new and $350 used.

I've decided on a 1911. Charles taught me a better grip that will help hold the gun better.
I'm also looking at a steel frame, which has a heavier weight. I shot his guns several times and feel comfortable with a small, heavy gun.

A convert!

Let us know when you pick the make and model.