So my wife changed her opinion about guns

[lawrnk]

I had a post recently about my wife being pretty anti-gun. This last weekend, with the massive windstorm, my wife heard something at the door while I was gone. When she got home, she stated I would like to learn how to fire one gun well for defense. My defense gun at the moment is a large frame Glock 22. She is petite, and I wonder if this is a good gun for her to master. Frankly, I'm thinking about just buying her a gun that is powerful enough, but not so much to scare her from it.

[seamusTX]

There are advantages to getting your wife set up with an instructor. Many instructors will allow a student to shoot a selection of the instructor's handguns.

There are also advantages (and disadvantages) to big, heavy revolvers.

P.S.: I'm sorry it took a scare to get your wife interested in shooting, but I'm glad she has come "into the light." My wife and I shoot together and enjoy it.

- Jim

[flintknapper]

I had a post recently about my wife being pretty anti-gun. This last weekend, with the massive windstorm, my wife heard something at the door while I was gone. When she got home, she stated I would like to learn how to fire one gun well for defense. My defense gun at the moment is a large frame Glock 22. She is petite, and I wonder if this is a good gun for her to master. Frankly, I'm thinking about just buying her a gun that is powerful enough, but not so much to scare her from it.

Very sensible of her.

May I humbly suggest that you take her to a gun shop/show and let her handle different pistols....rather than just "buying her one".

Even though you may have "parameters" in terms of home defense needs (auto vs. revolver, caliber, capacity, budget,etc...) I think it very important to let the ladies pick the weapon that feels right in their hand.

Too, I've never known a woman that didn't like to go "shopping". It's the female version of "hunting" IMO.

Good for both of you!

Flint.

[Keith B]

I had a post recently about my wife being pretty anti-gun. This last weekend, with the massive windstorm, my wife heard something at the door while I was gone. When she got home, she stated I would like to learn how to fire one gun well for defense. My defense gun at the moment is a large frame Glock 22. She is petite, and I wonder if this is a good gun for her to master. Frankly, I'm thinking about just buying her a gun that is powerful enough, but not so much to scare her from it.

If you want to stick with SA and Glock, let her try a 19 or 26. 9mm will be easier on her than a .40 and the frame is definately smaller. Another SA option is a KelTec P3AT, PF9 or for a little more money, a Kahr PM9. However, these will be a little more snappy on recoil due to the smaller size.

The other option for small handed folks is a small frame revolver. Easy for a starting gun and really fool-proof for a someone not knowledgeable on clearing malfunctions if they have to shoot by themselves.

[lawrnk]

There are advantages to getting your wife set up with an instructor. Many instructors will allow a student to shoot a selection of the instructor's handguns.

There are also advantages (and disadvantages) to big, heavy revolvers.

P.S.: I'm sorry it took a scare to get your wife interested in shooting, but I'm glad she has come "into the light." My wife and I shoot together and enjoy it.

- Jim

The instructor is a really great idea. Know any good ones around Houston?
Thanks, maybe this is a way I can slide her into enjoy shooting.

[lawrnk]

She does like shopping! I was also thinking about a range with a wide selection of rentals as well.

I had a post recently about my wife being pretty anti-gun. This last weekend, with the massive windstorm, my wife heard something at the door while I was gone. When she got home, she stated I would like to learn how to fire one gun well for defense. My defense gun at the moment is a large frame Glock 22. She is petite, and I wonder if this is a good gun for her to master. Frankly, I'm thinking about just buying her a gun that is powerful enough, but not so much to scare her from it.

Very sensible of her.

May I humbly suggest that you take her to a gun shop/show and let her handle different pistols....rather than just "buying her one".

Even though you may have "parameters" in terms of home defense needs (auto vs. revolver, caliber, capacity, budget,etc...) I think it very important to let the ladies pick the weapon that feels right in their hand.

Too, I've never a woman that didn't like to go "shopping". It's the female version of "hunting" IMO.

Good for both of you!

Flint.

[lawrnk]

I had a post recently about my wife being pretty anti-gun. This last weekend, with the massive windstorm, my wife heard something at the door while I was gone. When she got home, she stated I would like to learn how to fire one gun well for defense. My defense gun at the moment is a large frame Glock 22. She is petite, and I wonder if this is a good gun for her to master. Frankly, I'm thinking about just buying her a gun that is powerful enough, but not so much to scare her from it.

If you want to stick with SA and Glock, let her try a 19 or 26. 9mm will be easier on her than a .40 and the frame is definately smaller. Another SA option is a KelTec P3AT, PF9 or for a little more money, a Kahr PM9. However, these will be a little more snappy on recoil due to the smaller size.

The other option for small handed folks is a small frame revolver. Easy for a starting gun and really fool-proof for a someone not knowledgeable on clearing malfunctions if they have to shoot by themselves.

Keith, I like the idea of the Glock 9mm. I own a Pf-9 at the moment, but the recoil would make her pretty uncomfortable. I'm going to research the 19 and 26. Thanks!

[Jeremae]

The instructor is a really great idea. Know any good ones around Houston?
Thanks, maybe this is a way I can slide her into enjoy shooting.

*cough cough*

Compvest
SRVA
ElGato
..........

[htxred]

cant go wrong with a glock 19, 300lb men shoot it, along with 12 year old girls.

[seamusTX]

Compvest
SRVA
ElGato

What he said. Compvest runs ladies only programs at a couple of ranges. My wife shot with her and found the experience very educational and empowering.

Charles Cotton is also an instructor.

- Jim

[nitrogen]

She might want a heavier gun. My wife hates my M&P but LOVES my 1911. Go figure.

[Charles L. Cotton]

I'd be happy to have you and your wife join me at PSC and she can shoot several different pistols to find one she likes.

Chas.

[GrillKing]

I agree about getting an instructor to teach your wife. The two quickest ways to divorce:

Teaching your wife to shoot (if you have preconceived notions of what gun is best)

and

Hanging wall paper together.

Rely on the professional in both cases!!!

[lawrnk]

Compvest
SRVA
ElGato

What he said. Compvest runs ladies only programs at a couple of ranges. My wife shot with her and found the experience very educational and empowering.

Charles Cotton is also an instructor.

- Jim

Thanks, I will message Compvest about a class. I think my wife would enjoy a ladies only course.

[lawrnk]

I'd be happy to have you and your wife join me at PSC and she can shoot several different pistols to find one she likes.

Chas.

Thank you Chas, that is very kind of you. I'll PM you.