.380 or 9mm for my wife?
One year ago I had to sell my wife's Walther stainless .380 to a friend who is unwilling to sell it back. She had never fired it so I have no idea if it was for her anyway. I am in a position to buy another Walther (because she likes it) but got to thinking that this is not the best self defense round out there. She is small, slightly under 5 feet, but strong. I saw a recent gun test on the Smith 908S (9mm, stainless, 3.5" barrel) and thought maybe this is a better choice for her. Anyone have any thoughts on these two pistols as a self defense weapon in comparison and contrast?
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9mm. It's easier to learn to handle the recoil then replace a wife because she used an under-powered round for self-defense.
New Hampshire, USA - "Live Free or Die!!!"0 -
What about a Makarov? Right between the 380 and the 9mm Luger. All steel, cheap, utterly reliable and usually fits a small hand quite well.
"When I cease learning...I'm dead"(Me)
"When I was 14 I used to marvel at how ignorant my old man was...by the time I was 21 I was truelly amazed at how much the old bugger had learned in the intervening 7 years!" Samuel Clemens
"History is written by winners"(Patton)
"You get a lot farther with a kind word and a gun than you do with a kind word alone!"(Al Capone)
"There is nothing lower than the human race...except the French" (Samuel Clemens)0 -
Biggest thing she can carry and isn't afraid to pull the trigger. The only way to find out is to try a few. Is there a range that rents pistols locally? Have any friends with guns?? In general, because of the different action type, there really isn't any recoil difference between 380 and 9mm, 0 -
I hate the PPK in .380, as it stings my hand; I can't imagine that your wife would shoot it enough to become proficient. There are plenty of 9mm's that are a lot easier for women to shoot.
Neal0 -
I don't have experience with the two guns mentioned above but how about a sub-compact glock? Also what method of carry will she be using? On body or in a purse? That all comes into play when selecting a firearm. 0 -
9mm or larger My 2 cents [8D]
Greg
Former Marine
A N G L I C O0 -
I consider the 9mm to be the minimum for self defense. If she does not practice with her handgun, it will be a mute point anyway as she will not be able to hit anything. Start her on a .22 and work her up until the recoil starts to bother her and then back down to the last one she liked or can handle. If she can handle the .45 acp that would be the best. 0 -
Gotta agree with the above posters. 9mm and have her practice enough to be comfortable with it.
There are so many more available defense rounds and plinking ammo is cheaper in 9mm than .380.0 -
Chapsyny: Thanks for taking the time to reply. I was just about ready to get the .380 and got to thinking it might not be the best choice.
Thanks!0 -
1KYDSTR: Thanks for advice. What type of Makarov would you recommend? 0 -
haroldchrismeyer: Yes, and thanks for the reply. There is a local range and I plan to take her soon. I don't think she will have a problem with recoil. Again thanks. 0 -
nmyers: Thanks. If the recoil is about the same, I imagine there is a greater selection of 9mm loads for self defense. I tote a .40 cal or two and it seems to scare people off. In addition. I've had a couple of elbow surgeries and the .40s can bother them. I'm thinking maybe I need to do more plinking with the 9mm (funny thing, the .45's don't seem to bother me as much as the .40s) Anyway, this is really help so I appreciate it! 0 -
ContactFront: Thanks for the headsup. Your suggestion is something I will look into. Most of the time she will have it at home otherwise in her purse. Again, thanks. 0 -
Ga1916: Your two cents is worth a lot. I was all set to buy another
.380 like the one I sold, and then I saw an article on the
Smith 908S. Here is a stainless steel 9mm with all the bells
and whistles, only a 3.5" barrel, good write ups, and not too
much larger or more expensive than the Walther. So I wanted
to check with you folks first.0 -
Pinhead: You are right. I can start her on the .22 Ruger auto and work up from there. Lots of folks have told me the 9mm is the minimum and from what I have read, seems to be the best choice for her. Again, thanks for the advice. I forgot about the .22. That's a great idea! 0 -
Vortech347: And I agree with you. Makes a lot of sense the more I think about it. I wouldn't want the .380 for a primary gun so why give it to her? Anyway, for all who posted, you have settled the issue for me, I really appreciate it and keep up the good work! I'll let you know how it goes when I get it (after starting on the .22) and I think she will be pleased. 0 -
Is your heart set on an auto? A compact 5 shot revolver in .357 might do the trick for two reasons. A double action revolver is about the easiest to use out there, no safety to worry with. Just pull the trigger. The .357 will accept the easy on the hand recoil .38. Let the wife get proficient with light .38 rounds and load the .357 for carry and defence. If it comes time to use it in that situation, recoil will not be noticed.
Earl0 -
Colt Pony .380 or a Colt Pocket 9 0 -
Notpars,
I will have to agree with Earlwell, does it have to be a Semi-Auto?
You mention she will be either carrying it in her purse or have it at home. I think her best bet would be a 357 mag (brand of her choice) with like a 2" barrel.
Pros: Gun is simple to operate in high stress situations. Can be carried in a purse safely. 38 Special is cheap for practice and training. You get rid of all the malfunctions a semi auto can have.
38+P or 357Mag is an effective man stopper if shot placement is there. Hammerless models available so that it won't snag while drawing from a purse.0
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