ORIGINAL: Red Lion
I have a couple pistols that I sometimes shoot, such as a S&W .357, but was looking to purchase a pistol, preferably an auto, that my wife could learn to shoot comfortably, yet have some snort behind it to drop a man if necessary without emptying a magazine. The primary purpose of the pistol will be for protection.
Due to circumstance my wife has yet to learn to shoot, as I have barely had time to shoot and hunt myself the past 5 years of so. We plan to take some time soon to get her aquanted to shooting, but thinking longer term as well.
Any suggestions for pistols would be fantastic. Also, I would prefer that the pistol not brake the bank as well. Thanks ahead of time.
IF you insist on a semi-auto, I would have her begin with a .22 LR semiauto like a Ruger, and let her shoot alot until she acquires some marksmanship skill. But even more important,
if you are going to equip her with a semi-auto,
is for her to developINSTINCTIVE safe handling habits. It is a serious mistake to equip a beginner with a semi-auto without making ABSOLUTELY SURE the person learns to handle it safely and effectively! Otherwise, it is more dangerous to her and the rest of the family than to the bad guys!! Believe me. I've seen this happen, even in the Army, by people who had been given the "required training!!"
Once she gets to the point where she can safely and effectively employ the Ruger 22, get her a small version of the Kimber 1911-types in .40 S&W, or better yet, .45 ACP. My wife is 5'3" tall, and will not shoot any handgun except for
"my .45", as she calls it
!!
Avoid all the pipsqueak "pocket pistols" and their pipsqueak cartridges - the .22 LR hollowpoint is A MORE EFFECTIVE DEFENSE roundthan the .25, .32 ACP or .380!
If you don't want to spring for a .22 semiauto, start her off with your .357 revolver, shooting .38 Special wadcutter target ammo. It has about the same recoil as the .22, is very accurate, and not too loud. Make sure she has real good ear protection -I've seen more beginners scared away from handguns by the NOISE they make than by recoil!