Weapon for wife

My wife is 5 foot 6 about 125 pounds. I would like to keep it simple and give her an ak since I have ammo stockpiled and we would both be carrying compatible weapons. Im just worried by her size that she would be better off with maybe a pistol carbine or AR where she could carry more rounds and or have to carry less weight.... what says you?

I know you are trying to keep one type of ammo, but you might consider an AK 74 (5.45). These things have almost no recoil, are very accurate and will retain the AK platform if that is what you are comfortable with. Otherwise, I suggest a 16" AR middy for her in 5.56.

My wife is significantly smaller than yours.

What I've found is that the weight of the weapon is NOT important, only OAL. She can't hold or shoot my field 12 gauge. She can hold and shoot her youth model 20 gauge quite well. And the AR15 is even easier for her to hold and use. All are in the same ballpark in weight, the only difference is length. In fact, the first time my wife shot my AR, she said "I want you to build one of these for me."

Get her an AR, and teach her how to use it. Don't deck it out with all the heavy tactic00l stuff. Keep it simple, and she'll love it.

When I take women shooting their favorite is always my AR. (16" middy)

This is the near perfect womans rifle without going to an sbr.........
16" middy built with love and top quality parts...... only thing it's missing is a tlr1 for a light.

Her name is Sherrie she weighs in at 8lb 7.75oz loaded with sling as pictured

Its not so much the weapon itself, although in any situation where you're planning to carry something, lighter is good. Probably for a woman, I've shot quite a bit..and the biggest issue I had starting out was muscular. I coulld pick up a gun and shoot it, but after a few hours, I was exhausted.

My preference would be a 16" middy, but its up to her..comminization makes sense, though.

Cover both bases own an AR and an AK.
Or, get her an AK but give her 10, 20-round mags.

You do realize that your wife is taller and a bit heavier than quite a few of the NVA and Viet Cong, including the women. They had no trouble "handling" the AK47.

Beat me to it.

Double tap...

How about a 22 rifle?

My wife has an AR (okay I built her one that is really mine), and she shoots it okay. When I give her a 22 rifle or pistol to shoot, she shoots them very well. I know as men we dream of our signifcant other carrying a rifle similiar to us so that we can be 'shooting buddies' in SHTF, but we should be more realistic. I would rather my wife shoot well and be experienced with her weapons, than shoot crappy with an AR or AK.

A good 22 rifle/ammo combo can be carried with LOTS of ammo for a SHTF situation.

~DoubleA~

Why not consider a Carbon AR15 carbine [~5#] or even a AR15 carbon pistol [~3#] from Bushmaster.

I can fairly consistantly hit steel at 100 yds with the Carbon pistol and an Eotech.

We've had great service from them so far and a hell of a lot of performance for the weight.

For a lightweight pistol [1.3 lbs !] that packs a LOT of firepower, up to 30 rds, and easy to carry a lot of ammo due to the light weight, a Five Seven pistol is hard to beat. Flat shooting, large cavity and excellent penetration thru barriers vs other pistol calibers.

For example zips right thru 1/4" al plate that a 9mm from a G17 just dents. Amazing pistol.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FN_Five-seven

What does she like/want and/or shoot well? One of those is what I'd get her, regardless of what it was...

Exactly.

My SO likes the 5-7 vs G17 because it's easier to handle, way more fire power, less recoil, more fun to shoot, more reliable for her, I like it too.

Now for 'downtown' CCW, that's a different application entirely.

OP, you otta enable your wife to try a lot of different guns to see what works for her.

My wife had trouble handling the AK due to it being vey muzzle heavy and the sites being cruddy. She couldnt keep it up in offhand shooting for more than 20 rounds.
Got her a AR15 with pencil barrel and collapsible stock and she is happy as can be.

You comparing 3rd world ppl vs developed world ppl , Im pretty sure they were a bit more used to things not being comfortable .


For the wife , mine loves her LW 16 Ar build . She says all of my guns feel stupid

My wife (5'1" @ 110lbs) is doing like she has with all of her guns. She is shooting what she can get her hands on and making up her own opinion as she goes. With pistols she shot everything from a 1911 to my G17 and G26. She eventually settled on an M&P9 then went about ordering parts she felt it needed. She got the APEX Tactical DCAEK, APEX Tactical RAM, and the APEX Tactical Failure Resistant Extractor and had me install them for her. Now she puts somewhere in the neighborhood of 400 rounds through it a month.

For her rifle she is building one in her head first, deciding each part she wants before she buys it. I'm not letting her buy junk, so she runs anything she doesn't know about by me. So far she has decided that she wants a light weight 12.5" Light Weight Barrel, with a heavier stock UBR/ACS, Geissele SSA-E Trigger, and either a small transverse battery Eotech or a Trijicon Accupoint 1-4x. That or a LaRue PredatAR, with everything exactly the way she wants it.

And whenever we can afford to buy whatever she wants, she can have it. She has already called the next AR that we buy.

Kinda sucks having a wife that knows about guns because she recognizes whenever I do something to one of mine and there is nothing I can sneak by her.

Before you buy your wife a weapon, buy her some professional training. Among other things, it'll make the answer to your question very clear.

I agree witht the training but I don't know if I would wait to buy the gun. Things are getting kind of wonky and guns are starting to get scarce.

Also realistically if she doesn't like to shoot you are still going to buy her a gun anyway. Why well sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we do things we may not like. I hate mowing the lawn, but I still own a lawnmower.

Take her out and have her shoot your AK. Teach her how to do it properly and see how she handles it. My guess is that she can handle it just fine. If for some odd reason she just can't catch on, then I'd go the 9mm carbine route (for commonality of ammo, affordability, and sheer ease of operation). But have her shoot the AK first.

I'd get her a pistol regardless, as I consider a sidearm a necessity.

You might consider putting an AR15-style collapsable stock on the ak so she can adjust the lop to her liking.

They were a bit more used to SHTF, too.

My Valentine's Day gift to her a few years ago. I also have all the furniture in classic black for a formal night out on the town.




FB

I maybe wrong but don't they make an AR style rifle that fires AK 7.62 rounds. An as the man said Charlie and some of them baby troops in africa pack an AK just fine.

I got my wife a Beretta Storm in 9MM. Added the rails and Primary Arms Red Dot, Vertical Grip and sling. She has never shot before and now she loves it. The gun is perfect for her, compact, no kick. She really likes shooting now and was hitting 12 gauge hulls at about 20 yards on her second time out. She doesn't mind my Glock, but is much better with the Storm.

I fail to see how the weight of a AK is a big deal?

Most likely it'll be hanging from it's sling most the time. If bullets start flying you're not going to be going "oh geez my gun is so uncomfortable and heavy, time out guys, I need a break". Now if the LOP or general ergonomics aren't good for her, then definitely get something other than the AK. Training and practice will be required, you just wont get used to a gun any other way.

Remember, the difference between an AK and a say a Carbon 15 is only a couple of pounds. If you were comparing a AK to a completely decked out AR-10 platform you could be talking about DOUBLE the weight. Having a primary rifle and a pistol would be ideal, but if you only choose one I wouldn't limit yourself, or her, to just the pistol if you are really expecting to need it.

If you're small and carrying a slung rifle all day, a couple pounds can matter.

I'm 5'6" and wish I weighed only 125. You don't need "ammo compatibility". Small people need short length of pull, like a commie AK or a bullpup.

The PS90 would be great for her. Women also like the Five-Seven pistol for its light slide pull.

I manage with a standard AR w/ telescopic stock.

When all things considered, weight is a big deal unless you're just going to the range or plinking.

PS90 is too HEAVY. Wish they weren't. Better to stick w/ a lightweight AR.

Slide pull on a 5-7 isn't real light either. Just tried, nope, not light at all.

I would sugest this got a chance to shoot one recently and was suprised at the weight and feel.

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=GM442164&merchID=4009&from=search

I don't know what on earth you plan on having your wife do, but I'd get her a Ruger 10/22 and a Mossberg 550/20ga and let her pick the best one for the application at hand. If a WIFE needs more than this (unless she is into guns) then you have probably failed as a husband.

If you already have an AK, try a shorter stock on it and see if she handles it better.

Well I think one has failed as a husband if they dont teach their wife how to handle firearms and at least basic combatives. I also think they fail if they think in every situation they should defend their family solo and that there wont be situations where it would be of great advantage to have another tactically proficient individual also in the fight (even if that person is your wife)

I read it and wondered why he was trading his wife for a weapon? Seriously I have a pair of mini 14s, for some reasong the women in my world like them. They are pretty compact, low recoil. I have an early one...I bought it at Sears, and a stainless ranch rifle

Seriously?

First Why wouldn't I want her to be better prepared? Secondly, two shooters are better than one and might just be the difference that keeps you both alive. Third, I am not immortal, I can die and if I do I would like her to be ready. And lastly we are preppers we cover all our bases.

I think a husband is a failure if he would supply his wife with a less than optimal weapon for self defense. Would you want a .22 or a twenty gauge? Are you naive enough to believe a woman can't handle more? My wife can shoot any weapon we own if she couldn't I would have failed as a prepper and a husband. In fact her accuracy with a rifle, up to and including a garand, is better than this former Marine.

Would I ever want her to fight? Hell no, I hope I always have that choice and am never faced with such a terrible circumstance.

Extended carry and use of a long arm can lead to muscle fatigue, which will affect focus and performance. Choosing a weapon that fits you, both in size and weight, will have significant ramifications in an actual firefight. I had the barrel turned and went to a lighter quad rail on my patrol rifle and managed to shave a pound off. It made a huge difference in how the weapon handled on long range days and on long duration calls. Don't think "only a couple pounds" isn't worth the effort.

As for training, definitely get her professional training. Most wives don't learn well when being taught by their husbands. There are exceptions, but unless you know for sure you are one it is better to have a professional teach her. Take a class with her, it will be beneficial for both of you.

Have you looked at lever action rifles? Shoots pistol ammo that in 357 mag, 44 mag and 45LC that can pack a punch without to much recoil. They are simple to use many woman in the 1800's used them. I'm looking more at the 45LC because I reload and can load it for low recoil cowboy to full power rounds that can take any North American game. If she is going to shoot a lot and get training then go with the AR-15.

+1

My wife is very small and has a connective tissue disorder to boot but she can handle an AR or a PCC. I definitely think something is better than nothing, but I'd never willingly elect to have a loved one defend themselves or the family with a .22LR.

Smart men.

How about a Glock 19 and a Keltec SU2000??? My wife has an easier time with the KelTec SU 2000 than she does the Glock but we're working on improving this situation.

Do you people not realize how far out the implied question is? Under what circumstances does the OP plan for he and his wife to be geared up and out "carrying" rifles outside the home with the expectation of combat - - not mere self defense - - but implied combat.

If his wife is so into guns to entertain this herself, the question is mute - - she can decide for herself. In fact, if she is as into it as he is, she would be posting the question. Since she is obviously not posting and I don't recall him talking about her as if she is into guns, I am suggesting weapons to complement the overall survival scenario and whatever he feels HE NEEDS for defense. Whatever, the situation, I would prefer my wife to be behind me with a 20 ga or handgun - - I will not allow her to be in front of me, or even beside me - her job is to protect the children from within a place of strong cover. My wife is not into guns so simple is best (this is the norm with women - like it or not). If yours is different - congratulations. How does your wife feel about your scenarios OP?

I don't disagree with the notion that most women will not be as into guns as their male counterparts. My wife is no exception. She doesn't post on ARFCOM and only shoots occasionally compared to me. But she's home alone alot with the kids when I'm at work and if the SHTF she's gonna need to step up to some degree, like it or not. She understands this and was willing to become reasonably proficient with a few weapon platforms. She won't be using my .300 Win Mag or my .50 BMG but she can handle an AR and a sidearm.

My wife isn't into framing houses but if we were preparing for the possible need for her to frame houses I wouldn't make her use a tack hammer. The same is true for using a .22 for defensive purposes. I have no beef with the recommendation of the 20ga.

ETA: If she can handle a 20ga, an AR should be easy by comparison.

You gotta keep the ammo compatible. Given that - I'd get an AK with an adjustable stock that can fit her frame. The recoil of a 7.62x39 isn't much more than a 9mm carbine. I started my wife on a CX4 9mm and she easily moved up to a 5.56. I'm fine with her wanting to use the CX4 since its still using our 9mm pistol ammo - so perhaps a pistol carbine in your common pistol ammo is a good option. She's gotta be comfortable and CONFIDENT with her weapon. Bar none.

Tayous, I have one in .45LC, it is so easy to shoot, also a Ranch hand...it has no recoil with factory loads....

When I saw the thread title, "Weapon for wife", the first thought that popped into my mind was what kind of weapon and what kind of wife. I can't tell if it's a good trade without knowing the details.

My wife who is not a shooter, can hit soda cans at a 100 w/ the AR/ACOG.
but she prefers the Tac Sol LT .22 upper and red dot.
the upper is easily a pound lighter (and inch shorter) than most AR uppers,
doesnt require a buffer or spring, so a folder gets quite small.
plus, (hopefully) she can carry tons more ammo from subs to hyper.


sorry, no kommie guns due to compatibility issues
...

I understand that the weight of the rifle will wear on you over time, and that a lighter rifle will help counter that for longer. But in all honesty how likely is it that he and his wife will need to be humping rifles & ammo around with a good chance they need to use them? Not very, and if that situation comes I'd rather have the benefits of two compatible weapons shooting similar ammo instead of some compromise the OP came up with from ARFCOM.

Get a AK or SKS or other ammo compatible weapon in her hands and see how she feels about it. She might just like it, and the weight might not bother her.

You are correct that it is unlikely she will need the rifle in the context you describe. I freely admit that my experience with rifles has biased me toward lighter ones. I can even tell you the specific incident that made me swear off heavy rifles. We had a guy that abducted, tased, tied up, and raped a female for hours. She managed to escape, naked, and get help. We set up on the house and I was on perimeter for 8.5 hours with a rifle that weighed 10lbs. 10lbs doesn't sound like much until you have it at the ready for over 8 hours. At the end of that 8 hours I ended up on the stack that made entry and I noticed that arm fatigue was definitely a factor. I decided that day I was never going to carry an HBAR again. (funny side note: the guy was jacking off watching porn when the flash bang went off, and it lit a pile of his child porn on fire... you can't make this shit up)

I've learned alot since then (this was many years ago) and everything I've learned as an officer and rifle instructor has lead me to the conclusion that lighter is better for a tactical rifle. I once subscribed to the idea that a heavy barrel meant better accuracy. I'm not saying that's necessarily wrong (though quality of barrel certainly is more important than profile) but for actual field use I shoot better with a light gun that handles better and creates less fatigue, and I'm not a little guy. Light rifles are just easier to use at the ranges (usually under 25 yards) and in the manner (typcially moving and changing positions rapidly) that is common with self defense and LEO shooting scenarios.

I agree that for ammo compatibility reasons it would be wise to have her try out an AK or an SKS. If they are comfortable for her, then by all means go with one. If they are uncomfortable for her it would be wise to look at other options. If she is uncomfortable shooting them she will not want to practice and will never become proficient enough to serve the roll he's interested in. At that point, what ammo the gun takes doesn't matter.

Good post.

Looks like we agree

10lbs is a heavy rifle. I know the guys with .50's will say 10lbs is nothing, but that's not a realistic choice of weapon to carry for hours.

A simple AR or AK not loaded down with tacticool shit should weight in around 5-6 pounds unloaded. I'm going to guess if your weapon had weighed 5-6lbs that day, you wouldn't of had as much muscle fatigue. It may have even been barely noticeable. These weapons were designed to be carried constantly, they're not feathers and they will cause muscle fatigue over time, but their capabilities make them worthwhile to carry over pistols are other lighter guns.

You're right about her not training if she doesn't like the gun. I think she should get something she is comfortable with and enjoys shooting. Hopefully that is also a good defensive weapon if the need to use it ever comes. If it's not, it may not be a bad idea to have a spare AK anyways. You can do a lot of learning and training with a .22lr AR15, and this skills you acquire from that can then be applied to other weapons. There will be a learning curve for that weapon, but they all do the same basic thing. If things are truly so bad that you both need to have long guns engaging bad guys, she won't care what gun you have for her. Obviously this isn't the ideal course of action, try to get her interested and comfortable with a fully capable rifle if you can.

My wife for example loves shooting shotguns now. I took her shooting with the 10/22 first however to get her used to the basic. This is how you need to hold it, this is how you need to aim it, ect ect. She thought it was fun for the first couple rounds but then wasn't interested. She took what I had showed her though and applied it, so we moved on to the 870. Yeah I know that's a big jump in calibers but she wanted to shoot clay pigeons. Anyways, on the 870 all I had to do was show her how it operated, and she was still doing the rest just fine. Once she figured out how to lead the clay's she was nailing them pretty consistently. She's been shown how the AR works also, but doesn't care for it. She thinks it's too loud. In all of the times we've gone shooting she's never complained about the weight of the guns. Of course were not standing with our guns ready for 8 hours, but she is considerably weaker than me and I know I wasn't enjoying the weight of a 28" 870 after 200 target rounds. Our wives are tougher than we give them credit for. They might not be as strong as us, but they're tough when it counts.

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