Posted: 3/27/2003 6:53:42 PM EDT
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Well the girlfriend will have her CCW tomorrow. I saw a S&W titanium .38 that takes plus Ps w/a 3" barrel that I might pick up for her for now, but I'd rather get her a semi, and I think she would have more fun with one. My Glock 19 has too thick a grip for her (she's just a teeny little thing  ). I thought about a Sig 239, but I did get an e-mail from OPS that they had several women who had trouble working the trigger in the rain with 239s in a recent class and they had better luck with Kahrs. I'm a little hesitant about Kahrs, I know some guys here have good luck with them, but I have heard bad things too.Any other single stack 9s that you guys can think of? I think Springfield Armory makes a 9mm 1911, but I think that would be too big for her to have fun shooting it. |
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Have you considered the Browning Hi-Power? For a double stack 9mm, its very thin and ergonomic. It's also lighter than a 1911. Another choice, the HK P7M8...PRICEY, yet very good. S&W 3900 series pistols are pretty thin, however, they are currently only available in the TSW versions, and S&Ws never particularly impressed me. |
Relatively easy, the stiffest portion of its motion is at the very end, when you have the most leverage. She should be able to easily handle it. Not to mention, its a gas operated pistol with a light slide sitting LOW on the frame. Its very low recoil. |
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P7 is decent, but waaayyy overpriced IMO. I would look hard at a grip reduction on a G19...or even better, a G17... since parts, etc. are much easier to find. She will shoot the full size gun better so long as she can grip it well. The P7 operates like NO other firearm out there...maybe OK for you, but what about her? After a box or two of ammo, it also gets pretty warm in the trigger/triggerguard area. Another issue with the P7 is that under stress, or if the user should slip, etc. it is damn near impossible to NOT tighten the grip on the pistol, thus cocking the striker and setting up a possible AD should good finger discipline not be observed. After owning several, including a P13 and one of the .40 caliber clunks, I am happy to be rid of P7's. The Beretta model mentioned is the 92M, but I think Beretta may not import it anymore since sales were flat. The 225 is a great gun, and while it is also no longer imported, there are enough around that you should be able to find one pretty easily. Do not rule out some of the other slim double-stack guns such as the BHP or the Walther P99's, either. |
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I've been pretty impressed with the Kahr pistols I've seen lately. They are thin and seem to be a quality gun. I've shot a 9mm model and have been considering adding one to the collection. You can get subcompact frames all the way up to their tactical model, which still looks to be on the thin and small side. Most of the Kahrs I've seen are much cheaper than a P7 and usually quite a bit cheaper than Sig models. Good luck! |
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For a CCW gun for someone thickness senstive, I recommend the Springfield Armory Ultra Compact SS in 9mm, used for about $500 or a used HK P7 PSP about $800 if you can find one. Skip the Kahrs. Their quality has dipped over the years. The older metal kahrs like the E9 are a decent value though. My fear is I've seen half a dozen Kahrs with feeding and jamming problems. The BHP is nice but for CCW - a bit much to conceal for a lady. Although I just put my Glock 21 away for spring carry. The Glocks and the Springfield XDs are nice but both tend to be too thick. I like the Glock 26 though and it is a popular gun with the ladies. My recommendation:  |
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Sometimes women actually do better with a larger grip. The bigger grip is easier to grasp for someone with weak hands. My wife thought my Glock 19 was to thick too, but she shoots it pretty well and the grip does not bother her as much now. After much deliberation, we got her a 26. The Glock really has a relatively thick grip. Most other double stacks, except Berettas, seem to be thinner. A SIG 228/229/239 would I think be a great pistol for a woman who wants to do some shooting. The good triggers would enhance confidence and enjoyment. |
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I have a Kahr P9 that I love- it's probably the best gun for someone with really small hands. I have also heard horror stories, but mine has functioned 100% with everything from Blazer ball to Federal and Winchester +P+. It's also more accurate than the Glock 19 and 17 I used to have. The P7 is also a great choice. It's bigger and heavier than the Kahr and its manual of arms is different, but if she spends some time practicing it shouldn't be a problem. I just picked one up after years of lusting after it and I love it. Slim, reliable, accurate, and sexy :). The only thing I would caution you about is to replace the magazine springs if you get a used one. The slide cycles fairly fast with hot loads, and the spring has to be strong enough to get that last round up there to be fed. Wolff sells extra-power mag springs for not a whole lot of money. If her hands aren't super small, the Sig P228 is another excellent choice. The factory short trigger makes it much easier for those with small hands to shoot, and the controls are easy to reach and use. 13-round mags can still be found at fairly decent prices. If her hands are large enough, I'd probably get the 228 over the P7. You can get a really nice used P228 for $400-$500, depending on where you live. There are always some at www.sigforum.com in the classifieds section. |