Starting Firearm for an Exceptionally Small Woman

[Squeek]

Lots of lovely posts...

I'm 5'3, and pushing 60. Started with a lever action 30-30, it took care of the sight aliment, trigger control and startle reflex. Moved to revolvers, large frame guns do not fit my hand, even K frame maybe too big/ avoid M frame because they are huge/ J frame isn't bad. Currently, I have a Kahr 40, that has a steel frame; shot better with it than my Glock 40 (I think it is because of the frame size).

The girly question is what is she going to use it for? If it is home protection the answer is a 12ga pump shotgun, from the hip (the only draw back is if you are pregnant is startles the baby, who will jump~that is a rather unique feeling).

If she wants a pistol, I like the Kahr, it is small enough to wear (and would be a good purse gun). Revolver wise a S&W Chiefs air weight .38 with 580 grain half jacket hollow points will stop most anything, and she won't have to worry about it jamming~ have her get the hammer less one, the hammer will poke her if she is wearing it, and may get caught up in the purse if she is carrying it there.

I warn ladies not to carry their firearms in their handbags because they could lose the weapon when they need it most. For guys, I tell them not to buy a handgun for their brides...guys have a tendency to get stuff way too big, size wise. Let her pick out the weapon

[Jeriah]

I'm 5'3, and pushing 60. Started with a lever action 30-30, it took care of the sight aliment, trigger control and startle reflex.

Funny, I don't know what it is about leverguns, but there is something about them that's really easy to shoot. My wife is also 5'3 (but young), and she also loves a lever-action 30-30. She has also had good luck with a pistol-caliber levergun, I think it was a .44 Magnum. I'm generally a more experienced shooter than she is, but she shoots better than I do with a levergun. No idea why.

[DarkAxel]

I was going to suggest the Cricket, but Jeriah beat me to it.

Rev, IIRC, you work at at Wal-Mart. Does yours still sell firearms? If so, have her check out one of the Crickets and see if she likes it.

If she wants to go the shotty route, how about one of those NEF Youth model 20 gauges?

[Rev]

I was going to suggest the Cricket, but Jeriah beat me to it.

Rev, IIRC, you work at at Wal-Mart. Does yours still sell firearms? If so, have her check out one of the Crickets and see if she likes it.

If she wants to go the shotty route, how about one of those NEF Youth model 20 gauges?

We do but apparently one of the managers told her when she tried it out that it was to large for her. I call bullshit.

[DarkAxel]

I was going to suggest the Cricket, but Jeriah beat me to it.

Rev, IIRC, you work at at Wal-Mart. Does yours still sell firearms? If so, have her check out one of the Crickets and see if she likes it.

If she wants to go the shotty route, how about one of those NEF Youth model 20 gauges?

We do but apparently one of the managers told her when she tried it out that it was to large for her. I call bullshit.

I call bullshit as well. Getting any shorter than a bone-stock cricket is getting into SBR territory.

Fuck what mister manager said, what did she say about it? Ask her that.

[Rev]

Fuck what mister manager said, what did she say about it? Ask her that.

She doesn't like confrontation and said she wasn't sure. Apparently a couple guys there said it was to large as well.

[armydawg11b]

It doesnt matter what other people say it is what is comfortable for her. Find a range that rents out different weapons and make a day out of it, let her decide what is comfortable to HER.

[Rev]

It doesnt matter what other people say it is what is comfortable for her. Find a range that rents out different weapons and make a day out of it, let her decide what is comfortable to HER.

We don't have one of those in this county.

[jackpine]

I know someone that fits that description and her learning to to shoot was just the same as any other person. First gun she bought was a Mosin

[armydawg11b]

Hey man whats your state and county, I may have some contacts there that can help you out.

[Jeriah]

Hey man whats your state and county, I may have some contacts there that can help you out.

Location: Gallia County, Ohio

It's in that column on the left. Hint: it isn't there while you're typing a reply, but it's there when you're just reading. Tricky, I know.

[wee drop o' bush]

I must have an evil streak.. My wife is 4'11" and I got her a glock 30 (sub combact .45) and a rem 570 (LR .22), she enjoys the .22 a bit more but the .45 is functional for somany reasons.

I'm personaly disaponted with the rim fire rem 570, lots of misfires, kills the joy of having a 30 rnd mag

I don't have a gun & my hubbie only has his dads old shotgun (which he hardly ever uses) & is thinking of surrendering to the police rather than applying for a new licence for it every few years. But that answered my question of if I was getting a firearm what should I get. Thanks
Ps edited to include all the above posts as they were helpful

[armydawg11b]

GALLIA County

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Jeff Adkins
Tri State K9
968 Evergreen Rd
Fraizersbottom, WV 25082
tristatek9@aol.com
888-201-5444 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 888-201-5444 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
www.tristatek-9.com
Complete detail on website or call for more info 888-201-5444 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 888-201-5444 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Richard Starkey
Harrison Twp. Fire Dept.
Little Bull Skin Rd
Gallipolis, Oh 45631
nraccw@inbox.com
740-256-6514 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 740-256-6514 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
NRA Certified Instructor,This is the one-day (12 hrs.) NRA basic pistol class. It is the class the state of Ohio requires you to have in order to get your Concealed Handgun License.NRA Certificate awarded same day.Cost $100.

[Rev]

The one on the bottom sounds like one of the guys I know of around here that does the pistol course in their backyard. They often have extra guns bur it's normally one of there's they let you borrow. Not really the classroom experience she envisioned I'm afraid to say.

[A.C.E.]

The Walther P22 is lightweight and small. I'm told they're fairly cheap in the US, when she wants something bigger the Walther P380 has the exact same ergonomics with only a slight difference in size.

It has a thumb safety and an external slide release. It shoots booth SA and DA. It's not the most accurate gun though, mostly because of the short barrel and heavy trigger pull.


It also has a lockable safety feature, where you lock it with a special tool. Making it safe(er) around children and idiots. When locked the hammer/trigger/slide cannot move.

[Squeek]

Interesting comments regarding long guns and size... here's the deal which might be why 30-30 lever guns are popular. It is the size of the stock... 30-30's are pretty short. Regarding shotguns and other long rifles, the stocks can be cut to fit short people; once cut, the taller members of the family will never be able to shoot the gun again ...

Put butt of the stock in the bend of the elbow, where the trigger finger hits the stock, that's the length of the stock. Works swell!

[400 Grains]

derringer

I'm pretty sure you're kidding.

When I worked in a gun store years ago, a lot of guys would come in with their wife/girlfriend and point them towards a derringer, mini revolver, or tiny automatic. When I would try to steer them in a different direction, they would say, oh, she can't learn to shoot a real gun, I want her to have something that she can control. It usually did no good to explain to them that the tiny guns were the hardest guns to use in the shop, and that with just a little instruction, she could easily learn to control a larger handgun.

I finally figured out it had more to do with these guys egos. They were the same guys that would hand their wives a .357 or .44 magnum with full power ammo for their first time shooting. They thought it was hilarious. Idiots.

[Rev]

derringer

I'm pretty sure you're kidding.

When I worked in a gun store years ago, a lot of guys would come in with their wife/girlfriend and point them towards a derringer, mini revolver, or tiny automatic. When I would try to steer them in a different direction, they would say, oh, she can't learn to shoot a real gun, I want her to have something that she can control. It usually did no good to explain to them that the tiny guns were the hardest guns to use in the shop, and that with just a little instruction, she could easily learn to control a larger handgun.

I finally figured out it had more to do with these guys egos. They were the same guys that would hand their wives a .357 or .44 magnum with full power ammo for their first time shooting. They thought it was hilarious. Idiots.

Generally speaking text in blue means sarcasm.

[zombie_dog]

Generally speaking text in blue means sarcasm.

when did that come out, I've been looking for INTERNETnet standard sarcasmsim for YEARS..BTW




btw, I've changed my mind to a 5.7 (if the grip is comfortable) my wife won't sthings thiing down (she's 4"11 @ 120lbs) or a P22 for a cheaper version? (the 5.7 is still preferential due to thespecificscharacteristicsoristics IMO)

[Rev]

when did that come out, I've been looking for INTERNETnet standard sarcasmsim for YEARS..BTW

This is Zombie Squad comrade. We sometimes color code our sentences so there is no doubt in what we're trying to communicate. Sarcasm is the most common.

[FyreWitch]

For training I would definitely go with a .22. Most people find it easier to start with long guns than pistols. That's her choice. I started a a child so didn't ever have to get over fear of guns. Let her get comfortable with the feel of a gun, with the noise, etc before actually purchasing something.

I'm a small woman with exceptionally small hands (my wedding ring is size 4). I agree with a lot of what has been said.I wouldn't be comfortable with anything smaller than a .380 for defense. Mostly it is important for HER to have a weapon SHE is comfortable with. If you can't rent, try to find other ways to try different weapons. Most gun courses have different ones. I didn't take one, but, I know there are classes geared to women and would think she would find some good advice at one of those.

For a larger caliber weapon, I love the Smith and Wesson M&P line. Every one comes with grips in 3 sizes. They are very ergonomic and easy to get a good hold on. They do come in compact, but I find the full size versions to be better balanced and have less recoil. I'm too small to conceal one on my person (and agree about not carrying in the purse) but it's fine for home. I believe that, especially while learning, that being comfortable with the weapon is more important than concealability. Few novices are comfortable with concealed carry on a regular basis right away anyway.

Also, never underestimate the value of a gunsmith. Having slight alterations made to make a weapon more user-friendly can be surprisingly affordable.

[Gun_Nut_2k1]

Well for those really small ladies



Of course I am joking. I suggest starting her with a 22 revolver or pistol. If the number of guns one owns is an issue where you live then I say start with a 3-4 inch 357mag revolver shooting 38s to start. It allows you a huge range of ammo and one of the finest Self Defense cartridges of all time. 38 Special can be had with 800fps loads that have less recoil than a fart.

[FyreWitch]

Of course I am joking. I suggest starting her with a 22 revolver or pistol. If the number of guns one owns is an issue where you live then I say start with a 3-4 inch 357mag revolver shooting 38s to start. It allows you a huge range of ammo and one of the finest Self Defense cartridges of all time. 38 Special can be had with 800fps loads that have less recoil than a fart.

I agree. My everyday carry weapon is a .38 Special snubby. I can't handle .357 loads, so this works fine for me. With a full size revolver, even less recoil. Legal anywhere that concealed carry is legal. So simple you can't really screw it up.

[Squeek]

I agree a .357 is too big for a small person. I find that my sight picture gets fubar, especially shooting .357, the frame is a little bigger than a .38, and that is the issue.

A K-frame .22 might be a start, but the whole key is in the mechanics. I went to the range last week-end with a non-shooter, we went through several pistols until he found one he liked, Springfield EMP (?). He liked the full size 40, for his hand size...I liked the compact, because my hands were just a little smaller.

I observed a woman attempting to fire a semi automatic with a male escort as coach. She was obviously a non-shooter and her physical mechanics were bad. It is important that the shooting coach, actually knows what they are doing. My friend had attending a shooting class, and the instructor was trying to position his body where he wasn't comfortable...we discussed his positioning at the range, from what the guy was telling me the gun instructor was teaching him wrong body mechanics.

The thing guys have to remember, is not only the size of the hands, but the fact that body mechanics for women may need to be a little different then a mans. The Weaver Stance or a modified Weaver has worked for me for 35 years, it provides a little extra support for the wrist of the shooting hand. As I age find that my mechanics have needed to change again as I am not as strong in my wrist. I have access to a master instructor of instructors who has twinked me a little...now I lock up from the wrist through the shoulder. My friend mentioned that I shake a little loading magazines, he commented that it all went away when I brought the gun up.