My younger sister recenlty got approached by a thug

[kingofthedemo]

Well, I'm trying to find a good carry pistol for my younger sister, she just turned 21, and she goes to College out of state.

She walks most places and recently she had a shady looking guy ,driving a ghetto mobile, approach her as she was walking home from church at night, thank God he didn't harm her but she felt very alarmed, he actually stopped his car and started walking towards her making comments trying to attract her. She just ingnored him and walked away, but after hearing this story I convinced her to get her CCW permit, now I'm trying to find a good gun for her. I'm considering the S&W 642, 38 Special, or maybe the Ruger LCP, what do you guys think? Any input would be very helpful.

[2beararms]

Although I love my LCP (and my Kel-Tec P-3AT which is pretty much the same gun), for a first time weapon it is hard to beat an airweight .38 (or even a .357 if you want a bit more punch). Simple, dependable and with no bells or whistles to learn, then she can work her way up to an automatic as her collection grows (and we all know it will).

[surfcc]

Definitely point her toward the S&W snubbies. There are many to choose from. I have a hammerless 340PD Scandium chambered for .357. I shoot it with .38 SPCL, but carry with .357.....You won't notice the .357 when Mr Adrenaline (Mrs in this case) kicks in! I would go with any of those airweights. However, if she doesn't go with the .357 Mag, you might want to at least be sure it is +P rated 38SPCL.

[JJFlash]

Getting her a gun is one thing and you're to be commended for that. But you didn't mention training and I think that is of the utmost importance. You should consider helping her to get some serious training (beyond that required for the CCW) after her gun purchase. Just my .02 cents.

[Ektarr]

Agree...on both her being armed and being trained. A simple .38 (I recommend a Mdl. 60 or equivalent. Stainless steel - less maintenance for the novice) "point 'n' pull" is less complicated for the newer shooter and all but guaranteed to go 'bang' with a minimum of participation on the part of the user. Besides, most women (probably your sister, too) are more slightly built, so the small frame of the 60 is well suited. Then, too, there's a certain "snot" factor in presenting a snub-nose revolver with confidence and authority that could defuse a situation without her ever having to fire a shot.

That's the hope, anyway.

[kingofthedemo]

Yeah I agree with you guys 100% concerning training, I like to think that I know a few things about firearms and I was planning on taking her to the range while she's in town for Christmas break, I think that you guys are right about the simplicity of a revolver, thanks for the reasurance.

[Jim_Macklin]

If she is new to handguns, starting with a nice carry gun, a light weight 38 will probably set her back months. Better to get her training first before you buy anything. The application process will take 2 month on average, plenty of time to develop some basic skills. And to pick a gun.

I would actually suggest a good .22LR as a first purchase. It can be carried when she has her license. It is cheap to shoot and she needs to shoot to develop good habits.
A flinch is almost a guaranteed habit for a new shooter with a J frame 38.

Don't know where she is located, but there should be an experienced instructor, perhaps even a female like Patti Stoneking in Bonner Springs, KS.

We all know she should have that 1911 or Glock or HK or what ever,,, but maybe a LCR or even a .22 Taurus snub is what she needs now. Next year she'll want something else.

[HK4U]

I would say go with the Smith revolver. Small and light so it is easy to carry and conceal. No hammer so nothing to snag and can even be fired from inside a coat pocket. Also it is simple to master. Being a light gun I would start with a light load for her to get used to it. No +p ammo at least to begin with.

[Sights on Target]

The 642 is a great revolver. Start her with regular .38 then move her up to +p. You never have to worry about jams with a revolver.

[ClearSightTactical]

Originally Posted by kingofthedemo

She just ingnored him and walked away, but after hearing this story I convinced her to get her CCW permit, now I'm trying to find a good gun for her. I'm considering the S&W 642, 38 Special, or maybe the Ruger LCP, what do you guys think? Any input would be very helpful.

Respectfully-

I think you may be making a big mistake. It seems to me that you're more involved in her safety than she is. If she had to be talked into a CCW its not a good sign. You will not be there to talk her into pulling the trigger. I think you need to have a serious talk with her and figure out if this is something she wants- or something you want for her.

My fiancee is the same way- she likes the idea of having a weapon but not willing to purchase one (i've more than offered to buy for her). As soon as she said "I don't think I could use it" I dropped the whole idea...

She needs to make a decision for herself- and not be "sold" on the idea, she also needs to pick out her own weapon. But to answer your question check out the Taurus Milennium series..