Firearm suggestions for the wife

[ChrisCar]

Hi mates.  I'm seeking recommendations for a firearm for the wife.  She's very petite and hates the recoil on my Sig P320c and my Smith & Wesson 3913.   She's got it stuck in her head that a smaller firearm would be better.   She doesn't mind firing a .22.  And while any firearm is better than none, I don't like a .22 as an EDC firearm (she does not yet have her CCDW, but she's thinking about it). 

So I'm on the hunt for a potential carry firearm with modest recoil, but something chambered in a reasonable self-defense caliber.  All thoughts/suggestions welcome.  Thank you.

[29thInfantry]

Hi mates.  I'm seeking recommendations for a firearm for the wife.  She's very petite and hates the recoil on my Sig P320c and my Smith & Wesson 3913.   She's got it stuck in her head that a smaller firearm would be better.   She doesn't mind firing a .22.  And while any firearm is better than none, I don't like a .22 as an EDC firearm (she does not yet have her CCDW, but she's thinking about it). 

So I'm on the hunt for a potential carry firearm with modest recoil, but something chambered in a reasonable self-defense caliber.  All thoughts/suggestions welcome.  Thank you.

I am in the same boat you are.  She cannot fully rack the slide on my Ruger SR9C.  I really think it is a technique thing that we are working on.   We were going to go look at cabella's but we both got the Flu finely getting over the colds I think we may start looking this weekend.

[Radnor]

Chris talk to John at the club.  He has a few Glocks.  See what fits her hands.
Sure if you brought the ammo, she could fire a few of them.  I dont think
he would mind, but you should ask him.

[Fishhunter911]

Check out the Walther CCP line. Has reduced recoil and very easy to rack. My wife is has very small hands and when she picked it up at the Outdoor show a few weeks ago she was sold. After looking at the reviews it seems to be perfect for smaller people.

[MarkB]

Check the Remington RM380.  It's a .380 that has reduced felt recoil and the slide is very easy to use.  I have one and it is a good pocket gun.

[Lumspond]

I read an article recently (wish I could find it) regarding techniques for racking the slide. Suggested that if you are having difficulty, to try putting your hand over the slide, with your palm across the top. Get a good grip, then push the pistol forward, instead of trying to pull the slide back. Also try turning the pistol 90°, so the sites are on the left side instead of the top. That may feel more natural.
Another thing, as mentioned, is low recoil ammo. But you need to be sure it will cycle the slide.
I'll try to find the article. It was well done.

[Lumspond]

Not the same article, but this is the general idea:
http://blog.cheaperthandirt.com/rack-slide-its-technique-strength/

[ChrisCar]

Thanks for all the good suggestions/advice. 

She's ok with racking, she gets put-off by the kick/recoil.  As I said in the original post, she likes the little guns, but as we know, smaller gun doesn't equal smaller kick.   Maybe I'll take her to a range where we can rent her a few different models also. 

Thanks again.

[MarkB]

Look at the Ruger ARX line of ammo.  It has a lighter recoil.  The ARX 380 recoil is lighter than the standard 380 rounds. 

[oldgraygeek]

Ruger makes their LCR in .327 Federal Magnum, which might provide less recoil but enough muzzle energy to do the job:
http://www.ruger.com/products/lcr/specSheets/5452.html

[Condition 1]

1911

[Adrenolin]

Agree on the Walther CCP or a 1911 Commander. The Walther CCP is a 9mm and due to it's gas delayed blowback design it is pretty easy to shoot, low recoil and easy to rack. I didn't like it myself however my wife does like it. She also has a Ruger SR1911 CMD that's a joy to shoot. It's extra weight eats up the recoil though to carry does require her to wear a good belt.

Small handguns are going to just punish her hands. I'd really suggest looking at the CCP for her.

[RetCapt1994]

I have a Glock 42 (.380) in my Glock collection and it is a soft shooter and IMHO better than 22 for self defense. Maybe you should let your wife in on the push pull rack the slide thing. Grab the grip with the strong hand and push forward while pulling back with the opposite hand on the slide. Maybe I am not explaining correctly. Some folks just pull back on the slide and that is not the best way to completely rack it. I am sure someone on this site will assist you. Good luck and all the best to you and your wife.

[29thInfantry]

My wife is getting better I think she needs to get over getting bitten by the slide.  I am trying to get her to realize she is not going to hurt the firearm and she can be rough with it.  She is not doing to bad as she was brought up in a family where guns are bad.   Just the fact that she will now handle it is a step in the right direction.  We are going to get together with some friends that have wives that shoot and let them do their thing.  There is also a womans only shoot coming up in philly all she needs to do is show up they provide the firearms and a lunch and is ran by women instructors.  dont know if you all can see this link or not https://www.facebook.com/thephillygunrange/photos/a.467209450019017.1073741825.415404851866144/1048453708561252/?type=3&theater

[SturmRugerSR9]

Rule #1, never tell your wife what she needs. If it doesn't work out it's your fault, and wives don't forget or seldom forgive. Let her figure it out for herself. Happy wife, Happy life.