Ladies and Guns-Any Thoughts?

[BengalWoman]

I'm considering going through the application process to get a conceal carry license here in CA. It's getting scarier by the minute knowing that our state and counties are letting convicts out early to meet their budget requirements.

There are a variety of reasons that I'm seriously looking at this. It is quite a process that I watched Vette go thorough. There doesn't seem to be a lot of ladies talking guns, so I wanted to bring it up and get some thoughts. I am curious how the members (both ladies and the guys) here feel about women and guns? It won't offend me if someone thinks differently about women and guns.. I know a few ladies that I don't think I would want to put a gun in their hands

And then there's the guns.. We have all sorts of them, but I'd probably get something special if I were to qualify and get licensed. Any suggestions? Ladies, do you have a special gun that fits you? I would love a .380 but the dealer said something about the acceptable listing does not have any .380's. California requires that all gun manufactures submit plans and fees for all guns to be on their acceptable listing. Even if there is just a minor change done - they want their money and control. Anyway, I would find a small 9mm. Vette has several 9mm but they are double action and I would prefer a single action.

[Capebuffalo]

Do you feel more comfortable wit an auto? For my wife I prefer a double action revolver in .38 spl + J
Simple and easy wont jam

[GirlyGymRat]

I'm considering going through the application process to get a conceal carry license here in CA. It's getting scarier by the minute knowing that our state and counties are letting convicts out early to meet their budget requirements.

There are a variety of reasons that I'm seriously looking at this. It is quite a process that I watched Vette go thorough. There doesn't seem to be a lot of ladies talking guns, so I wanted to bring it up and get some thoughts. I am curious how the members (both ladies and the guys) here feel about women and guns? It won't offend me if someone thinks differently about women and guns.. I know a few ladies that I don't think I would want to put a gun in their hands

And then there's the guns.. We have all sorts of them, but I'd probably get something special if I were to qualify and get licensed. Any suggestions? Ladies, do you have a special gun that fits you? I would love a .380 but the dealer said something about the acceptable listing does not have any .380's. California requires that all gun manufactures submit plans and fees for all guns to be on their acceptable listing. Even if there is just a minor change done - they want their money and control. Anyway, I would find a small 9mm. Vette has several 9mm but they are double action and I would prefer a single action.

I don't have a hand gun but I think it's a good idea. I spent some time down south and alot of the girls are packin. I say go for it. Get the training.

[redz]

I might be moving to Florida from Canada. Owning a hand gun would be on my list of things to do for sure, still haven't even fired one yet

[diabolicsoul]

Depends. There are males that shouldn't ever lay hands on a gun due to their stupidity. And the same goes for females.

But, if you are smart and capable of using and handling one than go and get one!

[MuscleInk]

Great topic! Vettester has been extremely helpful to me in this area. Each county in CA has its own regulations on CCW and unfortunately the county I live in doesn't permit CCW permits.

I'm a very novice gun user but Mr. Lunk has been my mentor and is helping me learn the ins and outs so I don't shoot myself in the face. Lol

With respect to anyone owning or carrying a firearm (male or female), I don't have an issue as long as they receive the proper safe use and handling training.

My wife, before I met her, had a revolver. Someone sold it to her loaded and she had no prior training on safety or operation. I am adamantly opposed to that kind of scenario because its a situation for disaster IMO. Fortunately she no longer has the firearm and I've told her she must complete the same training I'm going through before I let her anywhere near any firearm, hand gun or otherwise. I'd like her properly trained. There are just too many idiots out there today and I'm a lot more comfortable knowing she could defend herself if that ever became necessary. For me, use of a firearm for defense is a last resort, but her safety and well being is my priority and concern.

[Papa Smurf]

Ok Now your in my world............ Ladies dont need autos, if it jams, it will be hard for you to clear. .380 NO WAY..... Hit a methead with a .380 centermass and he will just keep coming

You want a double action only revolver. This pistol want have a cocking spur to get caught on something in your pocketbook. Look for a .357 mag (wait, I will explain)

With a .357 mag you can target practice with .38 specials ammo. Less recoil. But for carry, you can load it with any number of .357mag hollowpoints. My fav are the hydroshocks unless you can find some Blacktalons, but they were banned some years back (nasty teflon coated bullets that would pass through most vest)

If you find the recoil still to much to handle, just load it with .38 specials ammo

6 rounds center mass with 165 grains of hollowpoint will put down most anyone, or thing.

Make sure you practice with strong had (hand you write with) and weak had. You never know which one will be free.

IMHO

[cherrydrpepper]

Damn im loving these avs. I know a friend of a friend who was raped recently by a guy she knew pretty well. I think guns are a good idea but the situation was so awkward with what happened that she knew this guy. Common sense like not opening the door at 2 in the morning for a male acquaintance will go a lot farther in my opinion to protect a woman against sexual assault which is probably the greatest risk they face. What is it 1 in 3 or something get assaulted at some point usually by someone they know? Now that said my dad has a great story he tells about being on a date when he was young and a group of 6 tough guys surrounding him and his date. He pulls out a revolver and they all run for the hills. So I could definitely see how having a gun could save a girl from being assaulted or killed.

Edit: I feel strongly that loaded guns don't belong unlocked in a house with kids. Gun locks and safes etc have to be in place if children are going to be around. I read a lot of online news stories and recently read one where a guy's 3 year old found his pistol and killed himself. They showed the father's mug shot when they pulled him in for negligent something or other and you know that saying a picture tells a thousand words well its never been truer. I can't imagine how he feels.

[Capebuffalo]

Ok Now your in my world............ Ladies dont need autos, if it jams, it will be hard for you to clear. .380 NO WAY..... Hit a methead with a .380 centermass and he will just keep coming

You want a double action only revolver. This pistol want have a cocking spur to get caught on something in your pocketbook. Look for a .357 mag (wait, I will explain)

With a .357 mag you can target practice with .38 specials ammo. Less recoil. But for carry, you can load it with any number of .357mag hollowpoints. My fav are the hydroshocks unless you can find some Blacktalons, but they were banned some years back (nasty teflon coated bullets that would pass through most vest)

If you find the recoil still to much to handle, just load it with .38 specials ammo

6 rounds center mass with 165 grains of hollowpoint will put down most anyone, or thing.

Make sure you practice with strong had (hand you write with) and weak had. You never know which one will be free.

IMHO

.380 and smaller if I had to use I would load solids they will at least go through and through and not expand and stop. IMO Agree hammerless double action revolver

[MuscleInk]

Ok Now your in my world............ Ladies dont need autos, if it jams, it will be hard for you to clear. .380 NO WAY..... Hit a methead with a .380 centermass and he will just keep coming

You want a double action only revolver. This pistol want have a cocking spur to get caught on something in your pocketbook. Look for a .357 mag (wait, I will explain)

With a .357 mag you can target practice with .38 specials ammo. Less recoil. But for carry, you can load it with any number of .357mag hollowpoints. My fav are the hydroshocks unless you can find some Blacktalons, but they were banned some years back (nasty teflon coated bullets that would pass through most vest)

If you find the recoil still to much to handle, just load it with .38 specials ammo

6 rounds center mass with 165 grains of hollowpoint will put down most anyone, or thing.

Make sure you practice with strong had (hand you write with) and weak had. You never know which one will be free.

IMHO

Love reading these threads. The knowledge blows me a way!

I know a few women who carry Kimber 1911 .45. The 1911 is a little pricy but the muzzle flip is minimal and the weight reasonable but might be too heavy to carry compared to a compact or subcompact.

[Capebuffalo]

Love reading these threads. The knowledge blows me a way!

I know a few women who carry Kimber 1911 .45. The 1911 is a little pricy but the muzzle flip is minimal and the weight reasonable but might be too heavy to carry compared to a compact or subcompact.

Those are bad ass women

[ElectraMaddox]

I'm considering going through the application process to get a conceal carry license here in CA. It's getting scarier by the minute knowing that our state and counties are letting convicts out early to meet their budget requirements.

There are a variety of reasons that I'm seriously looking at this. It is quite a process that I watched Vette go thorough. There doesn't seem to be a lot of ladies talking guns, so I wanted to bring it up and get some thoughts. I am curious how the members (both ladies and the guys) here feel about women and guns? It won't offend me if someone thinks differently about women and guns.. I know a few ladies that I don't think I would want to put a gun in their hands

And then there's the guns.. We have all sorts of them, but I'd probably get something special if I were to qualify and get licensed. Any suggestions? Ladies, do you have a special gun that fits you? I would love a .380 but the dealer said something about the acceptable listing does not have any .380's. California requires that all gun manufactures submit plans and fees for all guns to be on their acceptable listing. Even if there is just a minor change done - they want their money and control. Anyway, I would find a small 9mm. Vette has several 9mm but they are double action and I would prefer a single action.

Depends... I grew up around guns. My dads retired from the nypd so he used to unload the gun and show us how to hold it and where to point it. As we got older he bought a rifle and we would go in our backyard and shoot at targets. Then when I was in the marines, I shot a few different guns. I have to say m249 saw... That was the most fun I've ever had and its hard to shoot... Not that that would be the kind of gun you'd keep in your house lol. I personally don't have any guns now but I wouldn't be opposed to it. I've considered purchasing one as well, but a handheld

[Euroholic]

If you feel that unsafe and feel that your last resort is to arm yourself then i think your either paranoid or your city is full of crime. Have you considered moving?

Ill never understand the american fascination with the gun. I was infantry for four years shooting rifles gets boring very fast....

[Capebuffalo]

Depends... I grew up around guns. My dads retired from the nypd so he used to unload the gun and show us how to hold it and where to point it. As we got older he bought a rifle and we would go in our backyard and shoot at targets. Then when I was in the marines, I shot a few different guns. I have to say m249 saw... That was the most fun I've ever had and its hard to shoot... Not that that would be the kind of gun you'd keep in your house lol. I personally don't have any guns now but I wouldn't be opposed to it. I've considered purchasing one as well, but a handheld

The saw??? God you are my new idol for another reason now

[Capebuffalo]

saw baby

[ElectraMaddox]

The saw??? God you are my new idol for another reason now

Yeah and I was a baby I was barely 18 when I learned how to shoot it

[Papa Smurf]

.380 and smaller if I had to use I would load solids they will at least go through and through and not expand and stop. IMO Agree hammerless double action revolver

Hey Cape! When choosing a caliber, its all about wound cavity............FBI website has great info on this.

Think of it this way..........The military uses full metal jacket ammo......... The .223 round is designed to tumble through the air, rather than penertate. Both are designed to wound a solider, more so than kill. Wounded will knock out three at once, wounded, plus two more to carry wounded.

In selfdefence we want to put our attacker down for good...... In warm weather, like CALI, hollowpoints will be the most effective, in cold weather, were round will have to pass through a heavy coat and multiple layers of cloths, I would recommend a semi wade cutter....

In test I have ran on hollowpoints, after passing through a heavy lined coat, the end of a hollowpoint will become stopped up and then it will collaspe on itself turning it into a fullmetal jacket type bullet.

[ElectraMaddox]

saw baby

That's it. When it recoils on your shoulder it's pretty intense so after a while you start to get sore. It's fast and powerful so what's not to like about that. I like the sight on it to better then the m16

[Papa Smurf]

Love reading these threads. The knowledge blows me a way!

I know a few women who carry Kimber 1911 .45. The 1911 is a little pricy but the muzzle flip is minimal and the weight reasonable but might be too heavy to carry compared to a compact or subcompact.

The 45 ACP (automatic colt pistol) is a great sub sonic round, traveling at just under 900 feet per second..... However, even as fine a weapon as a Kimber is, it will jam at some point.............. If you want a high cap auto, nothing beats a Glock!

[Capebuffalo]

Hey Cape! When choosing a caliber, its all about wound cavity............FBI website has great info on this.

Think of it this way..........The military uses full metal jacket ammo......... The .223 round is designed to tumble through the air, rather than penertate. Both are designed to wound a solider, more so than kill. Wounded will knock out three at once, wounded, plus two more to carry wounded.

In selfdefence we want to put our attacker down for good...... In warm weather, like CALI, hollowpoints will be the most effective, in cold weather, were round will have to pass through a heavy coat and multiple layers of cloths, I would recommend a semi wade cutter....

In test I have ran on hollowpoints, after passing through a heavy lined coat, the end of a hollowpoint will become stopped up and then it will collaspe on itself turning it into a fullmetal jacket type bullet.

With larger calibers. .380 under. .223 has the valocity. If you had to,shoot a .22 or .25. You don't think you would do,better with a solid? Heart lungs etc. My opinion. I have experience with fire arms. I have owned everything from a chipmunk to .470 ne double. 5000 lbs ft lbs per sh inch at the stock.

But I understand what your saying. Why would you run these with jackets and such? Don't get me wrong that's cool as hell. Own a gun range. ?

[Capebuffalo]

The 45 ACP (automatic colt pistol) is a great sub sonic round, traveling at just under 900 feet per second..... However, even as fine a weapon as a Kimber is, it will jam at some point.............. If you want a high cap auto, nothing beats a Glock!

My carry conceal is Glock 27 or 29 depending on where I'm going

[BengalWoman]

Do you feel more comfortable wit an auto? For my wife I prefer a double action revolver in .38 spl + J
Simple and easy wont jam

Besides one of our .22's, it's pretty much all autos here. I have shot a .38 special, so that would be a possible option. Yes, a jam is not good. Thanks for the comment.

[DB1982]

I hate it when guys talk about having the biggest .cal
What a dumb argument. Point blank its doesn't matter what size bullet your shooting, if you can't hit the broad side of a barn with it. Then its pointless.

Buy a hand gun that is comfortable to carry/conceal and one the you can shoot accurately. Don't worry about the caliber
If your a good shot one well placed .22 round would put down anyone.

I personally prefer autos. And enough about them jamming ( if you can't clear a jam you have no purpose carrying a firearm period) I have hundreds of rounds through my autos with no jams. Really guys if autos jammed that often then why would our military and police force trust their lives with them.
Revolvers are nice but lack carrying capacity. While I don't plan on getting into a gun fight. But I'd rather have to many rounds then not enough (5-6).

My carry guns are

Springfield Armory .40 (17 round capacity)

Springfield Armory .9mm (20 round capacity)

So in the end buy a firearm your comfortable and accurate with.

[Capebuffalo]

If you are stuck on the auto. Check this out. Top 5 auto pistols for women

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2765596/posts

[BengalWoman]

I don't have a hand gun but I think it's a good idea. I spent some time down south and alot of the girls are packin. I say go for it. Get the training.

I think a lot of it depends on which state they're in too. From what I understand, our neighbor AZ doesn't even require a person to have a license, permitting no felonies and stuff like that.

[Pale1]

If you feel that unsafe and feel that your last resort is to arm yourself then i think your either paranoid or your city is full of crime. Have you considered moving?

Ill never understand the american fascination with the gun. I was infantry for four years shooting rifles gets boring very fast....

We as men have a hard time understanding how vulnerable it must feel to be a woman. Even a weak man is typically stronger than a woman with above average strength. I don't think this is about a fascination with guns, I think it's about her taking the personal responsibility to protect herself. Nothing in the world wrong with that.

Bengal, most confrontations are settled with an average of 3 shots. I'd go with a revolver. .38 should be fine, & as someone else suggested, get the Hydrashocks. They are man stoppers for sure. Can't really see someone walking through a .38 Hydrashock to center mass, just don't stop shooting till you're out of bullets

[BengalWoman]

Ok Now your in my world............ Ladies dont need autos, if it jams, it will be hard for you to clear. .380 NO WAY..... Hit a methead with a .380 centermass and he will just keep coming

You want a double action only revolver. This pistol want have a cocking spur to get caught on something in your pocketbook. Look for a .357 mag (wait, I will explain)

With a .357 mag you can target practice with .38 specials ammo. Less recoil. But for carry, you can load it with any number of .357mag hollowpoints. My fav are the hydroshocks unless you can find some Blacktalons, but they were banned some years back (nasty teflon coated bullets that would pass through most vest)

If you find the recoil still to much to handle, just load it with .38 specials ammo

6 rounds center mass with 165 grains of hollowpoint will put down most anyone, or thing.

Make sure you practice with strong had (hand you write with) and weak had. You never know which one will be free.

IMHO

PS, nice input. I think the .357 will be a bit too bulky for my taste. I don't mind shooting the bigger guns, as I've been known to take Vette's Kimber Eclipse out for a few rounds. Maybe on my nightstand, it would work, but on my thigh or in a CCW purse I would probably stick to a .38 or an auto that is a little smaller.

[Papa Smurf]

I hate it when guys talk about having the biggest .cal
What a dumb argument. Point blank its doesn't matter what size bullet your shooting, if you can't hit the broad side of a barn with it. Then its pointless.

Buy a hand gun that is comfortable to carry/conceal and one the you can shoot accurately. Don't worry about the caliber
If your a good shot one well placed .22 round would put down anyone.

I personally prefer autos. And enough about them jamming ( if you can't clear a jam you have no purpose carrying a firearm period)
Revolvers are nice but lack carrying capacity. While I don't plan on getting into a gun fight. But I'd rather have to many rounds then not enough (5-6).

My carry guns are

Springfield Armory .40 (17 round capacity)

Springfield Armory .9mm (20 round capacity)

So in the end buy a firearm your comfortable and accurate with.

Sorry..............but I disagree ..............and you contidicte yourself sir . If your a great shoot that a .22 will take someone down, the why would you need more than 5 or 6 rounds.

Jamming............... In a real world attack, the 3 to 8 seconds it would take her to clear a jam, could cost her .......

Ask any cop about a 200lb guy on PCP or Met if he thinks a .22 placed centermass is going to stop him...............unless you can get him to bend down and turn around so you can shoot him behind the ear, then you .22 is almost useless........

BengalWoman..........I have know idea what your up agaisnt with Cali laws on handguns, if an auto is all you can find, see if your local dealer can find you a Keltec. They come in .32, .380, and 9mm Very nice weapon

Of course, we are talking about something to carry while your out....................... at home................... Nothing says "Oh Shit" like the raking of a 12 gauge pump shotgun!!

[BengalWoman]

Edit: I feel strongly that loaded guns don't belong unlocked in a house with kids. Gun locks and safes etc have to be in place if children are going to be around. I read a lot of online news stories and recently read one where a guy's 3 year old found his pistol and killed himself. They showed the father's mug shot when they pulled him in for negligent something or other and you know that saying a picture tells a thousand words well its never been truer. I can't imagine how he feels.

Agree completely. No kids here.. Just some Bengal cats and a Russian maid every now and then..

[BengalWoman]

If you feel that unsafe and feel that your last resort is to arm yourself then i think your either paranoid or your city is full of crime. Have you considered moving?

Ill never understand the american fascination with the gun. I was infantry for four years shooting rifles gets boring very fast....

I don't mind differing opinions, but that is just an ignorant statement. Why the "bleep" would I want to move? If you study our constitution a little you might have a better understanding.

[Papa Smurf]

My carry conceal is Glock 27 or 29 depending on where I'm going

Very nice choices!! I prefer the Model 20 and 21 The Model 20 is chambered in 10mm. Its kinda the forgotten round. It was first developed to replace the 45 ACP. But after testing, it was found that some of the smaller male agents, and most female agents could not handle the recoil.................. So..........The shortened the shell casing and created what is commonly known as the .40 S&W widely used today.

The Wife carries the Model 21 in 45ACP . She's an ole school kinda girl, but she has more wins than me, so she carries whatever she wants................

AS far as lead down range"

Model 20 10mm 16(15 clip + 1 in pipe) 200 grain bullets

Model 21 45 ACP 11 (10 clip + 1 in pipe 230 grain bullets

45 ACP 900 FPS sub sonice excellent wound cavity

10mm 1300+ FBS (depending on ammo) can tend to over penatrate , but excellent wood cavity

[Papa Smurf]

Agree completely. No kids here.. Just some Bengal cats and a Russian maid every now and then..

Like I sais before...............Home defence............. pump shotgun.............no round in chamber, no three year old will ever hold down pump release and rack a round at the same time....................

Plus................... Best man stopper hands down, unless you want a grenade

[frank13]

22 long rifle handgun or 22 magnum would fin if u shoot someone they are going to be very close the only thing about 22 is jamming quality gun quality ammo u would be fin i have a couple lady friends that have 380 bodyguard and they love them its a nice gun and its small if you were my lady i would probably steer u in that direction chances are u will never get in a gun fight or that when u pull it out and fire one round they be running away

[songdog]

If you feel that unsafe and feel that your last resort is to arm yourself then i think your either paranoid or your city is full of crime. Have you considered moving?

Ill never understand the american fascination with the gun. I was infantry for four years shooting rifles gets boring very fast....

We as Americans like our right to have guns.We dont care wat other countries think of our rights.We fought for them and we will keep them.I personally love shooting my rifles and I love to hunt.I served 9yrs in the Marines infantry and the air wing.I guess the fascination is being able to hit something at 800 yards anytime I feel like it.

[stpete]

I have no problem w/it. Women can protect themselves just as well as men in my book as long as you're sane and not on any strange medications.

I dated a broad some years back that carried a 22 in her purse. No CCW, no nothing. Hell, i doubt the purchase was legal. But anyway, a couple times we went out and she saw someone that looked "odd" in her eyes she'd always go reaching for her purse. Getting her hand right at the top of the purse. This happened on 2 seperate occasions. I finally told her that she had to keep the gun at home when we went out cause i was afraid she was going to pull the damn thing on the wrong person cause they looked "odd." Those were her words,odd. She told me should never leave home without it and if i didn't like it, tough. Well, i wasn't so sure if one day i might look "odd" so i got the hell out of there. She was a little off.

But yeah, as long ones of sound mind, i don't care.

[austinite]

I'm all for women having guns. I'm just glad that my ex didn't have one.

[Lunk1]

OK....cpl things to address! Black Talons were not teflon coated! They had a Lubalox coatingthat turned the bullet a black color! Their biggest claim to fame was the sharp edges that opened up upon impact! The best bullets (not rounds) for self defense are bonded hallow point ammo! This is ammo where the copper jacket is bonded to the lead core so that the bullet stays in one large piece upon mushrooming instead of breaking into pieces! This helps to create a larger temporary and permenant wound cavity!

Bullet size: The .380 which is simply a necked down 9mm has come very far in the last several years! The choice of ammo size is give and take! The bigger the bullet...the bigger the gun in most cases! The art is finding that happy medium! I do not prefer a 9mm mainly due to it's velocity! It tends to have too uch penetration! The goal is 6-8" of penetration into the body! Bang for the buck...I still suggest a .40 S&W. Women need not feer larger bullets sizes! trust me...when engaging a live target you will not notice if one kickes harder than the other. I would concern myself more with comfort and size of the handgun in relationship to it's concealment capabilities!

I always suggest a revolver for novice shooters. They are simple and reliable! This is not to say semi-auto's are not both of those as well but the revolver is a great starter choice!

If choosing a new handgun for a novice female shooter I would say Ruger LRP or Ruger LCP in .380!, Glock 26, Kel Tec P-3AT or PF9...just a few favorites for compact carry!

As far as ammo goes...hydro shock ammo sucks! I carried it for years and after much testing through a number of different materials...nothing currently beats Speer Gold Dot bullets

[SportbikerKid]

My carry conceal is Glock 27 or 29 depending on where I'm going

I carry a 29 also. I love it!

definitely a pretty bulky carry but it's w/e

[songdog]

I hate it when guys talk about having the biggest .cal
What a dumb argument. Point blank its doesn't matter what size bullet your shooting, if you can't hit the broad side of a barn with it. Then its pointless.

Buy a hand gun that is comfortable to carry/conceal and one the you can shoot accurately. Don't worry about the caliber
If your a good shot one well placed .22 round would put down anyone.

I personally prefer autos. And enough about them jamming ( if you can't clear a jam you have no purpose carrying a firearm period) I have hundreds of rounds through my autos with no jams. Really guys if autos jammed that often then why would our military and police force trust their lives with them.
Revolvers are nice but lack carrying capacity. While I don't plan on getting into a gun fight. But I'd rather have to many rounds then not enough (5-6).

My carry guns are

Springfield Armory .40 (17 round capacity)

Springfield Armory .9mm (20 round capacity)

So in the end buy a firearm your comfortable and accurate with.

You really need to get your facts stright.I wouldnt want to shoot someone with a 22 and expect them to stay down.The miltary use to use 38s and a lot of guys were being killed after shooting someone with a 38.The guys werent staying down.Thats when they went to the 45cal.Then women came in the miltary and they switched to the 9mm.Well now they are having the same problem as before.So the Special Forces went back to the 45.Beacuse when things are happening fast.Who is going to have perfect aim? NO ONE.

[songdog]

Yes there is nothing wrong with a woman having a gun.With all the crime now dayz you cant be to careful.Here in NY its a pain in the ash to get a pistol permit.So much so I dont bother.Buy a gun learn how to use it and dont be scared to when the time comes.