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Integrator wrote:The beauty of this is that with every pistol she decides she doesn't like, I have a new item in my collection.

Thanks again, everyone!

I like that -- a man with a plan.

Chas.

First off I agree that the polymer guns with swappable back straps are a good idea for her to try, but keep in mind her instructor suggested a particular firearm with a metal frame. Of the polymer guns I would strongly suggest she shoot the full sized Beretta PX4 Storm and consider it first if recoil is an issue. The full sized PX4 uses a rotating barrel to unlock the action for cycling which does result in less perceived recoil. I would also suggest considering a 1911 style 9mm with work similar to Kimber's Small hands package done to it. This consists of thinner grips, a trigger with a shorter reach, and a grip safety with a slightly different contour all of which is designed to reduce the length of pull for the gun.

The E2 Sigs were made specifically for people with smaller hands.

+1 on the M&P9

And just a thought...if a 1911 in .45 ACP had been the first gun I shot, I never would have gone on to get my CHL. I don't mind recoil but that gun was darned uncomfortable to shoot, for me any ways.

T.

My husband and I just bought last weekend my first pistol. We looked at several handguns. My recommendation first is to take her to a range to rental several and/or if you have friends that have weapons, let her borrow those and take to the range to shot. My thoughts are that instructors and other people can tell us women what we THINK we want but we will be the ones carrying, not them. Women carry different and look at things different for carrying than men would.

What I found is that I do like the 9mm, but I ended up buying a Taurus 24/7 Pro Compact in .40. I prefer to carry in a purse during the day at work but on weekends will carry strong side or behind the back just slightly away from the spine. I also looked at the Ruger SR9C and LOVED it. I ended up picking the Taurus because even though the SR9c was a great pistol, we have .40's and .45's in our house and limit the different types of ammo was important to us.

Hope this helps. Firearms one person carries may not be right for another person. What my husband carries isn't right for me. That's not to say that I don't like to shoot them.

I'll bring this one to a close. I have many models for my wife to look at, handle, and try out. Thanks to everyone for your help. I'll come back here and post the results, but it may be around Christmas with all the models to review. Thanks again! You all are great!