I know that there are a lot of Dallas-area folks on this forum, and I have a few questions for you.
I've finally convinced a Dallas-area girl friend of mine to get herself a pistol to protect herself if the need ever arises. At this time, I don't think that she's considering a CHL, but I don't think that that'll be much longer either.
1. Looking, of course, for some good recommendations. We can't break the bank, so let's try to stay under $500, and 9mm and under. She's a small girl, and not a very experienced shooter. I'd like to get her something that doesn't make her want to put the thing down the second she shoots it. I was thinking something along the lines of a Bersa Thunder .380 or Thunder 9, CZ 75 Compact, XD-9, in a semi-auto. I don't have a lot of experience with revolvers, and those are always welcome.
2. Those of you in Dallas-- where's a good place to go shopping? I'm looking for a place with a big selection so that we can look at a lot of different things. Any suggestions?
Thanks, everyone!
Shopping in the Dallas Area
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HighVelocity
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Howdy,
You say that she is inexperienced, not thinking about getting her CHL (yet) and wants a gun to protect herself that won't break the bank or scare her into not wanting to shoot it....
While it may not be the optimal defense gun, I think a 22lr semi-auto would get her going in the direction you're after.
I recommend a Walther P22. For less than $300 out the door she could have an accurate reliable and FUN pistol. Of course 500 rounds of ammo for $20 will allow her to shoot as much as she wants without worrying about ammo cost. Alot of people have been put in the ground with the little 22lr too so it could be used for personal protection if it had to be.
Bottom line, if she finds shooting is fun then she will quickly graduate to a larger caliber weapon of HER choosing.
Find a local range that rents handguns. They're likely to have a P22 or a Browning Buckmark, Ruger 2245 etc. Point her downrange and watch the parade of smiles a 22 can create. After that, you'll be looking for that 2nd job top pay for all the guns she's going to want.
Places with good selections in the DFW area: Sportsman's Warehouse, Cheaper Than Dirt, Cabella's, Bass Pro Shop, and Academy Outdoors are the biggest ones I can think of at the moment.
You say that she is inexperienced, not thinking about getting her CHL (yet) and wants a gun to protect herself that won't break the bank or scare her into not wanting to shoot it....
While it may not be the optimal defense gun, I think a 22lr semi-auto would get her going in the direction you're after.
I recommend a Walther P22. For less than $300 out the door she could have an accurate reliable and FUN pistol. Of course 500 rounds of ammo for $20 will allow her to shoot as much as she wants without worrying about ammo cost. Alot of people have been put in the ground with the little 22lr too so it could be used for personal protection if it had to be.
Bottom line, if she finds shooting is fun then she will quickly graduate to a larger caliber weapon of HER choosing.
Find a local range that rents handguns. They're likely to have a P22 or a Browning Buckmark, Ruger 2245 etc. Point her downrange and watch the parade of smiles a 22 can create. After that, you'll be looking for that 2nd job top pay for all the guns she's going to want.
Places with good selections in the DFW area: Sportsman's Warehouse, Cheaper Than Dirt, Cabella's, Bass Pro Shop, and Academy Outdoors are the biggest ones I can think of at the moment.
I am scared of empty guns and keep mine loaded at all times. The family knows the guns are loaded and treats them with respect. Loaded guns cause few accidents; empty guns kill people every year. -Elmer Keith. 1961
I will +1 on the .22 under her circumstances. A CCI stinger hollow point is a lethal round. Just not as much inital shock as the larger Calibers, but far easier to get back on target for 2nd, 3rd, & 4th. My 1st back pocket gun for backup was a Taurus P22. Accurate at PD range. 9 shots. reliable, Reliable, RELIABLE. Economical to shoot for practice. Nearly impossible to take away from someone. That Walther fits the bill for all of the above & a far better quality, resale later, & reliable now than the Thunder.
My .02 cents & some think it worth about half that.
My .02 cents & some think it worth about half that.
Carry 24-7 or guess right.
CHL Instructor. http://www.pdtraining.us" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
NRA/TSRA Life Member - TFC Member #11
In the situation you describe, I second High Velocity on the .22LR recommendation, except I'd recommend not buying anything yet.
First and foremost: just get her started shooting. Get her into a basic pistol class, where she can learn to shoot, and become comfortable with guns.
Once she's comfortable with various .22LR revolvers and pistols, then take a step up: .38 revolvers and 9mm pistols (non-Plus P ammo for both!)
Work your way through the rental guns. One of them will sing to her. That's the one she should buy.
You have a big advantage being in DFW; out here in the Real World, we don't have rental ranges.
Kevin
First and foremost: just get her started shooting. Get her into a basic pistol class, where she can learn to shoot, and become comfortable with guns.
Once she's comfortable with various .22LR revolvers and pistols, then take a step up: .38 revolvers and 9mm pistols (non-Plus P ammo for both!)
Work your way through the rental guns. One of them will sing to her. That's the one she should buy.
You have a big advantage being in DFW; out here in the Real World, we don't have rental ranges.
Kevin
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jimlongley
- Senior Member
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- Location: Allen, TX
Go to the DFW Gun Range on Mockingbird and rent a few guns for her to try. I also bet you will be pleasantly surprised at how competitive the pricing there is.
Of course there are other ranges that rent too, if Plano is more convenient Bullet Trap is also an option.
Of course there are other ranges that rent too, if Plano is more convenient Bullet Trap is also an option.
Real gun control, carrying 24/7/365
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flintknapper
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Gotta go with HV on this one.
A good quality .22 is one of the best ways to "start" someone shooting.
It can also be pressed into use for home defense until she is comfortable moving up to a larger more powerful cartridge as previously mentioned.
If you simply purchase a "defense" weapon and she doesn't shoot it much, then she will not have the skills necessary when needed. OTOH, if you take the time to introduce her to "shooting" in general, and make it affordable and fun, the rest will occur naturally.
After she has shot a .22 for awhile, she will know if she has any continued interest in firearms or not. Too, I imagine she will want to pick her own self defense weapon based on its function and feel.
It wouldn't hurt to introduce her to other females that use firearms for sport and protection.
Have a great day.
A good quality .22 is one of the best ways to "start" someone shooting.
It can also be pressed into use for home defense until she is comfortable moving up to a larger more powerful cartridge as previously mentioned.
If you simply purchase a "defense" weapon and she doesn't shoot it much, then she will not have the skills necessary when needed. OTOH, if you take the time to introduce her to "shooting" in general, and make it affordable and fun, the rest will occur naturally.
After she has shot a .22 for awhile, she will know if she has any continued interest in firearms or not. Too, I imagine she will want to pick her own self defense weapon based on its function and feel.
It wouldn't hurt to introduce her to other females that use firearms for sport and protection.
Have a great day.
Spartans ask not how many, but where!
My Bersa Thunder was the first pistol my girlfriend started on, and to this day she absolutely loves it. The Thunder is a great little pistol at an excellent price - I picked mine up at a DACA gunshow at Market Hall for $195 OTD. Hard to beat that.
She also enjoys shooting my Steyr M9A1 9mm, but that is quite a bit larger than the Bersa and wouldn't exactly make a good carry gun for a girl who... doesn't have a lot places to conceal. Steyr has recently released the S-A1, a compact version, which my girlfriend will likely want to try out before getting her CHL.
You say you're in the DFW area? what part? Perhaps you would want to meet up at the range sometime and you and your lady friend could try out the Thunder?
She also enjoys shooting my Steyr M9A1 9mm, but that is quite a bit larger than the Bersa and wouldn't exactly make a good carry gun for a girl who... doesn't have a lot places to conceal
. Steyr has recently released the S-A1, a compact version, which my girlfriend will likely want to try out before getting her CHL.You say you're in the DFW area? what part? Perhaps you would want to meet up at the range sometime and you and your lady friend could try out the Thunder?
Greetings--
Definitely go to a range (ranges...) and rent several guns for her to shoot before buying one. (Read shopping here !! LOL)
I took Robin to several gun shows to let her see how various pistols felt in her hand. She found that there was a great difference. We then spent a few sessions at ranges, renting various pistols and calibers. She'd also come shoot with me at the range.
She decided that although she liked the simplicity of my Glocks (no safety/decocker to move, easy to rack the slide) their grips just didn't fit her hand well. She decided on a 9mm CZ compact. It fits her hand well, doesn't kick much-- all = to she'll shoot it ! The only down side is that she's not all that accurate on the first double action shot, but we're working on that. Her grip strength is a bit low she found.
About shooting with other ladies-- Robin would love to find a group of ladies to go shot with around here-- there just aren't many *shrugs*. She said she'd shoot more if it was her and the gals. Shooting more=more comfortable=better, safer shooter.
Definitely go to a range (ranges...) and rent several guns for her to shoot before buying one. (Read shopping here !! LOL)
I took Robin to several gun shows to let her see how various pistols felt in her hand. She found that there was a great difference. We then spent a few sessions at ranges, renting various pistols and calibers. She'd also come shoot with me at the range.
She decided that although she liked the simplicity of my Glocks (no safety/decocker to move, easy to rack the slide) their grips just didn't fit her hand well. She decided on a 9mm CZ compact. It fits her hand well, doesn't kick much-- all = to she'll shoot it ! The only down side is that she's not all that accurate on the first double action shot, but we're working on that. Her grip strength is a bit low she found.
About shooting with other ladies-- Robin would love to find a group of ladies to go shot with around here-- there just aren't many *shrugs*. She said she'd shoot more if it was her and the gals. Shooting more=more comfortable=better, safer shooter.
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propellerhead
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An XD9 Service (4-inch) kicks less than the Bersa 380. My female friend knows this for a fact. She's shot both and loves my XD9.
Edit: Cheaper Than Dirt guys will talk your ear off about guns. It's a good place to browse. Cabela's has better prices though. Both are in north Fort Worth right along I-35W.
Edit: Cheaper Than Dirt guys will talk your ear off about guns. It's a good place to browse. Cabela's has better prices though. Both are in north Fort Worth right along I-35W.
I like the Springfield XD 9mm. It's my personal favorite. I don't even have one yet. the only one I've shot is Dad's.
I carry a Bersa THunder .380, and still have trouble concealing it.
No, I'm not going to wear a trapeez dress or a mumu so that I can be better concealed.
It is especially important that she take the gun with her shopping. A lot of crime happens in mall and shopping center parking lots.
I carry a Bersa THunder .380, and still have trouble concealing it.
No, I'm not going to wear a trapeez dress or a mumu so that I can be better concealed.
It is especially important that she take the gun with her shopping. A lot of crime happens in mall and shopping center parking lots.
"If a man breaks in your house, he ain't there for iced tea." Mom & Dad.
The NRA & TSRA are a bargain; they're much cheaper than the cold, dead hands experience.
The NRA & TSRA are a bargain; they're much cheaper than the cold, dead hands experience.
Kel-Tec P3AT .380. Around $250 and worth every cent. Fits my girlfriends hand good. I would go with a larger caliber than .22. Not a fan of remote controled ice picks for self defence. But anything is better than nothing.
Gun $250 , Laser $140 , Finger extension $8
$400 for all you need in a VERY small package. :)
Gun $250 , Laser $140 , Finger extension $8
$400 for all you need in a VERY small package. :)
+1 on the Bersa ThunderSyntax360 wrote:My Bersa Thunder was the first pistol my girlfriend started on, and to this day she absolutely loves it. The Thunder is a great little pistol at an excellent price - I picked mine up at a DACA gunshow at Market Hall for $195 OTD. Hard to beat that.
She also enjoys shooting my Steyr M9A1 9mm, but that is quite a bit larger than the Bersa and wouldn't exactly make a good carry gun for a girl who... doesn't have a lot places to conceal
You say you're in the DFW area? what part? Perhaps you would want to meet up at the range sometime and you and your lady friend could try out the Thunder?
This was my wife's first experience with shooting. Its a cheap, reliable, low recoil firearm. My wife started with shooting this gun. Then she got her CHL and started carrying the Bersa. Now that she is more comfortable with guns she has moved up to a Glock 26 for her primary carry.
As others have said. I highly recommend taking her to shoot some rentals. Just FYI, indoor ranges often freak new shooters out. You might want to try an outdoor range that rents guns. I believe Elm Fork in Dallas rents guns.
Good luck and remember to not be pushy. If you let her get comfortable at her own pace you have a better chance that she will enjoy the sport with you. My wife was an ANTI, now she has her CHL and is always carring.
I'm actually in Lubbock, and she's up in Lewisville. I know nothing about the area, and so I figured there were some of you guys out there who sure did!You say you're in the DFW area? what part? Perhaps you would want to meet up at the range sometime and you and your lady friend could try out the Thunder?
My first semi-auto was a Thunder as well. I loved that thing!My Bersa Thunder was the first pistol my girlfriend started on, and to this day she absolutely loves it. The Thunder is a great little pistol at an excellent price - I picked mine up at a DACA gunshow at Market Hall for $195 OTD. Hard to beat that
A .22 may be the way to go for getting her into shooting, but I want (and more importantly, she wants) something that'll cover self-defense and target shooting. She's a tough gal- I don't think that a .380 would deter her from shooting more. I'll take her shopping at a few places that you guys have mentioned. We may end up with a .22, who knows. When I know more about when I'll be up there, I'll shoot another message out, and maybe I can meet some of you folks!
+1 to indoor ranges freaking out a new shooter. My first shooting/range trip was right next to a guy sighting in his magnum deer rifle. I thought my heart was going to explode just from the concussion!
Thanks again for all the feedback!
When I went to DFW Gun Range to rent a few pistols before purchasing one, my wife went with me. She is new to shooting, and she did not much enjoy the indoor range setup - to the point where she did not want to shoot there. Good news being, she'll go shooting with me sometime when we can go to an outdoor range. I'm also looking into a .22LR pistol for her, to start with. I've looked at the Mosquito from Sig, and a few others. Still have to get her out and about to handle some and see what she likes.
If you want to cover both bases cheap, affordable, self-defense then 9mm is the way that I'd go.MrDrummy wrote:My first semi-auto was a Thunder as well. I loved that thing!
A .22 may be the way to go for getting her into shooting, but I want (and more importantly, she wants) something that'll cover self-defense and target shooting. She's a tough gal- I don't think that a .380 would deter her from shooting more. I'll take her shopping at a few places that you guys have mentioned. We may end up with a .22, who knows. When I know more about when I'll be up there, I'll shoot another message out, and maybe I can meet some of you folks!
+1 to indoor ranges freaking out a new shooter. My first shooting/range trip was right next to a guy sighting in his magnum deer rifle. I thought my heart was going to explode just from the concussion!
Thanks again for all the feedback!
After all a .380 is just a 9mm short (17) that cost more to feed.
Go for the full 9x19 and spend less money on ammo and have a better round.
Just my opinion.
Russ
Russ
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Retired DPS Communications Operator PCO III January 2014.
kw5kw
Retired DPS Communications Operator PCO III January 2014.