Handgun question

JK Knives

JK Knives

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Got a question for you guys. What is available, at a reasonable price, in a small framed .380 or .22 auto? It must have a relatively easy slide to pull back. Connie has expressed interest in shooting again, so I figure I can trade one of my guns in on something for her. As an alternative, are there any reasonably priced small frame revolvers, in .22 LR or .22 Magnum? When I say reasonable price, I still want high quality. She gets off work at 10 on Thursday, so we are going to a well stocked gun shop, I just want a heads up on what to look for.
 
Berreta 21A Bobcat it's semi-auto and you dont have to manipulate slide. Barrel pops up to load first round. Just an idea
 
Not sure how the slide manipulation force compares to the LCP, but I've been carrying the Glock 42 as my hot weather gun for a while now and I love it.
 
Is this for range use only or carry for self defense? The reason I ask is many of those small framed carry pistols can be unpleasant to shoot. Their small size/weight results in greater recoil. Many of them have a short sight radius and difficult for a beginner to get consistent hits with. Both of which can be very discouraging for someone.
 
The Glock 42 may be an option for Connie. For a small frame .380 it's actually comfortable to shoot. I only have a few hundred rounds through it, but it's been trouble free. I did have a problem with Scorpion brand reloads, but have had no issues with any other brand.

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Jeff
 
I should also mention that Connie is not new to shooting, but when Hanna got sick she lost interest in shooting, along with a lot of other things. She had her own Glock 19 as well as a Beretta Model 84 (I think), .380. Due to arthritis is her hands she just can't work with the heavy spring on the slide anymore, plus she has tiny hands. I'm excited she is interested again, and want to be encouraging.
 
+1 for the Glock 42 the only issue I've ran into is my hands are too large and I have to be mindful of the slide stop. If you do get it they make a little plastic card to help you rack the slide on guns on the other hand Glocks are great for just racking the slide with the sights. Also I would recommend sticking to plain jane factory ammo no reloads, High pressure low weight, or low recoil rounds, I personally haven't had a problem but I mainly only shoot boxed shelf ammo.
 
JK Knives said:
I should also mention that Connie is not new to shooting, but when Hanna got sick she lost interest in shooting, along with a lot of other things. She had her own Glock 19 as well as a Beretta Model 84 (I think), .380. Due to arthritis is her hands she just can't work with the heavy spring on the slide anymore, plus she has tiny hands. I'm excited she is interested again, and want to be encouraging.
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Based on the provided information, her experience shooting and physical limitations, I highly recommend stepping aside and letting her have free reign to pick for herself. I've seen way to many men (husbands, boyfriends, & fathers) buy a women the gun "she needs" and the woman HATES it. Usually it's a snub-nose revolver or sub-compact auto that is miserable to shoot. Only we dedicated gun nuts enjoy the challenge and discomfort of shooting these guns well.

If a small, concealed carry type gun is on her radar, I would look at the Kahr's. My PM9 is much more accurate and comfortable to shoot then the Beretta 3032, Ruger LCP, and S&W 642 that it replaced. A J-frame 22 (lr or mag) would also fill this role.
If this is to be a range, nightstand, glovebox, purse gun, I would suggest a 4" revolver (S&W, Ruger, or Taurus). These tend to be easier to shoot well and don't require the hand strenght to manipulate a slide. My wife shoots her S&W 66 well and she is very comfortable with it's operation.
 
I looked into this once John...check out the Walther PK380...easy racking pistol.
 
That`s why we are going to the gun shop together, she can pick out several she can handle, then since they have a large selection of rental guns, (well over 100), she can actually try out the ones she likes. As for me picking one out, no way. I had purchased the Glock 19 for myself, it was a nice one with night sights, then she decided to "try it out." That`s the last time I got to use it! We sold that one, along with about 8 others a few years back.
 
In my experience the smaller the gun the more difficult it is to rack the slide. The subcompacts have heavier springs and less to grip so someone with reduced grip strength will strugle.

If this is a target gun. I recommend a mid sized revolver in a 4-5" barrel in your caliber of choice and a set of grips that fits her hands best.

Larger frame firearm, low power round will be pleasent to shoot. No slide to deal with, and grips that fit the hand.
 
You may want to check out the Taurus Curve as well. It is a very compact .380, that can have a built in Laser and light. Another innovative feature is the built in "wings" on the slide that are designed for assistance when racking the slide. I handled one at the past SHOT show, and was surprisingly impressed.
 
I'm pretty sure that would be out of my price range, but will certainly check it out.
 
I love the suggestion of the Beretta Bobcat, but they also make a .32 cal called the Tomcat. I have one and it is fantastic. Easy to shoot and by far by far the most accurate pocket pistol I have ever used. The LCP is not even close by comparison. That could bridge the gap between .22 and .380
 
I do have a Beretta Jetfire in .25, but the sights are way to small to see.
 
I've got the Kel Tec .380. I like it for a small gun. Never had any problems with it. It's an ugly little sucker, though. I carry it loaded with Hornady Critical Duty rounds.
 
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