Suggestions Wanted

[RHTK812]

Thinking about getting a carry gun for my girlfriend. I want to get her something WITH a safety and WITH a hammer. NO STRIKER FIRES. I'm finding it pretty difficult to find something with these requirements and NOT break the bank

 

[RustyHornet]

What's considered breaking the bank? I'd look at a CZ RAMI.

 

[Hoosier Carry]

Just an option you might be interested in: fnx-9c
https://www.fnamerica.com/products/handguns/fnx-series/fnx-9/

Better to let her find what she likes though. I wouldn't suggest surprising her with something if that is what your getting at.

edit: link was supposed to take you to the compact but you'll figure it out.

 

[Shoots4Fun]

I'd buy a used Sig 938. It's a terrific gun to carry, smallish, and yet it's comfortable to shoot at the range.

I know now they don't get much press but the Beretta Pico is a non-striker, easily concealable firearm. You can get them very cheap sometime brand new. The double action only trigger is a long enough pull I'd consider it a safety.

 

[Lees]

There are so many guns that I really dislike, or can't shoot very well, etc., I think it would have been a disaster if my husband picked something out for me. I really like one of his guns, but the rest just don't work for me very well. He can shoot everything I have, though, and sometimes carries a couple of my favorites. I'd have her try some rentals.

 

[KittySlayer]

I'd buy a used Sig 938. It's a terrific gun to carry, smallish, and yet it's comfortable to shoot at the range.

My wife wanted a safety also. Ended up with a Sig P238. She tried different guns finding one that felt good in her hand. The ability to easily rack the gun also played into her choice. She shoots it well which is good as she is not big on going to the range.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

Edit: ^^^Beat me to it

How about a Sig P238 .380

 

[Mgderf]

Have you looked at the Bersa Thunder line?

 

[fastwally]

LCRx is what my wife likes.

 

[bonkers1919]

Take her to Point Blank gun range behind Gander Mountain or any other good gun range that has plenty of rental guns

Let her shot as many that fit her hands. Make sure she can operate all the controls. I would also have her attend woman's class. Camp Atterbury has them and so does Point Blank.

Make sure she chooses the gun based on her experience with several different types of guns.

Good luck and have fun

 

[Dean C.]

Well it HELPS if you give a definitive budget as I am sure people have very different definitions of what would constitute "Breaking the Bank".

Personally for all the requirements laid out the Sig Sauer P238 and P938 are the best options by far as I personally hate DAO pistols especially for people who will more than likely never master that particular operating method. Now if you were to include Striker Fired pistols the options open up considerably and are generally several hundred dollars cheaper than the P938 and P238.

 

[The Bubba Effect]

There are so many guns that I really dislike, or can't shoot very well, etc., I think it would have been a disaster if my husband picked something out for me. I really like one of his guns, but the rest just don't work for me very well. He can shoot everything I have, though, and sometimes carries a couple of my favorites. I'd have her try some rentals.

+1

 

[Cameramonkey]

Forget "break the bank" budgets. If you cant stomach $600 for something that could save your (her) life, you may need to re-evaluate your priorities. As a skydiver, There is a failsafe tool we use that costs at LEAST $1500. Few balked at that cost, and nobody was saying "cant I find another one cheaper?" Is a life only worth a couple hundred bucks?

I'm not saying she needs to be looking at fancy 1911s, just that holding your choices below some arbitrary number like $350 may be misguided. (just be patient and save a little longer if necessary)

And why no strikers? I'm curious how you came upon that selection criteria.

 

[ckcollins2003]

Suggestions can be made all day long, but what she will be comfortable with is all up to her. Take her to a few gun shops, let her handle as many guns as she can. Take her to a place to rent those guns and shoot them. Your criteria may not fit what she really likes and shoots well.

I can't think of a single reason to limit her to a sidearm that has a thumb safety and a hammer instead of striker fired, or vise versa. Let her shoot a Glock, let her shoot a CZ, Sig, everything she can get her hands on. If she fumbles with the safety at the range do you really think it's a good idea to have her try to disengage it when adrenaline is pumping and she only has a couple of seconds to engage? Get her what she feels most comfortable with and then get her a proper holster and training.

 

[looney2ns]

Suggestions can be made all day long, but what she will be comfortable with is all up to her. Take her to a few gun shops, let her handle as many guns as she can. Take her to a place to rent those guns and shoot them. Your criteria may not fit what she really likes and shoots well.

I can't think of a single reason to limit her to a sidearm that has a thumb safety and a hammer instead of striker fired, or vise versa. Let her shoot a Glock, let her shoot a CZ, Sig, everything she can get her hands on. If she fumbles with the safety at the range do you really think it's a good idea to have her try to disengage it when adrenaline is pumping and she only has a couple of seconds to engage? Get her what she feels most comfortable with and then get her a proper holster and training.

 

[BiscuitNaBasket]

Suggestions can be made all day long, but what she will be comfortable with is all up to her. Take her to a few gun shops, let her handle as many guns as she can. Take her to a place to rent those guns and shoot them. Your criteria may not fit what she really likes and shoots well.

I can't think of a single reason to limit her to a sidearm that has a thumb safety and a hammer instead of striker fired, or vise versa. Let her shoot a Glock, let her shoot a CZ, Sig, everything she can get her hands on. If she fumbles with the safety at the range do you really think it's a good idea to have her try to disengage it when adrenaline is pumping and she only has a couple of seconds to engage? Get her what she feels most comfortable with and then get her a proper holster and training.

Ditto. CkCollins said exactly what I came here to say.

 

[Nicu757]

Just take her to the store I bought my now wife 3 different guns I wanted her to carry. It needs to be a gun she will carry. Finally got her a .38 with a hammer she just liked it best and understands it the best. All I know is I wanted her to have one and what she picked it better then no gun at all. I learned the hard expensive way.

 

[dbrier]

As a guy with a wife that has her own guns and shoots, I echo the above statements.
Let her choose what she wants to carry.

If SHE wants a safety and a hammer then have her look at S&W 3913 and it's variants. They are getting harder to find, but check all the boxes you mention in your first post.

 

[hopper68]

Used Ruger P series

 

[NHT3]

Make sure she can hit what she's aiming at no matter what the choice and get her some training. Too many people carrying guns that can't manage an 8" group at 5 yards.
Just my .02
Certified Glock & M&P armorer
NRA Basic pistol instructor[FONT=&amp] /[/FONT][FONT=&amp] RSO[/FONT]