Houston, we have a problem......well, a friend of mine who lives there might.

[Solus]

I have a friend who lives in Houston, TX and she recently purchased her first hand gun for self defense.  From her talking about her experience so far, I think it is her first firearm.

She was guided to buy a S&W Bodyguard, .38.  and has one range session under her belt.  She has some "issues" with the gun, mainly she has trouble with the heavy trigger pull.  She says she had more trouble with the slide on the .380 bodyguard, so not sure how much help she can get there...  My guess is the gun shop she went to was pushing S&W and she didn't get exposed to much else.

Anyway I think she needs some training and guidance.  Her plan is to go to the range and shoot some targets.  A plan with formal training would be much better....avoid bad habits from the start.

What I'd like, if anyone is able to help, are some recommendations for folks who might provide good training and guidance for her.

Aside from learning how to use the firearm, it might include some help evaluating a firearm she might find easier to use.

She did take a one time class and chose not to take a Women's Only class....she said she didn't want to risk her life around a bunch of woman shooters who were as clueless as she was.   But I think if there is a good Woman's Shooting organization in the Houston area, it might be the place to get some advice and guidance.  

I will check for an NRA woman's group, but any other recommendations with that and trainers and facilities would be appreciated.

Thanks and take care.

[Timothy]

Can't help much but to say that I can't say enough about the Ruger LCR trigger.  My Sis in-law, who's a petite little girl of about 100 lbs with small hands, had no trouble with the trigger pull.  I know that you can work a S&W trigger but I don't know about the trigger mechanism on the Bodyguard.

Good Luck...

[MikeBjerum]

Some are issues that the shooter just needs more learning, practice and the strength that comes with training.  After all, outside of our pro shooter educator, Mr. Seeklander, how many of us exercise our grips and fingers?

The other issue is that many people that sell guns have no true understanding of them.  They only know the sales pitch they get from their managers and the gun reps.  Or even worse, what the gun magazines say - Mr. Zumbo and his anti-AR rant that many heard and believed, but that many did not pay attention to his retraction.

I may sound like a broken record, but practice, take classes, practice, learn, learn, learn ...

Good luck!

[Solus]

Some are issues that the shooter just needs more learning, practice and the strength that comes with training.  After all, outside of our pro shooter educator, Mr. Seeklander, how many of us exercise our grips and fingers?

The other issue is that many people that sell guns have no true understanding of them.  They only know the sales pitch they get from their managers and the gun reps.  Or even worse, what the gun magazines say - Mr. Zumbo and his anti-AR rant that many heard and believed, but that many did not pay attention to his retraction.

I may sound like a broken record, but practice, take classes, practice, learn, learn, learn ...

Good luck!

Me!!!!...I decided to do some serious work on grip/forearm strength for pistol control.

I went with some of these products.  I have 3 or 4 of the full size grippers plus some of the "booster" additions and one of the thumb workers.

Get past all the macho competitive stuff and they are pretty good...might be able to find what you want cheaper...but it gives a long path for harder items as you grow stronger.

http://www.ironmind.com/ironmind/opencms/Main/captainsofcrush.html

One incidental benefit I found from using them for a few months....on a visit to my Dr. it was found by blood pressure had dropped by over 20 pts.

My research found that Air Force pilots would do grip exercises during high G maneuvers to increase their blood pressure to avoid blackouts.   All Air Force pilots have frequent and regular monitoring of the health condition and it was found that pilots who were involved in the grip exercises experienced a reduction in blood pressure at normal times even though the exercises were used to increase blood pressure in the maneuvers.

If you are concerned about blood pressure, give it a try.   It sure can't hurt much and will improve your grip and likely your BP too.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/310845-why-a-hand-grip-exercise-may-lower-blood-pressure/

P.S. I have recommended grip exercises to my friend.

[tombogan03884]

She may also want to have the gun looked at by some one who is not trying to sell her a new one.
It may be something like rough parts.

[Sponsor]

[Timothy]

A review of the Bodyguard...

"We have all heard the expression, “there’s a lawyer attached to every bullet.” Smith & Wesson must feel that there’s also a lawyer attached to every trigger; they make their revolver triggers heavy enough to hoist an entire bench of lawyers with each pull. Clocking the BODYGUARD’s laser on target, I watched the little red dot jump by eight to ten inches with every trigger pull."

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2011/08/ralph/gun-review-smith-wesson-bodyguard-38-and-bodyguard-380/

[Solus]

Thanks for the link, Tim.

I was thinking of trying to get her to consider other guns, but wasn't sure it might be the Bodyguard's "fault".

I will pass the link on to her.....and hopefully come up with someone she can trust in the area for advice.

Thanks again.

[Timothy]

No problem.

I never handled the BGuard but I have dry fired several 442, 642 and other J-Frames.  I know they can be tweeked and I also know their primary function as a pocket gun but the LCR was so superior to the NIB S&W that is was a no-brainer even though the Ruger was a bit more money!

[CJS3]

Try these guys;
http://shilohshooting.com/zencart/

They also rent out a large variety of hand guns, so your friend can try out different models. You may want to turn down the volumn.

[texhntr1022]

Shiloh shooting range on the north side, top gun range near downtown, the arms room on the south side. All good indoor ranges w/ helpful people. For more advanced training she should contact Hoffners.com Brian Hoffner is a fantastic firearms instructor and offers many different levels of courses. Good luck to her.