Wanted: Ladies Gun

[tombogan03884]

Then skip the surplus P64 . It's a nice PPK clone, but kicks like a mule considering the 9 x18 caliber.

[TAB]

What about those 3rd gen lady smiths.  They are a little heavy, but I know lots of people loved them for ccw and they are aboit 75% the size of the normal gun

[alfsauve]

What about those 3rd gen lady smiths.  They are a little heavy, but I know lots of people loved them for ccw and they are aboit 75% the size of the normal gun

I'll look at Lady Smiths, but that's the problem.     She's not talking CCW, but BTB...  Beside The Bed.  The grip needs to fit her hand, but the gun doesn't need to be "small".   So far my research show that searches for "single stack" are synonymous with CCW.   What she wants is a full sized gun with a small grip.   Not short, but small in circumference.

[Timothy]

I'll measure my Sig P6 and post it later.  They're making the P225 again.  Not a small frame but the grip is smaller.

[DanPatWork]

I'll look at Lady Smiths, but that's the problem.     She's not talking CCW, but BTB...  Beside The Bed.  The grip needs to fit her hand, but the gun doesn't need to be "small".   So far my research show that searches for "single stack" are synonymous with CCW.   What she wants is a full sized gun with a small grip.   Not short, but small in circumference.

This sounds to me like you need either a G19 or G17 with a good grip reduction. The G43 is out as it is definitely NOT a full size gun. It is a good concealed carry option for a 9mm but as expected,  glock was to late to the party, and there are a few better options in that category. It still handles full power loads without being unmanageable.   

My suggestion would be take the wife to the LGS and try out every pistol in her hand until she has that magic moment where it just feels right. Once you have that, it's time for the range. She will still need to practice/train. Without the shooting experience the bedside gun may run the risk of more harm than good. A gun that fits well and she is comfortable and experienced shooting will be much more effective. 

Just my .02 and not an attempt to knock your wife's shooting prowess, she most likely is a better shot than I am. My wife is but don't tell her I said so.

[Sponsor]

[Timothy]

My Sig P6/P225 grip is 5-1/4" circumference, FYI!

Eight in the mag, one in the pipe..   Full size frame, about 27 oz.

[red364]

I like my ppks. It fits my hand and its fun to shoot. In .380 and .22.......

[alfsauve]

Okay, I've made a list.   Some guns, you good folks have mentioned are not current production, so you'll not see them on the list.

I think the grip circumference has got to be 5" or less, so some of these aren't going to make the cut.  EXCEPT, buying a Glock and have the grip shaved might be an option.

It has to be striker fired, more than 6 rounds, and probably more than 25oz weight.  No manual safety.

CZ            P07   
FN           FNS      
HK           2000
HK           P09
Glock   G17      
Glock   G26      
Glock   G43      
Remington  R51
Ruger   American   
Ruger   SR9   
Ruger   SR9C
Sig           P320 C      
Springfield   XDM 4.5   
SW   Shield      
SW   M&P      
SW   MP Comp
Walther   PPS
Walther   PPQ
Walther   CCP

I'll be haunting the gun stores over the next month gathering measurements.  I already have weight, barrel length and capacity from the web sites.

[alfsauve]

I like my ppks. It fits my hand and its fun to shoot. In .380 and .22.......

Red,

I loved my PPK/s.  Over the years I owned 3 of them in .380 and one in .22lr.  However, they were not what I call "fun" to shoot.  Of course these were either German or Gadsden made and didn't have the extended tang.   They are  out for Miss Kitty because of the DA/SA and because they are .380acp.  Nothing against .380 in general, I'm just limiting the calibers I stock.  Simplifying life.

[alfsauve]

Got by the range and did some comparisons.  Of course they didn't have every model so I've still got some holes.   Disappointed in the Sig 320 as it was a full 5.5".  Same with the Ruger SR9 and 9c.  However there was one bright spot I'd overlooked and it was the SA  XD-s 4.  With their extended magazine it'll take 10 rounds and has a grip circumference of 5.25"  would love it smaller but for right now it's the winner.

So to review, the requirements are:  9mm, striker fired, no safety-if possible, 10 rounds minimum, smallest grip circumference measured under the trigger guard, full sized barrel/slide desired.

(The darkened ones are for comparison and reference not actually in running.  Typo:  It's XD-s 4, not 4.5)






UPDATES:
4/24 - Added note and corrected S&W M&P size.