[Xelazaughra]

I'm trying to get my girlfriend into the whole firearms thing. I've let her try racking the slide on multiple semi-auto handguns but she just doesn't have quite enough strength to camber a round. So I'm thinking a revolver would be an easy fix, but with so many options to choose from which route should we take? I've seen the S&W Bodyguard .38 special. I like the no hammer concept. What else might we try?

[sputnik1988]

Originally Posted by Xelazaughra

I'm trying to get my girlfriend into the whole firearms thing. I've let her try racking the slide on multiple semi-auto handguns but she just doesn't have quite enough strength to camber a round. So I'm thinking a revolver would be an easy fix, but with so many options to choose from which route should we take? I've seen the S&W Bodyguard .38 special. I like the no hammer concept. What else might we try?

The Ruger SR22 would do nicely, it is very easy to chamber and the training would cross over well for other semi auto's.

My GF loves her's, I did a short write up on it here.
http://www.firearmstalk.com/forums/f21/first-impressions-ruger-sr22-pistol-70699/

[tCan]

What about a medium sized .380? It's mild to shoot, and it could double as a carry gun. I like the 38 special too for this purpose. Heratage arms makes a Single Action 22 revolver that's quite inexpensive.

If you have the option though, put her behind a rifle first. The first rifle I shot was a .30-30 and it was a wallop, but it was fun because I could actually hit **** with it.

[Vikingdad]

I would not buy anything without first having her shoot as many as you can manage to find available. One of them will resonate with her for whatever reason. I always start them off with a .22 (both revolver and semi-auto) and work them up in caliber whatever I have available. The .380 is a great choice, as is a .38 Special. You never know, she might like a .40!

FYI, if you have her work with a semi-auto that has had 1000 rounds or so through it you will find that the slide is easier to operate when they are well broken in.

[mudpupp]

Rifle ......

[c3shooter]

While I carry a J frame S&W, those little pocket guns have a LOT of felt recoil- and may not be the best gun for a novice shooter-

A Ruger 22 pistol may be a good first gun- easy to rack, accurate as hell, very mild recoil.

As far as racking the slide on what you already have, have HER watch this-

YouTube

YouTube

[danf_fl]

When racking a slide, sometimes it is easier to "push" the lower with the dominate hand than "pull" the slide with the non-dominate hand.

I have a S&W Mdl 12 (lightweight frame) in .38 Special. With the 130 gr bullets, it is very manageable with recoil. I cannot fire +P rounds in it, but I'm okay with that.

[JohnJak]

Buy the gun for her and not you. Revolver is manageable with recoil with the proper load.

[winds-of-change]

I think a revolver is a very good first gun. It's mechanism is so much simpler and less intimidating. You open the cylinder and know right away if it's unloaded. No forgetting anything that could put you in danger. My first gun was a GP100 but that may be a little more kick than she's ready for. As others have said, let her try a few out and decide what she likes.

As I got more familiar and less intimidated by guns, I was able to rack slides better. I realized I'd have to quit being dainty and just rack the darned thing. I do use the method shown in the video C3 posted. As I get older my hands are becoming weaker.

[ineverFTF]

A 38 special would be good if she has a lot of trigger time on a 22
If she has no experience a ruger single 10, single six convertible, or the new single 9 would all be great starter guns.