Christmas

[countryboy]

Originally Posted by Hunting Man

May never need the 357 shells the 38's should be plenty, and hopefully she never needs to fire it for protection. It really is a shame our country is going this way. I agree it looks like a really nice conceal carry gun.

The 38 spl does not have that much energy in a 4" barrel, and you will lose a lot of velocity and energy with a short barrel snubby. The guidelines of most in defensive shooting is the ammo should produce at least 400 ft/lbs of energy at the muzzle - this rule changes with 44 spl and 45 ACP due to the diameter and weight of the bullets. If I had to shoot someone in self defense (they may be high on drugs or are at least very determined), I would prefer a 357 mag to a 38 spl, but I would choose a magnum load that is NOT likely to exit the perp. Check out the balistics of the 38 and 357 mag on the web realizing that most of the published balistics are from a 4" vented barrel. IMO, a 9mm with +P ammo (not all 9mm are approved for +P and very few for +P+) or a 44 spl are the minimum that should be used for personal defense. Keep in mind that you must be able to consistantly hit your target with your firearm/ammo selection.

[Hunting Man]

I was posting because its for a lady! No question the 357 mag is the better round, however in a short stubby, the recoil could be quite a bit for someone with small hands/frame. I have a colt trooper M3 in 357 keep it by the bed next to the Kimber 45!

[countryboy]

Women with small hands can shoot 357 mags IF the handgun fits their hand correctly, AND they are properly trained. Everyone needs to work their way up to the magnum cartridges. Personally, I would not shoot full power magnums in this gun due to the beating the gun would take. The biggest problem with some magnum loads in a defensive shooting situation is the muzzle flash (can cause temporary night blindness), muzzle blast and over-penetration. Quite often a ported barrel will increase the muzzle flash, but it can help to control the muzzle flip for quicker follow up shots.

If you are a new handgunner or are thinking about a handgun, realize that a snub nosed (short barrel) handgun should only be used by those who very experienced with handguns. We have had several public shooters come to our club with a snubby, and they have a very hard time with accuracy. A handgun with a 4 inch barrel is a good starting handgun for a person. A shorter barrel may cause accuracy problems due to the short sight radius from the front to rear sight. A longer handgun may be too barrel heavy for a beginner (need to build up the proper muscles). The most important aspects is how it fits your hand and your natural point of aim with the firearms. Always start with a 22LR. Find an NRA club and talk to the instructors. They may even arrange it so you can shoot several different handguns and/or calibers. Most gun shops (not all) will sell you anything, even if it is not the proper firearm for you.

[ronn]

hm. next to the flame thrower, lance, and sword?

[Hunting Man]

You got it ronn, whatever it takes. I'm sure you have something for unwanted guests!

[critter gitter]

If I would ever buy a gun for my wife it would be mine and she could shoot it once in a while.

[gfdeputy2]

Hey look at it from the other end of the gun
it could be a .22 that sucker looks like a .50 cal desert Eagle when you are staring down that barrel.
I picked up the new Ruger .380 LCP great compact concealment gun & great for people with small hands I was very impressed with the accuracy this thing puts the Kel-tech to shame
Now I just need to get it back from my wife once in a while

[ronn]

yes hm i do. theres the springfield XD tactical in 45 acp and my carry picec is a glock 30 3" + or - in 45 acp with a crimson trace pushing hornady TAP