gun ?

[Niki09]

I am looking at the colt-45 defender, as a carry weapon. It's light and packs a punch. I worry the re-coil may be an issue because of the light weight. Also I have honestly never shot a .45, and I don't know if I can handle it. But I'm going to my father-in-laws to find out (test fire his weapons).

Also I found a .22 mossberg rifle that I really liked.

And also a .22 pump action rifle either mossberg or ruger I can't remember and neither can hubby.

I want a carry handgun (remember 5'2'' 130) I'm little and don't want a 20lbs carry weapon (I know they don't weigh 20 lbs), and a rifle. I wish I could shoot a 30.06 but that would break my arm. Seriously I'm little and I have short arms. I want to hunt with my rifle so any ideas? What do you think of the guns I am thinking of? Ideas, opinions, any feedback?! Thanks!

[monet861]

Niki,

Why a .45? The lighter .45 will have a pretty good kick. I'm not dissing the .45's, I love my Colt 1911 Combat Commander, but I also would not want to tote it around. I prefer a .380 because of concealability and for general carry I think a Springfield XD9 is about perfect.

As for rifle I like a Ruger 10/22 better than almost anything. If you are an AR fan the AR57 is pretty cool. That is going to be one of my next purchases. You will not get the range of .223, but the 5.7 x 28mm round has alot less kick and you can carry much more ammo.

I think it sounds like you need a .45-70 Marlin 1895 lever action. Just the right amount of kick. A good friend broke his nose shooting one of mine.

[Niki09]

Niki,

why a .45?

I think it sounds like you need a .45-70 Marlin 1895 lever action. Just the right amount of kick. A good friend broke his nose shooting one of mine.

Um I don't know, I guess I am one of those paranoid moms. With hubby joining the fire dept, he will be gone 48 hours at a time. We have the make my day law here in CO. I just want something to stop (not kill), not "slow down" someone if I ever need it. I hope I don't but I want to be ready.

Yeah I want something without a serious kick. Something I can handle, my hands are the size of a kids, so I need a little light weight without the loss of it "packing a little punch"

[sd allen]

From what I have read here and in your other post I would suggest a good cap gun as a carry weapon and a Red Rider BB gun for a hunting rifle.On a budget you could pick these up for around 20 bucks total.

[Niki09]

From what I have read here and in your other post I would suggest a good cap gun as a carry weapon and a Red Rider BB gun for a hunting rifle.On a budget you could pick these up for around 20 bucks total.

honestly... there is really no reason to be mean :) thanks

[Cowboyup65]

well in my opinion a .32 or .380 or even a 9mm do make for some small carry pistols, and even some small 45's out there, depending on what you want to spend.
Whatever you buy, I highly recommend putting at least a box of ammo through it a month (50 rnds).
Since I got my concealed carry, I put about 2-3 boxes of ammo through my pistols a month if money is there.

[Niki09]

well in my opinion a .32 or .380 or even a 9mm do make for some small carry pistols, and even some small 45's out there, depending on what you want to spend.
Whatever you buy, I highly recommend putting at least a box of ammo through it a month (50 rnds).
Since I got my concealed carry, I put about 2-3 boxes of ammo through my pistols a month if money is there.

a .380 really? hear those have quite a kick?

1 box of ammo a month, may I ask why you suggest this?

[Cowboyup65]

A 380 is a short 9mm, so the kick should be minimal for anyone, and I say that with my older kids having shot my pistols too and not going above my .32 which is smaller than a .380, but they have shot one that wasnt mine, as guys at the range love to see kids there learning.

Now the reason I say a box a month is (my opinion here) if you plan on pulling a weapon out to defend your life, or the life of a loved one that is in danger of loosing their life to someone else with a firearm or knife, you MUST be so familiar with that weapon that your taking off the safety(if semi auto) pointing, shooting and re aiming the pistol needs to be as second nature as reaching in your purse for you keys (or close to it).

I pray I never have to point any of my weapons at any person for self defense reason, but I prepare for it as if it will happen tomorrow.
I weekly clean and cycle the carry weapon I use, shoot it often and carry it everywhere I go.

[Niki09]

Now the reason I say a box a month is (my opinion here) if you plan on pulling a weapon out to defend your life, or the life of a loved one that is in danger of loosing their life to someone else with a firearm or knife, you MUST be so familiar with that weapon that your taking off the safety(if semi auto) pointing, shooting and re aiming the pistol needs to be as second nature as reaching in your purse for you keys (or close to it).

.

ok see I figured you meant to familiarize myself with the weapon, but I wondered if you knew something I didnt....

thank you

[OneBadPig]

Go shoot your father inlaws 45. You will have more to go on then.
You might find the sensation of recoil enjoyable. I do:) (but only in handguns)
As far as a rifle, what are you wanting to hunt? I'm no hunting expert but a 243 is good for up to deer size game and is light recoiling.

[Niki09]

Go shoot your father inlaws 45. You will have more to go on then.
You might find the sensation of recoil enjoyable. I do:) (but only in handguns)
As far as a rifle, what are you wanting to hunt? I'm no hunting expert but a 243 is good for up to deer size game and is light recoiling.

yeah I think thats where Im going to start for sure, firing and deciding what I feel comfortable with, a carry weapon does me NO good if 1 I dont feel comfortable firing it and 2 cant handle it :)


yeah I was thinking deer, rabbits, duck, pheasant, maybe elk and just one moose. ect...

[ryantx23]

I'd suggest a good handgun in either, 9mm, 38/357, 40 or 45. For a woman your size, 9mm is probably ideal. It depends more on shot placement, then round size too for stopping ability. The 9mm will typically hold more rounds and thats never a bad thing! I recommend those round sizes also because they are more prevalent then other more exotic rounds and would be easier to come by in a SHTF situation. For a rifle, a lot of calibers are good and will effectively bag the game of your choice. But as a rule of thumb, I also revert back to common calibers and I'd choose a .223 over a .243 because of that. I really like the .308 round. Its recoil is not too bad and it will take any animal in North America. Other calibers that are good choices are 30-30, .22 mag, 30-06 and .270. It would probably be a wise decision to buy a .22 as well for taking rabbits and such. The ammo is cheap and you can buy and stock it up in bulk! Good luck on your hunt....

[Vicious Ignernt]

Niki,

Keep it simple! I'd recommend for you a .38 cal. Smith & Wesson revolver (or similar model). They've got one called a "Lady Smith". Light weight, simple, and rugged. Point, Pull, Bang! They don't call it a "Lady Smith" for nothing.

[David M.]

I have to agree with the .38 spl. I carry one daily, it's a S&W airweight. As far as simplicity, you can't beat a revolver. Get you a Taurus or Rossi with the lightweight frame (a little cheaper than a smith) The best part of these is anyone can use them. In a panic there's no safety to worry about. I love Glocks, but they don't fit small hands like yours. As far as home defense, a 20 ga. pump shotgun would fit your needs. Plus you can hunt small game with it. You should be able to have both for under $500.00 You need to practice with both as was said. There's nothing more frustrating than watching someone who's unfamiliar with their weapon.(Not to mention scary). Both are simple yet very effective.

[greenhouse]

For a "carry" sidearm, I would suggest a revolver, something in .38 Special to .357 Magnum.

There are some nice models out there to choose from. I personally like the Smith and Wesson line, but Taurus has some very nice examples too, and the Taurus are pretty much close copies of the S&W's.

I suggest a revolver for one basic reason. You squeeze the trigger and it goes bang.

My take is that if the person carrying the weapon is not formally trained to professionally use a weapon on a continual basis, (you are one that does not actively utilize a weapon in your daily routine like a police officer or secret service agent, etc.) you do not need to have to do much thinking at the moment you will be pulling out a weapon to defend your life. Your mind and body are reacting to psychological and physiological stimuli such as escape, fright, anxiety, etc. I have nothing against semi-auto pistols. I would carry one if that was what I had to use, it's better than nothing. But since I am not trained as someone in law enforcement or military type environment, I cannot fall back on my training or competency by repetition. I am pulling that weapon to defend me or mine. I believe that a semi-auto can potentially have more things go wrong than a revolver. And with that I need to rely on some basic things I have learned. Pull the weapon, aim it, and squeeze the trigger until the threat is stopped.

Second, the 38 Special round has stopping power, but not overpowering to the shooter. Too, you can shoot 38's in a .357 Magnum gun.

Regards
greenhouse