Easiest pistol to operate/strip/clean for women

[knlgskr]

Women sometimes have problems due to hand size/strength operating, stripping, cleaning handguns; which pistols/revolvers do you consider easiest for them?

Thank you,

Richard

[bamafan64]

Snub nosed revolver. Easy to hide in their purse, simple to operate, minimum cleaning and maintenance.

[flycbyrd]

Snub nosed revolver. Easy to hide in their purse, simple to operate, minimum cleaning and maintenance.
Amen to that , I would say either with a shielded hammer or hammer-less. A 38 special is my recommendation.

[73mountaineer]

+1 on a revolver rather than a pistol. Revolvers are dead nuts simple to operate and perform basic cleaning and maintenance on.

It's not hard to strip and clean most pistols, but it is definitely more involved than a revolver.

[RockyNomad]

+1 on a revolver rather than a pistol. Revolvers are dead nuts simple to operate and perform basic cleaning and maintenance on.

It's not hard to strip and clean most pistols, but it is definitely more involved than a revolver.

Just so the OP is not confused. A revolver is a pistol.

[probesport]

Hammerless .38 revolver, can't go wrong there.

[mme29710]

642 S&W .38 Special (Airweight J frame)

[Deltaboy]

Snub nosed revolver. Easy to hide in their purse, simple to operate, minimum cleaning and maintenance.

I agree.

[flycbyrd]

Hammerless .38 revolver, can't go wrong there.

We both have similar taste in guns. My recommendation is as followshttp://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=295&category=Revolver&toggle=tr&breadcrumbseries=CC2 Taurus has a lifetime warranty. Just when you buy your gun make sure you tighten the yoke screw. For some reason they dont tighten them down on some of there pistols, not a big deal though. Great guns especially for the money. You will be paying for quality and not a big name with this one.They have some of the best grips on their guns, a real comfort and joy to shoot.

[stobes21]

Just so the OP is not confused. A revolver is a pistol.

I actually think that pistols are defined as a subset of handguns distinct from revolvers, single shots, derringers, etc. Therefore a semi auto is a pistol but a revolver is not. They are both handguns however.

And I will agree that generally speaking a revolver is easier to operate and clean. Cleaning one doesn't even require taking off the cylinder, just opening it like you would to load. Occasionally you might want to remove the grips to clean as well, but that's a pretty simple exercise too. Even very simple semi-auto designs are more complicated to take apart for cleaning.

Of semi-auto designs I have personally taken apart (a pretty limited group) I think the Sig 226 DA/SA was the simplest. Unload, lock the slide back, rotate the disassembly lever and remove the slide. From there just take the guide rod/spring off and pull out the barrel. Pretty simple. Glocks aren't too much more complicated. 1911s are a fair bit harder (still easy once you know what you are doing).

[Pkrankow]

642 S&W .38 Special (Airweight J frame)

I believe this is the exact weapon my parents have for home defense because my Mom is very comfortable using it.

I know when my parents selected it they went to a range and tried a number of different weapons on the range, and well as field stripping. The "rental" fee and instruction is usually fairly reasonable, and not much compared to buying a couple different weapons.

Phil

[bdev]

I would suggest the Kel-Tec P-3AT.
It's a 6 shot double action only, concealed hammer auto in .380.

This would be a good choice for a woman. The .380 is more forgiving when it comes to recoil which leads to more practice and ACCURACY.

Accuracy is the key. I know many will say the .380 is anemic when it comes to stopping power but how many of us would want to get hit with one?

I know I wouldn't.

It will conceal better in a purse because of its lightweight and slim profile.
An additional magazine ups the power to 12 rounds.
Cost is around $300.00

Here's the link..........
http://www.keltecweapons.com/our-guns/pistols/p-3at/

[Mako72]

You think she is going to clean it?!?!?!:lol:

My wife loves to shoot. Has 4 pistols and 2 rifles. She has never cleaned a one! We come back she says that was fun, off to get my nails done and bails! I am the armorer it appears. But in keeping with the thread...

.38 Revolver

Beretta, Sig for auto with Glock close after.

Jay

[73mountaineer]

Just so the OP is not confused. A revolver is a pistol.

A revolver is a handgun, and a pistol is a handgun, but whether they should both be called pistols is often hotly debated. It's kinda' off topic so it doesn't belong here, but it is not nearly as black and white as you stated it.

For the OP's purposes, if he is shopping for a handgun for a lady, he will find that manufacturers classify their handguns as either pistols or revolvers, so it is an important detail. Pistols in this context being a semi-automatic, magazine-fed handgun in which the chamber is integrated into the barrel.

Richard, if you go looking for revolvers under the 'pistols' section of a manufacturer's web site, you won't find a single one, so be sure to check both ('pistols' and 'revolvers') for something suitable. :thumbup1:

[azmark]

Semi-Auto: Glock, pretty much 4 parts you have to clean regularly. My wife carries one on duty and off duty and cleans it often but she has short nails and still has trouble pulling the slide lock to remove the barrel.

We also have a Springfield XD and the slide lock is a lever which is just as easy for me but she has no trouble just moving the slide lock up.

Revolver: Pretty much any.

[Groat]

Semi-Auto: Glock, pretty much 4 parts you have to clean regularly. My wife carries one on duty and off duty and cleans it often but she has short nails and still has trouble pulling the slide lock to remove the barrel.

The slide lock on the Glocks is pretty short. I can see how it could be a PITA for some. I believe there are aftermarket slide locks that are a teeny bit longer so that you can get a better grip on them. I honestly don't know if they'd interfere with a holster, though.

[azmark]

The slide lock on the Glocks is pretty short. I can see how it could be a PITA for some. I believe there are aftermarket slide locks that are a teeny bit longer so that you can get a better grip on them. I honestly don't know if they'd interfere with a holster, though.

She's taken it to the Rangemaster at the department and since it is a department issued weapon she can't do anything to it and told her to grow a pair slide it harder:laugh:. I think it more has to do with the way she modified her hand position when she slides the slide back but she gets it just isn't pretty.

[binowatch]

3" barrel J frame Smith and Wesson all steel. The extra inch makes aiming and fire control much easier and gives a little more velocity. The steel frame is still not heavy but is much easier to control and more comfortable to shoot, esp follow up shots. They make them in 38 sp and 357-I would suggest only 38. This is the gun I taught my wife with. She is thin,not terribly strong and was a novice to shooting and did great with it.

[Blue Raccoon]

I would suggest the Kel-Tec P-3AT.
It's a 6 shot double action only, concealed hammer auto in .380.

This would be a good choice for a woman. The .380 is more forgiving when it comes to recoil which leads to more practice and ACCURACY.

Accuracy is the key. I know many will say the .380 is anemic when it comes to stopping power but how many of us would want to get hit with one?

I know I wouldn't.

It will conceal better in a purse because of its lightweight and slim profile.
An additional magazine ups the power to 12 rounds.
Cost is around $300.00

Here's the link..........
http://www.keltecweapons.com/our-guns/pistols/p-3at/


have you ever actually shot a P-3AT? I own one. The recoil is anything but mild and if you can keep your shots on a small paper plate at 10 feet you are doing very good. the slide is very heavy to operate and doesn't lock open after the last round is fired so you don't only have to drop the mag and insert another you also have to manually work the slide.

[Aku Aku]

Walther PPK and PPK/S are ideal for women as well. Simple field break-down in a few seconds. Small enough for a good fit in most women's hands. Also size is great for CWC.

[probesport]

If small is what you want, doesn't get much smaller than a little pocket .25

http://oarenj.com/25/the25.jpg

[nrdoty]

I would suggest the Kel-Tec P-3AT.
It's a 6 shot double action only, concealed hammer auto in .380.

This would be a good choice for a woman. The .380 is more forgiving when it comes to recoil which leads to more practice and ACCURACY.

Accuracy is the key. I know many will say the .380 is anemic when it comes to stopping power but how many of us would want to get hit with one?

I know I wouldn't.

It will conceal better in a purse because of its lightweight and slim profile.
An additional magazine ups the power to 12 rounds.
Cost is around $300.00

Here's the link..........
http://www.keltecweapons.com/our-guns/pistols/p-3at/


have you ever actually shot a P-3AT? I own one. The recoil is anything but mild and if you can keep your shots on a small paper plate at 10 feet you are doing very good. the slide is very heavy to operate and doesn't lock open after the last round is fired so you don't only have to drop the mag and insert another you also have to manually work the slide.

+1

Unless she needs a gun that small then go with something a bit bigger than the Kel-Tec P-3AT. I have not personally fired the Kel-Tec, but I have fired the Ruger LCP and own a Taurus TCP which are pretty much modeled after it. They do both lock back but the combo of light weight and minimal grip make them hard to hang on to. My wife says she much prefers firing my Glock 17 over the TCP. The OP said he was concerned with "problems due to hand size/strength" then I would steer clear of "pocket" .380s.

[mtsgsd]

I can't find any other criteria such as what she wants to use it for. If it's just to learn how to shoot, and to use in a range or for plinking, something like a Ruger 22/45 would work well. It's a .22 Ruger with a 1911 style grip instead of the European slanted grip they normally have.

There's one takedown lever in the back of the handle. that's it. Easy to clean, and easy to use. Recoil is light, and it's accuracy is very good.

[Rev Rob]

Smith & Wesson made a .357 Ladysmith - 6 shot. It was basically a fancy Model 64. You can use both .38 and .357 ammo in it, what ever your preference. It is a handy little revolver.

[Blue Raccoon]

a j-frame Smith shooting 357's is also and handful. you might want to look at a Sig p290 a sub 9mm or the Sig p232 a sub 380.

[Stevestan]

My Wife is very happy with her 38 Special S&W.

[dbl-haul]

Walther PPK and PPK/S are ideal for women as well. Simple field break-down in a few seconds. Small enough for a good fit in most women's hands. Also size is great for CWC.

I agree with your choice . I have a PP in .32cal. great carry gun.

[Aku Aku]

Thanks dbl-haul. I would also like to add that the older Interarms version is preferable to the current S&W product. Not only is it better manufactured, the tang is substantially smaller and better fits a woman's hand.

[Tricky]

I humbly and respectfully disagree with small snub nose j-frames for women. I think the trigger pull is tough, they take a great deal of training to be accurate and effective, and can be pretty tough with full house loads. I like the more compact plastic pistols for women. Personally, I love the size of the compact M&P, but I do not care for the disassembly (a bit awkward). I would be inclined to look at the g19 or the new xdm compacts. I think these are great carry guns for women. Plus, they are super easy to clean as well.

[DavyRay]

So far, I have not seen one comment from a woman. I guess we are all projecting what we think the "little lady" wants or needs in a firearm.

Ladysmith?

[ackvil]

I actually think that pistols are defined as a subset of handguns distinct from revolvers, single shots, derringers, etc. Therefore a semi auto is a pistol but a revolver is not. They are both handguns however.

And I will agree that generally speaking a revolver is easier to operate and clean. Cleaning one doesn't even require taking off the cylinder, just opening it like you would to load. Occasionally you might want to remove the grips to clean as well, but that's a pretty simple exercise too. Even very simple semi-auto designs are more complicated to take apart for cleaning.

Of semi-auto designs I have personally taken apart (a pretty limited group) I think the Sig 226 DA/SA was the simplest. Unload, lock the slide back, rotate the disassembly lever and remove the slide. From there just take the guide rod/spring off and pull out the barrel. Pretty simple. Glocks aren't too much more complicated. 1911s are a fair bit harder (still easy once you know what you are doing).

I agree - but Glocks are very easy to take apart and clean.

Some time ago there were a number of women taking lessons at a gun range. After the lessons they went to the range to shoot with a few handguns. Much to my surprise they did not seem to like revolvers as much as semi-auto pistols. They complained that the snubbies had too much of a kick and that the 9 mm pistols were easier on their hands!

[Slash McCoy]

Why a .38? Why not a 357? The .357 can still fire .38, with only an ounce or two weight penalty, if the .357 recoil turns out to be a problem. But really, I would recommend a .44 special if one could be found to try out first. I agree that a revolver would be a lot less headache for a woman who simply won't go through the hassle of cleaning a semi. Another advantage of a revolver (hammerless or shrouded) is it can be fired and fired again, from inside the purse or jacket pocket. A semiauto is going to more than likely malfuction after the first shot when fired from the purse or pocket. I do favor the semiauto but in those two regards the revolver has a huge advantage.

My ex wife stands well under 5' tall and used to love shooting my old Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 magnum SA revolver, (she was fairly good with it, too) and wasn't a bit scared of my 44 magnum DA except she did have a hard time wrapping her little mitts around the big DA grips. Heavy recoil doesn't necessarily have to intimidate the fairer sex. I would try her out with a 44 special or a 357 before buying something smaller just because "she's a GIRL". The .357 should be one-hand shootable for most women.

[kg4ghn]

FWIW, my wife enjoyed shooting my Glock 19. She liked it a lot more than the Glock 26, though she shot both of them fine.

[azmark]

Some time ago there were a number of women taking lessons at a gun range. After the lessons they went to the range to shoot with a few handguns. Much to my surprise they did not seem to like revolvers as much as semi-auto pistols. They complained that the snubbies had too much of a kick and that the 9 mm pistols were easier on their hands!

.45's are even better. My wife says it's more of a "thump."

[Mako72]

.45's are even better. My wife says it's more of a "thump."

Yup. The wife and I just took my son and a lady freind out shooting a couple days ago. His friend had only shot 22s once in the past. After some warm up we had her getting comfy with my Beretta 9mm when I asked if she wanted to try the 45. She tried it and said she actually liked it better than the 9mm because it was a "push" and didn't flip like the 9mm. But I have to say she got the biggest kick out of the AK we brought out. She shot about 5 rounds the first time and then tried it later and ended up dumping about 3 mags through it!

Jay

[waynejitsu]

A revolver is a handgun, and a pistol is a handgun, but whether they should both be called pistols is often hotly debated. It's kinda' off topic so it doesn't belong here, but it is not nearly as black and white as you stated it.

For the OP's purposes, if he is shopping for a handgun for a lady, he will find that manufacturers classify their handguns as either pistols or revolvers, so it is an important detail. Pistols in this context being a semi-automatic, magazine-fed handgun in which the chamber is integrated into the barrel.

Richard, if you go looking for revolvers under the 'pistols' section of a manufacturer's web site, you won't find a single one, so be sure to check both ('pistols' and 'revolvers') for something suitable. :thumbup1:

:thumbup:
I always like when someone knows what they are discussing, correct information is always better than being misinformed...

[mikey]

Agree.

Thanks,
Mike


I actually think that pistols are defined as a subset of handguns distinct from revolvers, single shots, derringers, etc. Therefore a semi auto is a pistol but a revolver is not. They are both handguns however...

[Hansel]

Snub nosed revolver. Easy to hide in their purse, simple to operate, minimum cleaning and maintenance.

1st response pretty much nails it.

You don't have to worry about immediate action drills, remedial action drills, etc. The fix for malfunctions, in a fighting situation at least, is basically "Pull the trigger again" no matter what.

IMHO, the revolver is more difficult to reload, however, this is only a significant issue if she's going to carry more ammunition than what's in the gun. If she wouldn't carry a spare magazine for a semi-auto to reload that, she's not going to carry a speed loader for the revolver, so forget about it.

As far as semi-autos go, my favorite would have to be a 9mm Glock, but only if it would be carried in a hard sided holster, as it is not designed or intended for carry in any other manner. The Glock-17 and Glock-19 have mild, controllable recoil, and field stripping is accomplished in just a few seconds that breaks the pistol down into 4 parts, plus the magazine. They're damn near indestructible too, but using one effectively and safely requires a little time and effort be put into training.

My experience with women who want to carry a pistol for self defense is that far too many (Like my neighbor, for example) are simply unwilling to put any effort into learning about the firearm they will carry, the details of its operation and maintenance, or to spend any time practicing with it...

Obviously, thats less than ideal, but if I HAD to give a pistol to somebody knowing that if they ever have to use it their life is going to depend on it, and the training they will receive is going to be limited to me simply telling them to point it at center mass and pull the trigger between 2 to 5 times...It'd be a .38 Special.

[Hansel]

They complained that the snubbies had too much of a kick and that the 9 mm pistols were easier on their hands!

A good point, however, if they get enough range time so that they're sure they can hold onto the snubby through a few shots, I would suggest that the recoil is a non event.

Given the choice between sore hands and bodily harm, I think they'd all take the sore hands.

[aimsport]

Hammerless .38 revolver, can't go wrong there.

+1 on the hammerless.

[instpasr]

I have a walther pps that is small and fits well in my back pocket or would fit in my wife's purse if she chose to carry it.

[Hansel]

I have a walther pps that is small and fits well in my back pocket or would fit in my wife's purse if she chose to carry it.

Nice pistols, but in my experience they have a rather stiff recoil spring that can make them difficult or awkward to rack for smaller/weaker people, a rather complex safety mechanism, they're difficult to strip...

Good for someone with more experience, not so much for beginners, IMO.

[mcdesant]

a lady smith an wesson revolver made just for women and has small handle shoots .38

[Aku Aku]

I have a walther pps that is small and fits well in my back pocket or would fit in my wife's purse if she chose to carry it.


Nice pistols, but in my experience they have a rather stiff recoil spring that can make them difficult or awkward to rack for smaller/weaker people, a rather complex safety mechanism, they're difficult to strip...

Good for someone with more experience, not so much for beginners, IMO.

In addition to Hansel's post, the PPS is also a bit larger than the PPK or PPK/S previously suggested (9mm vs. .380) making it a bit tougher fit for a woman's hand. Also, the field strip is not as easy and OP was looking for this.

[instpasr]

Agreed they are a bit larger but having small hands myself I find the PPS a good fit as a CCW, as for the take down I think this is one of those YMMV things. I also have a North American Arms .22LR mini revolver that is perfect for the front pocket, I wouldn't want it as a primary weapon but as a weapon of last resort I'd use it for sure.

[fireengineer2004]

Snub nosed revolver. Easy to hide in their purse, simple to operate, minimum cleaning and maintenance.

How about one of the new poly Judges? Light, small(ish), and great stopping power??

[MrMurphy]

Ease of use is primarily a technique thing. A lot of women have trouble running revolvers because DA triggers aren't always light.

Making an auto work for a woman is all technique. Instead of pulling back with one hand. Use the strong hand, wrap the weak hand on the slide. Face gun sideways, push hands 'together'. Total body strength involved, racks gun easily.

[AZShaver]

A .38 revolver, hammerless, is best. A wheelgun has less chance of mechanical failure, or jamming.

[DavyRay]

100% of the comments in this thread, so far, are by men. We may have a lack of actual reality here. A bunch of guys discussing what women want in handguns is sort of like a bunch of guys discussing what sort of pipes and cigars women want to smoke.

Seems a bit out of touch to me. I think they all want a .22 caliber Remington Jet. Prove me wrong!

[MrMurphy]

30-50 years ago wheelguns were a bit more reliable, these days, no.

If a wheelgun has a malfunction it tends to be the You're Now Dead kind because the gun totally ceases to function. If an auto has a malf rip the mag, work the slide, reinsert mag (or new mag, even better) and keep up the fight.

Glocks can run 5-30,000 rounds flawlessly unless the ammo's bad. Even 100 years ago, the Army test 1911 ran 6,000 rounds straight without a malfunction of any type.

Revolvers tend to bind up or experience fouling sooner than that.

A Glock 19, S&W M&P9, or similar is about the most idiotproof piece out there with a good capacity, easy to use and extremely high reliability rate. With a modicum of training and any sort of will, you can run one easily. Having taught fellow servicemembers (not gun people) to run a Beretta 92 within an hour..... it's NOT that hard. If a girl can drive a car, she can shoot an automatic, and they're not "too hard" to use. It's training and willpower unless they're physically disabled.

[kg4ghn]

Go to youtube and look for limalife. She is a little bitty woman that carries, shoots, and cleans full size 1911.

Google cornered cat as well, it is a pretty good website run by a lady.

[waynejitsu]

Seems a bit out of touch to me. I think they all want a .22 caliber Remington Jet. Prove me wrong!

Can you prove you are right?

[Austin]

Girls with Guns reminds me of this old song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7jJugMsdQY&feature=related

[Groat]

After contemplating the question for some time, I have come to the conclusion that the best way to find out is to take said woman to the range and let her fire a range of weapons. There was a gun shop near Fort Stewart that rented out handguns, and trying out a Glock is what convinced me to buy my first handgun. I believe if you asked, nearly any reputable store would be glad to let you take a weapon down while looking at it. In all honesty, stripping a semi-auto should be quite similar in difficulty for both a man and a woman. Proper training could likely teach a child to do it.

Then you simply have to deal with finding a weapon that fits into your hand and fires comfortably. Both semi-autos and revolvers would have weapons that do that. After firing one or two of each type, the lady should be able to make up her own mind.

[Aku Aku]

In all honesty, stripping a semi-auto should be quite similar in difficulty for both a man and a woman.

Although this may be true for men and women not all guns strip down the same way. Some need tools and a lot of time. Others require forearms Popeye would be proud of. The Walther PPK series really is a good choice for women and meets the OP requirements.

Check out this video Walther PPK Field Strip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oxi8IJm7S0).

[waynejitsu]

Should that decision not be left up to the woman that plans to carry and use the gun?
Just like men, ALL women are different.\
Some small, some big, some weak, some strong.
I knew women that carried a 22 and others that carry a 44magnum.
I do not think as a man, we should be deciding what "fits" them best any more than I would want a woman to pick out my car (or gun for that matter).
It is a PERSONAL choice, based on the person needing the gun.

If there was a "best for woman gun", it would sit in the gun case in the store and when a woman came in she would be directed to it. It would be the only gun available for a woman because it is "best" for her" based on us guy;s picking it out.
We seem to think of women as dainty when it comes to guns and she just can not control the recoil, not strong enough to pull the trigger, not enough strength to field strip..., now does that not sound just plain silly?
I have known some bad ass women that were tough as nails.
Stereotypes can be quite deceptive and in cases like this, do work for the women, like the one that beat the crap out of the guy that tried to snatch her purse, then held him until police arrived.
What you "see" is not always what you "get". The surprise of a woman defending herself is a great thing in my book and when the guy gets beat down by a cute little chick, they usually have something to think about for a while and leave the next one alone.
Best gun for a woman-
Whatever she likes,
feels comfortable with,
can shoot accurately
can conceal...,
let HER take HER pick

[Aku Aku]

Hey waynejitsu. That's true, but at the same time why bother posting at all if you feel that way. If you think about it all faces are different, but we post about shave techniques. All noses smell things uniquely, but we post about fragrances. So on and so on. The OP asked and we answered. No more, no less. That is what a forum is all about. The OP will read through the posts and hopefully glean one idea or pearl of wisdom that will assist in the decision making process.

[nrdoty]

Hey waynejitsu. That's true, but at the same time why bother posting at all if you feel that way. If you think about it all faces are different, but we post about shave techniques. All noses smell things uniquely, but we post about fragrances. So on and so on. The OP asked and we answered. No more, no less. That is what a forum is all about. The OP will read through the posts and hopefully glean one idea or pearl of wisdom that will assist in the decision making process.

I agree. If the OPs SWMBO is anything like mine; we have talked about her carrying and she's ok with the idea. But she doesn't really want to spend hours researching the pros & cons of every model out there. What she would be more inclined to go along with is if I narrowed it down to 2-3 models and had her handle/fire each. If she, for instance, finds she really likes a .38 revolver then I might recommend she try a couple other calibers, different grip, and so on. Asking for advice here doesn't mean anybody is stereotyping or has a problem with it being her decision.

So far I have found this thread interesting and appreciate the different suggestions.

[waynejitsu]

Hey waynejitsu. That's true, but at the same time why bother posting at all if you feel that way. If you think about it all faces are different, but we post about shave techniques. All noses smell things uniquely, but we post about fragrances. So on and so on. The OP asked and we answered. No more, no less. That is what a forum is all about. The OP will read through the posts and hopefully glean one idea or pearl of wisdom that will assist in the decision making process.

EXACTLY!! I Agree:)

We did not get a woman to pick out our razor, why would we, as men, feel so superior as to pick out a woman's gun we do no know anything about.
Her size
Her weight
Her strength
Her experience.

Example, when picking one of my first guns (for CCW), I had a Colt 6" 357 Magnum.
My best friend recommended a Colt 45acp. I "thought" semi-auto, not reliable for personal protection (this was 30 years ago), I did have a target gun that was semi-auto that never MF'ed, FTE, etc, so, I thought about it and got a Colt 45 (Officers model, series 80, his was a 70)
I sent it off to have it customized and now it is "my baby". You squeeze the trigger, it fires and hits what you want it to hit.

My point is "personal opinion" is great, but do not buy anything based solely on it. That is "the" reason there are so many models and as a great example, how many examples are there of a Colt 45? How many companies are now making them? how many variations are there?
Why?
To "fit" the persons need's buying the gun.

Items like razors and guns, IMO, should really be picked out by the person that will be using it.
Do you know how many razors I have in my closet? Birthday, Christmas, etc and the manufacture knows this and sells a ton of them at that time of year, even though many hate them, the person receiving it says thank you, then in the closet it goes, or under the socks, underwear, etc.

Maybe we should start a thread on where you keep all your unwanted razors, LOL!!!

It is just a personal item (like a gun) and the person using it should have the final say in what they want.

Just my opinion..., like everyone else's:)

At most, we should do a pro/con, but that usually just get people more confused.

As an example, not long ago (see how many posts I have, LOL!!), I started to DE shave. EVERYONE had an "opinion" on what razor I should get

[mtsgsd]

As I pointed out earlier, the OP never told us what she was looking for as far as CC, Target, Self Defense, etc.

What he did ask was for a pistol that was easy to Operate, Strip and Clean.

It seems obvious that he's asking for suggestions, and it's up to the woman to decide from there. How can a person decide what they want if they don't have any idea what their choices are in the first place right?

What I see is all sorts of talk of what's more effective to use in self defense, or CC, or now, whether we should even offer advice to a woman! Most of this thread is on a completely different tangent from what was asked!

Just inserting a reality check here, don't mean to sound like a troll. :)

[Aku Aku]

Nothing wrong with suggesting a pistol that is easy to Operate, Strip, Clean and good for CWC. A little extra info is always appreciated :wink:

[MASSDRIVER]

Upping the ante from the OP.
First thing I think of, is what a backward way to buy a handgun. If you assume this is a tool for self-preservation, my first consideration is will it kill well? Also, is is proven to work flawlessly at all times? Can I afford to shoot the caliber of ammunition enough, every chance I get, to be proficient?
Little snubby, weird revolvers are a compromise on killing power and accuracy right out of the gate. What if you have to reload? Are you expecting a person with no gunfighting experience, or training, to hit fatally with all 6 shots? More likely they will miss with all.
Now, I have yet to kill someone, much less with a pistol, and assume most giving advice on the subject haven't either. We are all just casting words to the wind.
But it is important to ask, read, learn, and PRACTICE your method of killing.
If you think logically what you are trying to do, which I assume is have a concealable firearm, easily used, and reliably fatal, you should look at what you see supposedly proffesional gunfighters use. In that world you see the use of full-frame pistols, semi-automatic, calibers 9mm-.45 ACP, in Glock, S&W M&P, SiG, H&K, and a number of high quality 1911 platforms.
Look around and see if you find hardly ANYONE using a revolver anymore.
Now if you have OTHER considerations that limit the option of the Most lethal choice, you can factor them later. Cleaning and disassembly of a pistol is the LAST thing I would take into consideration. I have a Sig p-220 that I basically never clean, other than wiping it off a little. I just lube it with slip EWL, and bullets fly out the front flawlessly.
Just a little different tack for you to consider.
Brent.

[MASSDRIVER]

How about one of the new poly Judges? Light, small(ish), and great stopping power??
I hope you are not referring to the .410 shotgun shell.
I can think of nothing worse to trust my life to than a cheap Taurus wheelgun shooting a shell just barely suited to the taking of small, thin skinned game.

Just about everything is a better choice than that.
Brent.

[David T.]

You think she is going to clean it?!?!?!:lol:

My wife loves to shoot. Has 4 pistols and 2 rifles. She has never cleaned a one! We come back she says that was fun, off to get my nails done and bails! I am the armorer it appears. But in keeping with the thread...

.38 Revolver

Beretta, Sig for auto with Glock close after.

Jay


Ding Ding Ding, you must be looking in my house. She likes to shoot but I, also, am the armorer.

[David T.]

Not putting down the 38, I carry a 38 in an ankle rig due to I cant carry any thing else at work (read dress shirt tucked in). But during off hours and the weekend I where baggy long tail shirts. I carry a minnuim of a S&W 40, 90% of the time it's a 1911 45 APC . The wife carries a 40. All are jacked hollow points. And no, I dont want them to get up. A double tap to the chest and one in the head/face if they are still standing.