WTB Looking for a cheap Small handgun

[titanNV]

Not to beat the Shield EZ 380 to death, but forum sponsor @DiscountGunSource has the range package (includes pistol, range bag, glasses, ear muffs, & bore snake) for $350. S&W has a $50 rebate on them which brings it to $300 (plus tax, etc)
Highly recommend contacting them, have her rack the slide on it as well as the others you mention, and see what's best for her.

 

[DiscountGunSource]

The Walther CCP M2 9mm is also worth a look. The slide is extremely easy to rack due to the fixed barrel and blow back operation.

 

[WarrenS]

That's where I got mine lol, make an appointment

 

[bcdarecop]

Another vote for the shield 380 EZ. My fiance loves it and shoots it better than anything in my safe.

 

[WarrenS]

Also bought my wife the S & W 22 because it's almost identical to the 380 and she could get used to holding and fireing it without the recoil, now she's all good to go

 

[NYECOGunsmith]

+1 on both the hammerless revolvers and S&W EZ .380.
On another note, the title of this thread "Looking for a cheap Small handgun" had this old Fed thinking "He's looking for a throw down to plant on the body after he whacks someone!"

 

[Coup d'etat]

The cheapest weapon that you're going to find will be either a Rhom revolver or a Jennings/ Raven auto. The best zinc on the market.

 

[4x4Brit]

The Walther CCP M2 9mm is also worth a look. The slide is extremely easy to rack due to the fixed barrel and blow back operation.

Reading through page 1 this was going to be my suggestion or a shield. Your range package for the 380 is a killer dealer for someone on a tight budget. I don’t really like to recommend 380 but if she can shoot it well, rack the slide etc, it’s better than no gun or less rounds on target with a 9mm.

From personal experience those small Keltecs and LCP’s are unpleasant to shoot and deliver a nice sting to the palm of your hand. They have pretty miserable accuracy too due to the crappy ergonomics. If she won’t shoot it, no point having it.

 

[WarrenS]

My wife's friend bought the ccp m2 9mm and didn't like it, sold it and got the S&W 380

 

[Harley]

+1 on both the hammerless revolvers and S&W EZ .380.
On another note, the title of this thread "Looking for a cheap Small handgun" had this old Fed thinking "He's looking for a throw down to plant on the body after he whacks someone!"

In that case, a Hi-Point will work just fine!

 

[Just an Average Joe]

If she can't handle the recoil or the slides on those guns, a PF9 or LC9 makes no sense. Those guns will kick harder and the slides have less to grab onto with stiffer springs.

The Glock 21 is a very soft shooting gun compared to an LC9.

This exactly.

Can't fight physics.

The smaller and lighter a pistol is for any given round, the more recoil, perceived and/or actual.

The sub-compact 9mm pistols available today are great for concealed carry, but in my experience, aren't the most fun to shoot more than a couple of magazines through.

Definitely would suggest you stick with the .380 for her, as it is both easier to shoot and control, and has a lighter recoil spring, making slide manipulation easier. With modern defensive ammo, at the typical self defense encounter of just a few feet, .380 is nothing to scoff at. I have a Glock 42 with the Taran Tactical +2 extenders, giving me 9+1 rounds in a small, thin, lightweight, ultra-reliable easy to control package, that I still occasionally carry.

Do the bulk of her training on full size pistols, so as not to turn her off on shooting a heavier recoiling sub-compact, followed with enough shooting of whatever carry piece you decide on that she is comfortable with it.

 

[MAC702]

... this old Fed thinking "He's looking for a throw down to plant on the body after he whacks someone!"

Like that's a bad idea....

 

[Just an Average Joe]

http://www.nevadashooters.com/threads/ruger-lc9s-for-sale.149520/#post-1312081

nice carry piece, at a great price.