Which gun should I get? (range, recoil, barrel, ballistics)

[OhioChic]

I'm a 21 yo female. 5'5 about 140 lbs. I dont want a .22 or a .25. I would prefer an automatic but that part isnt really important. I have owned a gun before but it was .45 and was way to big for me. Any suggestions?

[Bulldogdad]

Glock 19.

[TexasRedneck]

Check around local ranges, and find one that offers rental guns. Go in and inquire about not only renting some guns, but more importantly, finding someone to help teach you HOW to properly shoot & handle one. Much of the "the gun is too big" thoughts come about from someone not understanding how to properly handle a given gun - and without training, they'll never "get it".

My wife is 5' tall, 105 lbs. She shoots everything from .22's to .44 magnums, and generally carries either .38, .357, 9 mm or .45. It's more a function of what she's wearing that day (in terms of concealing the gun properly) than anything else.

[OhioChic]

Originally Posted by TexasRedneck

Check around local ranges, and find one that offers rental guns. Go in and inquire about not only renting some guns, but more importantly, finding someone to help teach you HOW to properly shoot & handle one. Much of the "the gun is too big" thoughts come about from someone not understanding how to properly handle a given gun - and without training, they'll never "get it".

My wife is 5' tall, 105 lbs. She shoots everything from .22's to .44 magnums, and generally carries either .38, .357, 9 mm or .45. It's more a function of what she's wearing that day (in terms of concealing the gun properly) than anything else.

The reason I say its too big is whenever I shoot it the next day my arms feels like I did 1000 push ups. Does that mean I wasnt holding it right? My brother is in the military and he taught me how to hold is with both hands and not to lock my elbows.

[wutitiz]

Originally Posted by Bulldogdad

Glock 19.

My answer as well. I'm 5' 7" 134 lbs, and can easily conceal it under a t-shirt. But it has enough barrel to have good ballistics. It's light, simple in operation, durable, and reliable. If I had to be restricted to only one gun, this would be my choice.

[TexasRedneck]

Originally Posted by OhioChic

The reason I say its too big is whenever I shoot it the next day my arms feels like I did 1000 push ups. Does that mean I wasnt holding it right? My brother is in the military and he taught me how to hold is with both hands and not to lock my elbows.

Yeah....you might be holding it TOO tightly - they aren't THAT heavy, and you might find that you're so tensed up that you're muscles are actually "fighting" each other without you realizing it. If you're accurate with it and are comfortable with its' operation, I'd give it a bit more time.

[wutitiz]

Originally Posted by OhioChic

The reason I say its too big is whenever I shoot it the next day my arms feels like I did 1000 push ups. Does that mean I wasnt holding it right? My brother is in the military and he taught me how to hold is with both hands and not to lock my elbows.

Perhaps you need to work out a little. Nothing extreme, just build your strength. Owning a gun is a tremendous responsibility and you have to be ready to do what it takes to properly control your gun. Get a pair of dumbbells and do some basic lifting, and a gripmaster is a great tool for any shooter.

Prohands GripMaster Hand & Finger Exerciser at HealthyKin.com

[Cali BassMan]

Originally Posted by Bulldogdad

Glock 19.

yep go to a range that rents guns, some even have hand gun classes for women.
Try the Glock, another one that is popular is the Smith and Wesson M&P series

[ScoPro]

Try a Ruger SR9 or the smaller SR9c - both are 9mm and have little recoil. Plus their ergonomics are excellent.

[lifelongMOgal]

Originally Posted by Bulldogdad

Glock 19.

This.