Suggestions for Semi-Auto for my mother?

FS00008 · 02-11-2008, 08:56 PM

Hey all,

I'm new to the forums and I imagine y'all have had this question posed before, but I've got a somewhat specialized question for y'all.

My mother is a relatively small woman (110 lbs. and 5'2") and is looking to get a small/medium framed Semi-Auto in 9MM or .40 for concealed carry and I'm looking for suggestions. She hates my SA 1911 due to the size and recoil and also disliked the G17 that I borrowed from a friend for her to try out. Another problem is that she resides in California (Roberti-Roos Assault Weapons Control Act of 1989 etc.), however seeing as I will be heading out there this summer I could conceivably buy a weapon in Georgia for transport. I also have a question pertaining to the headaches I might have transporting a firearm from Georgia to California on the interstate however... Would it be legal to posses a Semi-Automatic pistol legally purchased in Georgia as well as said "Hi-Cap" magazines purchased legally in Georgia in California? Also, do any of you have any specific recommendations as to brand/caliber for a pistol for my mother? Remember, this pistol is intended to be concealed in a purse or Small of Back holster.

Thanks in Advance!

Erik

Cyrano · 02-12-2008, 02:35 PM

troy2000, our resident Californian gun expert, can tell you more about the hi-cap mags; but I think the Peoples Democratic Republic of California has a problem with them. I'd stick with standard mags if I were you.

Rather than repeat myself, have a look at this thread in the Women Shooters' Forum:

http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/wom...-good-gun.html (Whats a good gun?)

I'd say either the PA-63 or the CZ-82 would fill the bill nicely for your mother. I know from reading that the Bersa Thunder in .380 ACP is California-legal. Load that with hollowpoints and it would make a decent CCW piece. And of course a Walther PP in .380 ACP will do it too. (On the other hand, the PA-63 is a Walther PP with a Hungarian accent that costs half as much (less, if you catch a sale) than a Walther.

And if you can find one in .380 ACP or 9mm Kurz (same cartridge, just opposite sides of the Atlantic), a 9mm Ortgies is in my opinion just about the perfect close-in personal defense pistol. Why? Because if you grasp it hard the way you would in a high-stress defense situation the backstrap safety will disengage, because the entire backstrap is the safety. You don't have to worry about hand placement the way you do with a Browning .45 ACP, and you don't have a decocker to futz with like the Walthers or the FEGs, or a slide safety like a Tokarev. You just grab it and shoot. They are not the easiest pistols in the world to find, but I think, given what she wants it for, she could not do better than an Ortgies.

Of course, since I own one I'm biased here, but any of the pistols I mentioned in the other thread will get it done for your mother. Keep us posted as to what you get her, would you? I'm curious to see what she'll find she likes.

tlarkin · 02-12-2008, 02:37 PM

have her join a gun club and rent lots of hand guns then have her buy the one that feels best to her.

evilblackrifle · 02-13-2008, 01:48 AM

I'd get her a revolver.

Transport it locked in a case in your trunk. Unloaded. It'll probably come with some kind of lock. Lock the firearm inside a locked container locked in your truck. (Thats 1 lock + 1 lock + 1 lock = 3 locks)

You're traveling into anti-gun territory..... you can never be too careful.

TXplt · 02-13-2008, 07:16 AM

I'd also consider a revolver -- they're infinitely reliable and easy to use. If she is going the auto route (and I don't mean to insult your intelligence) please realize this is going to take more training for her, and she needs to be comfortable with the gun. This may seem obvious, but after training some family members with autos, they've wound up with revolvers both for their and my comfort. In general, the more levers on the SA the more likely one won't be where you want it unless you've practiced with that gun extensively. For CCW, I've used the Smith snubbies, the SP-101, and a Charter Bulldog.

I like the Glock 26; the frame is available in several different calibers. If she doesn't like the Glock, I'd consider the Taurus PT (Millenium) series (have PT-145). These are small, compact, and the grip feels good to me. Also, Walther now makes a 9mm that's thin and compact. I tried a Smith M&P the other day which also fit my hand comfortably--maybe look into this. As previously said, the best solution for me is to go to a range that rents firearms and shoot a bunch and see what I like.

California law is screwy, more so than many other more "sane" firearms states. While you, under Federal law, can transport firearms locked in the trunk (while in transit) separate from the ammo through almost anywhere in the U. S. employing them becomes a different issue. Here's a link I found helpful:

Handgunlaw.us

I'm no lawyer, but I do know that the permanent transfer of handguns between residents of different states does have some legal issues and requirements, and I'd humbly advise you to perhaps check into those if you haven't already.

Best of luck, and I hope you find something she likes.

SwedeSteve · 02-13-2008, 07:48 AM

Lots of great advice given! I think I would just purchase the handgun in CA and remove any doubt if it is legal for her to carry it.

FS00008 · 02-13-2008, 09:39 AM

Thanks to all for the great advice! I'm asking about transfer of firearms more for my own firearms rather than hers, but I do understand how it might just be easier to purchase in the PRC to remove all doubt.

She currently carries a S&W 640 loaded with .357 HP and while that does give her all the power she would ever need, it's just too much for her. I've been looking at the CZ-P2075 mainly because I had the opportunity to play with a CZ-75 and LOVED it!

I personally would like to see her carrying a Glock for simplicity and reliability, but the DS mag is something she's always had trouble with.

One Semi-Auto that she did actually like was the Tokarev TTC in 7.62x25mm, but how's the stopping power on that one? Reliability? Ease of finding ammunition? I also have a problem with it's size seeing as how she wants to do Concealed Carry...

damage855 · 02-13-2008, 12:59 PM

+1 on a Bersa .380 my wife loves hers.

jesuslovesme · 02-14-2008, 01:33 PM

I would also recommend a revolver. For small hands the Smith and Wesson model 637 5 shot is great!

FS00008 · 02-14-2008, 09:29 PM

She has one. She wants a Semi-Auto.

SilverRun · 02-14-2008, 09:43 PM

The Tokerov is a cool pistol, but come on - your mom doesn't need that. The 7.62x25 is a hot little round. My buddy calls it the fire-breathing dragon in our CZ-52's. That thing would scare the bejeezus out of your mom. I would suggest looking into something like a Khar (9mm), compact XD-9, CZ-83, Bersa .380, or a S&W Compact M&P (9mm). A Glock 26 or 19 may be OK, but be sure she keeps it in a holster that covers the trigger - I am a Glock fan, but it would make me nervous in this situation.

I know you said she didn't want a revolver, but I agree with some of the guys above - a good J frame S&W or a Taurus 85 in .38 special would work very good here.

Your on your own with the CA rules and laws! I would suggest letting your mother buy her own pistol from a FFL in CA. No issues then!

FS00008 · 02-14-2008, 10:03 PM

Guys guys... She already has a J-Frame 640 .38+P/.357 Mag. She loves it except for the recoil. She wants a Semi-Auto for the flatter profile and quicker reload and better recoil handling etc.

Noel · 02-14-2008, 10:12 PM

I have one of the Smith & Wesson Walther PPKS 380’s and I love that thing…it sets on the table next to my recliner when I am watching TV with my wife; mostly because the table is small… When I am in my office in front of my computer I have my Kimber Raptor II 1911… The Walther is one of the most accurate pistols I own… I practice with the balled ammo, but if I am going to use it for self-defense I use the silvertip hollow points from Winchester because it has a marginal Stopping power as it is… Tens the max here for a magazine… and I would buy it out here, just to keep it legal and all… Your going to want it in her name and address anyway if she shoots someone…

FS00008 · 02-14-2008, 10:24 PM

Is there any way to get Hi-Cap mags out there legally?

two-70 · 02-14-2008, 10:27 PM

The Kahr CW9 would be a great gun

Guns&Dobes · 02-15-2008, 12:38 AM

FS00008, I also have the S&W 640 J frame and I will admit that .357 HP's are no fun to shoot. In the beginning I shot .38 spec. but when I started carrying I put the .357 HP's in it and also shot several at the range. I hate them, they absolutely bite. Some advise I got from another woman was to get .38+p Hydra-Shocks and that is what I plan on checking into. I also just purchased a Glock 26, which is the smallest Glock handgun, 9 mm and I love it. I will carry one or the other for my protection gun whatever the mood.

Noel · 02-15-2008, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FS00008

Is there any way to get Hi-Cap mags out there legally?

No... Ten is the law...

FS00008 · 02-15-2008, 04:27 AM

That's some bu!!sh!7 if you ask me, but thanks for telling me. Yes, she carries it with the Remington Golden Saber HP in .38 as well as the Core Lokt in .357HP but she hates the .357. I think what we're going to do is have her try the G26 as well as the Kahr CW9. I appreciate all of your great suggestions!

soonerborn · 02-15-2008, 05:57 AM

I dunno but I really really want one of these guys

GunBroker.com guns: Walther PPS First Edition 9mm Slim 3 Mgs FREE SHIP (item: 92014619 ends: Feb-23-08 06:39:54 PM)

big boomer · 02-15-2008, 10:20 AM

I noted you want one that will fit in a purse. The CZ-82 or 83 would work well. If you want smaller the Kel-tec ot the new ruger 380 would be good. use Winchester silvertips or other reliable ammo. It won't have the power of the 357 but it won't have the recoil too. Good luck with your choice. PS the CZ's have a 10 rd clip for Calif. and a 12 rd for other places, and those 2 won't make a difference.

02-11-2008, 08:56 PM	#1
FS00008 Сергей Иванович Мосин Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 952 Blog Entries: 1	Suggestions for Semi-Auto for my mother? Hey all, I'm new to the forums and I imagine y'all have had this question posed before, but I've got a somewhat specialized question for y'all. My mother is a relatively small woman (110 lbs. and 5'2") and is looking to get a small/medium framed Semi-Auto in 9MM or .40 for concealed carry and I'm looking for suggestions. She hates my SA 1911 due to the size and recoil and also disliked the G17 that I borrowed from a friend for her to try out. Another problem is that she resides in California (Roberti-Roos Assault Weapons Control Act of 1989 etc.), however seeing as I will be heading out there this summer I could conceivably buy a weapon in Georgia for transport. I also have a question pertaining to the headaches I might have transporting a firearm from Georgia to California on the interstate however... Would it be legal to posses a Semi-Automatic pistol legally purchased in Georgia as well as said "Hi-Cap" magazines purchased legally in Georgia in California? Also, do any of you have any specific recommendations as to brand/caliber for a pistol for my mother? Remember, this pistol is intended to be concealed in a purse or Small of Back holster. Thanks in Advance! Erik

02-13-2008, 01:48 AM	#4
evilblackrifle Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 194	I'd get her a revolver. Transport it locked in a case in your trunk. Unloaded. It'll probably come with some kind of lock. Lock the firearm inside a locked container locked in your truck. (Thats 1 lock + 1 lock + 1 lock = 3 locks) You're traveling into anti-gun territory..... you can never be too careful. __________________ The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree.

02-13-2008, 07:16 AM	#5
TXplt Lost in the Ozone Again Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 2,773 Images: 4 Blog Entries: 2	I'd also consider a revolver -- they're infinitely reliable and easy to use. If she is going the auto route (and I don't mean to insult your intelligence) please realize this is going to take more training for her, and she needs to be comfortable with the gun. This may seem obvious, but after training some family members with autos, they've wound up with revolvers both for their and my comfort. In general, the more levers on the SA the more likely one won't be where you want it unless you've practiced with that gun extensively. For CCW, I've used the Smith snubbies, the SP-101, and a Charter Bulldog. I like the Glock 26; the frame is available in several different calibers. If she doesn't like the Glock, I'd consider the Taurus PT (Millenium) series (have PT-145). These are small, compact, and the grip feels good to me. Also, Walther now makes a 9mm that's thin and compact. I tried a Smith M&P the other day which also fit my hand comfortably--maybe look into this. As previously said, the best solution for me is to go to a range that rents firearms and shoot a bunch and see what I like. California law is screwy, more so than many other more "sane" firearms states. While you, under Federal law, can transport firearms locked in the trunk (while in transit) separate from the ammo through almost anywhere in the U. S. employing them becomes a different issue. Here's a link I found helpful: Handgunlaw.us I'm no lawyer, but I do know that the permanent transfer of handguns between residents of different states does have some legal issues and requirements, and I'd humbly advise you to perhaps check into those if you haven't already. Best of luck, and I hope you find something she likes. __________________ Old fighter pilots never die.....They just wind up in Texas

02-13-2008, 07:48 AM	#6
SwedeSteve Bullet Maintenance !! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: The anchor point, Alaska Posts: 10,257 Images: 1	Lots of great advice given! I think I would just purchase the handgun in CA and remove any doubt if it is legal for her to carry it. __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

02-13-2008, 09:39 AM	#7
FS00008 Сергей Иванович Мосин Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 952 Blog Entries: 1	Thanks to all for the great advice! I'm asking about transfer of firearms more for my own firearms rather than hers, but I do understand how it might just be easier to purchase in the PRC to remove all doubt. She currently carries a S&W 640 loaded with .357 HP and while that does give her all the power she would ever need, it's just too much for her. I've been looking at the CZ-P2075 mainly because I had the opportunity to play with a CZ-75 and LOVED it! I personally would like to see her carrying a Glock for simplicity and reliability, but the DS mag is something she's always had trouble with. One Semi-Auto that she did actually like was the Tokarev TTC in 7.62x25mm, but how's the stopping power on that one? Reliability? Ease of finding ammunition? I also have a problem with it's size seeing as how she wants to do Concealed Carry... Last edited by FS00008; 02-13-2008 at 09:42 AM.

02-12-2008, 02:35 PM	#2
Cyrano Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New York Posts: 2,286	troy2000, our resident Californian gun expert, can tell you more about the hi-cap mags; but I think the Peoples Democratic Republic of California has a problem with them. I'd stick with standard mags if I were you. Rather than repeat myself, have a look at this thread in the Women Shooters' Forum: http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/wom...-good-gun.html (Whats a good gun?) I'd say either the PA-63 or the CZ-82 would fill the bill nicely for your mother. I know from reading that the Bersa Thunder in .380 ACP is California-legal. Load that with hollowpoints and it would make a decent CCW piece. And of course a Walther PP in .380 ACP will do it too. (On the other hand, the PA-63 is a Walther PP with a Hungarian accent that costs half as much (less, if you catch a sale) than a Walther. And if you can find one in .380 ACP or 9mm Kurz (same cartridge, just opposite sides of the Atlantic), a 9mm Ortgies is in my opinion just about the perfect close-in personal defense pistol. Why? Because if you grasp it hard the way you would in a high-stress defense situation the backstrap safety will disengage, because the entire backstrap is the safety. You don't have to worry about hand placement the way you do with a Browning .45 ACP, and you don't have a decocker to futz with like the Walthers or the FEGs, or a slide safety like a Tokarev. You just grab it and shoot. They are not the easiest pistols in the world to find, but I think, given what she wants it for, she could not do better than an Ortgies. Of course, since I own one I'm biased here, but any of the pistols I mentioned in the other thread will get it done for your mother. Keep us posted as to what you get her, would you? I'm curious to see what she'll find she likes.

02-12-2008, 02:37 PM	#3
tlarkin Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 1,548	have her join a gun club and rent lots of hand guns then have her buy the one that feels best to her.

02-13-2008, 12:59 PM	#8
damage855 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: North Carolina / Lake Norman Posts: 925 Blog Entries: 1	+1 on a Bersa .380 my wife loves hers. __________________ If total goverment control will make us all safer, then why are prisons so dangerous?

02-14-2008, 01:33 PM	#9
jesuslovesme Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 2	I would also recommend a revolver. For small hands the Smith and Wesson model 637 5 shot is great!

02-14-2008, 09:29 PM	#10
FS00008 Сергей Иванович Мосин Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 952 Blog Entries: 1	She has one. She wants a Semi-Auto.

02-14-2008, 09:43 PM	#11
SilverRun Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: AL Posts: 1,661	The Tokerov is a cool pistol, but come on - your mom doesn't need that. The 7.62x25 is a hot little round. My buddy calls it the fire-breathing dragon in our CZ-52's. That thing would scare the bejeezus out of your mom. I would suggest looking into something like a Khar (9mm), compact XD-9, CZ-83, Bersa .380, or a S&W Compact M&P (9mm). A Glock 26 or 19 may be OK, but be sure she keeps it in a holster that covers the trigger - I am a Glock fan, but it would make me nervous in this situation. I know you said she didn't want a revolver, but I agree with some of the guys above - a good J frame S&W or a Taurus 85 in .38 special would work very good here. Your on your own with the CA rules and laws! I would suggest letting your mother buy her own pistol from a FFL in CA. No issues then! __________________ "Those who stand for nothing fall for anything." - Alexander Hamilton

02-14-2008, 10:03 PM	#12
FS00008 Сергей Иванович Мосин Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 952 Blog Entries: 1	Guys guys... She already has a J-Frame 640 .38+P/.357 Mag. She loves it except for the recoil. She wants a Semi-Auto for the flatter profile and quicker reload and better recoil handling etc.

02-14-2008, 10:12 PM	#13
Noel Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ca. Posts: 121	I have one of the Smith & Wesson Walther PPKS 380’s and I love that thing…it sets on the table next to my recliner when I am watching TV with my wife; mostly because the table is small… When I am in my office in front of my computer I have my Kimber Raptor II 1911… The Walther is one of the most accurate pistols I own… I practice with the balled ammo, but if I am going to use it for self-defense I use the silvertip hollow points from Winchester because it has a marginal Stopping power as it is… Tens the max here for a magazine… and I would buy it out here, just to keep it legal and all… Your going to want it in her name and address anyway if she shoots someone… __________________ *To much computer? I could be out plinking!*

02-14-2008, 10:24 PM	#14
FS00008 Сергей Иванович Мосин Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 952 Blog Entries: 1	Is there any way to get Hi-Cap mags out there legally?

02-14-2008, 10:27 PM	#15
two-70 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: ponca city, oklahoma Posts: 1,778	The Kahr CW9 would be a great gun __________________ What Would Jesus Do ????? Just Ask Him.

02-15-2008, 12:38 AM	#16
Guns&Dobes Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 104	FS00008, I also have the S&W 640 J frame and I will admit that .357 HP's are no fun to shoot. In the beginning I shot .38 spec. but when I started carrying I put the .357 HP's in it and also shot several at the range. I hate them, they absolutely bite. Some advise I got from another woman was to get .38+p Hydra-Shocks and that is what I plan on checking into. I also just purchased a Glock 26, which is the smallest Glock handgun, 9 mm and I love it. I will carry one or the other for my protection gun whatever the mood.

02-15-2008, 04:27 AM	#18
FS00008 Сергей Иванович Мосин Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 952 Blog Entries: 1	That's some bu!!sh!7 if you ask me, but thanks for telling me. Yes, she carries it with the Remington Golden Saber HP in .38 as well as the Core Lokt in .357HP but she hates the .357. I think what we're going to do is have her try the G26 as well as the Kahr CW9. I appreciate all of your great suggestions! Last edited by FS00008; 02-15-2008 at 04:55 AM.

02-15-2008, 05:57 AM	#19
soonerborn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 320	I dunno but I really really want one of these guys GunBroker.com guns: Walther PPS First Edition 9mm Slim 3 Mgs FREE SHIP (item: 92014619 ends: Feb-23-08 06:39:54 PM)

02-15-2008, 10:20 AM	#20
big boomer Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Minn. Posts: 939	I noted you want one that will fit in a purse. The CZ-82 or 83 would work well. If you want smaller the Kel-tec ot the new ruger 380 would be good. use Winchester silvertips or other reliable ammo. It won't have the power of the 357 but it won't have the recoil too. Good luck with your choice. PS the CZ's have a 10 rd clip for Calif. and a 12 rd for other places, and those 2 won't make a difference. Last edited by big boomer; 02-15-2008 at 10:25 AM.