Welcome to the site! I'd suggest goint to a range that rents guns and see which one you like while actually shooting. If you're just looking for a fun plinking gun that's cheap to shoot, take a look at some of the .22's, they're a blast to shoot! If you want a centerfire, I'd suggest a 9mm as the ammo is usually cheaper and is powerful enough for self-defense. A .380 will work, it's just not as powerful. A .38 Special revolver is a good choice as well. Take a look at Gallery of Guns.com - Gun Gallery, Ruger Firearms, Shooter Online Services, Firearm Industry News, Firearm Dealer, Gun News for a good idea of what's on the market.
For a concealed carry and small hands check out a smith and wesson J-frame in .38 special. Like Toolman said above. If you want something cheap and fun to shoot but not for concealed carry, look at a Ruger MkII awesome 22. Fun to shoot, and accurate as you can be.
I think all three would be fine. They are all nice pistols from what I hear - no first hand knowledge of any of them. The only .380 I have is the Kel-tec P3AT. I love it, but not sure it would be right for you. By the way, from your physical description it sounds to me like you could handle a 9mm (9x19) pistol. That would give you many more options to choose from. It would also be a much better choice for a defence pistol. Any small frame .38 special revolver would work well also.
Enjoy and welcome to the forum. Also, welcome back to the shooting sports. Fun stuff!
I just bought my little lady her first gun. She never had the ambition to become a shooter! But when a multiple murder happened close to home ,she decided it was time for her to arm herself. I own many handguns ,shotguns , rifles, and muzzle loaders, and told her to take her pick. She stated that she should have her own!
We took a trip to the local gun shop and she looked at the revolvers,and the Autos.
She really liked the Walther PPK/S in 380Auto, She is now the proud owner of that little Walther,she keeps it with her at all times. She is even,a very good shooter!
I would recommend, either the Walther,or the Kahr,the decision is up to you! But always remember, YOU CAN'T PUT A PRICE ON YOUR SAFETY!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks alot everyone for all your input. I'm really looking forward to learning all that I can.
Out of the three I olny have shot the bersa. I was planning on going to the range to test fire the other two, and maybe some the other options you've all suggested..
One thing I forgot to mention. NO REVOLVERS!! I don't like the fact that they don't have a safety. Plus, to me, they just don't look all that mean!
One thing I forgot to mention. NO REVOLVERS!! I don't like the fact that they don't have a safety. Plus, to me, they just don't look all that mean!
Don't knock revolvers....for self-defense they're hard to beat. A S&W 642 is probably one of the best. It's so simple, pull the trigger and bang! No safeties to fumble with, no hammer to cock, no magazines to drop, just draw and fire.
Not the best gun for target shooting, in fact it probably sucks for that. Lots of other choices for that.
Oh, and as far as mean? Looking down the barrel of a revolver is scary enough, but when you can see the rounds in the cylinders on either side too, that's downright terrifying! .38 snubbies have probably been one of the most popular pocket guns throughout history, IMO.
Don't knock revolvers....for self-defense they're hard to beat. A S&W 642 is probably one of the best. It's so simple, pull the trigger and bang! No safeties to fumble with, no hammer to cock, no magazines to drop, just draw and fire.
Not the best gun for target shooting, in fact it probably sucks for that. Lots of other choices for that.
I agree revolvers are good guns and do they're job, they have a great simplicity to them, put bullets un the cylinder close it and pull the trigger, in my opinion guns dont need a safety because you should try putting your guns out of reach of you kids if you have them, and if they are old enough to reach them and they don't obey your rules with the guns you got a problem, besides in the heat of the moment do you want a safety stopping you from defending your self against a intruder?
+1 for revolvers. One revolver advantage - if you're face-to-face with the bad guy and armed with an automatic, he might be thinking the gun is unloaded. Dumb, but it happens.
With a revolver, the bad guy can see those nasty 'lil bullets about to be launched into his face. Much more intimidating, IMO.
bought one for my wife she is 5'6 125lbs fits her hand well and the recoil is very managalbe. get some nasty hollow points like Magsafe and you will be good to go.
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If total goverment control will make us all safer, then why are prisons so dangerous?
Personally out of the three you listed I like the PPK. Many people with say go for the Kahr because it's just as small and lighter and shoots a more powerful round. Something about the PPK's and Sig 232's that are classy. Besides, my most accurate pistols are .380's.
Now, if you really have small hands you should go with the Kahr. The trigger reach on the PPK and Bersa will be too far for you unless you shoot single action (cock the hammer back which cocks the trigger halfway back). They are also difficult to rack the slide because of their strong recoil sproings.
My wife is about your size and she even has trouble reaching the trigger on a S&W small frame revolver. The only triggers she can reach comfortably are the Kahrs and believe it or not a 1911 style .45acp. Try shooting a 1911 in .45acp or 9mm and I think you will love it. It must be of the single stack variety and a single action only trigger is a big help.
Hiya!,
I've owned the bersa and yes it's a fun gun. My feelings are to check out a 1911 in .45 acp. remember---9 is fine, .40 is sporty, but a .45 ain't no jive! There are many choices now in 1911 compacts. If you're gonna carry a .380 then use frangible ammo. Be well and take care!---Alan
If size matters to you, the Kahr PM9 is going to be the lightest, smallest, shoots a better caliber (9MM), and if you have small hands it probably would be quite comfortable to you. I like all the ones you are considering but for concealed carry and for self defense I would sure go with the Kahr. --- I hope you enjoy your new hobby too!!
A KelTec is not a pistol you want to plink with , it is a great concealed carry pistol that will do, but bigger is always better.
The KelTec 32 or 380 is going to be one of my next purchases.
Plinking with it will wear it out sooner and personaly I think there over priced.
My son gave me a 32 auto, he ask for it back to carry when he's off duty.
I liked the concealability of the 32 thus I've got to have one...A.H
The only one I have shot and own is the Bersa 380. I really like mine but extra mags and the ammo is expensive.
I would look for a 9mm that fits and feels right and the ammo is probably the least expensive out there right now. The 9mm is a better round in my opinion.
No matter what you choose have fun and be safe.
appreciated !! 
