Need help picking out a firearm for a family member

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I thought this topic already existed somewhere?

I started shooting 12 gauge when I was 11 years old. I weighed about 70lbs. I could hardly handle the gun, but when I got my 410 for Christmas it wasn't much different than a 22. 20 gauge I think is the right solution for most HD shotgun situations.

No one knows the sound of my shotgun because all I do is take off the safety.

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The only safety on my shotgun for HD is the one between my ears:lol:

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45acpForMe wrote:

Check out the PT111 9mm. It has a thumb safety and is inexpensive. Also check out the PT738 in .380. http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=683&category=Pistol&toggle=tp&breadcrumbseries=738or http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=34&category=Pistol&toggle=tp&breadcrumbseries=CC1

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I carry a PT111 as my primary CC gun. It would work fine for a small person, as would the PT738. The internal lock has never given me any problem. For home defense, she could get away with a larger-framed pistol if she's comfortable handling it. Definitely consider one of the slightly larger Tauri, such as the 24/7 or PT809 (featuring adjustable grip sizes) which still have the internal lock. I believe most (if not all) Taurus revolvers have the internal lock, sothey might also be worth a look.

That said, I think the internal lock is no better than an external trigger lock if you need to employ the weapon quickly. You'd still be fumbling with a little key under pressure and possibly in the dark. A better solution might be one of the pistol safes with a combo lock or even biometric lock. Keeps the weapon safe and secure but quickly accessible. Just my 0.01 euro.

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Go with the Bersa. My girl is tiny and has small hands- she uses a Bersa Thunder Pro 9mm. Perfect pistol all around- definitely great for a lady.

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well shes got the Bersa plus and is quite happy with it.

stepdads drug her up to uwharrie twice so far, he says shes scary at 50 yards with that thing.

now to get his to stop dragging that CZ52 around everywhere and get something in a normal caliber.

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I'm glad she went with the Bersa. It's easy, accurate and reliable. It's also lightweight and has a nice, easy trigger pull. I have one and wouldn't trade it for anything.

ETA: I don't about hers, but mine doesn't like Winchester White Box FMJ. The one time I tries using it I got 5 or 6 FTFs out of a single box. Mine just LOVES hollowpoints, though. Not a single problem in 200+ rounds.

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For home defense, if you must have a pistol, I suggest a revolver. There are no issues with safeties and buttons when you are half a sleep. Just a heavy trigger pull and NO CHANCE of a jam. I like that when I am woken from a dead sleep.

My 2 cents.

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ocgso wrote:

For home defense, if you must have a pistol, I suggest a revolver. There are no issues with safeties and buttons when you are half a sleep. Just a heavy trigger pull and NO CHANCE of a jam. I like that when I am woken from a dead sleep.

My 2 cents.

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I agree, and used a .44 mag for several years. I no longer have it, though, and having put several hundred rounds through my 9mm, I'm satisfied with it. Like a revolver, it's simply draw and squeze the trigger. Besides - I enjoy having 17 rounds instead of 6!