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Lot's of people will tell you their favorite gun, or their wife's favorite gun, etc. I've stopped doing that. What works for me may not work for you.
#InquisitorsGunTipsForLadies https://twitter.com/Daniell53019505/status/1275779391092666370
#InquisitorsGunTipsForLadies https://twitter.com/Daniell53019505/status/1275779391092666370
Don't buy ANYTHING until you TRY it first.
Learn what works for you.
More important than hand size is hand strength. If you have weak hands you may need an "easy rack" semi auto. Revolvers may be an even better option. Each has pros and cons, which is more than I'll get into here.
Hand dominance vs. eye dominance is another important consideration. Missis inQuisitorious is right handed but left eye dominant. These characteristics have a big impact on how you handle the gun and acquire the sight picture.
For example, I *hate* how her Beretta 92FS Inox throws casings because they go almost straight up and fall down right in front of it my dominant right eye. I find it annoying and distracting for follow up shots. She doesn't even notice with her dominant left eye.
Speaking of sight picture, do you have vision issues? Near sighted? Far sighted? Astigmatism?
Visual acuity impacts how readily you pick up sight picture. And sight picture is affected by the gun sights themselves (novak, white dot, fiber optic, tritium, simple blade, etc.).
Visual acuity impacts how readily you pick up sight picture. And sight picture is affected by the gun sights themselves (novak, white dot, fiber optic, tritium, simple blade, etc.).
For example, I *hate* Glock sights. I have typical far sightedness from aging, and hate the U-style rear sight. Sure, they can be changed with aftermarket, but I'd prefer to buy a gun that has good sights out of the box. I now only buy pistols with tritium sights.
You also need to be specific about your requirements. Do you intend to conceal carry in public? Or only have a nightstand gun? If the latter, maybe you should have a shotgun instead of...or in addition to...a handgun.
If you intend to carry, I strongly recommend a gun with at least one safety mechanism (trigger blade, safety lever, heel safety, decocker, etc.).
The problem with safeties, though, is you can forget to disengage it under stress. Maybe double action revolver would be better.
The problem with safeties, though, is you can forget to disengage it under stress. Maybe double action revolver would be better.
Which leads to the next point. How often are you willing to practice? If you're unwilling to practice at least once a month (I recommend weekly), you should consider a firearm that is as simple as possible to operate (e.g., revolver and/or pump shotgun).
Take a gun handling course or three, ideally from different instructors so you get different perspectives and tips. Former LEOs, award winning competitive shooters, range officers, etc. Take home defense and advanced gun skills courses.
Read blogs. Watch vids.
Starter pack:
http://thetruthaboutguns.com
http://pewpewtactical.com
Paul Harrell on YT
Hickock45 on YT
Starter pack:
http://thetruthaboutguns.com
http://pewpewtactical.com
Paul Harrell on YT
Hickock45 on YT
Find a friendly local gun store with a range. Make friends with the staff. Flash a smile and cleavage if you have to. Once you've defined your requirements, try every rental gun they have that fits those requirements.
Don't let money be the deciding factor. Buy a quality handgun that YOU *enjoy* shooting. Wait and save if you have to. Ask lots of questions. Get lots of opinions. But use these guidelines to frame your decision, and I'm certain you'll make a good choice.
And finally, aesthetics. I will not buy a FUGLY gun, no matter how accurate, reliable, widely-supported, or pervasive it may be <cough>GLOCK<ahem>TAURUS<hack>. A gun should be pleasing to your eye. You should *want* to handle it. It should LOOK nice and FEEL sexy.
