I have always liked a snuby .357mag, of course the option of using .38spl+P if you prefer is nice. I "Bobbed" the hammer on this Rossi 462 stainless .357mag( to be snag free drawing from a coat pocket). I bought new for $320 2years ago. I've had no issues with this weapon, or any Taurus/Rossi I've owned. ( Taurus bought Rossi). But hey , how about a P250 subcompact?




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Patty,


My wife has been on the journey to find a suitable carry gun and carry method for several years. She likes her Kel Tec P32 because it's very small in length, height, and most importantly IMO, width. The P32's weight, recoil, and muzzle blast don't wear her out quickly, unlike other guns she's tried. It fits her hand well. The trigger pull isn't too heavy for her. She can run the slide. It's reliable. It's only a .32 ACP, but it's better than not having a gun.

She likes her S&W 317 very much (.22 LR, 8 shots, very light weight), but she considers it too large for carry with its 3" barrel.

She has a S&W 649, an all-stainless steel 5 shot .357/.38 small frame short-barreled revolver. She considers it too heavy and large for on-body carry.

The S&W 642, a lighter weight small frame .38, recoils too much for her even with standard pressure loads, and is too large for on-body carry for her.

An S&W or Ruger small frame short-barreled revolver in .22LR, .32 H&R Magnum, or .38 might work for you.

Our very compact polymer-framed Kahr PM9 recoils too heavily for her and its short slide is difficult for her to rack. Some of the Kahrs, particularly in .380 and 9mm(P380, PM9, CW9, P9, K9,MK9, etc), might be worthwhile options for you. They make a large variety of guns. The all-stainless steel Kahrs (especially the K9) are known for their durability and reliability.

Some folks love the Ruger LCP and Kel Tec P3AT as carry guns, a pair of very small .380 auto pistols. I have no experience with them; some folks report recoil as snappy.

She's tried belly band carry, but that wasn't comfortable and didn't work with much of her wardrobe. Pocket carry was never really an option because of the design of her trousers. She's leery of purse carry because if a thief grabs her purse, he's also gotten her gun. She's eyeing some ankle holsters currently.

I'd recommend that you go to the cornered cat website. Lots of good info there from women who carry.

Okay, I've settled between the Ruger LCP and the Sig P238. Either way, I'm getting it with laser attachment. I've priced them out on Gunbroker for about $500 (Ruger) and $600 (Sig). I might also just go the route of getting the gun alone and then getting the laser afterwards so I can split the cost up. I can sorta blow $300 at once and absorb it okay -- $600 would hurt. . . :-) AT my range right now, there's a Ruger wo laser and Sig w laser. Of course, I can't recall what the prices are. . . Both felt really good in my hand, which is what sold me on one of the other. Also, I must say, the Sig is a GORGEOUS gun. I couldn't take my eyes off it. The Ruger doesn't have the flash factor, but I still like it.

Oldtexan -- I'd have your wife check out purses at Target and TJ Maxx/Marshalls. No, really. I have found a couple of "wallet" purses w a shoulder strap for across body carry and also the strap detaches so you can run it through belt loops on a pair of jeans. This brings up quite a few useful ones. I got the "Merona 2 Zipper Crossbody." It easily holds the Sig or the Ruger -- I brought it to the range last night.

http://www.target.com/s/...amp;searchNodeID=1038576|1287991011&searchPage=1

That's all I've got for now!!!

Patty

Summer a Ruger LCR 38 Special

Winter P250

I would say Sig 229 or 238. Caliber is up to you.

Patty,

My wife has a Sig P238 in .380. She loves it and carries in her purse in a sleeve type holster.

I love my p238 Extreme and find it to be very accurate. I have seen ballistics reports that show .380 loads that are right there with 9mm loads so the days of .380 not being able to do the job are things of the past. I run Hornady Critical Defense 90gr .380 in mine with no hesitations....and yes, it is a beautiful piece!