Frank_B

My wife has adamantly refused to carry a gun, let alone even mull the idea over or talk about it. Yesterday, she was in the parking lot of our local Kroger, about to walk in, when the mass shooting occurred. 13 victims. 1 killed. She was fine, but it shook her badly enough for us to finally begin the conversation last night. I recognize the importance of being able to carry, and while I carry, I am certainly not very knowledgeable about guns.

I thought my Glock 9mm might be a good start for her, but I found out that she wasn't strong enough to pull the slide back. Any opinions on a good everyday carry that she can put in her purse, have good stopping power, and not be technically complicated in the event of an emergency? I thought a .32 Hammerless might be a good start, but I am open to any suggestions.

Maybe I should give her the Glock and tell her if she wants to use it she should start strength training?

Mark Rippetoe

Not strong enough is a problem. But right now she needs a revolver in a decent enough caliber to actually stop somebody.

WarriorPoet_Maine

I have some important tips for you. The first thing to note is she’ll need several range sessions before she’s competent to protect herself with a firearm. Not talking hitting the range twice, I’m sure you know that but you’d be surprised how many people go out 2 or 3 times and call themselves trained enough.

Second, right along with the importance of training; any weapon/carry technique combination you choose, she needs to prove it out with live fire training, minimum 6-8 range trips with that system so she’s proficient. Things like the trigger block Rip recommended or shooting a DA revolver or off-body carry like a purse, all can have a place and be used but everything can go to hell FAST if she’s not proficient in the draw-shoot process with that weapon system.

Next I’ll mention revolvers. I tried my wife on a SP101 .357/38 (she’s early 30s, 5’3” 130lb). The double-action pull was too much for her, pulled shots completely off target at 3yds. Cocking the hammer was not at all easy for her either. She ended up with a G19 and it only took a couple weeks of working the slide and loading it and she became quite proficient with it, and she shot it well. Keep that in mind with a revolver. She moved to a smaller (still double stack) G26 and has an appendix carry rig, also how I carry. Tier 1 holsters, but there are several good brands. I’ll state right here that I’m a huge fan of chambered carry; this REQUIRES a quality holster AND through training.

Another note, my wife needed some time and training to get used to holding firm enough to not induce a limp-wrist failure, on both the G19 and G26. Just another nod to the need for range time, no matter the weapon.

Next I’ll offer weapon suggestions. Obviously you and I shoot Glocks and they’re great. Another option for smaller hands is the g43x and g48. Thinner, long grip for good recoil control. But these will recoil a little harsher than the larger d-stacks, smaller+lighter = more felt recoil. Working the slide should be just as easy (or hard) as for the 19 and 26. Sig’s 365 options could be great for her too, same thing, smaller/lighter so somewhat sharper recoil. S&W makes the EZ slide 380, made to be easy to work the slide, I have no firsthand experience.

As far as laser grips, my opinion is don't bother. Get her a few range sessions and she’ll be able to hit center mass as 5yd without sights. The laser wont be visible in bright light and I’ve never seen one that stayed zeroed so just train irons and good stance/grip/sight/trigger fundamentals and she’ll do fine. Lasers for inexperienced people can create training scars, “where’s my little dot????”

And for the love of money, DON'T start her out training to shoot at 20 yards. I see that so much, they can't see their misses and are so focused on precision with no skills to back it up, just put the damn silhouette paper at 3 yds and start there. You can see if you missed 6” to the left and still learn to shoot. Move to 5 or 10 yards after she can burn down a threat 10 feet away.

I wont get into caliber wars. 9mm is best, but I wont get into it, but 9mm is best, but I won’t get into it. 380 is adequate. 22 mag isn't even horrible, just have a reliable system that both it and the shooter are proven in live fire and TRAIN. But 9mm is best…Anything much bigger than 9mm will have plenty of recoil for an inexperienced female shooter to have to train though.

As far as training, I think diligent people can self-teach and self-assess if they put enough time and rounds in. But pro training is never a bad idea. Just remember to train the fundamentals they teach you long after you take the class. Don't just take a class and think of yourself as “trained”.

Off-body carry has challenges (purse and backpack carry is “off-body”). The first thing is making damn sure no unauthorized people have access, esp. kids. Do NOT leave that bag anywhere. The second problem is deploying the weapon. If you can manage a belt+holster system it is better for speed, safety and efficiency. The gun/holster is always in the same spot. There’s a solution out there for you guys. May take time to find. Train.

Bbinck1

Is there any modification to the program for squats with a meniscus tear. Meaning, does one do less frequency, wear sleeves, or adjust form in some way

Mark Rippetoe

No, because everybody over the age of 35 has a meniscus tear. If there is no mechanical block, just squat.

Bbinck1

That’s what I figured, pretty much squat unless you're dead but I wanted to make sure. Damn injuries are a pain in the ass though.