Mountain/Woods Handgun For My Daughter...Which Caliber?

Southern Shooter · March 7, 2012, 12:52 PM

My 21 year old daughter is about 5' 2" and 120 lbs. She loves the mountains of Utah and Wyoming and enjoys hiking and camping in them. At times she is with friends and at times she goes out alone...against my better advice. She has various forms of pepper spray for defense. But, I am not totally confident in that and would like for her to have some firepower with her, too.

Which caliber and which guns would ya'll recomend for her? And, why?

Thanks

rickyrick · March 7, 2012, 01:45 PM

Revolver of some kind, the largest caliber she can comfortably shoot accurately.

May have to try out a couple of calibers, maybe try a buddies or rent one or two.

rickyrick · March 7, 2012, 01:49 PM

Revolvers are more reliable, can drop a mag out of a revolver can't get jammed. Some women can tolerate 45 colt, some can't. You'll just have to let her try some.

Art Eatman · March 7, 2012, 02:16 PM

Let her feel and fondle a 4" Ruger SP 101. Heavy enough to sorta tame the recoil of a .357 full-house load, but not bad for holster carry.

5'-2" and 120 pounds is not delicate, but at 5'-2" there could be a problem with hand size vs. a pistol's grip size. Try a Smith K-frame as well.

Nothing wrong with "good used"...

twins · March 7, 2012, 02:36 PM

Quote:

She has various forms of pepper spray for defense. But, I am not totally confident in that and would like for her to have some firepower with her, too.

Southern,
I'm not trying to be confrontational with you but I don't think this is for you to decide. She needs to decide on her own and willing to practice with the firearm. I have 2 daughters and I rather have them carry pepper spray than a firearm just because "I think it is better". For protection and ease of use, pepper spray is very effective. Unless she's willing to take on the effort of proper use/training, getting her a firearm "just because" isn't the best idea.

Scorch · March 7, 2012, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Mountain/Woods Handgun For My Daughter

Yeah, OK, sounds like a fair trade. Send her and I'll send you a handgun.

Just kidding. I agree that your daughter should be part of the decision, and I agree with Art that the Ruger SP101 is a great choice. Hey, why not do both? See if your daughter agrees that a handgun would be a good idea, then if she does take her out to the gun shop and let her fondle the guns until she falls in love with one.

And don't be too hasty in your opinion about pepper spray. If it will stop a grizzly, it will stop a man.

Southern Shooter · March 7, 2012, 03:07 PM

I did not state this up front. My fault.

She is very comfortable with semi- and revolver handguns. She has been shooting them since she was 8 years old. And, has had a service size .38 Special and Bersa .380 Auto designated her's since she was 12 years old. And, she shoots them well.

It is not whether she wants or does not want a gun. She loves them. But, her guns are here in Louisiana and she is 1,600 miles away. Really, I just have not offered to send them to her, as of yet. Before I did so, I thought this might be a good time to add to her collection. Something that could fill the nitch of a moutain/woods gun. It sounds as if she will be staying out in those parts for a few more years.

So, before bringing up the topic with her I decided to check in with ya'll to gather up opinions and thoughts. Caliber, guns, barrel length, etc..

I do have a very nice stainless Ruger Security-Six .357 Magnum with a 4" barrel. She is welcome to that. But, I am also very open to helping her buy her own gun out there.

My two concerns about the .357 Magnum as it does have quite the snappy recoil. And, is it sufficient for two legged and four legged creatures. Was thinking of bigger caliber, heavy bullet, and slower velocity.

Thanks....

Southern Shooter · March 7, 2012, 03:19 PM

Scorch,

ha ha...The gun for my daughter might sound tempting...until she stomps her foot and gives you the glare

. Heaven help the man who "thinks" he has tamed her.

ronto · March 7, 2012, 03:27 PM

Your Security-Six sounds like a good choice to me...My woods gun is the 6" version.

Wyosmith · March 7, 2012, 03:32 PM

Ya know guys.. you may be missing something here.
This gal needs a gun for protection mostly from animals and not for "combat".
She also needs accuracy, power and probably will not care to have much pain from recoil.

All that said, I might recommend a Ruger Bisley in 357, 41 or 44 mag, or maybe a 45 colt. All work very well with heavy cast LBT style bullets.

The Bisley grip is the easiest grip of any for handling recoil painlessly.

A single action is still a very formidable gun to face a single human adversary with, and there may not be anything as good (let alone better) for a field gun for use on animals.

I live in Wyoming and I hunt in Grizzly and Wolf country every year. Those of us who live around them have a tendency to carry a lot of Single Actions, and it's not in any way related to the "cowboy image”! It’s because they work so well.

NWPilgrim · March 7, 2012, 04:35 PM

I would recommend a either a 3-4" .357 or a .44 Special revolver.

Revolvers can be loaded to reliably shoot multiple rds of snakeshot if she will be in areas with rattlers. And they can reliably shoot a wide range of bullet weights and velocities. She could load light .38 for volume practice and heavy hitting, hardcast 180 gr LSWC from Buffalo Bore and others for bear. A medium load with 158gr HP would be a good all-around load.

If she can carry a .44 Special then she could get a larger heavy bullet without a lot of muzzle blast and recoil. Same thing as the .357, she could load with snake shot, mild recoiling 180 gr, or heavy hitting 300 gr.

Art Eatman · March 7, 2012, 04:52 PM

Sounds like some intra-familial communication might be a Good Thing.

dlb0412 · March 7, 2012, 05:01 PM

Glock 20 sf 10mm auto. Atleast as powerfull as .357 magnum. Recoil isnt to bad for most. 15 rounds of 200 grain xtps going 1250 fps will handle anything she will encounter. Glocks are known for being reliable and durable.

ohen cepel · March 7, 2012, 05:10 PM

The Glock 10mm is a good option if she can deal with the frame size, I'm a pretty big man and the grip is on the large size for me.

I would look hard at a .357. Train a lot with .38's and then load it with hot .357's when she goes to the woods.

I'm an east coast guy and will build a .357 to my specs once I settle down using a 6in 1/2 lug GP100 (current plan at least).

dlb0412 · March 7, 2012, 05:23 PM

Yea the regular glock 20 has a large grip. Thats why i said g 20 sf. Its got a shorter grip. I think for size capacity and power it cant be beat. In my opinion its the best all around.

publius · March 7, 2012, 05:50 PM

Give her the Security Six. Would be perfect.

22-rimfire · March 7, 2012, 06:25 PM

My advice would be to get a 4" Ruger GP-100 (357 mag) and a good belt holster. I use the Bianchi holsters quite a lot for general unconcealed carry.

Shotgun693 · March 7, 2012, 07:17 PM

Ask her what she wants then send her the money to get it. Oh, and a nice holster.

Vt.birdhunter · March 7, 2012, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Glock 20 sf 10mm auto

Ive got the 20SF and it is my preferred trail gun, but Ill +1 it probably being too large for hands attached to 5' 120lb ladies.

As others have mentioned, the largest revolver the lady can handle with confidence and skill will be her best choice.

skywag · March 7, 2012, 08:38 PM

With rubber grips.

Southern Shooter · March 7, 2012, 09:50 PM

So, there is not enough advantage to these calibers...say in Taurus Tracker or in a S&W...over the Ruger Speed-Six or GP100 in .357 Magnum? Especially, in the heavy-for-caliber 180-200 grain hard cast bullets?

Thanks

Hansam · March 7, 2012, 09:59 PM

Ruger Super Redhawk in .44mag. in a 6.5" barrel. Heavy enough to absorb the recoil enough it won't hurt her to shoot it and accurate enough to put the bullet where she wants it out to 50 yds. The DA gives her the opportunity if needed to just draw and shoot for protection. If she cocks it and shoot single action she can fine tune her aim and take game with it.

The .44mag will be excellent protection from most any animal she'll encounter in the woods - 4 legged or otherwise.

Make sure to get her a good leather holster for it too.

farmerboy · March 7, 2012, 11:14 PM

357 or a glock 23 (40). She'll probably use it more for self protection against humans or a piece of mind than on a bear anyhow. Revolver to keep it simple but a auto if she can operate it.

sc928porsche · March 8, 2012, 03:41 AM

Go with the 357 or 44 mag. 357 will fire 38 spcl. and the 44 mag will fire 44 spcl. Let her decide which one she wants.

rickyrick · March 8, 2012, 09:21 AM

Due to the popularity of the Judge series of pistols, the 45colt has a more variety of cartridge offerings. For a little while all that I could find was cowboy action loads.

March 7, 2012, 12:52 PM	#1
Southern Shooter Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2005 Location: central Louisiana Posts: 469	Mountain/Woods Handgun For My Daughter...Which Caliber? My 21 year old daughter is about 5' 2" and 120 lbs. She loves the mountains of Utah and Wyoming and enjoys hiking and camping in them. At times she is with friends and at times she goes out alone...against my better advice. She has various forms of pepper spray for defense. But, I am not totally confident in that and would like for her to have some firepower with her, too. Which caliber and which guns would ya'll recomend for her? And, why? Thanks __________________ "My plea is that we stop seeking out the storm and enjoy more fully sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we accentuate the positive. I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort." Gordon B. Hinckley Last edited by Southern Shooter; March 7, 2012 at 03:54 PM.

March 7, 2012, 01:45 PM	#2
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,236	Revolver of some kind, the largest caliber she can comfortably shoot accurately. May have to try out a couple of calibers, maybe try a buddies or rent one or two. __________________ Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!!

March 7, 2012, 01:49 PM	#3
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,236	Revolvers are more reliable, can drop a mag out of a revolver can't get jammed. Some women can tolerate 45 colt, some can't. You'll just have to let her try some. __________________ Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!!

March 7, 2012, 03:07 PM	#7
Southern Shooter Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2005 Location: central Louisiana Posts: 469	She Loves Handguns I did not state this up front. My fault. She is very comfortable with semi- and revolver handguns. She has been shooting them since she was 8 years old. And, has had a service size .38 Special and Bersa .380 Auto designated her's since she was 12 years old. And, she shoots them well. It is not whether she wants or does not want a gun. She loves them. But, her guns are here in Louisiana and she is 1,600 miles away. Really, I just have not offered to send them to her, as of yet. Before I did so, I thought this might be a good time to add to her collection. Something that could fill the nitch of a moutain/woods gun. It sounds as if she will be staying out in those parts for a few more years. So, before bringing up the topic with her I decided to check in with ya'll to gather up opinions and thoughts. Caliber, guns, barrel length, etc.. I do have a very nice stainless Ruger Security-Six .357 Magnum with a 4" barrel. She is welcome to that. But, I am also very open to helping her buy her own gun out there. My two concerns about the .357 Magnum as it does have quite the snappy recoil. And, is it sufficient for two legged and four legged creatures. Was thinking of bigger caliber, heavy bullet, and slower velocity. Thanks.... __________________ "My plea is that we stop seeking out the storm and enjoy more fully sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we accentuate the positive. I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort." Gordon B. Hinckley Last edited by Southern Shooter; March 7, 2012 at 03:33 PM.

March 7, 2012, 03:19 PM	#8
Southern Shooter Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2005 Location: central Louisiana Posts: 469	A Little Hellcat Scorch, ha ha...The gun for my daughter might sound tempting...until she stomps her foot and gives you the glare. Heaven help the man who "thinks" he has tamed her. __________________ "My plea is that we stop seeking out the storm and enjoy more fully sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we accentuate the positive. I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort." Gordon B. Hinckley

March 7, 2012, 02:16 PM	#4
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Let her feel and fondle a 4" Ruger SP 101. Heavy enough to sorta tame the recoil of a .357 full-house load, but not bad for holster carry. 5'-2" and 120 pounds is not delicate, but at 5'-2" there could be a problem with hand size vs. a pistol's grip size. Try a Smith K-frame as well. Nothing wrong with "good used"...

March 7, 2012, 03:27 PM	#9
ronto Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2007 Location: Smack Dab in the Middle of Nowhere. Posts: 505	Your Security-Six sounds like a good choice to me...My woods gun is the 6" version. __________________ "We will do this: we will hang together, we will keep our organization, our arms, our discipline, our hatred of oppression, until one universal shout goes up from an admiring age that this Missouri Cavalry Division preferred exile to submission, death to dishonor". General Joseph O. Shelby, CSA (1830-1897) The only Confederate General who refused to surrender himself or his 1,000+ "Iron Brigade".

March 7, 2012, 03:32 PM	#10
Wyosmith Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2010 Location: Shoshoni Wyoming Posts: 2,713	Ya know guys.. you may be missing something here. This gal needs a gun for protection mostly from animals and not for "combat". She also needs accuracy, power and probably will not care to have much pain from recoil. All that said, I might recommend a Ruger Bisley in 357, 41 or 44 mag, or maybe a 45 colt. All work very well with heavy cast LBT style bullets. The Bisley grip is the easiest grip of any for handling recoil painlessly. A single action is still a very formidable gun to face a single human adversary with, and there may not be anything as good (let alone better) for a field gun for use on animals. I live in Wyoming and I hunt in Grizzly and Wolf country every year. Those of us who live around them have a tendency to carry a lot of Single Actions, and it's not in any way related to the "cowboy image”! It’s because they work so well. Last edited by Wyosmith; March 7, 2012 at 03:40 PM.

March 7, 2012, 04:35 PM	#11
NWPilgrim Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,346	I would recommend a either a 3-4" .357 or a .44 Special revolver. Revolvers can be loaded to reliably shoot multiple rds of snakeshot if she will be in areas with rattlers. And they can reliably shoot a wide range of bullet weights and velocities. She could load light .38 for volume practice and heavy hitting, hardcast 180 gr LSWC from Buffalo Bore and others for bear. A medium load with 158gr HP would be a good all-around load. If she can carry a .44 Special then she could get a larger heavy bullet without a lot of muzzle blast and recoil. Same thing as the .357, she could load with snake shot, mild recoiling 180 gr, or heavy hitting 300 gr. __________________ "The ultimate authority ... resides in the people alone. ... The advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation ... forms a barrier against the enterprises of ambition." - James Madison

March 7, 2012, 04:52 PM	#12
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Sounds like some intra-familial communication might be a Good Thing.

March 7, 2012, 05:01 PM	#13
dlb0412 Senior Member Join Date: March 4, 2012 Posts: 136	Glock 20 sf 10mm auto. Atleast as powerfull as .357 magnum. Recoil isnt to bad for most. 15 rounds of 200 grain xtps going 1250 fps will handle anything she will encounter. Glocks are known for being reliable and durable.

March 7, 2012, 05:10 PM	#14
ohen cepel Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 1999 Location: Where they send me Posts: 1,013	The Glock 10mm is a good option if she can deal with the frame size, I'm a pretty big man and the grip is on the large size for me. I would look hard at a .357. Train a lot with .38's and then load it with hot .357's when she goes to the woods. I'm an east coast guy and will build a .357 to my specs once I settle down using a 6in 1/2 lug GP100 (current plan at least). __________________ He who dares wins. NRA Life Benefactor Member

March 7, 2012, 05:23 PM	#15
dlb0412 Senior Member Join Date: March 4, 2012 Posts: 136	Yea the regular glock 20 has a large grip. Thats why i said g 20 sf. Its got a shorter grip. I think for size capacity and power it cant be beat. In my opinion its the best all around.

March 7, 2012, 05:50 PM	#16
publius Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2005 Location: Mississippi/Texas Posts: 2,505	Give her the Security Six. Would be perfect. __________________ "Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself." Mark Twain

March 7, 2012, 06:25 PM	#17
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 5,323	My advice would be to get a 4" Ruger GP-100 (357 mag) and a good belt holster. I use the Bianchi holsters quite a lot for general unconcealed carry.

March 7, 2012, 07:17 PM	#18
Shotgun693 Senior Member Join Date: September 3, 2011 Location: Poteet, Texas Posts: 959	Ask her what she wants then send her the money to get it. Oh, and a nice holster.

March 7, 2012, 08:38 PM	#20
skywag Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2011 Posts: 254	With rubber grips.

March 7, 2012, 09:50 PM	#21
Southern Shooter Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2005 Location: central Louisiana Posts: 469	.44 Special or .45 Colt ???? So, there is not enough advantage to these calibers...say in Taurus Tracker or in a S&W...over the Ruger Speed-Six or GP100 in .357 Magnum? Especially, in the heavy-for-caliber 180-200 grain hard cast bullets? Thanks __________________ "My plea is that we stop seeking out the storm and enjoy more fully sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we accentuate the positive. I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort." Gordon B. Hinckley

March 7, 2012, 09:59 PM	#22
Hansam Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2012 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 763	Ruger Super Redhawk in .44mag. in a 6.5" barrel. Heavy enough to absorb the recoil enough it won't hurt her to shoot it and accurate enough to put the bullet where she wants it out to 50 yds. The DA gives her the opportunity if needed to just draw and shoot for protection. If she cocks it and shoot single action she can fine tune her aim and take game with it. The .44mag will be excellent protection from most any animal she'll encounter in the woods - 4 legged or otherwise. Make sure to get her a good leather holster for it too. __________________ This is who we are, what we do.

March 7, 2012, 11:14 PM	#23
farmerboy Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,343	357 or a glock 23 (40). She'll probably use it more for self protection against humans or a piece of mind than on a bear anyhow. Revolver to keep it simple but a auto if she can operate it.

March 8, 2012, 03:41 AM	#24
sc928porsche Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2008 Location: now living in alabama Posts: 2,433	Go with the 357 or 44 mag. 357 will fire 38 spcl. and the 44 mag will fire 44 spcl. Let her decide which one she wants. __________________ No such thing as a stupid question. What is stupid is not asking it.

March 8, 2012, 09:21 AM	#25
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,236	Due to the popularity of the Judge series of pistols, the 45colt has a more variety of cartridge offerings. For a little while all that I could find was cowboy action loads. __________________ Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!!