if it's gonna be primarily your gf's and carried in a purse, that kind of limits you to a mid-compact size esp if thinking about concealed carry. what I shoot best is likely not gonna be what you shoot best. I will say possibly the best close range gun accuracy, larger than a 22 caliber, in a mid size semi, I've ever had is with my current sig 239 single stack in 40 cal (with a very specific load). the sig 239 9mm, 226 9mm, 220 45acp aren't far behind. I've owned and shot lot's of other brands but I'm a sig guy with semi's. there are lots better but when you can get a sig for 500$ it's hard to pass up. I won't say anything pro or con about their newer guns (the 250), but I'm skeptical. and the mosquito sux imo.
Competition can be good but you can also develop bad habits from them.
Back when I was shooting IPSC a lot I was using 1911 in 38 super with comp out front. We were shooting hot loads to get those comps to work efficiently. We did a lot of shooting but it was also very unrealistic if you played the game... not taking cover, shooting from open holster, etc. I also shot a lot of IDPA where things were a little more realistic. Even then you get caught up shooting it for the "score" so you bend rules and do things you would never do in real life. Now I just shoot IDPA occasionally and I do it the way it should be done in real life so I usually get DQed at every stage.
Sig 239 new is out of my price range and I can't find any used that are in my price range but ill keep looking. I'd really like the sig, I know it's a good brand but where are you all looking for used? I know flguntrader, anywhere else?
I honestly don't know what IDSC and IDPA means lol but I think we'd enjoy a competition just for something to do.
I have a Sig P229 in .40, a P220 in .45 and a P239 in 9mm. They aren't race guns but will perform flawlessly if kept cleaned, oiled and maintained with quality ammo. Been there done the IPSC thing, we use to trick out the EAA Witness 1911 style guns. For me a CCW must be something you are willing to trust your life with. I have done the Glock thing in about every model they've made and to me it "feels" like a plastic POS in my hand. They are easy to shoot and function well. They are made so a qualified armorer can completely strip them to the frame and replace anything on them including the frame. LE use them for this reason and ease of shooting, not because they are superior quality. Also, Block has made huge contract deals to orgs and depts at a huge reduced rate.
As far as anything else mentioned in this thread in semi auto I wouldn't give you a nickle for most of them. The real key is finding what she is comfortable and confident shooting.
I'd get her an older S&W model 10, 36 or 60 in a 2-2 1/2" snubbie in .38 cal. I carry a model 60 I picked up on a deal a couple years ago for $400 when it's hot out, and it was made in 1968. If you put it side by side with a 2013 made S&W model 60 they are nearly two different weapons based on how and what they are made of. Last GS in Orlando a dealer had three late 60's early 70's model 60's on his table for $699.00 and up. A new one ordered from Smith today out the door can be had for less than $600, why? Because it's a cheap mims parts gun not a quality Smith of old times.
Sig 239 new is out of my price range and I can't find any used that are in my price range but ill keep looking. I'd really like the sig, I know it's a good brand but where are you all looking for used? I know flguntrader, anywhere else?
I honestly don't know what IDSC and IDPA means lol but I think we'd enjoy a competition just for something to do.
If I told you that I wouldn't find the deals I do......
