Yup.
Not to mention, 9 shots in the S&W Shield EZ vs typically 5rd though maybe 6rds in a snub nose.

I can't think of a concealed carry type gun that is more challenging to shoot well and just an overall unpleasant experience than a Jframe.

I been eyeballing a Bersa Thunder CC for a while now.

^^
This
Started my daughter with one, great for small hands and light. Larry’s in Huntsville has a Ruger sale every so often.
I’ve bought several, very dependable backup weapons.

If you are going to buy a woman an automatic, make sure that she can reliably rack the slide and clear a round. If she can't then get her a revolver.

Look into Ruger lcr and sp101's in .327 Federal magnum you get 6 shots instead of 5 the ability to shoot light .32 s&w long .32 h&r mag for more oomph and full on .327 Federal mag for shock&awe. If you go the .38 route start with wadcutters.Yes not the stoutest but a .36 caliber hole will end most issues.

I have an lcr and like it fine but it’s not a 642. Every lcr I’ve picked up rattles and it bothers me.

Every 1911 that rattled works.

If the 642 has a trigger pull like the 442, you better send it to a gunsmith, cause it ain't worth a damn smh. Sent mine to gundoc, believe it was 14 or 15ibs, you'd be lucky to hit the side of a barn with that bastage, before he tuned her up......

I just bought my wife a Reminton RM 380. I put a trigger kit in it to take the pull down to 4 lbs. and a slide kit to reduce recoil. She loves it. and made in Huntsville.

Another thing with small autos is I’ve watched even the so called inexperienced turn the muzzle in an unsafe direction to function the slide.

Wife loves hers. Larry has them on sale........... http://www.pistolandpawn.com/wp/

If you can find a lady who works at the shop, that is who you want your wife to seep. My wife handled and/or shot over 50 guns before settling on her gun. The lady at Bullets and Barrel spent hours with her compared to other shops in the area. Yes I spend a lot on range ammo and shooting time. So what. My wife was in between a $650 Kimber and the $250 S&W EZ. The lady told my wife, real world you are going to be carrying a purse, nails painted, and your other arm with have something in it too. So pull each gun out, rack it, and put lead on target. The most accurate goes home with you. That is when I realized I didnt speak women shooting. Then I found a female NRA instructor and paid for a whole day of instruction with her.

I love my wife and allowing her to pick her gun, be comfortable with her gun, and very proficient with her gun, has given me piece of mind that cant be bought.

I'm pretty sure the 642 and 442 are identical and external color is the only difference.

Supposedly barrel and cylinder is made out of different materials, but i imagine they have the same trigger, and that would need to be addressed imo.

So pull each gun out, rack it, and put lead on target. The most accurate goes home with you.


This is the right answer...

Apex trigger spring kit fixes that. Easy to install.

THIS is exactly right on all counts - get a woman to help because men don't know chit about what women want, need or will do with it. This thread is clear proof of that: "get this" . "you're crazy, get that" . "she doesn't need that, get this" and other blather.

EVERY shooter needs to find what works for them, be it a woman or man. If any man on this site asks about a gun or bow we always say "go to so-and-so to shoot one" or "try to find someone with one and shoot it to see what works best" and "you have to find out what works for you."

And yet with women needing a gun or something for outdoors use, it's immediately "Get this, you can't use that. This is best. WE KNOW BEST for you." And y'all wonder why women think men are f'king idiots sometimes.

To the OP, take her to Bullet & Barrel and ask for some help from a woman to let her talk with her, be more comfortable with her and shoot different guns, models and sizes. While they're doing that, you go look at belts or guns or something. Leave them alone and don't hover. And if she comes back and says, "I really like this one, it feels great and I can shoot well with it," buy it for her and be happy and take her to practice with it often. If in two or six months or whatever she says she doesn't like it as much for whatever reason, sell-trade it and find another.

Good luck.

The answer to this question, every time it is ask, is take her and get her what she feels comfortable with.

This! Do not pick her a gun that you like cause she wont like it and now your buying two guns!!

Unless you just happen to pick one that you like yourself... knowing she might not like it and BOOM, just got yourself a new one and its your wife's fault!

I told her she needs to go get some "hands on" to get a feel for it already. I have also told her to go and get her cc before hand. Clemens mentioned Bullet & Barrel, where is it located? And thanks to all that have replied so far. It's going to be her choice and her purchase, I'm just trying to get her all the info to make an informed decision. She wants to do this on her own.