Considering picking up a firearm for the little lady

[JJ]

I have always assumed that teaching a SO to shoot would be about as wise as being the one to teach them to drive.

It awesome and sucks at the same time when they commandeer one of your favorite guns.

Even better when your gun budget gets cut in half because they want one for every new gun you get

[Erud]

Lots of good responses, Thanks! I'll try to reply to those that I can.
Tman; I considered letting her pick something out, but I was also thinking with her knowing nothing about firearms, it would be best it I picked something I know I liked and once she is comfortable, let her have a shot at picking out a model of her choosing. That way I can keep the .22 for plinking if she graduates and then the kids can use it as well.

I guess I will go ahead and disagree with the whole internet on this topic.

OP, I think that your initial thought process was exactly right.

I know that the general internet consensus is to let a woman pick her own gun out, but do we apply that same logic anywhere else in life? Why would it be a good idea for the least-knowledgeable person involved in the process to make the decision based almost entirely on arbitrary criteria? When your kids are old enough to drive, do you take them around to try every kind of car possible so they can find the one that feels just perfect to them? I know I didn't. I used my experience-based knowledge to select reliable and safe vehicles for them in my target price range. Their opinions were not really a factor in the process. They will gain driving experience and learn what they like and don't like about their cars. When it's time for their second cars, they will be much more able to base their decision on their real-world experience, not by what they thought looked or felt "right" before they knew anything about the subject. When it was time for the wife and kids to start shooting, I did the same thing and it worked out fine.

I have bought many guns for myself over the years that were not the "right" ones for me. I'd bet the first 5 pistols I owned would fall into that category, now that I know what I know about firearms, and that was after doing research, holding them at the store, shooting the same model, etc. Why would I expect that my wife (or any other new shooter) would fare any better? You might get lucky on the first try, but chances are at least as good that you won't. I will trust my own knowledge and experience over someone else's lack of both every time. I dare say that if she spends enough time shooting enough rounds through the "right" gun that she picked out, she will very likely discover that it is actually the wrong gun and that the criteria that she used when selecting it was flawed.

When you guys first started shooting, did someone take you around to gun stores to have you hold all kinds of guns to make sure your first one was just perfect for you? I doubt it, yet you still managed to enjoy shooting and become interested in doing more of it. Most likely, you first shot a gun that belonged to your Dad, uncle, buddy or whatever, and it wasn't tailor-made for your comfort. When did we all start believing that women are such fragile creatures that the mere idea of shooting a firearm that they did not pick out on their own will ruin them for shooting for the rest of their lives? The women I know are not like that. How do they manage to keep women who get issued weapons in the military or police from just giving up on the whole thing?

My wife is a casual shooter, and is very happy with the pistol she has. She's shot other handguns and still likes hers the best. From shooting that pistol, she now has a baseline to refer to when dealing with others. She can decide if she likes something more or less than what she has, based on the shooting that she has done. She also has an AR that I put together for her from parts I had on hand. She enjoys the rifle and is learning fundamental shooting skills with it. As she is inexperienced with rifle shooting, she has no real opinion at this point on how one rifle should be compared to another. She knows that if/when she decides that she'd rather be shooting something else, we will get something else for her.

My opinion on this topic is not just for women, but goes for any new shooter. Obviously, common sense needs to be involved. The .50 DE or .500 S&W are probably not the right choice for a new shooter, but I see no reason that an experienced shooter can't make a well-informed decision on a first gun for a wife or any other new shooter.

Flame away boys, I can take it.

Happy New Year,
Erik

PS - the comparison to selecting shoes for your wife/girlfriend/SO/ whatever is dumb.

[jwdominick]

Lots of good responses, Thanks! I'll try to reply to those that I can.
Tman; I considered letting her pick something out, but I was also thinking with her knowing nothing about firearms, it would be best it I picked something I know I liked and once she is comfortable, let her have a shot at picking out a model of her choosing. That way I can keep the .22 for plinking if she graduates and then the kids can use it as well.

I guess I will go ahead and disagree with the whole internet on this topic.

OP, I think that your initial thought process was exactly right.

I know that the general internet consensus is to let a woman pick her own gun out, but do we apply that same logic anywhere else in life? Why would it be a good idea for the least-knowledgeable person involved in the process to make the decision based almost entirely on arbitrary criteria? When your kids are old enough to drive, do you take them around to try every kind of car possible so they can find the one that feels just perfect to them? I know I didn't. I used my experience-based knowledge to select reliable and safe vehicles for them in my target price range. Their opinions were not really a factor in the process. They will gain driving experience and learn what they like and don't like about their cars. When it's time for their second cars, they will be much more able to base their decision on their real-world experience, not by what they thought looked or felt "right" before they knew anything about the subject. When it was time for the wife and kids to start shooting, I did the same thing and it worked out fine.

I have bought many guns for myself over the years that were not the "right" ones for me. I'd bet the first 5 pistols I owned would fall into that category, now that I know what I know about firearms, and that was after doing research, holding them at the store, shooting the same model, etc. Why would I expect that my wife (or any other new shooter) would fare any better? You might get lucky on the first try, but chances are at least as good that you won't. I will trust my own knowledge and experience over someone else's lack of both every time. I dare say that if she spends enough time shooting enough rounds through the "right" gun that she picked out, she will very likely discover that it is actually the wrong gun and that the criteria that she used when selecting it was flawed.

When you guys first started shooting, did someone take you around to gun stores to have you hold all kinds of guns to make sure your first one was just perfect for you? I doubt it, yet you still managed to enjoy shooting and become interested in doing more of it. Most likely, you first shot a gun that belonged to your Dad, uncle, buddy or whatever, and it wasn't tailor-made for your comfort. When did we all start believing that women are such fragile creatures that the mere idea of shooting a firearm that they did not pick out on their own will ruin them for shooting for the rest of their lives? The women I know are not like that. How do they manage to keep women who get issued weapons in the military or police from just giving up on the whole thing?

My wife is a casual shooter, and is very happy with the pistol she has. She's shot other handguns and still likes hers the best. From shooting that pistol, she now has a baseline to refer to when dealing with others. She can decide if she likes something more or less than what she has, based on the shooting that she has done. She also has an AR that I put together for her from parts I had on hand. She enjoys the rifle and is learning fundamental shooting skills with it. As she is inexperienced with rifle shooting, she has no real opinion at this point on how one rifle should be compared to another. She knows that if/when she decides that she'd rather be shooting something else, we will get something else for her.

My opinion on this topic is not just for women, but goes for any new shooter. Obviously, common sense needs to be involved. The .50 DE or .500 S&W are probably not the right choice for a new shooter, but I see no reason that an experienced shooter can't make a well-informed decision on a first gun for a wife or any other new shooter.

Flame away boys, I can take it.

Happy New Year,
Erik

PS - the comparison to selecting shoes for your wife/girlfriend/SO/ whatever is dumb.

Erik, you put into words, what I couldn't in my reasoning for my OP. I 100% agree, and still intend to buy a Walther p22. I'll let her shoot it and if she dislikes it and wants to try another, great. No loss IMO for buying a firearm I want anyway.

[ex-LT]

I'm with ya Sam. I've always said that people need to pick out their own gun.

Would any guy want his SO picking out a gun for him? No. Probably not.

Good point!! Assume for a second you're a 45 ACP Stainless 1911 junkie, and your honey says : Oh, dear, I picked up a Desert Tan Glock in 45 GAP caliber because I know you like 45 Automatics so much, and the Desert Tan will go so well with your leather sportcoat that I got you for Christmas last year!!

[chunks]HUUUURRRRRALLLLLAAAALLLLLPPPP!!!!!! RALLPPPHHHH!!!!! RRRUUUUURRRRRPPPP!!!!![/chunks]

Could be worse... she could buy me a Glock. I think I'd have to divorce her over that.

Isn't that what SS said?

[XDM45]

I guess I will go ahead and disagree with the whole internet on this topic.

..and the Internet will disagree back...because that's what the InterWebz does so well.

OP, I think that your initial thought process was exactly right.

Everyone has an opinion. No right, no wrong. Some disagree, some agree. On his initial thought process, I disagree. She should pick out here own gun.

I know that the general internet consensus is to let a woman pick her own gun out, but do we apply that same logic anywhere else in life?

Yes. People pick out their own hairstyle, makeup, clothing, house, basically anything that is a very personal thing, which I consider a gun to be.

If someone is a casual shooter, no, it probably won't make a difference what gun they have.... but if they are going to use it on a regular basis, carry, etc, yes, it will make a huge difference. Guitars are a lot like guns, also personal, also time-consuming to find just the right one. Pool cues are another example, if you shoot a lot, you'll want the right one, but if you don't shoot a lot, then any cue from the bar will do.

I would even propose that if you take two of the same make and model gun, you'll notice ever-so-slight differences between them. Does it matter? Depends on the person.

YMMV, but I think most people would agree with me on these things (notthat it matters if they do or not.... I'm simply saying I think I'm in the majority here).

Why would it be a good idea for the least-knowledgeable person involved in the process to make the decision based almost entirely on arbitrary criteria?

I think a knowledgable person can provide technical knowledge, but the feel and personal taste is up to the individual.

When your kids are old enough to drive, do you take them around to try every kind of car possible so they can find the one that feels just perfect to them?

Yes. You look for certain safety features, but what is the flow in the car as far as how it's setup? It makes a difference. I tend to be very particular, some people aren't. I look for what works for me. What's setup or can be setup for my workflow?

I used my experience-based knowledge to select reliable and safe vehicles for them in my target price range.

...and that's where we differ.

Their opinions were not really a factor in the process.

That right there is the crux of the matter. You don't consider the other person. You may as well just say "Here... you. Use this. Shut up and be happy about it. Now go away." What if someone did that to you for your car, gun, clothes, etc? How would you like it? If if they were THE expert in the entire World on that item's subject, still, wouldn't you think "Naff off a-hole. I'll pick my own XZY out no matter what kind of "Expert" YOU are or think you are. Bugger off now."

They will gain driving experience and learn what they like and don't like about their cars.

That could be rather scary and/or dangerous with guns. It's certainly NOT the way to endear someone to the shooting sports or guns in general. "Here, use this DE 50 cal. Don't worry if it doesn't work well for you. Just learn how to shoot it and we'll get you something different later on." Yeah............ nevermind the person is just learning to shoot and you handed them the handheld equivalent of a Howitzer Cannon.

When it's time for their second cars, they will be much more able to base their decision on their real-world experience, not by what they thought looked or felt "right" before they knew anything about the subject. When it was time for the wife and kids to start shooting, I did the same thing and it worked out fine.

Good for you. Maybe you and your brood are exceptions to the rule, but what works for YOU may not work well for anyone else - which why when people give advice, they need to consider the other person and give good, solid, general advice from which that person can build upon. If they want or need specifics, they will ask or if you can sense they need it, then inform them at the right time. It's hard, but not impossible to remove personal bias and prefernces from your opinions, but doing so benefits the other person you're advising, NOT doing that only serves to stroke your own ego and toot your own horn.

I have bought many guns for myself over the years that were not the "right" ones for me.

That sounds rather expensive.

I'd bet the first 5 pistols I owned would fall into that category, now that I know what I know about firearms, and that was after doing research, holding them at the store, shooting the same model, etc.

Either your research is flawed or your emotions/ego got in the way of your ability to make sound choices. I know often times guns are as much about emotions as anything else. Look at how some people drool over XYZ gun they covet, so that's always good to be aware of when making any business decision.

When you guys first started shooting, did someone take you around to gun stores to have you hold all kinds of guns to make sure your first one was just perfect for you?

Nope. I took myself. I can drive

Most likely, you first shot a gun that belonged to your Dad, uncle, buddy or whatever, and it wasn't tailor-made for your comfort.

Trying it is one thing, buying it is an entirely different animal. Did you marry every woman you were with? No. (GRIN)

When did we all start believing that women are such fragile creatures that the mere idea of shooting a firearm that they did not pick out on their own will ruin them for shooting for the rest of their lives?

You're not married are ya? "Gee honey. This is the car you are going to drive. Here is the house we'll live in. I decorated it this way, and we'll go here on vacation. Oh, by the way, I've already pre-named any children we will have." Opening your mouth to forcibly tell you wife anything is known as an OND or an "Orally Negligent Discharge".

Friends don't let friends have ONDs. Use the buddy system. When your mouth is going to get you into trouble, engage brain first. Call a friend and go shooting. Better to send lead downrange than your home life. Don't orally shoot yourself in the foot. Let the lady choose.

After all, she chose you right? or did you go all caveman on her and pull her into the cave while pronouncing her yours?

The women I know are not like that.

Then you my friend are sitting on an effen GOLD MINE!! It's time for you to start a dating service called "Guys, Gals and Guns". You'll make millions.

My wife is a casual shooter, and is very happy with the pistol she has. She's shot other handguns and still likes hers the best.

Now just imagine how much she'd like it if she got to actually choose it herself.

My opinion on this topic is not just for women, but goes for any new shooter.

Likewise for my opinions too.

Obviously, common sense needs to be involved.

Avoid the OND

The .50 DE or .500 S&W are probably not the right choice for a new shooter, but I see no reason that an experienced shooter can't make a well-informed decision on a first gun for a wife or any other new shooter.

If you pick out your kid's first boyfreind/girlfreind since they are new at it, I bet they will be pissed

Flame away boys, I can take it.

Let me juice up the flamethrower here.................

PS - the comparison to selecting shoes for your wife/girlfriend/SO/ whatever is dumb.

There goes an OND.

Shoes. It's serious business for the womenz.

[jwdominick]

[matthew.allen]

Erud, I don't disagree with much of what you said, but I think there are some considerations that you aren't seeing. One, driving is a necessity for most of us, so when I turned 16, I drove the POS my parents had for me because the alternative was taking the city bus and bumming rides everywhere. Shooting is not a necessity for most of us in the same way. A motivated new shooter (what most of us were when we started) will shoot whatever is available and find what they prefer as they go. For many new shooters who are just "testing the waters," a single bad experience can and often does turn them off to shooting permanently.

I know I didn't say to turn a new shooter loose with no information and expect them to make a gun buying decision based on arbitrary criteria, maybe someone else did. I offer new shooters my knowledge and expertise, as well as my opinions, but I am clear that they need to pick out there own guns. Although, this is not a one size fits all equation. When my wife decided to try shooting, she used the gun I provided for her, we didn't try out a bunch to find the best fit, but if there ever comes a day where she wants her own, I will offer her my knowledge and opinions and help her pick out her own. If she asks me to just pick one out for her, I will make the best decision I can for her, but I will also recognize that if she isn't willing to pick one out, she probably isn't very serious about wanting one.

As to what women in law enforcement and the military do when their provided firearms and/or training aren't a good fit? They often are turned off by the whole thing, and quit, fail to qualify and lose their job, or go through their careers being sub-par shooters, some even get themselves hurt or killed. That is what a one-size fits all approach does to people subjected to it. Agencies that have better firearms training, and more flexible weapon selection policies tend to have more women and other "non-motivated" firearms users succeed more, and have higher skill levels.

If the OP wants to pick out a gun for his wife, based solely on his opinions, so be it, and to each their own. I do know from experience however, that men who go out and buy their significant others a .22 with pink grips because it is a "lady's" gun, should not be surprised when their SO never wants to go out and shoot it. Of course, if it is what she wants, and has picked for herself, then it is an entirely different story.

The other thing to consider is that women are just as physically capable of shooting any caliber that a man can, often starting with a .22 is the best option for any new shooter, but I have also seen cases where women were handed a .22 to start with and told it was the right gun for a woman. The results were women who got the message that women aren't naturally as capable shooters as men, and their interest in shooting and confidence to try it evaporated immediately.

The last thing I will say, is that there is always a risk when including a SO in our pastimes. Pushing one's SO to be a shooting partner usually results in lukewarm interest, and often ill-will and resentment. Fostering their interest and letting them make shooting a part of their lives as they see fit is the key to success. I told my wife that I didn't need a shooting partner, or someone to share shooting with, but if she ever had the interest, I would include her in whatever way she wanted. I feel like a relationship counselor now but pushing our SOs into our image of what we want and are interested in is a recipe for disaster.

[driztan]

Always start a new handgun shooter out with a .22LR. Teach them about the weapon they are using, break it down in front of them. Explain to them the function of the different parts, let them see it "field stripped" and then put back together. Teach them proper safety with handling and rules of the range. Let them load the magazines themselves. Than basically sit back and watch, offer a few pointers here and there so they don't develop improper habits, but don't control their every action with the weapon. Than once they are bored with .22LR step it up to .38S or 9MM. After that first evolutionary step of the novice shooter they will start wanting more power in their hands. I have done this with countless noobs, and it is extremely entertaining to watch.

Most women I know that I have helped this way reach for the .45, but end up being uncomfortable with the large frames and large kick with smaller hands. Than its 50/50 with them settling on 9mm or .40S&W.

I like to let the person carrying or the shooter make their own choices when it comes to what gun is right for them.

[Erud]

I guess I will go ahead and disagree with the whole internet on this topic.

..and the Internet will disagree back...because that's what the InterWebz does so well.

OP, I think that your initial thought process was exactly right.

Everyone has an opinion. No right, no wrong. Some disagree, some agree. On his initial thought process, I disagree. She should pick out here own gun.

I know that the general internet consensus is to let a woman pick her own gun out, but do we apply that same logic anywhere else in life?

Yes. People pick out their own hairstyle, makeup, clothing, house, basically anything that is a very personal thing, which I consider a gun to be.

If someone is a casual shooter, no, it probably won't make a difference what gun they have.... but if they are going to use it on a regular basis, carry, etc, yes, it will make a huge difference. Guitars are a lot like guns, also personal, also time-consuming to find just the right one. Pool cues are another example, if you shoot a lot, you'll want the right one, but if you don't shoot a lot, then any cue from the bar will do.

I would even propose that if you take two of the same make and model gun, you'll notice ever-so-slight differences between them. Does it matter? Depends on the person.

YMMV, but I think most people would agree with me on these things (notthat it matters if they do or not.... I'm simply saying I think I'm in the majority here).

Why would it be a good idea for the least-knowledgeable person involved in the process to make the decision based almost entirely on arbitrary criteria?

I think a knowledgable person can provide technical knowledge, but the feel and personal taste is up to the individual.

When your kids are old enough to drive, do you take them around to try every kind of car possible so they can find the one that feels just perfect to them?

Yes. You look for certain safety features, but what is the flow in the car as far as how it's setup? It makes a difference. I tend to be very particular, some people aren't. I look for what works for me. What's setup or can be setup for my workflow?

I used my experience-based knowledge to select reliable and safe vehicles for them in my target price range.

...and that's where we differ.

Their opinions were not really a factor in the process.

That right there is the crux of the matter. You don't consider the other person. You may as well just say "Here... you. Use this. Shut up and be happy about it. Now go away." What if someone did that to you for your car, gun, clothes, etc? How would you like it? If if they were THE expert in the entire World on that item's subject, still, wouldn't you think "Naff off a-hole. I'll pick my own XZY out no matter what kind of "Expert" YOU are or think you are. Bugger off now."

They will gain driving experience and learn what they like and don't like about their cars.

That could be rather scary and/or dangerous with guns. It's certainly NOT the way to endear someone to the shooting sports or guns in general. "Here, use this DE 50 cal. Don't worry if it doesn't work well for you. Just learn how to shoot it and we'll get you something different later on." Yeah............ nevermind the person is just learning to shoot and you handed them the handheld equivalent of a Howitzer Cannon.

When it's time for their second cars, they will be much more able to base their decision on their real-world experience, not by what they thought looked or felt "right" before they knew anything about the subject. When it was time for the wife and kids to start shooting, I did the same thing and it worked out fine.

Good for you. Maybe you and your brood are exceptions to the rule, but what works for YOU may not work well for anyone else - which why when people give advice, they need to consider the other person and give good, solid, general advice from which that person can build upon. If they want or need specifics, they will ask or if you can sense they need it, then inform them at the right time. It's hard, but not impossible to remove personal bias and prefernces from your opinions, but doing so benefits the other person you're advising, NOT doing that only serves to stroke your own ego and toot your own horn.

I have bought many guns for myself over the years that were not the "right" ones for me.

That sounds rather expensive.

I'd bet the first 5 pistols I owned would fall into that category, now that I know what I know about firearms, and that was after doing research, holding them at the store, shooting the same model, etc.

Either your research is flawed or your emotions/ego got in the way of your ability to make sound choices. I know often times guns are as much about emotions as anything else. Look at how some people drool over XYZ gun they covet, so that's always good to be aware of when making any business decision.

When you guys first started shooting, did someone take you around to gun stores to have you hold all kinds of guns to make sure your first one was just perfect for you?

Nope. I took myself. I can drive

Most likely, you first shot a gun that belonged to your Dad, uncle, buddy or whatever, and it wasn't tailor-made for your comfort.

Trying it is one thing, buying it is an entirely different animal. Did you marry every woman you were with? No. (GRIN)

When did we all start believing that women are such fragile creatures that the mere idea of shooting a firearm that they did not pick out on their own will ruin them for shooting for the rest of their lives?

You're not married are ya? "Gee honey. This is the car you are going to drive. Here is the house we'll live in. I decorated it this way, and we'll go here on vacation. Oh, by the way, I've already pre-named any children we will have." Opening your mouth to forcibly tell you wife anything is known as an OND or an "Orally Negligent Discharge".

Friends don't let friends have ONDs. Use the buddy system. When your mouth is going to get you into trouble, engage brain first. Call a friend and go shooting. Better to send lead downrange than your home life. Don't orally shoot yourself in the foot. Let the lady choose.

After all, she chose you right? or did you go all caveman on her and pull her into the cave while pronouncing her yours?

The women I know are not like that.

Then you my friend are sitting on an effen GOLD MINE!! It's time for you to start a dating service called "Guys, Gals and Guns". You'll make millions.

My wife is a casual shooter, and is very happy with the pistol she has. She's shot other handguns and still likes hers the best.

Now just imagine how much she'd like it if she got to actually choose it herself.

My opinion on this topic is not just for women, but goes for any new shooter.

Likewise for my opinions too.

Obviously, common sense needs to be involved.

Avoid the OND

The .50 DE or .500 S&W are probably not the right choice for a new shooter, but I see no reason that an experienced shooter can't make a well-informed decision on a first gun for a wife or any other new shooter.

If you pick out your kid's first boyfreind/girlfreind since they are new at it, I bet they will be pissed

Flame away boys, I can take it.

Let me juice up the flamethrower here.................

PS - the comparison to selecting shoes for your wife/girlfriend/SO/ whatever is dumb.

There goes an OND.

Shoes. It's serious business for the womenz.

Thanks for your opinion. Give it a few years. With more experience, you may just change your mind.

Regards,
Erik

[Dante]

Actually he's not nearly as young as you may think he is from his posts.

[jwdominick]

I guess I need to elaborate a bit more. My OP wasn't to say I was buying her exclusively a gun to carry around, it was simply to state I want a "small hand friendly" easy to shoot low recoil hand gun that I can introduce my wife into the hobby with. a .22 is far from an ideal carry gun. It is however a great plinker and cheap to shoot at the range,This gun is going to serve dual purpose; a gun for her to try out this hobby with, and one for me and the kids to use as well.
The idea mentioned getting one with "pink" on it simply was a light hearted comment to say it may be more attractive then a dull olive drab or all black piece to the females.

I just bought a Remington 870 Tactical for HD and some sport shooting. If she wants to try it great, doesn't mean I am going to go out and let her "pick out" her own shot gun just because everyone should choose her own gun.
The .22 isnt going to be a carry gun, simply a target gun used by me, the wife, the kids, might even bring to the range and let friends fire it off.

If or when my wife chooses that she likes shooting, we can look at getting her a "gun of her own" something she picks out and if she wants to use it exclusively and not share thats her choice. If she wants to carry at that point great.
I am guessing 90% of you shot someone elses gun for your 1st time shooting. I know I did and most I know did as well. If you went out and bought one that fit your needs after that great. I asked all of my friends that loved guns what they liked about their firearms, tried a few, and ultimately ended up with a M&P .40 for my 1st. This was contrary to my friends advice to buy a Sig or Glock.
My wife, wont likely do that, she not knowing anyone other than I that is into firearms, will likely ask me for help. Knowing her as well as I do, she will likely look at price as her #1 factor when choosing a firearm, I on the other hand put alot of value in quality and "fit".


Thanks again for all of the opinions and advice. Its amazing how many people that have very similar interests, have varying thought processes and logic behind their decisions.

[XDM45]

Thanks for your opinion. Give it a few years. With more experience, you may just change your mind.

Regards,
Erik

I've plenty of experience actually, and no, I won't change my mind about letting people choose what's right for them. Just because an opinion differs from yours does not make it wrong (or right)...and just because an opinion is similar to yours doesn't make it right (or wrong) either. An opinion is just that, an opinion. You are vested in and polarized to your own point of view, so be it.

If my wife wants to chose her own gun, I don't have a problem with that.

If my wife tells me to go pick one out for her, I don't have a problem with that either. I would suggest she re-consider, but if she wouldn't, then she'd have to live with what I purchased for her. The difference between you and I is that I'd give her the option and you didn't.

As another poster said, to each their own.

You may be very experienced with guns, but your experience with people isn't showing so well.

[XDM45]

I guess I need to elaborate a bit more. My OP wasn't to say I was buying her exclusively a gun to carry around, it was simply to state I want a "small hand friendly" easy to shoot low recoil hand gun that I can introduce my wife into the hobby with. a .22 is far from an ideal carry gun. It is however a great plinker and cheap to shoot at the range,This gun is going to serve dual purpose; a gun for her to try out this hobby with, and one for me and the kids to use as well.
The idea mentioned getting one with "pink" on it simply was a light hearted comment to say it may be more attractive then a dull olive drab or all black piece to the females.

I just bought a Remington 870 Tactical for HD and some sport shooting. If she wants to try it great, doesn't mean I am going to go out and let her "pick out" her own shot gun just because everyone should choose her own gun.
The .22 isnt going to be a carry gun, simply a target gun used by me, the wife, the kids, might even bring to the range and let friends fire it off.

If or when my wife chooses that she likes shooting, we can look at getting her a "gun of her own" something she picks out and if she wants to use it exclusively and not share thats her choice. If she wants to carry at that point great.
I am guessing 90% of you shot someone elses gun for your 1st time shooting. I know I did and most I know did as well. If you went out and bought one that fit your needs after that great. I asked all of my friends that loved guns what they liked about their firearms, tried a few, and ultimately ended up with a M&P .40 for my 1st. This was contrary to my friends advice to buy a Sig or Glock.
My wife, wont likely do that, she not knowing anyone other than I that is into firearms, will likely ask me for help. Knowing her as well as I do, she will likely look at price as her #1 factor when choosing a firearm, I on the other hand put alot of value in quality and "fit".

Thanks again for all of the opinions and advice. Its amazing how many people that have very similar interests, have varying thought processes and logic behind their decisions.

I get what you're saying...

I think that they should still be part of the decision making process and check it out for themselves.

For example, my Ruger Mark III 22/45 is great gun that eats any .22LR just fine, but unless you've removed the magazine disconnect and have watched some videos on how to take it apart (and done it a few times), it can be kind of a PITA. There may be other 22s that are better in those areas. Now if you are going to do all of the care and cleaning for the gun, that's a different story, but anyone (even casual user) of a gun should know how to do basic maintenance, clear jams, clean it, etc. Just my opinion. I knew going into it that my Mark III had those issues and that I could easily overcome them. For others, I know there are people who rarely clean their 22/45 because for them, it's a pain to deal with cleaning.

Using a gun is more than just shooting it and loading it. I'm not saying you need to be an expert on every gun you own or shoot, but the more you know, the better. There's a lot of things to consider. Part of my decision making process for my XDm was related to how easy it is to field strip.

[Erud]

Actually he's not nearly as young as you may think he is from his posts.

Thanks, but I was speaking to experience, not age. My point being that sometimes you don't know what you don't know. Don't have time to rebut every single point again, but in reference to the guns I have bought over the years t hat turned ou to be the "wrong" ones: I thought they were the "right" ones at the time. All were functional and useable, but lots and lots of rounds downrange pointed out things that were not evident from a gun counter test-drive. Only my own experience has taught me what guns work best for me. Heck, I thought I hated Glock's when I first started shooting!

[XDM45]

Actually he's not nearly as young as you may think he is from his posts.

Thanks, but I was speaking to experience, not age. My point being that sometimes you don't know what you don't know. Don't have time to rebut every single point again, but in reference to the guns I have bought over the years t hat turned out to be the "wrong" ones: I thought they were the "right" ones at the time. All were functional and usable, but lots and lots of rounds downrange pointed out things that were not evident from a gun counter test-drive. Only my own experience has taught me what guns work best for me. Heck, I thought I hated Glock's when I first started shooting!

ah ok, now that I understand. Sometimes you have a tool you think is right at the time, feels right, but in the end, it's not. Likewise, people and needs change, yeah, completely understandable there.