Buying two guns for adult kids

[OldmanFCSA]

My daughter loves her 44Special "purse gun".

[2in2out]

I see nothing at all wrong with giving your daughter a .22. It's a start, and that's what's important. The old saying goes, "a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step".

My wife has a Walther P22 (which is very similar to another gun I like a lot, the Ruger SR-22). It's great for her - not intimidating, easy to shoot, FUN to shoot, great for a beginner. She asked one day if it could be considered a self-defense gun, and I said it wasn't quite enough gun for that. But, I subscribe to the idea that it's carrying a gun that's most important, not what it is.

I'm waiting, hoping, that some day soon we can go looking for something with a little more power. But, until then, she likes shooting her P22 and that's what is important. Some new shooters aren't turned off by more powerful handguns, but she definitely is.

Oh, and those things have such a short barrel, that it really makes you wonder what you're shooting. So, in that sense, it's a really nice gateway to something in a .380 or 9mm. We were at the local outdoor range one summer day, and there were a couple of guys using one of the backstops, so we went down to use the other one. On our way back, we past those two guys and they asked us what we were shooting. We said it was a little .22, and they couldn't believe it - they said it sounded like something bigger (the two backstops are maybe 150yds away from each other).

[Kelor]

Wow. Thank you all for the ideas. This was very helpful.

I'm glad I didn't get any slack on the 92fs. If he doesn't like it, I'll gladly take it back (though this is the one kid of ours that doesn't take care of his things very well).

I wasn't considering a .22 for my daughter, but now that it's mentioned, my wife really does enjoy her Walther more than any other. It will definitely be a consideration.

[gun_fan111v2]

She might enjoy a Kahr K9 - small but has some weight to help control the recoil. Or a CCO size 1911 in either 9 or 45, like Springfield Range Officer Compact. Worst case, XD Mod2

Sorry nobody would ever enjoy the Kahr ... sorry had several ... worst triggers ever

I am enjoying mine... . The pull is long but very smooth and consistent. YMMV

[Ghost]

Don't buy a gun for your daughter. Take her to the range and rent some guns, let her decide what she wants and it'll be fun for both of you. If she decides what she wants buy her one at that time.

[plink]

Is your daughter looking at hip carry or purse carry? In my experience, the length of grip is harder to conceal than length of barrel. I'll assume she has little 110lb hands to match a short grip, but could benefit from a longer and heavier barrel. Kinda sounds like something more common in a revolver.

[Ivan45]

Go to Bill's on a Wed night, ladies night, rentals are $5 instead of $15, among other perks for ladies

[bpacman]

She might enjoy a Kahr K9 - small but has some weight to help control the recoil. Or a CCO size 1911 in either 9 or 45, like Springfield Range Officer Compact. Worst case, XD Mod2

Sorry nobody would ever enjoy the Kahr ... sorry had several ... worst triggers ever

There was a guy shooting his Kahr at an IDPA match last night. I stood there and watched the gun FTE and FTF like it was designed not to work. I would never trust it for an EDC gun. Stick with known quality and known functionality. Glock and Sigs have the best reputation. 1911s are not for new shooters. They require knowledge and care to function correctly all the time. I have seen too many people running them as dry as a popcorn fart and they do not take kindly to that.

Bp

[gman1868]

I think my experience is the same as everyone else who has bought a gun for a spouse or child. Don't do it unless you plan to sell it to buy a different gun.

Take them to the range and have them try several guns. If your kids have never shot a defensive caliber pistol before, start with something like an M&P .22 to familiarize them with the operation before moving up to a 9mm. If you have a variety of guns of your own, you won't have to rent. If not, go to Bills gun range on a week day before Christmas so it won't be so crowded and noisy. Print some targets from http://www.mytargets.com/, put up as many as you have different pistols.

Once comfortable with the .22, try at least several different semi-auto pistols all in the same caliber ( I suggest 9mm ). This eliminates the variable of different calibers from the mix. Once the shooter puts 25 rounds on each target, you will see which gun they shoot best and which one to buy

[sigman]

Extremely difficult to pick out a firearm for someone else. Best to let them pick it out.

[Kelor]

I'm taking them both to the range this weekend.

As a side, Scheels in Rochester has all Ruger LCP models $100 off until gone.

[hopkins]

I have an LCP, and I would not suggest that you purchase one for her unless she has given one a thorough workout. My wife says get her to TRY a J frame 5 shot 38, she loves hers. Never buy for someone else, it would be like buying them shoes, it is all in the fit.

[Holland&Holland]

I have an LCP, and I would not suggest that you purchase one for her unless she has given one a thorough workout. My wife says get her to TRY a J frame 5 shot 38, she loves hers. Never buy for someone else, it would be like buying them shoes, it is all in the fit.

I would like to refute the bolded section respectfully by saying that if anyone wants to buy me any gun this holiday season please do not hesitate nor feel that I would not appreciate it.

[shooter115]

I'm taking them both to the range this weekend.

As a side, Scheels in Rochester has all Ruger LCP models $100 off until gone.

I have an LCP and love it after installing the Hogue grip. That said, it's definitely not a beginners gun and super definitely not for someone who is recoil sensitive. It's so small and light, that with defensive loads it's holding a firecracker in your hand.

[Kelor]

Update:

Had them both shoot 4 different guns.

Walther P22
Beretta 92 FS - 115 grain
Glock 30SF .45
Kimber Sold CDP -- 147 grain

Son: Shot well with all but the Kimber Solo. He said he liked the Glock, but would prefer 9mm. He wasn't a fan of the Beretta 92FS as he has small hands (I never knew). I told him after the fact that I was going to give him the Beretta. Of course, he then changed his mind, but too late

Daughter:

Shot all but the Glock pretty well. I think just seeing the size of the rounds caused her to flinch. She also had 2 failure to feeds with the Beretta, which we quickly discussed limp wristing and she figured it out. She had two bullseyes with the Kimber, but still would prefer it didn't kick so badly.

Conclusion: Son: Glock in a .380 or 9mm

Daughter: Not sure yet.