2 regular questions, and 1 woman question

[TacticalMom]

Hello,

There is a lot of hand guns to chose from, so I decided to think about the criteria that I would want/need in a hand gun.
1) I hear often that the glock 9 is the easiest to maintain. Given a situation where I would have to maintain and upkeep my own weapon, what hand gun would you choose?
I want something that is fairly easy to take apart and clean.

2) I am looking for a hand gun that has common ammo. Something that does not have obscure ammo. I wanna be able to keep getting the ammo for as long as I can after purchase.

Woman question or people who have train woman:
I have been endowed with great tracks of land. What kind of shoulder holster would you recommend? Vertical, for a cross handed draw, or small of the back holster, or just at the side of your hip? There are so many out there...I am not really a purse carrying girl, I like to travel light and unencumbered. Also don't want to get it caught up on my under wire when I draw.

(note: I don't have a concealed permit yet, and don't intend to walk around with a gun normally. However, I do wanna practice with what ever holster I do get. )

[allingeneral]

Welcome aboard!

1) pretty much any quality modern handgun that you get will be fairly easy to clean and maintain once you figure out how to strip it, clean it, and reassemble it.

2) Common calibers that I generally recommend to the ladies are .380ACP and 9mm. .40 S&W is a good one as well.

3) I guess you've really just got to buy one and see how it works out for you. Hopefully Riana or one of the other ladies will chime in on this.

[BW1911]

Not a lady, but i will comment about holsters. If you don't have somewhere private to shoot (i.e., you will be shooting at a range) then MOST will not let you practice with a shoulder holster because they feel that the risk of "sweeping" your muzzle across someone else on the range line is too great. It can be done safely (especially with a vertical carry rig), but that is the policy at most places. Many will not let you draw from a holster at all except under special controlled circumstances, but those that will accept strong side belt mounted holsters more universally than shoulder holsters, purse or bag holsters, or any of the more exotic carry location holsters. Before you spend a lot of money on holsters (and it is EASY to spend too much money on a box full of holsters you can't, or will never, use) go to the place you want to shoot, inquire about learning about drawing from a holster and get their rules/recommendations.

If you are looking at holsters and see something like "IDPA approved" or "IPSC approved", you'd probably be pretty safe with that holster selection FOR DRAWING AT MOST RANGES. For concealed carry, many more decent options exist, though.

[Rich]

Since you want to carry it...it needs to be small and light. There are tons of choices. Some good quality, affordable, easy to find and easy to maintain choices would be the Ruger LC9 and new S&W shield in 9mm auto...or the Ruger LCR and S&W bodyguard in 38spl revolver. You need to go to a well stocked gun dealer and handle them to see what feels right to you. 9mm and 38spl are both incredibly easy to find ammo for and are inexpensive to shoot. Practice with inexpensive full metal jacket ammo but carry hollow points for self defense. Buy a good cleaning kit and learn how to use it. Youtube is a great resource for learning about your handgun. Holster question is impossible to answer as its comes down to what is comfortable and feels right for you. Best of luck.

[jdonovan]

1) I hear often that the glock 9 is the easiest to maintain. Given a situation where I would have to maintain and upkeep my own weapon, what hand gun would you choose?

H&K. Sig, I find the both MUCH easier to take apart than the glocks due to the glocks slide removal method. Once the slide is off, they are all much the same.

Given some recent testing over at pistol training you likely can go 10,000+ rounds between cleanings and suffer almost no ill effects.

2) I am looking for a hand gun that has common ammo. Something that does not have obscure ammo. I wanna be able to keep getting the ammo for as long as I can after purchase.

9mm, and 45 acp have been in common usage for over 100 years. Neither is going away in your lifetime... or probably your kids for that matter. 40S&W is the #1 choice of law enforcement right now, again, unlikely to become uncomon in 2 lifetimes.

What kind of shoulder holster would you recommend?

In general I don't recommend them at all. First you'll NEVER find a range where you can practice with it. Second unless you wear a jacket all the time you can't cover the holster. Also many of the designs are not well anchored and tend to move a bit if you are doing anything more than a normal walking pace.

Vertical, for a cross handed draw, or small of the back holster, or just at the side of your hip?

Depending on where the holster sits on your body, what weapon is in it, etc... will all change how it sits, feels, and what works for you. I like small of the back for concealed use. I find appendix, and inside the waistband are much less comfortable though my daily activities. Most of the time I open carry in a retention holster on my strong side.

Depending on your clothing style you may have some choices that are not viable for you too... If you are a jeans & belt every day person, lots of things will work. If you're in gym shorts and leggings... none of the attach to a belt options will likely work.

You are going to need to goto a store and try a bunch of things on and see what works for you.

There are so many out there...I am not really a purse carrying girl, I like to travel light and unencumbered.

I am also not a fan of off-body carry. It it too easy to loose control of the weapon, or have it inaccessible when you might need it.

[mamabearCali]

I am a woman. 5 foot 4, size 14 and curvy. I carry a 9mm Karh (CM9) and sometimes a glock 36 (.45). Nearly every day I carry with a belly band in a behind the hip carry--totally invisible. A rather easy draw as well.

I considered a shoulder harness when I was preggers, but never got around to getting a holster. Get your CHL as soon as you can. Gives you many more options.

[RugerJoe]

There is always the option of a pocket holster as well if you wear pants with pockets or jeans often enough and you select a small enough carry pistol or revolver.

[Reverenddel]

Everyone has answered, But I had to chime in that "I have been endowed with great tracks of land." is the utmost greatest statement ever made on this site.

[Pogo]

If you ask 20 different people, you will likely get 20 different answers, but in my opinion,go with a revolver. I have always recommended revolvers for new gun owners/concealed carry. If you are going to just have one gun, make it a .357 revolver. There are a few reasons for this, ease of use and maintenance, it gives you multiple ammo choices ( .38 Special through .357 +p) and if you get a small frame revolver, they can be put just about anywhere on the body.
Revolvers are very easy to clean, really no need to disassemble at all. Ammo for both training and defensive carry are reasonably priced anywhere you buy it, as are the firearms themselves.
It really is just a matter of finding what speaks to you, go to gun shops and see what they have.

[Chasbo00]

I recommend you contact these folks: http://www.shecanshoot.com/

"SHE CAN SHOOT© offers consultation services to those who are interested in purchasing a firearm but feel overwhelmed and confused. We can take the confusion out of the process as well as introduce you to a cadre of professional federal firearms licensed dealers who offer nothing but patience and information. These dealers also offer discounted prices to our clients. Our classes can also be taught within your own home before scheduling a flexible appointment at the shooting range."

I've seen some of them at a bowling pin match and they really can shoot.

[ShotgunBlast]

My wife likes Falia's YouTube channel. She gives carry options for women. Sounds like her body type is a bit different, but hopefully it'll give you some ideas.

http://www.youtube.com/user/faliaphotography

I was too considering a small of the back holster, but decided not to after hearing people advising against it in case you fall back. Spinal cord + a hunk of steel or plastic = bad results.

[jrswanson1]

I despise shoulder holsters. If you think your shoulders ache now, it's even worse after wearing one of these contraptions for several hours.

In your search for a pistol, I'd suggest you go to a few ranges that rent pistols and try a variety of them before making a decision. If you are in the Northern Virginia area, I'd suggest you hit Sharpshooters in Lorton, they have a pretty big selection of pistols to try out, and they have a couple of women working there who would know more about fitting a holster to you versus a guy there.

As for the caliber choice, during the great Obama Guns and Ammo Sale of 2009, 9mm and .45 ACP ammo was extremely difficult to acquire. However, every Walmart I went to had a box or two of .40 S&W on the shelves. Whatever caliber you choose, I'd suggest you run a few rounds of your chosen defensive ammo through your new pistol before buying a bunch. Some pistols don't reliably feed all defensive ammo. Find one your pistol likes and buy a couple of boxes of it.

And after you purchase your new pistol, if it's a semi-auto, get at least three more magazines for it. If you get a revolver, get at least three speed loaders for it and learn how to use them. Good luck!

[TacticalMom]

@ allingeneral - Thanks for the advice. I will take a look at ".380ACP and 9mm. .40 S&W"

@BW1911 - Thank you. I totally value advice from anyone male or female. I did not consider that they would not let me use the holster in/on the range. Thank you. I may have to practice at home unloaded just removing it from holster.

@ Rich - Thanks I will look in to "Ruger LC9 and new S&W shield in 9mm auto...or the Ruger LCR and S&W bodyguard in 38spl revolver"

@ jdonovan - Thank you for your response. I will take a look at your reccomendations. I have two little ones, and personally like to keep my hands free... Lately I find I wear a lot of cargo pants for just that reason. My father likes small of his back as well. "I like small of the back for concealed use." Oh and I realize I must go to the store, but I like to be as informed as possible before heading to the retail place. I notice I have less chance of gettng ripped off if I go in informed.

@mamabearCali - Yeah I am a short woman 5 foot, and allways had to much on top since I was 12... I will take a look at "9mm Karh (CM9) and sometimes a glock 36 (.45)". Can I ask what a belly band is... I know belly bands from being pregnant, but not in relation to the guns or holsters.

@RugerJoe - I was wondering about pocket holsters. Thank you I will look into them.

@Reverenddel - =) I was trying to make it pg glad I could make your day.

@Pogo - yeah my dad has most often had a revolver for a hand gun. I appreciate I would get 20 different answers... I was counting on it. I like to take the average and then that is my starting place.

@ Chasbo00 - I will take a look at that website. Thank you.

I will be heading to Blue Ridge, and will be handling the hardware. I appreciate everyone chimming in and letting me know their preferences. I feel much more confident going in and having specific questions to ask, instead of "hey can you show me a gun with common ammo?" .

Thanks again, and sorry if they are annoying newbie questions.

[Greybeard]

For what its worth, I carried a .38 Colt Agent snubbie revolver for 15 years in an upside down holster. That thing just snuggled right under my left arm pit. Really comfortable and totally inconspicuous. Have to wear a coat, shirt or something over it.

[Reverenddel]

Thanks again, and sorry if they are annoying newbie questions.

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I would rather answer a THOUSAND Newbie questions than be shot by an "expert". ASK ANYTHING! None of us will judge! Promise!

[mamabearCali]

The two are very similar (pregnancy bands and belly bands). They are a wide strip of elastic that goes around your waist and has a holster built into it. I did not think I would like it at all, but I love it. I don't wear it directly against my skin, but rather on top of an undershirt. Several companies make them. I got mine at a gun show, but you can order them. FWIW I am a size 14 and the XL is too big now (got it when I was pregnant).

This is one company that makes them and it looks similar to mine.

http://magills.com/pgroup_descrip/44_Be ... id%3D44%26

[bryanrheem]

great comments all around. Advice I always give is to get a handgun you will want to practice with. I've had female friends buy 'cool' looking guns, only to realize that both the ergo and ammo made it uncomfortable to shoot. Thus, they never practiced which defeats the purpose. All guns are pretty much the same in terms of effort to clean and are equally safe as long as you adhere to the rules of gun safety.

If you are talking about ammo that will be available in a SHTF scenario, you're talking about a common caliber like 9mm. With hollow points, they are just as effective and not as snappy as other calibers.

My favorite carry position (OWB or IWB) is on the strong hand side hip, in-between 3 & 4 o'clock. 2nd option is Appendix carry and shoulder holster for long drives. While most ranges don't allow holster work, I practice plenty at home. Draw firing and dry firing.

HTH!

[ProShooter]

In our Intro to Concealed Carry in VA class, we do a section on holster selection. We even bring in a variety of holsters and discuss the +/- of each.

We'd be happy to help you with any questions that you may have.

[Riana]

I recommend you contact these folks: http://www.shecanshoot.com/

"SHE CAN SHOOT© offers consultation services to those who are interested in purchasing a firearm but feel overwhelmed and confused. We can take the confusion out of the process as well as introduce you to a cadre of professional federal firearms licensed dealers who offer nothing but patience and information. These dealers also offer discounted prices to our clients. Our classes can also be taught within your own home before scheduling a flexible appointment at the shooting range."

I've seen some of them at a bowling pin match and they really can shoot.

Tanya, I just sent you a message.

[TacticalMom]

Thank you, bryanrheem, Proshooter, and Riana.

@Riana responded to your message =)