The Rohrbaugh Forum

Rohrbaugh Products and Accessories => Rohrbaugh R9 (all variations) => Topic started by: hoserack on July 07, 2008, 07:20:24 PM

Title: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: hoserack on July 07, 2008, 07:20:24 PM: A couple months ago Jody was a boarderline anti gun person.
After spending some time at the range and getting familar with the opertion of various guns she showed interest in getting a CCW permit. Now that is a swing, just shows how lack of knowledge of a subject or topic can create unjustified fear.
This past weekend Jody took the CCW class and has everything ready to mail off.
We also looked around the gun show shopping for her.
I of course prefer autoloaders and was steering her in the direction. That was until we talked to an old timer at one of the booths, when he found out this was her first gun he recommended a wheel gun. He steered us towards the airweight S&W .38 special. I'm thinking this would be a good choice for a first gun for a lady.
What are your guys thoughts on the topic???

Here is the lovely Jody at the range.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v433/hoserack/IMG_0056.jpg)
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: ccoorreeyy on July 07, 2008, 07:31:37 PM: Sometimes the "old timer" 's are full of wisdom. Sounds like this one is right on line with his wheelgun thought. I can't see her going wrong with the smith, thats what I started my wife out with too.
Corey
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: tracker on July 07, 2008, 08:41:26 PM: I think whatever suits her style will work; you have to like it
to pack it but the good thing is that she took the first step.
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: eddie_c-clamp on July 07, 2008, 09:25:59 PM: How about a Colt Defender?

3" bbl. 1911 style .45 acp easier to handle for someone with smaller hands........Just a thought.....
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: hoserack on July 07, 2008, 10:44:40 PM: Quote
How about a Colt Defender?

3" bbl. 1911 style .45 acp easier to handle for someone with smaller hands........Just a thought.....

She liked the Colts for some reason she wanted to know about them.
I think she might have even handled a Defender.
Do you think the .45 round would be too much?
Plus what if a cartridge failed? The wheel gun she could just pull again, the Colt would be a definate problem.
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: eddie_c-clamp on July 07, 2008, 11:10:27 PM: Semi-auto ftf's or fte's are issues to consider........I think there's another female member here w/ a colt defender......maybe she could give some advice..... :)
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: BytorJr on July 08, 2008, 01:42:58 AM: Almost every firearms instructor I've had would recommend a revolver for a first defensive firearm.

I'd be worried that with a small gun like the R9, there is more of a chance inexperience could yield a bad experience. I'm not saying don't buy one, but until more rounds are shot, a class or 3 are taken, I'd be hesitant to recommend carrying the R9 without a lot more of "seat time."

That said, if she does end up with a 38, I'd recommend not getting an airweight unless she carries in her pocket. That would defeat the purpose of this first timer wheelgun. An "old fashioned" revolver in 38 would have less recoil for sure. I'd also go with a shrouded hammer model (aka hammerless) like a Centennial. Also, if it's purse carried, that heavy 12lb trigger will be a LOT more safe.

Just my 0.02.

ps...

Good job converting Jody!!!!!!!!!! Almost anti-gun, and now applying for a CCW, Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: Richard S on July 08, 2008, 08:01:03 AM: If you decide to go with a revolver rather than one of the R9s or a Seecamp .380, you might want to consider the S&W Model: 642LS LadySmith™, which would give her a DAO revolver with 5 rounds of .38 Special +P and a weight of only 14.5 ounces. The MSRP is $711.00. (See Product No. 163808642LS at the on-line catalog.)

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/other/2008_Catalog_PartII.pdf

Congratulations, and good luck to you both!
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: theirishguard on July 08, 2008, 10:00:42 AM: Also S&W made a model 332pd in .32H&R Mag. They are no longer in the line but can be found. It's also a 6 shot hammerless. I might know a dealer in Wisc that has some. Tom
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: hoserack on July 08, 2008, 03:42:32 PM: Quote
Also S&W made a model 332pd in .32H&R Mag. They are no longer in the line but can be found. It's also a 6 shot hammerless. I might know a dealer in Wisc that has some. Tom

Wouldn't a .32 be a bit small for personal defense?
I carried a .380 Kel tec before stepping up to the R9 and I never really felt confident with that round.
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: hoserack on July 08, 2008, 03:46:09 PM: I'm gonna take Jody shooting again this weekend and we'll see what kind of wheel guns can be rented.
That way she can decide what feels good and hits the target.
I'll let her shoot the R9 again just for grins, I wouldn't want to be in front of her with the R9, She'd damn sure hit something. ;D
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: Richard S on July 08, 2008, 05:06:25 PM: Quote
* * * I'll let her shoot the R9 again just for grins, I wouldn't want to be in front of her with the R9, She'd d**n sure hit something. ;D

Now that's funny, I don't care who you are. ;D ;D ;D ;D (I rarely award four. ;) )
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: DTM_39 on July 08, 2008, 06:30:36 PM: Hoserack, How about the Rohrbaugh 380. They are coming off the machines as I post this. As far as I know the only holdup is waiting on mags. It's very easy to fire. Very little recoil. Would make a very nice first gun. Dan
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: hoserack on July 08, 2008, 06:45:44 PM: Quote
Hoserack, How about the Rohrbaugh 380. They are coming off the machines as I post this. As far as I know the only holdup is waiting on mags. It's very easy to fire. Very little recoil. Would make a very nice first gun. Dan
How much do they cost?
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: DTM_39 on July 08, 2008, 07:10:41 PM: I would think they are going to be about the same as the R-9. They are essentially the same gun. So cost to produce is going to very close. But that is just my guess. My wife and daughters like to shoot but the R-9 beats them up a little. The 380 should be perfect. I have my order in. Dan
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: Richard S on July 09, 2008, 11:35:12 AM: HR:

What Dan said! If the R380s are now coming down the line, I would think that one of them would be a splendid choice. Those who have shot it report the felt recoil to be practically nonexistent.
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: theirishguard on July 09, 2008, 12:20:13 PM: not a bad idea. Tom
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: hoserack on July 09, 2008, 04:00:33 PM: I think the .380 would be a good choice for Jody to shoot, but that round has never made me feel warm and fuzzy.
It's the bottom of the barrel in a personal defense round, IMPO.
The 38 special would work with some HP +P.
What do you guys think about your wives or GF's carrying a .380 round for personal defense?
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: theirishguard on July 09, 2008, 07:27:11 PM: should work, just ask all the seecamp owners. Tom
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: Richard S on July 09, 2008, 07:40:15 PM: Her Honor carries this LWS32:

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y30/RichardS/Seecamp-1.jpg)

Of course, if her bailiffs are not around, I'm never very far away -- and I tend to be a little more heavily armed. 8)
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: MrsFosforos on July 09, 2008, 08:12:49 PM: The thing is -- any of them should be easier for her to shoot with practice. The key is she needs to get one she feels comfortable with and will carry.

Of all the guns I've shot, the Seecamp .32 was the LEAST PLEASANT in the beginning. It takes a LOT of getting used to. The first time out at the range with it, I was convinced I'd spent a lot of money on a gun I was going to sock away in the safe.

I perservered and gave it another try and that gun and I finally clicked. BUT with that said; I wouldn't start her on a gun like that. SMALLER IS easier to conceal but it packs a painful punch. I wouldn't have carried it for protection when I first bought it because I was afraid of the pain it inflicted on ME!! Turns out, it's been the one I carry the most -- after all!

I have a Rohrbaugh on order, so that might change soon!!

My favorite to shoot is a Colt Defender. It does have a good amount of recoil but the weight of the gun helps absorb some of that impact. At first, I developed a problem with anticipating the recoil and developed a flinch. With a lot of dry firing practice and training with laser grips, I got rid of the flinch. I joke that shooting the Seecamp cured my flinch with the Colt. That little devil (the Seecamp) really does kick like a mule. After shooting it, I think anything feels better and is easier to shoot! I would probably carry the Colt as a primary EDC, but it's just not as easy to conceal (especially now that it's summer time).

I have a Bersa .380 and it's not a difficult gun to shoot, but it does has a very snappy recoil. It's lighter weight too, so the recoil is more significant. It was my first handgun and I got a lot of practice with failure drills on it. I limp wristed in the beginning and had a lot of FTF... It was a good starter gun for me and was easy to learn how to shoot with. I know a lot of people who carry one as a primary concealed carry weapon. They are reliable out of the box. My husband has the CC version which is a little smaller and easier to conceal.

I've shot a S&W 642 and I was very pleasantly surprised that the recoil was so manageable. I thought with such a short barrel and light weight it would be harsh; but I could easily endorse it.

The easiest guns I've shot are a Glock 19 (9mm) and a Glock 30 (.45). They are balanced and recoil is very manageable. Another nice one is a Springfield 1911 - but they are all too big and not so easy to conceal.

I don't know if any of that helps, but it's a "woman's perspective".

The best advice I can offer YOU is --> just get used to the idea that guns are like shoes and she's probably going to end up with more than one!
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: eddie_c-clamp on July 09, 2008, 11:32:53 PM: Nice post/perspective......I was waiting for you to chime in :)
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: hoserack on July 10, 2008, 01:11:25 AM: Thanks MrsFosforos,
I'll have Jody read your post.
I was thinking of renting a Glock 19 for her to shoot so she can see what a differance it can be.
She has only shot a .380 Kel tec, R9 & Glock 27(40S&W).
So she has been shooting some tough little guns.
When she shoots the R9 she has to swear at it first. LOL
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: Richard S on July 10, 2008, 07:54:57 AM: Excellent post, MrsFosforos!
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: theirishguard on July 10, 2008, 12:23:23 PM: we need to listen to the ladies. Tom
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: DTM_39 on July 10, 2008, 06:52:59 PM: Checked with R-Bros and the 380 will be the same price as R-9. All models will be available. Mrsfosforos, Great perspective and Since I haven't already done so. Welcome to the Forum. Dan
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: ryan45kim on November 22, 2008, 12:29:13 AM: This question drives me nuts, a mico 9mm is not the right gun for a new shooter and I would say the same thing about an S&W 642 or 442. These are all good guns I’m not trying to bash them but they are among the hardest handgun to shoot and are not a good place to start. If she wants a gun to carry and shoot I would steer her towards a glock 19 it’s small enough to carry but is still an easy gun to control. She can get her whole hand on it and the ammo is controllable and cheap (nothing is as cheap as 9mm). If she has to have a revolver then look at an S&W 19. You can find them for around $200, its accurate, and an easy gun to control (steel frame = easy recoil remember NEW SHOOTER). This is like putting you’re 16 year old daughter in a top fuel dragster it’s not a good place to start. I can make 25yd a zone head shots with my keltec 380 (most of the time) but I would not tell a new shooter to get that gun, it is a tough gun to shoot. There is no sight radius and not much gun to hold on to. First teach her how to shoot with a gun that is fun to shoot (that will keep her wanting to shoot). Then when she gets better then start looking at the race cars.
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: theirishguard on November 22, 2008, 12:08:05 PM: the .32H&R Mag round is very similar to the .38 special in performance, and with 6 rounds. It has very little recoil and can shoot both the .32 short and .32 long rounds for practice with out recoil. Much like the .327 Ruger round. Tom
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: elbee on November 27, 2008, 01:35:48 AM: My two cents, start with a revolver.

If that is fun then maybe move to a semi auto, and go through the drill, if she has hand strength, of cycling.

Pay attention to the designer of the fine pistol that founded this forum. The R9 was designed by Karl for professionals. This is not a little old lady purse gun. It is a very specifically engineered precision tool for a job.

It maybe perfect for Jody, but it should be the end point, not the beginner.
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: theirishguard on November 27, 2008, 11:31:18 AM: the R380 is the same price as the R9. Working on mags.... Tom
Title: Re: Jody's First Gun??? What Do You Guys Think?
Post by: BytorJr on November 27, 2008, 03:23:53 PM: I've said it before, and I'll say it again. A 38spl revolver is a good starter purse gun for a woman. Not one of those 12-15 oz jobs either. Well, at least not the 12oz.

Personally, I feel anybody should start with something along the lines of an M&P, G19, P2000 type frame and work down. First, they should be competent at shooting, very competent if they plan on carrying. Then, after becoming competent with a larger frame gun, they can move down to a "carry size."

I don't like the idea of somebody who's brand spanking new with maybe 300 rounds downrange carrying and firing off rounds not having a clue as to where they'll go. Go get some training, period. It doesn't have to be a super duper range place, it could be a local LE who teaches on the side...but a newbie should get training. Primarily, there are those, even on one or two of these boards, who believe it's perfectly acceptable to have their finger on the trigger, even if it's just a minute amount of pressure. Start of learning properly, and all those bad habits won't have to be erased.