???

Check around for used. Cabelas Gun Library.

Definitely true about the carry piece. I think it's pretty common to start women out on small pistols because they aren't uncomfortable for experienced shooters, and many woman are more interested in carry then they are with range toys. Unfortunately, it's a bad start some shooters will never recover from. They associate shooting with discomfort, and quickly develop a flinch that makes accuracy illusive and frustrating.

I usually start with a .22lr and then mild 125g loads in .38 special. After that they can play with true carry pistols like the Sig 238s, LCPs, and S&W 642s, but at least they have a baseline of comfort and accuracy to move on from.

in that case, buy an (indestructible) gp100 3" , cause you can/will use it after. If you buy cheap wheelies, perhaps not so much.

That's a good point. We seem to be converging on a GP100.

While my Smith wheel guns are the ones I like to show off, I’d grab the Ruger first in a no-kidding SHTF situation. As a reliable and honest training tool it is a great choice.

J&G Sales almost always has some used S&W .38s. Right now I see it's Model 10s for 3 or 4 bills.

If someone can't handle a Model 10 with standard pressure 158 grain stuff, it's going to be tough to match them with a defensive revolver. I have taught 8-10 year olds to shoot with 10s and K-38s.

J-frame Smith in 22lr. My wife and mother in law can handle that no problem. Once they’ve practiced with the 22 then step them up to .38 special. Only give them 357 if you want them to hate shooting. ;)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I would love to get one of those eventually, they seem to be pricey even used.

The .22lr Beretta 71s that have been imported recently are very easy to shoot and feel/looks more like a "real" pistol than a Mark series or Buckmark, but extra mags are way too expensive.

Me and my wife both shoot a S&W 617 22lr and a GP100 very often. She loves both. If blindfolded I dont think I could tell them apart till fired.

When she packs, I give here a choice between an S&W airweight 642 and a SP101 and she always chooses the SP101. Both are snubbies, but the S&W is horrible to shoot. Its an unpleasant experience that does not include any hint of accuracy.

Hand down the Rugers are heard to beat.

I have an sp 101 By far the heaviest snub nosed revolver known to man. But I like it

I agree. If it's a self defense class a snubby .22 j frame would be a great start so they can get used to the small grip and heavy DA trigger pull. Then up to a .38spl snubby so they can experience the recoil they should expect in a self defense pistol. Then probably a Ruger SP101 in .357 with the 4" barrel and rubber Hogue grips if they want to experience .357mag recoil just for the hell of it. The ruger will withstand heavy loads and tons of abuse without you having to worry about beating up a nice gun.

If you want reasonably priced ammo for a .357mag that has some kick try American Eagle. I've found their factory FMJ to be some of the hottest loaded "plinking" ammo.

I have a GP100 and a model 10 smith. Both are great guns. Either way if and when you go to sell, you will get 90% of your money back. No so with a Taurus. I also have a 642 I frame that I carry, not great for practice. Good choice on the lcrx. A new shooter will be more accurate with the single action option, I have seen a few get frustrated with their accuracy when double action is the only option like with my 642. The hammer is there but is covered and can’t be cocked. My next purchase will likely be a SP101. Great middle size revolver as I will be hiking with it.

Sorry, I couldn't help myself..
"4" circle at 10". "

I'd look in the $400 range.

I echo the idea that a small snub will instantly be so unenjoyable nobody will want to shoot or learn on it much. So that's a no-go.

Look for a 4" model, maybe 6" model, for training. These newbies need to have enjoyable experience. That means low recoil and "hey, I hit the bulls eye!" "Let me shoot some more" experience.

I'd go for a .22LR. Super cheap and simple.

Or if you want to step up, I can say from personal experience that my Taurus Tracker .38/.357 is extremely awesome. Ran me about $300 or so used. Same with the Taurus 65. Any Taurus clone of the SW medium sized guns is great, and a life time warranty is nice.

Rugers and Smiths are great but probably too nice to let a bunch of strangers routinely abuse. No way I'd let 10 strangers fondle and shoot my GP100 or SW586 on a weekly or monthly basis...