Need a inexpensive first pistol for the wife...

Vote #3 for the Ruger SR9 (or SR40).

They can be found for (occasionally, that is) under $400, but a more realistic price is in the $500-600 area.

Small grips, reversible backstrap, ambidextrous safety and mag release, great sights, easy to strip and clean, reliable (I've had zero jams in mine, using both factory and reloaded ammo), and great fun to shoot.

The only real downside is the trigger, out of the box it isn't that great. However, you can get a new trigger spring to ease up the pull, or just shoot a few hundred rounds through the gun and the trigger smartens right up.

Hell, I can't wait for Ruger to make this in 45ACP, I'll be all over that!
 
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another vote for the SR9.

I took my buffet of pistols with me to the range with the wife came out and she tried them all and wouldn't put the SR9 down.
 
oh, and your post "Need a inexpensive first pistol for the wife..."
It's not "inexpensive"... it's "cost effective" or "fiscally reasonable"... "inexpensive" boils down to cheap and no one wants a cheap gun.
 
As others have suggested, you would be wise to adjust your budget if necessary to get her something she will be happy with.
 
I've seen a lot of lady shooters smile hugely from shooting a 1911 in 9mm. They seem to do well with them and the extra weight over a plastic gun soaks up enough of the recoil that they finish up with a big grin instead of not being sure about the whole thing.

And since it sure doesn't sound like you have a 1911 in your family collection it would be a nice way to add this classic platform. It'll run you more money to buy a nice one but it'll be a keeper if you spend that little bit more.

My issue with Norincos is that they can be hit or miss on the quality of fitment of all the parts. I've seen examples that rival big name high price guns for fit and shoot tiny little groups all day long. But I've seen just as many examples that rattle like a cheap kid's toy. I will buy a Norc without issues but only if I can examine the actual gun I'd be taking home for fit of some key parts first. Otherwise it's a bit of a gamble.

Any chance you know some fellow shooters that have revolvers? If she hasn't shot a .38Spl revolver that is another gun which I've found that finds favour with the ladies. Any chance you can bring along a box of ammo and get someone to let her shoot their S&W six gun?
 
Is there any way she can try a number of guns? The best pistol, and most fun to shoot is the one that fits her. M&P has multiple backstraps, as do the new Glocks. I found the Sig 226 grips to be smaller than the older non-replaceable Glock 17. Rugers are common with women.
 
I'd also have to throw in my vote for taking her along to a well stocked store so she can try out several guns and grip types. If you can get her that perfect gun (even if you have to give up on your soon to be purchase) do it, because then she'll love it and will be hooked. Makes future purchases much easier to justify, especially if she gets a say in it as well.
 
celtic1123 said:
i'd also have to throw in my vote for taking her along to a well stocked store so she can try out several guns and grip types. If you can get her that perfect gun (even if you have to give up on your soon to be purchase) do it, because then she'll love it and will be hooked. Makes future purchases much easier to justify, especially if she gets a say in it as well.
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YUP An experienced husband speaketh best listen...
 
Any chance she/you might be interested in a 22lr?. I have a GSG 1911 in 22LR and it's a great gun. Nice fit and finish. Very little recoil and very reliable. Also it's very cheap to shoot. It might be worth thinking about.
 
Why limit her to a pistol? I have a wife and two daughters all active shooters. They have a lot of guns/calibers to choose from, one likes her .45 acp but they all enjoy revolvers from .22 to .44 Mag.
 
As others have said get what she wants and what she feels suits her best! My missus tried Glock, CZ 75, GSG 1911, Smith 686 and a Beretta M92. She settled on the Beretta as she felt the grip fit her best(in single action) It doesn't matter what kind of firearm it is fit and feel are extremely important!!
 
I know ellwoodepps has a few sr40's in stock. They aren't much more then 400$. If she's into the pretty factor the smith and Wesson. M & P with the pink is "pretty". Good luck with ur decision.
 
Your ad should read wanted to buy used CZ 75B. If you keep it clean(every 500 rounds) it will go bang every time with any factory ammo.
But hey if she said a glock, get her a used glock.
 
get her a ruger sr9, i got one a couple months ago but havent shot it yet, it fits so nicely in my hand. Its a small gun not overly big and cumbersome
 
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