Sport,
Do you already have a home defense weapon of some sort she could use if needed?

I kinda like you original idea of getting a 22 for her. Sounds like she's new to shooting. If so, a 22 LR is the best way to introduce her to shooting. Take her to the range w/ her gun and let her enjoy it while she's also learning gun safety and gun handling. The YELLOW part does complicate things a great deal......

The 380 is at the very bottom end of what many would consider as a self defense round; some wouldn't recommend it at all. I don't have a Bersa, but have read lots of good reports on them. The gun you referenced is bigger than most 380's. It's certainly not the pocket/purse gun that most 380's are. OTOH, your wife may never be interested in cc, anyway.

Ruger makes a number of nice 22 LR semi-auto's. I don't know if it's yellow enough for her, but you might can talk her into this one: LINK
I saw a pic of it on the 'net yesterday for the first time and fell in love w/ it. Also, the controls on this gun are consistent w/ those on most other semi-autos.

Your immmediate need is something that she can learn w/ while enjoying it. I'd take care of that and cross other bridges when you get there.

Good luck! And by the way, I'm going to stay away from your second to the last question!!

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Posted by bapple

Capital City

Member since Oct 2010

11913 posts

Posted on 12/11/12 at 12:38 pm to TigerOnThe Hill

quote:
I kinda like you original idea of getting a 22 for her

I think a 22 is great to learn on but I have to respectfully disagree with you about it being a good defense gun, but not for the reason most think.

Everyone thinks "a 22 can kill somebody" and that would happen to be very true. The problem with the 22LR cartridge is that it's a rim fire round and is inherently unreliable at igniting. Center fire rounds are much more reliable.

I think most women could properly power a 9mm. It's the most forgiving cartridge out there.

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Posted by SportTiger1

Stonewall, LA

Member since Feb 2007

28504 posts

Posted on 12/11/12 at 12:50 pm to TigerOnThe Hill

Yeah i have a 24/7 9mm i usually leave at home, but would like to start keeping it in my truck more often. She's shot this gun quite a bit. Therefore was hoping this would also be a back up home defense gun.

Thats a good looking Ruger, i keep going back and forth on the need for something bigger than a .22. Trying to kill two birds with one stone i guess.

The Bersa is quite heavy, back to the drawing board i guess.