re: .380 vs 9mm

Did she see an LC9?

I haven't seen one. I dunno.

Yeah, she liked the Kahr okay and did not like the Kel-tec for some reason... I'm sure it was the looks of the sig that got her hooked..

Like you said, take her shooting and see what she thinks.

I can pretty much say that the p238 is going to shoot the best for her imo. Plus since she likes the way it looks.

I have a feeling tho that it will sit in the night stand a lot more because it is bulkier and heavier than the sub-compact .380s like the LCP.

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Then I'll just inherit it for when I get my CCW permit

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Sounds like a good little trick to let you get a great gun

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There really isn't a world of difference in a 9mm v. a .380acp. A 9mm is a longer cartridge and a slightly heavier bullet.

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absolutely false. 9mm is a real deal cartridge, altho to get performance out of it you should shoot hot loads. It is not possible to get performance out of a .380. .380 is a compromise round - you put up with decreased stopping power for concealability.

I personally don't like how .380's shoot - I find the recoil "sharp," but others don't mind it.

If the main use for the gun is to be carried in a car, I'd suggest a larger and heavier gun. Generally, smaller and lighter guns are more difficult to shoot well that larger and heavier guns. For something to be carried in a car, I'd suggest a revolver w/ a 4-6" barrel. If she's not recoil sensitive, make a 357 Mag. If she's recoil sensitive, get it in 38 Spec.

If it's going to be a gun for concealed carry, then I'd go smaller and lighter. I'd then make it a 5 shot, lightweight revolver in 38 Spec. S&W, Taurus, Ruger, Rossi and Charter Arms all make these models. S&W and CA make models specifically for women. Doubale action only is best, but a shrouded hammer is ok.

The key here is what will work for HER. Revolvers are generally a lot easier for inexperienced folks to shoot good and handle safely than are semi-autos. In addition, really small semi-autos are not usually very fun to shoot. The women shooters I know don't usually like to shoot small semi-autos. My friend’s wife is a police officer who's service is a 9 mm Glock. Nevertheless, she doesn’t like to shoot his Kel-Tec PF-9 because the recoil’s so sharp to her.

If you HAVE to go w/ a semi-auto, I'd suggest a Ruger LCP or Kel-Tec. The Kahr would also be a fine choice, albeit a good bit more expensive. The Kel-Tec's seem to be hit or miss sometimes w/ quality control. The Taurus 380 is still pretty new, but looks good

I'd buy her a 22LR of the same action/size as the gun she will eventually shoot. 22 LR guns and ammo are inexpensive and recoil/muzzle blast are minimal. Be sure she uses ear plugs AND muffs w/ all her shooting.

Get a gun chambered in the biggest round she can reliably shoot. As far as stopping power, the 40 S&W, 357 Mag and 45 ACP are usually at the top, followed closely by the 9 mm then the 38 Spcl and 380.