Kitty Kat Guns      

I can not stress this enough, small cailber handguns like a .22 revolver, .25 or .32 automatic have been suggested in the past for women. However these small caliber handguns are not guaranteed to stop an attacker, it is possible that it would just anger the attacker which could put you in greater danger.

If you intend to use in self-defense choose at least a .38 special for a revolver and a 9mm for a semi-auto. Even though some people recommend the .22lr or .25 auto again don't do it the .22lr would be good for training only both guns can kill but don't bet your life on it.

There is no best cailber or gun for all women, it is not depending on your size or frame, the smallest women could carry a large caliber, and in some cases the "fluffier" women might feel more comfortable with a smaller caliber. Do not let someone talk you into a gun just based on your stature, test a .38 / 357 revolver or 9mm, .40 or .45 semi-auto just to get a feel for your skill level and comfort level. How does the gun feel in your hand? Are you able to get a proper grip? Are your fingers in the right positions? Can you reach the trigger without twisting your hand. Your index finger should extend at least 1/2 inch past the trigger when holding at a shooting stance...in this case size does matter.

FOUR STEADFAST RULES

RULE 1 - ALL GUNS ARE LOADED

RULE 2 - NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY

RULE 3 - KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET

RULE 4 - BE SURE OF YOUR TAGRET AND WHAT IS BEHIND IT

Would you buy a pair of shoes without trying them on to see if they are comfortable? An estimated 15 million to 20 million women in the United States own their own firearms. It is no secret that women can enjoy shooting just as much as a man, and it is something you could do together. Women are becoming the face of the sport.

Feel free to decline when a sales clerk suggests a pink Lady Smith. Just because you are a girl does not mean it has to be pink, None of my guns are pink and I am a girly girl. There are many factors to consider when buying a firearm and SEX is not one of them, when clerks steer you to smaller caliber guns and certain types of "ladies: firearms they are basically telling you that you should not carry a gun because the big bad rapist might use it against you. Pocket revolvers and pocket autos are just plain uncomfortable to shoot but many people reccomend them for women to carry. Let's not forget that if a .45 caliber is good enough for a man it is definately good enough for us women and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Revolvers vs Semi-Auto

Both are effective and safe in compentent hands

Revolvers

Advantages - Extremely reliable, simple to operate, highly accurate, moderately priced, double action shoots multiple rounds quickly, some allow .38 Special or .357 Mangnum round, and easy to clean.  

Disadvantages - Bulkier, heavier, harder trigger pull, could be greater recoil, no safety, and Single-Action models require cocking for each round.

Semi-Auto Pistol

Advantages - Slimmer, lighter, easier to conceal, magazines can hold rounds of ammunition, can fire in rapid succession, easier trigger pull, "typically" less recoil, and easy to reload.

Disadvantages - Meticulous cleaning required, more likely to mis-feed, and overall more expensive.

Takes more hand strength to "rack the slide" to chamber the first round, but when going into a store and purchasing a gun IF you have a problem with this keep in mind "it is a new gun" and it will be more difficult. I had one clerk tell me that since I could not "rack the slide" he did not want to sell me the gun, mind you I have bought it since and have had no issues. The trick is to push and pull back at the same time, push using the hand on the grip and pull using the hand on the slide.

Remember you have the right to protect your life and the lives of your loved ones, but also your property. The increasing number of individuals that leagally have access to a firearm, either in their home or on their person has been slowing down the property crime rate. It has decreased in direct proportion to the increase in the number of legal handgun owners, WOMEN have a more significant result of safety when carrying a firearm the men do. Women are targets, rape, robbery, mugging we are perceived as easy targets....Lets change that perception.