Ruger .380 or S&W .45?

[Itap]

Researching my next gun, and deciding between a Ruger .380 or S&W .45. I have a concealed weapons permit, and looking for a gun that my wife can shoot with ease. We currently have a 22 and a Mossberg 500 12 gauge that she can shoot relatively well, but want something that is quicker to get to and easier for her to shoot. Any input is appreciated.

[Rhambuk]

Take that money and move to a safer neighborhood

seriously though, nfc about guns never needed to use one for anything.
lots of firearm aficionado's here that can direct you.

[Sidelle]

Originally Posted by Rhambuk [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Take that money and move to a safer neighborhood

seriously though, nfc about guns never needed to use one for anything.
lots of firearm aficionado's here that can direct you.

Bad stuff happens in good neighborhoods too. Just sayin'.. [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.] I've also never needed to use one either, and hope I never have to, but I'm glad I have one just in case.

[Zade]

Both are good choices but I would not choose either. The ruger is an excellent compact pistol, which is excellent for concealed carry, but if I can only hold 6+1 rounds, i would rather have something with 6 rounds and more stopping power like a 38 special revolver with a hidden hammer.

the 45 is a nice weapon for concealed carry if you get the right model/mods so that it doesn't have sharp pointy parts that will give out the conceal. the 45 will obs have a lot more kick then the 22 so your wife might tire from repeated fire.

in my CC weapons, i go for high stopping power and high capacity. my favorite so far has been BDA .380 and S&W 38 special model 49 aka the bodyguard

--edit--
gsorry, didnt really answer your question. if i had to choose one of those, would choose the 45 over the 380. more bullets, more power, more better

[Itap]

Originally Posted by Zade [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Both are good choices but I would not choose either. The ruger is an excellent compact pistol, which is excellent for concealed carry, but if I can only hold 6+1 rounds, i would rather have something with 6 rounds and more stopping power like a 38 special revolver with a hidden hammer.

the 45 is a nice weapon for concealed carry if you get the right model/mods so that it doesn't have sharp pointy parts that will give out the conceal. the 45 will obs have a lot more kick then the 22 so your wife might tire from repeated fire.

in my CC weapons, i go for high stopping power and high capacity. my favorite so far has been BDA .380 and S&W 38 special model 49 aka the bodyguard

--edit--
gsorry, didnt really answer your question. if i had to choose one of those, would choose the 45 over the 380. more bullets, more power, more better

Thanks for the advice, I was leaning more towards the 45

[Aaron]

Originally Posted by Zade [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Both are good choices but I would not choose either. The ruger is an excellent compact pistol, which is excellent for concealed carry, but if I can only hold 6+1 rounds, i would rather have something with 6 rounds and more stopping power like a 38 special revolver with a hidden hammer.

the 45 is a nice weapon for concealed carry if you get the right model/mods so that it doesn't have sharp pointy parts that will give out the conceal. the 45 will obs have a lot more kick then the 22 so your wife might tire from repeated fire.

in my CC weapons, i go for high stopping power and high capacity. my favorite so far has been BDA .380 and S&W 38 special model 49 aka the bodyguard

--edit--
gsorry, didnt really answer your question. if i had to choose one of those, would choose the 45 over the 380. more bullets, more power, more better

Stopping power is overstated. I read a big long paper written by a cop that collected shooting data over 10 years. The number one man killer was the .380, with 9mm being second.

I think the best gun is the one you are confident and can shoot well with.

That being said, for CC, I'm kinda digging the G42.

[Loke]

If you want something your wife will be able to easily shoot, .45 is probably not your best option. If you are set on .45, I'd suggest some sort of 1911 - just something inherently right about that design.

Why only those two rounds? I'd suggest looking at something in 40 S&W as a middle ground personally (buddy of mine has a 226 in .40 that has always been a joy to shoot). Also, if concealment is your goal, don't discount wheel guns. I know a lot of people don't like revolvers because they don't look tacti-cool, but as far as the ability to conceal and reliability, they're hard to beat. And if you can't get it done with 6, you shouldn't be carrying anyway.

[Zade]

Originally Posted by Loke [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Why only those two rounds? I'd suggest looking at something in 40 S&W as a middle ground personally (buddy of mine has a 226 in .40 that has always been a joy to shoot). Also, if concealment is your goal, don't discount wheel guns. I know a lot of people don't like revolvers because they don't look tacti-cool, but as far as the ability to conceal and reliability, they're hard to beat. And if you can't get it done with 6, you shouldn't be carrying anyway.

agree 100%. i love revolvers. i wouldnt concealed carry a 1911 though even though i love them. too big

[Zade]

my s&w 38 special revolver. no sharp edges, hammer concealed, sights are smooth

[You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

[compulsion]

What for you may be the best decision for a CHL weapon is probably not going to be a great decision for your wife as a shooter...

I personally carry a Ruger SP101 .357 mag revolver. It is absolutely accurate and reliable and that means everything to me in a concealed. I can't imagine any situation where I would need to lay out multiple rounds in self defense. I like revolvers as well for women in that they seem to be more intuitive to a very casual shooter.

I'll add that I do not enjoy shooting "compact" pistols. So a revolver that I can just keep loaded and tucked away for a specific purpose is ideal. I know for sure I will never jam up even if it hasn't been touched in months.

For a weapon you will shoot regularly, and will be in the home or car(in some states) I would go with a full size for sure, but that is another topic entirely.

If you already have the 12ga at home, depending on how much your wife likes shooting, I think that should cover what she should use for defense if needed. My mom has a 20ga, and should it become necessary, I think her chances of taking someone out with the shotgun is a vastly better than her chances with any pistol.