Have searched past forums on this issue but found nothing, so here it goes. Wife is ready for first "carry gun" for personal protection. She likes my .380 and shoots good with it but I'm leaning towards the Ruger LCR in 38 special. I like it's hammer less design that won't get caught up in her purse when pulled out. Any comments on models and calibers would be appreciated.

My personal opinion is that semiautos are for experts. A revolver is much less complicated. If it is ever needed, it will be in a stressful situation. I adhere to the KISS principle --- Keep It Simple, Stupid!!!!

I recommend the LCR. Roberta has one & she likes it.

Ditto

It has a sweet trigger for a DAO

If you look at a semi auto be sure she can rack the slide. A lot of women (and some men) have trouble with that. I got a Ruger SR-9C and my wife can't operate it.

A revolver is perfect, my wife handled several Snub nosed guns.We settled on a S&W 642 air weight in 38 special +p, the Ruger LCR was a close 2nd.

Why deal with that hassle?

I agree with the Double Action Revolver. It is safe (no safety...KISS principle) and you can:

GET IT INTO ACTION WITH ONLY ONE HAND!!!

And the ONE HAND doesn't even have to be your dominant hand.

Get her a revolver!

I haven't handled the LCR yet but I've heard excellent things and have considered it for my wife but I have had a couple of the S&W Airweights, model 37's specifically and they are available in several configurations both with an exposed and hammerless design and in either SS or Blue.

I have a 638 and like it. My wife can shoot it also. If she is carrying it in a purse there's no reason it has to be super small. Something like a three inch model 60 is also a good gun and the extra weight makes it a little more controlable.

you didnt say what the 380 was. get her what she likes, not what you think she needs. if she picks it out and likes it she will shoot it more. dont try to save pennies because its for her.

After many months of searching my wife finally picked the smith&wesson sw9ve in 9mm. and loves it. It has a simple trigger and is very easy to load. She is definatly not a revolver lady!

We looked at the SR-9c last weekend, her thinking that's what she wanted, but had a degree of difficulty with pulling slide back. That is when I tried to steer her towards the revolver, in particular, the Ruger LCR. But after reading some of the responses in this post, I will definitely check out some of the S & W models.

Model 642 LS Now this is nice!!! S&W 642 LS ( Lady Smith ) But of course, I will let her decide,,,,,,,,( maybe )

If she is not comfortable with the gun and its operation,or weight, she will not carry it.You can steer her in the right direction but the final choice should be hers. Revolvers are generally simpler,and easier to load , unload and shoot for someone who is only an occasional shooter. You could also have her check out some of the purses that have built in storage and holsters for concealed carry.

The Lady Smith is a really good feeling gun. My wife really likes the feel of it but I doubt that she would carry it because it's so heavy. Heck, even I like the feel of it. Maybe I'll get "her" one anyway.

I picked the 9mm glock. It actually is very light...not too heavy in my purse and with some practice I have become proficient with the slide. I always keep one in the chamber anyway. It also fits nicely in the small of my back.
Glad she found something she likes!

Wifey Poo has a G19.

Bingo. If you get what you think she needs, that pretty much guarantees you'll be buying two guns.

My wife carried a Glock 19 for a couple of years, but SHE never liked how SHE shot it and did not like the lack of a manual safety.

We found her a Beretta 84, which is like a 92 only scaled down for .380 Auto. She loves the de-cocker/safety and can shoot it very well at self-defense distances. It's a bit heavier and longer than the typical "girl" semi-auto in .380, but it works for HER and that's what counts.

My friend's wife asked me to accompany her to a concealed weopons class she was taking. The object was to help her decide what SHE wanted for a cc gun.The instructor was real good in explaining the different actions and explaining the difference and let her shoot them. SHE decided on a lady smith and she is very good with it! A very enjoyable experience for me and her.

Two guns are better than one !!!