UPDATED on post #88: recs for most powerful EDC for a small female

[txgirliegirl]

since my CHL should be here any day now (yay!) ....

i am looking for an EDC with the most power i can feasibly handle...i have done a lot of research, especially female shooter sites, but everyone seems to recommend a .380 or 9mm....is there a larger caliber anyone could recommend? maybe something their wife or girlfriend carries?

i know everyone is going to tell me to go to a range and try some out, but i have looked at our local range rentals and there are not a lot of options to try larger than 9s...a couple springfields, a couple glocks, and a sig or two but not a huge selection.

recoil is a factor but not a huge one....this is not the gun i will be taking to the range and putting 250-500 rounds through in a single visit....i would shoot enough to get familiar with it and then probably run 25-50 rounds through monthly just to keep skills up....i do not want it jumping out of my hands though when i shoot.

same thing goes for weight....i do not want to haul around a brick all day but i am okay with a heavier gun....honestly, i do not want it to be so comfortable i "forget" it is there...i want to remain conscious at all times that i am carrying something that is a HUGE responsibility.

want:
1. concealable size...does not have to be micro but do not want a huge gun
2. highly reliable up to 7yds...i would mostly be practicing from 3-7 yards, not much farther....i figure if someone is further than 21 ft, i have time to yell or pepper spray or run to get away?
3. multiple IWB holster options (as in nothing too "unique" where i will have to have something custom made)

what i REALLY want is a .45acp....why? i just do - i figured if anyone could understand it would be this group .... my friends think i am crazy lol

if anyone has recommendations or input/corrections into my thoughts, i am all ears. i guess i have average strength in my arms for a female (not a body builder but also no arthritis or other ailments), 5'3" and 120-125 lbs.

thanks in advance!!

 

[deemus]

If you like that PPQ, get one of those in 45.

I have a PPQ in 40 and love it.

 

[Moonpie]

Budget?

 

[toddnjoyce]

Go rent a.45ACP and see if you like it. I would recommend a commander sized 1911, an M&P Shield in .45ACP, and anything else the range has on the rental line.

 

[popsgarland]

My daughter carries a 380. She's 5'1" and about 110 Lbs. She likes it and has no issues carrying it.

But, you need to find a gun that your comfortable with.

Good luck.

 

[txgirliegirl]

Budget?

do not really have one in mind...do not want to pay wilson combat prices but pretty open to anything up to $1500 for an awesome EDC....i always think of things as cost per wear...if i wear a $1500 gun 365 days a year, at $2 per day (cost of gas station coffee), in like 2 years i have paid it off

i also justify shoes and handbags by cost per wear

 

[txgirliegirl]

Go rent a.45ACP and see if you like it. I would recommend a commander sized 1911, an M&P Shield in .45ACP, and anything else the range has on the rental line.

the ranges around here only have a couple to try and i figured the experience would vary quite a bit on the makes (springfield, glock, sig, forgot some m&p's) so was just looking for some recommendations based on user experience. i have not come across a 1911 .45ACP to rent yet but will keep on looking. thank you!

 

[Moonpie]

StackPath

 

[FireInTheWire]

Can't wait to see this thread on post #147

Carry what feels good in your hand. Shot placement and training is better than fighting recoil of the bigger caliber.

I carry a S&W Shield for EDC. I fits in my boot and is deep concealment.

If deep concealment wasn't needed... I'd prob carry bigger, like 19x, p320 or carry 1911

 

[Ozzman]

SA
Springfield EMP in .40 Cal
Glock 27 (40 cal)

Revolver
S&W 640 in .357 mag/.38SP
Ruger GP100 in .357 mag/.38SP
Taurus 605 in .357 magnum/.38SP

 

[txgirliegirl]

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thanks @Moonpie , i was actually looking at the ECO but this has a longer barrel and might be easier to handle. i know there is a local range that has the .45acp ECO in stock that i was going to look into, i will check to see if they have this too.

 

[Younggun]

The answer to your question is extremely subjective. It’s nearly impossible for someone to give you a right answer outside the chances of a lucky guess.

Not all guns fit all people. Just look at 1911 vs Glock arguments. Grip size vs hand size will also play a factor in accuracy and recoil management.

You need to shoot the guns and see what fits. I won’t necessarily recommend renting though. Most any member here with a few years on the forum would likely be happy to help and provide a few options to try and has probably been to many of our meets. Not that a stranger on a forum vouching for strangers on a forum means a whole lot and the idea of possibly bringing someone with you for such a meeting is completely reasonable. Meeting someone at a local range is probably the cheapest way to get an idea of where you should invest.




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[txgirliegirl]

...
You need to shoot the guns and see what fits. I won’t necessarily recommend renting though. Most any member here with a few years on the forum would likely be happy to help and provide a few options to try and has probably been to many of our meets. Not that a stranger on a forum vouching for strangers on a forum means a whole lot and the idea of possibly bringing someone with you for such a meeting is completely reasonable. Meeting someone at a local range is probably the cheapest way to get an idea of where you should invest.

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thank you for that! i was actually going to offer if someone would be willing to meet me at a local range and had a few they would be willing to let me touch and/or try, i would be happy to take them for a beer/cocktails/wine after but i was not sure if i was allowed to say that.

 

[FireInTheWire]

thank you for that! i was actually going to offer if someone would be willing to meet me at a local range and had a few they would be willing to let me touch and/or try, i would be happy to take them for a beer/cocktails/wine after but i was not sure if i was allowed to say that.

 

[Moonpie]

thanks @Moonpie , i was actually looking at the ECO but this has a longer barrel and might be easier to handle. i know there is a local range that has the .45acp ECO in stock that i was going to look into, i will check to see if they have this too.

Wise for a padawhan you are.
Rid your mind of the shrieks emanating from the polymer promoting philistines.

 

[MTA]

thank you for that! i was actually going to offer if someone would be willing to meet me at a local range and had a few they would be willing to let me touch and/or try, i would be happy to take them for a beer/cocktails/wine after but i was not sure if i was allowed to say that.

lmao is that you again hillbilly?

 

[ronr68]

One of my favorite 1911’s in my Kimber Ultra Carry 2, 3 inch barrel. Shoots good, recoil not bad. Kind of kicks straight back, not up.

 

[txgirliegirl]

lmao is that you again hillbilly?

pardon? sorry, a little confused

 

[TxStetson]

@txgirliegirl the Springfiled Range Officer Champion is another commander sized 1911 available in 9mm or 45 ACP.

1911 Range Officer® Champion™ .45 ACP Handgun - Springfield Armory

www.springfield-armory.com

This is what I carry every day, and there have been a few ladies from work that spent a significant amount of time at the range shooting mine and then got their own.

Or if you really want to pack a punch, you could carry a 10 mm for your EDC.

10 Best 10mm Carry Pistols - 2024 -

What are the best 10mm handguns for CCW in 2023? Here are the best 10mm concealed carry pistols on sale today.

www.usa-gun-shop.com

 

[txgirliegirl]

@txgirliegirl the Springfiled Range Officer Champion is another commander sized 1911 available in 9mm or 45 ACP.

This is what I carry every day, and there have been a few ladies from work that spent a significant amount of time at the range shooting mine and then got their own...

thanks so much! this was on my list to check out and this is exactly the experiences i was hoping to hear.