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Glaciers
Alaska Land of the Midnight Sun
I hate to even ask as it goes against my grain. But it won’t be for me, so, I’ll ask.
My daughter in law’s sister is in need of a pistol. SD pistol. Lots of Glocks and 9mm ammo available here.
Want to get her a 38 or 357 but not available.
She has small hands and it should be a small model so she can carry it easily. The other day she went jogging and a neighbor called her just after and mentioned that a big cat was on her track moments after she passed.
So I was wanting a 38 or 357 Charter Arms, Ruger LCR, or. Model 60. 2”, light easy to carry. So if I can’t find something along those line’s then a Glock or a Smith.
Don’t know one model from another as far a Glocks go. So some suggestions if you please
My daughter in law’s sister is in need of a pistol. SD pistol. Lots of Glocks and 9mm ammo available here.
Want to get her a 38 or 357 but not available.
She has small hands and it should be a small model so she can carry it easily. The other day she went jogging and a neighbor called her just after and mentioned that a big cat was on her track moments after she passed.
So I was wanting a 38 or 357 Charter Arms, Ruger LCR, or. Model 60. 2”, light easy to carry. So if I can’t find something along those line’s then a Glock or a Smith.
Don’t know one model from another as far a Glocks go. So some suggestions if you please
I looked at their website to do some research. They make a single stack 9 which would fit smaller hands better than the double stack. Many of them differ only in grip size and barrel length. Say a compact grip with a short, medium, or long slide. Same with a stand and a long grip.
In the end nothing beats going to the gun shop and fondling them. I considered buying one for my wife a week or two back but it goes against my nature to buy her a gun without her seeing how it fits.
I would look at a model 43 or 48
In the end nothing beats going to the gun shop and fondling them. I considered buying one for my wife a week or two back but it goes against my nature to buy her a gun without her seeing how it fits.
I would look at a model 43 or 48
CWLONGSHOT
Well-Known Member
Look at the S&W Shield Pistols. Smaller but now with the plus you get. Better round counts.
I like the shield45 quite a bit. (Slightly larger)
Winelover
North Central Arkansas
I would look at the SA Hellcat or the Sig 365 for a compact 9mm. Can even get them now, with mini reflex optics or optic ready.
Been reloading and casting for 9mm for forty years. I have five 9 mm pistols and a carbine. The pistols aren't fussy and I'm not after longer than SD accuracy. The carbine is for longer work............so I load for best accuracy. Segregated lots of once fired brass brass with loads labeled specifically for carbine, in bulk containers..............three or four different cast bullets ranging from 115 grains to 135 grains. Carbine gets gas checked bullets because of the increased velocity. Pistol ammo uses same bullets and loads but brass that's been fired more times and with head stamps I didn't develop carbine loads for. Some of the pistol ammo is PB. All my loaded 9mm ammo (and there's a lot of it) can be fired, without issues in any of the six firearms. Carbine or pistol. Only a slight difference in accuracy might be the result. Not enough to worry about if SHTF.
First off, I don't PC so I have no issues with increased nose sizes. I lube and size at .3585 with a Star, using Carnuba Red, for all 9mm firearms. I use mostly RCBS carbide dies and taper crimp separately. I don't own a progressive press and use the batch method of loading. I do use a Lyman M die for expanding and have several different seating dies set up for specific cast bullets. Mostly, for the convenience of not having to adjust dies every time I chose to load a different bullet. There's a Redding and a Hornady, in addition the the RCBS. IIRC
I make dummies up for all my different bullets, using O-give lengths, rather than COAL. O-give doesn't change, unlike COAL with different bullet design/style. The dummies are used to check manual function and fit in any newly acquired 9mm. O-give length is marked with a sharpie on each dummy. By manually, cycling them though the firearm, one can tell if that bullet is too long for that particular barrel by comparing any O-give change. The way I do it, I haven't had to have a barrel throated yet......by finding the maximum O-give length that will work for all my barrels. I have measured lot of factory rounds and all my cast bullets have similar O-give lengths for comparable designs. BTW, I also use this method for rifle loading. Both with bolt actions and particularly semi autos.
Been reloading and casting for 9mm for forty years. I have five 9 mm pistols and a carbine. The pistols aren't fussy and I'm not after longer than SD accuracy. The carbine is for longer work............so I load for best accuracy. Segregated lots of once fired brass brass with loads labeled specifically for carbine, in bulk containers..............three or four different cast bullets ranging from 115 grains to 135 grains. Carbine gets gas checked bullets because of the increased velocity. Pistol ammo uses same bullets and loads but brass that's been fired more times and with head stamps I didn't develop carbine loads for. Some of the pistol ammo is PB. All my loaded 9mm ammo (and there's a lot of it) can be fired, without issues in any of the six firearms. Carbine or pistol. Only a slight difference in accuracy might be the result. Not enough to worry about if SHTF.
First off, I don't PC so I have no issues with increased nose sizes. I lube and size at .3585 with a Star, using Carnuba Red, for all 9mm firearms. I use mostly RCBS carbide dies and taper crimp separately. I don't own a progressive press and use the batch method of loading. I do use a Lyman M die for expanding and have several different seating dies set up for specific cast bullets. Mostly, for the convenience of not having to adjust dies every time I chose to load a different bullet. There's a Redding and a Hornady, in addition the the RCBS. IIRC
I make dummies up for all my different bullets, using O-give lengths, rather than COAL. O-give doesn't change, unlike COAL with different bullet design/style. The dummies are used to check manual function and fit in any newly acquired 9mm. O-give length is marked with a sharpie on each dummy. By manually, cycling them though the firearm, one can tell if that bullet is too long for that particular barrel by comparing any O-give change. The way I do it, I haven't had to have a barrel throated yet......by finding the maximum O-give length that will work for all my barrels. I have measured lot of factory rounds and all my cast bullets have similar O-give lengths for comparable designs. BTW, I also use this method for rifle loading. Both with bolt actions and particularly semi autos.
L Ross
Well-Known Member
Golly, I just never had any issues with 9 m/m and cast. Now my first agency had a bit of a kerfluffle when we transitioned to the S&W 469's that was purely ammo related. They bought remanufactured jacketed ammo and blew the magazines out of the wells and the grips off the frames a couple of times. When gun or ammo issues popped up, the Range Master would quietly summon me to his office and we'd figure out what in hell was going on. The Range Master's job was a promotion by seniority and the opening never fell right for me. It was a day shift, Monday through Friday job and highly coveted by work a day road guys who were feeling the burn.
Because I was the resident "gun nut", reloader, bullet caster etal I'd get the subtle call. I had an idea as to what caused pressure events and we retired to the ammo room and the RM and I began pushing bullet noses against the edge of the counter top. A few hundred into the process one bullet pushed all the way against the powder charge. The RM held it up and asked if that was what I was looking for. I said, "Yup, more than proof load pressures in that one now, wanna go shoot it?" He just took my word for it, I wasn't serious about shooting it as we were lucky we only had a couple of stung hands thus far. A few hundred rounds later we found another one. Mixed range pickup brass and .355" jacketed bullets.
Training was suspended until a supply of CCI Blazer aluminum cased ammo could be obtained. The lesson I learned was to never load skinny bullets in a 9 m/m. .357" or .358" cast has always worked and I have never had an incident. I now load 9's on a 450 Dillon I picked up somewhere cheap with a mish mash of RCBS and Lee dies and a custom powder through expander stem some guy is selling for Dillons that works like a charm. My only remaining 9 is my Portuguese assembled BHP and it has become a favorite. The youngster's that shoot striker fired guns at this Fall's qualification thought it comfortable but quaint. The 1911 guys thought it comfortable but unmanly, oh well. The general consensus was one of amazement when They found out I shot LEAD bullets through the thing for the entire course with accuracy, no malfunctions, and no leading.
Because I was the resident "gun nut", reloader, bullet caster etal I'd get the subtle call. I had an idea as to what caused pressure events and we retired to the ammo room and the RM and I began pushing bullet noses against the edge of the counter top. A few hundred into the process one bullet pushed all the way against the powder charge. The RM held it up and asked if that was what I was looking for. I said, "Yup, more than proof load pressures in that one now, wanna go shoot it?" He just took my word for it, I wasn't serious about shooting it as we were lucky we only had a couple of stung hands thus far. A few hundred rounds later we found another one. Mixed range pickup brass and .355" jacketed bullets.
Training was suspended until a supply of CCI Blazer aluminum cased ammo could be obtained. The lesson I learned was to never load skinny bullets in a 9 m/m. .357" or .358" cast has always worked and I have never had an incident. I now load 9's on a 450 Dillon I picked up somewhere cheap with a mish mash of RCBS and Lee dies and a custom powder through expander stem some guy is selling for Dillons that works like a charm. My only remaining 9 is my Portuguese assembled BHP and it has become a favorite. The youngster's that shoot striker fired guns at this Fall's qualification thought it comfortable but quaint. The 1911 guys thought it comfortable but unmanly, oh well. The general consensus was one of amazement when They found out I shot LEAD bullets through the thing for the entire course with accuracy, no malfunctions, and no leading.
Winelover
North Central Arkansas
I hear mention of a lot of throat issues on all forums with cast. 
Yet none complain about the fit and function of factory ammo. The factory isn't going to worry about exact fit, for all the multitude of 9 mm chambered firearms.
First rounds out of any new acquisition, I shoot at least 50 rounds of factory ammo. Usually, CCI Blaser (brass case) factory rounds. Before switching over to cast.
Yet none complain about the fit and function of factory ammo. The factory isn't going to worry about exact fit, for all the multitude of 9 mm chambered firearms.First rounds out of any new acquisition, I shoot at least 50 rounds of factory ammo. Usually, CCI Blaser (brass case) factory rounds. Before switching over to cast.
Hawk
Well-Known Member
The 357 Mag, in a small gun, will have lots of recoil.
You said she has small hands, so I assume she is petite.
The Model 26 in 9 MM are double stacked magazines, small and comfortable for easy carry.
Get magazine extenders for a better grip and an extra two rounds of ammo.
Reloading for the 9 is as easy as falling off a log, backwards.
You said she has small hands, so I assume she is petite.
The Model 26 in 9 MM are double stacked magazines, small and comfortable for easy carry.
Get magazine extenders for a better grip and an extra two rounds of ammo.
Reloading for the 9 is as easy as falling off a log, backwards.
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Glaciers
Alaska Land of the Midnight Sun
Well the capability of using the 357 cartridge is useful, but the normal feed would be 38 SPL. Yes I’m aware of the problems with a carbon buildup using 38’s. The usage will be some training from time to time. I expect that other than training a box of cartridges will last a long time.
Winelover
North Central Arkansas
Factory loads in 38 SPL could result in carbon build up, depending on how often cylinder is cleaned after practice. Using 357 brass at 38 Special velocities, will remove that from the equation. I don't load my 357 LCR to maximum loadings. Certainly, not cast. For SD, factory loads designed for short barrels, is what I carry. I only clean the cylinder after a practice session if I intend to CC that piece. Ninety percent of the time a 642 is what's in my Mika pocket holster. As it is right now. My 357 LCR has never fired a 38 Special load............I have multiple 38's for that.
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Mitty38
Well-Known Member
I am working on a load with 125s powder coated for my Poly 80 build. Glock format.
Going to get out and test them tomorrow.
NOE has an expander for 9mm auto. Ordered one, but for now doing it without.
BTW aftermarket barrels with button rifling can be had for Less then a hundred bucks. If you have a problem with your barrels cooperating with your loads.. They are pretty simple to fit.
I believe I may end up some how expanding my bullet sizer from .358 to .357, to to find that sweet spot where I can use the same round in both my 9s . The Glock Clone and the High Point. We will see as I am pretty new to this.
@CWLONGSHOT has been a good resource thus far for my Blockish build.
Going to get out and test them tomorrow.
NOE has an expander for 9mm auto. Ordered one, but for now doing it without.
BTW aftermarket barrels with button rifling can be had for Less then a hundred bucks. If you have a problem with your barrels cooperating with your loads.. They are pretty simple to fit.
I believe I may end up some how expanding my bullet sizer from .358 to .357, to to find that sweet spot where I can use the same round in both my 9s . The Glock Clone and the High Point. We will see as I am pretty new to this.
@CWLONGSHOT has been a good resource thus far for my Blockish build.
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Thumbcocker
Active Member
Have you looked at a Sig 365? Absolutely love mine. Mrs.Thumbcocker shoots it well.
Winelover
North Central Arkansas
Trend in compact 9 mm semi autos is to larger capacity. Which in my opinion, is counter productive for light weight carry. Those extra rounds are adding ounces to a pistol that weighs 20+ ounces, unloaded. A compact single stack semi had a 7-8 shot capacity, 2-3 more available rounds then five shot J-frame or LCR. When is enough enough for CC? When they get too heavy, they tend to be left at home.
big cat was on her track moments after she passed - 380 would work. Or the DA ruger 38 LCR (first trigger pull is not very heavy)? Sig has a nice 380 (or 9mm) but it's not DA (and the small pocket carry model needs the hogue grip unless you want sore fingers). My only experience with glock was the original, never shot it but it was a big chunk of steel with a plastic handle.
358156 hp
At large, whereabouts unknown.
I would never consider a .380 for use against any predatory cat. We're not talking tabby here, more penetration than a 380 ever dared dream about is needed for defense against wild animals. I'd prefer something much larger, but I do understand that we're talking about a small framed less experienced shooter. Plus, there is also a plenitude of two-legged predators in our benevolent society as well.
Glaciers
Alaska Land of the Midnight Sun
Yeah I’m not going to push her one way or the other on caliber or gun. Trying to take my prejudices out of the equation.
I’ve got her lined up with an outfit the has about 30 to 40 pistols to try out for a reasonable fee plus ammo. They also offer training. There is also a group of women that work with female training. That sounds like a winner to me.
Personally I would go with the 38/357 but that’s me. She has to buy factory fodder so 9mm is going to get the nod I’m thinking.
I’ve got her lined up with an outfit the has about 30 to 40 pistols to try out for a reasonable fee plus ammo. They also offer training. There is also a group of women that work with female training. That sounds like a winner to me.
Personally I would go with the 38/357 but that’s me. She has to buy factory fodder so 9mm is going to get the nod I’m thinking.