Gun?

[Echolalia]

I don't know if I can get any help here, but I have been wanting to get a gun (and of course learn how to use one) but I'm not sure what to get.
Any good models for a newbie? I want something strong enough, but not too big (no shotguns...I am but a weak girl). I don't hunt, so nothing for hunting.
Any thoughts??

[jasefm]

My sweetheart is a petite little girl. She carries a glock 36 .45. (I hate the sidearm, I think it recoils too much). She shoots 3.5in mags out of a shotgun and handles 168g 30-06. My mom and little sister carry 1911 .45cal. The 1911's kick less but you need to be trained on the sidearm.
If this is for personal defense I recomend you find a copy of Valhalla advanced personal defense: combat focused shooting. Go to a gun range and test some rental guns (get a lesson if you need one). Find out what works for you.

[jasefm]

If you go with the 1911 ALWAYS train to push the safty off when you present the sidearm and safty on when you stop firing.

[jasefm]

Another point:
I'm trained to keep shooting (follow though) untill I'm safe. That's rapid fire. I carry a 9mm and a .45 (the company I'm with only issues the 9mm). If you just want to shoot once and not several times go with a bigger caliber. Women are the best firearm students. They typically learn quicker than men based on my experiance (less hangups). Don't go for a cool looking gun, find one that you can shoot instintually (spelling).

[Echolalia]

Thanks, all this sounds great. I have yet to go to my local shooting range, I didn't know you could practice it all out. Thanks!! :)

[mstad]

If you've never shot much, go to a local gun range and talk to people there.

[chevyforever]

I agree with the other guys; practice what works for you before you make an uninformed decision. On the other hand, with all do respect, smith & wesson did just come out with some cool little revolvers with pink grips.

[rjsincs]

honestly if your just gunna put holes in paper get a .22 or .17. if you want something bigger go .223. the rounds are relatively cheap and the .17 and .223 are very accurate. very little kick on all of them. and if you needed a small game hunting gun they would work. def talk to people and have them show you how to use it and google gun safety and proper practices. the more knowledgeable you are the safer youll be