SP101 .327 for a small lady?

[Dannix]

Right now she has a Kahr K9 that I'm letting her borrow, and that seems to fit her small hands sufficiently well, but she cannot rack the slide, so that's obviously not a good solution for her.

Any suggestions? I'm thinking of picking up a SP101 in .327 Federal for her to try, but I'd like to stick with semi-auto if there's any recommendations you may have.

I did notice the Springfield XDS banner above the forum and checked that out, and while I'm not a fan of the XD pistols in general (perhaps I'm just a Glock snob), that is a consideration. (The M&P Shield is out since a manual safety is a no-go for me for a striker-fire pistol.)

Hum, would Kahr's 45ACP line have an easier to rack slide? I'm not crazy about the Kahr trigger, but since this is for her, not for me, that's a bit moot.

Thanks

[Hickory]

The sp 101 in 327 are hard to find.
I don't think Ruger made them over a year or two.

[Cosmiceyes]

They make lady Smith still. A 4 inch Mod.14 is a easy find in .38 special.Wad-cutters are deadly accurate,and make huge mushrooms at target loads.A pair of compaq grips are made for small hands.The 38 will only kick more than a 327 if loaded hot,and heavy.If mine need to defend herself in winter,I recommend the 38 as it will go through layers of clothing still reaching vitals.The 327 will not.Practice make confidence with any gun.
The Ruger 101 is a pound heaver,and a bigger gun overall compared to the J-Frame smith.So small hands fit better.As a NRA firearms safety instructor I found women prefer the revolver over the auto in defensive weapons.In target shooting a semi auto 22LR is enjoyed in their hands.

[wlc]

I bought my wife a SP 101 in 38/357. She does fine with it in 38. Haven't tried her on the 357's yet, but I figure it'll be ok as well as she shoots my Glock in 40 S&W with no problems.

[knifemaker]

If she is having problems racking a slide on a semi-auto. She would be better off with a smaller revolver in 38 spec. caliber. S&W and Ruger both make a excellant small size 38 spec. revolver that would serve as a house defense gun, and small & light enough that she would not mind carry it in her purse if she should decide later to obtain a concealed weapons permit.
I have trained a lot of women in firearms as a firearms instructor and have found that on average most women prefer and do better with a smaller size revolver in 38. For practice wadcutter ammo is cheap and has light recoil that is comfortable enough that they injoy practicing with it. They can switch to 110-125 hollow points for their defense loads.

[MaryB]

I just picked up a Walther PK380. I have arthritis and shoulder issues making heavy slides hard to pull back and this I can rack with 2 fingers.

[LenH]

I've had a SP-101 38/357 for about 10 years, .38 special is easy to shoot but the .357 mag can hammer your hand pretty bad.
But not as bad as some of the 9mm compact pistols. You might consider a Lady Smith in 38 special, it is a bit lighter than the SP.

[Wayne Smith]

DON'T choose her pistol!! Take her to a range that rents them and have her shoot several until she finds what she likes and with which she is comfortable. Then buy one of those.

[Echo]

I use a Ruger LCR in 38 Special to teach the ladies. I suggest it for anyone, for a bedside table gun. Light, DA only, safe, easily carried in a purse, &cetera. They also make it in 22 MRF, and I am seriously considering it as preferable for the distaff side - not nearly the recoil, LOUD Bang, and flash, and capable of doing great bodily harm. Possible for the lady to shoot (and hit) 5 times, something not likely with the 38, or especially the 357. Granted, not the power of the CF cartridges, but a friend saved his own life, and several others, in Saigon when a VC popped into the bar he was in and started shooting. Jim ended it with his High Standard derringer.

[jmort]

"I'm not a fan of the XD pistols in general (perhaps I'm just a Glock snob), that is a consideration."

It is impossible to be a "Glock snob", a Glock fanboy yes or a Glock drone yes. I could see someone saying they are a (Insert name of custom) 1911 .45 acp snob or a Freedom Arms snob. I agree with the idea of letting her try out a few guns and let her choose.

[casca]

I have a glock 21 & a couple of 1911, my small frame big top wife like to have the SP101 with plus P 38 specials when we need to tuck somethin away for trips.

I think the SP101 is a great choice but the 357mag pistol better selection

casca

[1Shirt]

A small frame 38S double action revolver that goes bang every time you pull the trigger is one of the best for a small woman. Little autos that require a slide pull to load are not ideal for a small female, and carry with a round in the chamber is not necessarily a smart move either. Small double action 38's hardly ever bind up, but small semi autos often to and require practice to clear.
1Shirt!

[jonp]

I have all of the pistols you mention although the sp101 is 357. my wife is 5ft2in and 110lbs. She has no problem racking the slide on my k9 or her mk9 and her kahr cw45acp. If your wife can not I would not get an auto for her. The sp101 in 357 is a great gun. Use 38sp for practice and carry 357.

[fredj338]

I like the sp101, but not a fan of snubs for inexp shooters. A 3" sp101 in 357mag, shooting 38s- is a better bet IMO, but that is me. Nothing smaller than a 9mm for a SD round. What I like about the rev is it can easily be made to fit any hand size. The DA pull does require more practice to be effective with, but can be learned. The downside to any rev is ammo cap, but for a HD gun, 5-6rds probably handles 95% of any situation in the home.
FWIW, racking the slide does not require strength but proper technique. Teach her proper tech, any semi is easily handled.

[dondiego]

The OP is asking about an SP 101 in .327 Federal Mag. and I think that it is an excellent choice. The .327 Fed. has a lot more oomph and penetration than you might expect without the recoil of a .357 mag or even a .38 spl. +P. you also have the option of shooting .32 H&R Mag, .32 S&W Long, .32 S&W, and even .32 ACP. The .327 Fed is similar to shooting a .32-20 or .30 carbine.

[pdawg_shooter]

If she carries for protection, go with a 38...not a 32.

[novalty]

I purchased a SP101 for my carry piece, and my wife didn't have any troubles firing 38 Special loads out of it--but doubt she would want to shoot much 357. She did mention in the test batch loads I had made up of 158gr. SJHP's, that she noticed the recoil increase around mid-level loads. She didn't complain that it was too much, nor did it affect her accuracy.

[dondiego]

pdawg - Have you ever shot a .327 Federal Mag?

[pdawg_shooter]

No, I have no use for sub-caliber hand guns.

[JeffinNZ]

DON'T choose her pistol!! Take her to a range that rents them and have her shoot several until she finds what she likes and with which she is comfortable. Then buy one of those.

+1 on that.

My concern with the 327 is it will be loud and crisp.

[1Shirt]

Good advice Wayne!
1Shirt!

[gimling]

Your best bet is to find a gun range that has a good assortment of pistols let her handle a few then fire some, Bersa is a pretty poplular pocket carry. smith and Wesson bodyguard has an easy slide Taurus 738 prolly the easiest slide. but those 2 have a long trigger pull.

[exile]

Good advice Wayne!
1Shirt!

I have had an Sp-101 in .327 Federal for some years now. I finally worked up a load with the lee 90 grain boolit seated out further in 32 h & r brass. I think it would be a fine choice for her if she likes it. The muzzle blast with factory ammo is quite something. For some reason light 32 H & R loads shoot high, but. 32 acp loads shoot right to point of aim.

Exile

[garym1a2]

Glock26 or 19 with a 15 rounder than she does not have to reload. A 5 or 6 round revolver of low power rounds is not the best SD gun for a novice.

[fredj338]

Glock26 or 19 with a 15 rounder than she does not have to reload. A 5 or 6 round revolver of low power rounds is not the best SD gun for a novice.
The easy thing about a revolver is it's simplicity. Point & shoot. No magazine, no limp wristing or malfunction do to the gun being pressed against something like your body. While I would want more rounds on the street, 5-6rds inside your home, again, probably good for 95% of all situations. Glocks are simple, but still a mag, slide, mag release, etc. For the occasional shooter, a revolver is just dead bang simple.
On the 38sp vs 327, cost of ammo alone would make the 38sp a bit better. The old 158gr LSWCHP in a 3" SP101, is a pretty easy round to shoot & duplicating it is very easy w/ a 158gr LSWC.

[Dannix]

Thanks for all the thoughts.

Glocks are simply too large for her -- unless they come out with a 1" single stack model (one can hope).

The Kahr I bought for myself and let her borrow. You're right, it's all in the technique when it comes to the slide. It's still hard for her though.

The .327 SP101 is another something I'm considering for myself with the option for her to borrow. I like that I have the ability of readily developing a light (~125grns boolit) round that would still have excellent sectional density, have lower recoil, and have the option of 6 rounds rather than 5. (It would be exclusively a boolit and reloads gun with loads tailored with her in mind.)

There is not a rental range in the area with the options she would need (the only rental range has several options, but they are all essentially mid-size guns and bigger e.g. Glocks et al). We did go to a gun show, which had a dirth of options, and from what I recall she like how she could much more readily rack the slide on a Colt Defender. The problem was the Colt Defender's grip was simply too large for her hands.

I'm going to take a look a the goodlocalgunshop outside of town, which I have not visited for a couple of years, and see what options they have. Maybe something will follow me home, we'll see.

[uscra112]

Glock26 or 19 with a 15 rounder than she does not have to reload. A 5 or 6 round revolver of low power rounds is not the best SD gun for a novice.

You ain't been at a range where a novice has such trouble racking the slide that she points it 90 degrees to the target to get a grip, and then lets loose a round right down the firing line. (Enfilade fire.) Happened at the range I used to shoot at in Michigan. Nobody got hit, but I'm sure that lots of underwear needed changing. Glad I wasn't there at the time. I'm 6'+ and 240 lbs, and even I cannot rack some of these self-loaders safely due to my arthritis. Sold a perfectly good HiPower on that account. Revolvers for me forevermore. To be honest, I have no experience with the .327 round, but loaded ammo is already scarce. I'm a die-hard S&W snob, but an SP-101 can't be wrong. Prefer a .357 'cause you can use store-bought .38s in it for practice. Weight is her friend, although she doesn't know it yet. My daughter chose a light-weight 9mm H&K 'cause it felt good in the store, but she hates it at the range.

[jonp]

If weight of a light gun due to recoil and 5 rounds, although with 357mag im not sure why you are getting in gun battles with drug cartels without a CAR, how about the GP series? Shooting 38sp fr it is really nice.

[john hayslip]

For some one who can't rack a pistol the Beretta with the tipping barrel in 32 auto is a fine solution if you are willing to accept the small cartridge. I have the SP and it is heavy. Not my choice for a carry.

[mpmarty]

+1 On letting her choose her own firearm. And vehicle, shoes, purse, etc.

[BAGTIC]

A self defense gun is a short range gun. High velocity and flat trajectory are not very important. If you are a hand loader the larger 38/357 bore will generate equal bullet weight/velocity with less powder and recoil. I have an SP 101 in 42 H&R and it produces 1200 fps with a 104 grain cast bullet. It will penetrate an engine block so I expect it would do the same on a person. OTOH a cast .357 bore 110 grain at similar velocity should do about the same and will produce a bigger hole coming and going. If she likes shooting the larger caliber will offer more room for growth as she becomes more experienced. Besides the 38/357 factory loads are more available in more versions at lower prices.

[Bzcraig]

You guys get way off track with your opinions, The OP facts: K9 too hard to rack, HE prefers a semi auto. Not crazy about XD (semi auto)but will consider. Might be a Glock (semi auto) snob. M&P (semi auto) is out. "Any suggestions? I'm thinking of picking up a SP101 in .327 Federal for her to try, but I'd like to stick with semi-auto if there's any recommendations you may have."

It seems to me he'd prefer a semi auto, duh, how many times did he say it, over a revolver but thought the 327 round might be a doable compromise. The best advise let her try all she can at the range. The new Ruger LC380 is a great compromise in my book. My wife at 60 and small is both recoil and muzzle blast sensitive. She loves shooting my 9's with light loads but can't rack the slide. The Ruger fit her hand excellent, recoil is about that of a 22 cause it is not blowback operated plus there is sufficient weight since it is on a 9mm platform. It does have a manual safety but you dont have to use it. Some of those ultralight snubbies are just too light and have pretty sharp recoil for small handed, sensitive shooters, same with the pocket pistols. If you plan on 327 ammo is expensive. Again, give her every available option so the two of you can enjoy shooting together. Just my .02

[Gliden07]

How about an M&P9C (Check out my Avatar) mine is legal for sale in MASS and has no safety. It is a double stack auto but it has the 3 different backstrap inserts to tailor it to different size hands. In the Mass compliant version it has a 10 round clip, most of the rest of the country get 12 round. The nice thing about this gun is it will take full size M&P clips too which would be nice on the range if my crummy state would allow it!!

[Oreo]

As for cartridge choice, even a 22lr is better then fists, fingernails, a bat, or a knife. If a .327 is what she can shoot ok then it's not wrong.

Racking a slide is hard for many women even with proper technique. Arthritis makes the situation even worse. I'm an NRA basic pistol instructor also and my experience mirrors that of Cosmiceyes, and Knifemaker. Some people just do better with revolvers and that's perfectly ok.

I have read that the SP101 has an absurdly heavy double action trigger pull that would be a real problem for most shooters, and especially arthritic ones. Apparently there are good options for lightening the trigger pull without sacrificing reliability. A hogue monogrip benefits this gun well also. Just figure those things into the price.

[jonp]

One thing to consider if your going to get an auto is that a wider slide will have a larger slide to grip when pulling it back and will probably be easier for her. As I said my girlfriend is small but has no problem with the k9 or CW45 but finds the 45 far easier due to this.
Take her to a large well stocked gun store and let her try every auto for slide pull and when she finds one she likes take her to a range that,rents that one and let here try it out

[williamwaco]

Right now she has a Kahr K9 that I'm letting her borrow, and that seems to fit her small hands sufficiently well, but she cannot rack the slide, so that's obviously not a good solution for her.

Any suggestions? I'm thinking of picking up a SP101 in .327 Federal for her to try, but I'd like to stick with semi-auto if there's any recommendations you may have.

I did notice the Springfield XDS banner above the forum and checked that out, and while I'm not a fan of the XD pistols in general (perhaps I'm just a Glock snob), that is a consideration. (The M&P Shield is out since a manual safety is a no-go for me for a striker-fire pistol.)

Hum, would Kahr's 45ACP line have an easier to rack slide? I'm not crazy about the Kahr trigger, but since this is for her, not for me, that's a bit moot.

Thanks

I am late to the party but If you have not bought this - DON'T.

I one one of these.
It is a first class handgun.
I really like it.

BUT:

This is NOT a gun for a small lady!

If you are not committed, please read this review!

http://reloadingtips.com/reviews/ruger-sp100-327mag.htm

[Super Sneaky Steve]

They make lady Smith still. A 4 inch Mod.14 is a easy find in .38 special.Wad-cutters are deadly accurate,and make huge mushrooms at target loads.A pair of compaq grips are made for small hands.The 38 will only kick more than a 327 if loaded hot,and heavy.If mine need to defend herself in winter,I recommend the 38 as it will go through layers of clothing still reaching vitals.The 327 will not.Practice make confidence with any gun.
The Ruger 101 is a pound heaver,and a bigger gun overall compared to the J-Frame smith.So small hands fit better.As a NRA firearms safety instructor I found women prefer the revolver over the auto in defensive weapons.In target shooting a semi auto 22LR is enjoyed in their hands.

This is good advise.

[dondiego]

williamwaco - that is about a GP-100 and the OP is referring to an SP-101 which is much smaller and more concealable.

[ShooterAZ]

A good used S&W model 10 in 38 special is hard to beat. I know J&G Sales has had them on and off over the years. Most were police trades and in very good condition. If you can find one in a 3"bbl, get it. Their lockwork and trigger is superb. Easy to load and handle, and they always go bang when the trigger is pulled. Yeah, a bit larger frame than an SP101, but quite manageable.

[scarry scarney]

One option a lot of people overlook on a semi auto, is the "slide pull" from Brass Stacker. (http://brassstacker.com/springfield-armory/slide-pull/ and http://brassstacker.com/glock/slide-pull/). It's made for both the XD and Glock, see the website. It places a pull ring behind the slide. Does not interfere with most holsters, it's clamped on by one screw, leaves no marks it you take it off. No, I dont have any connections with the company. It's just one of the different options I show my pistol students that have strength or mobility impairments.

[williamwaco]

williamwaco - that is about a GP-100 and the OP is referring to an SP-101 which is much smaller and more concealable.

Ooops!

Sorry about that.:groner:

[Dannix]

Though I have to admit that I'm scratching my head at some of the thoughts, I'm trying to take it all in stride. Thanks for all the advice.

[cainttype]

Dannix, I have recommended for years that it is almost impossible to beat the small revolver as a personal protection weapon.
Reasons? ... Size, weight, reliability, effectiveness, and options... 1) A five-shot snubby 38 Spcl can be carried in many cases when others can't, and the only good protection is the one you have WITH you. 2) They can be had hammer-less, making them snag-proof when pulling from cover. 3)They can be found in alloys so light to appear as toys, making them easy to carry in comfort (forever). 4)They ALWAYS go bang in stressful situations, just point and squeeze. No safeties to fumble with or slides to rack under stress. 5) An earlier poster, fredj338, suggested an old standby, the 158 LSWCHP +P... obviously a man that knows a bit. In factory loads it is THE definitive load, and it's easily reproduced by casters.
The one thing I would caution you about here (and reloading in general) is to avoid falling into the "energy trap". Many people confuse energy with "stopping power"...It ain't true.
Real world testing will easily prove that heavy projectiles will out penetrate lighter ones in every given caliber. The highest energy figures will always run in the lighter slugs, though, because calculating energy gives a big advantage to velocity (which the lighter bullet will have). Change the equation to calculate momentum and things look drastically different.
There's a reason big game hunters use heavy slugs.

If invited to a gunfight, I'd grab the 1911 45 ACP...but for everywhere, always carry the properly loaded compact 38 Spcl takes a backseat to none.

[fcvan]

If one could be found, the Beretta M86 .380 might be a good choice as it had the tip-up barrel. Loading the chamber did not require racking the slide. They made tip-up barrel weapons in .22 lr .32 ACP, and .380 ACP.

My wife had trouble racking her Taurus TCP 738 until she learned to hold the slide firm and push the pistol frame forward. She didn't have as much trouble with her Glock 23 because it was bigger. She had a Walther PK 380 and learned to rack it like she did her Taurus and then it was no problem.

[RobsTV]

I vote SP101 in 327.

Seems a few people don't know or understand the 327's place. The 32 H&R Magnum is designed to compete more with the 38 spl +P round.. The 327 Federal Magnum is designed to compete more with the 357 Magnum. But both in there own way. Both milder easier shooters, with less recoil, flatter trajectory, and deeper penetration, and an extra round in the cylinder.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.327_Federal_Magnum

http://gundata.org/cartridge/135/.327-federal-magnum/

"The .327 Federal Magnum (super magnum) is based of the .32 H&R Magnum cartridge that has much more energy, speed, and power than its parent case. The .327 Magnum was first designed just a few years ago back in 2006-2007. This cartridge has an average speed of 1427fps making it faster than most every other handgun cartridge including the fast ones like the .44 magnum (avg fps 1317) , .357 magnum (avg fps 1294) , and even the 367 sig (avg fps 1379). With 452 lbs of force at muzzle it has more energy than the 45 S&W (avg 403), the 45 GAP (avg 414) , and the 40 S&W (avg 423)"

The 30's has been the caliber range of choice for most rifle hunters, with it's excellent accuracy over longer distances while maintaining higher velocities to the target. Flat trajectory and high speed carries over to more accurate handgun use at the short gun ranges. For anyone that practices shooting handguns at the range, accuracy and comfort of shooting will usually be the difference between someone liking a gun, (especially women), which equals shooting it a lot and naturally becoming more proficient, or rarely shooting, not building the skills needed. When shooting in a panic situation at close range, accuracy will go down the tubes, maybe 10x worse than when target shooting, so you do want the most accurate gun you can get. 1" groups at 10 yards could be 10" at 5 feet, while 4" groups at 10 yards might hit nothing intended at 5 feet.

Many people end up shooting mostly 38spl out of their snubby 357 magnum's to reduce the beating they get. Similarly, many shoot 32 H&R out of 327's, but not so much to reduce the pain, but simply because a hot 32 H&R load, being more powerful than 38spl +P, is enough to take care of business while still being easier to shoot and generally more accurate than a normal 38spl.

In other forums the much weaker 38spl might make more sense, but here, where most cast their own, or plan on casting, and pretty sure everyone at least reloads, the easy availability of ammo is not an issue. Brass is all that's needed, and it is easily found.