Women are arming themselves — millions of females now have carry permits. What factors should women consider when choosing a handgun for self-defense? What are good choices for a lady’s defensive handgun, suitable for concealed carry? Is a self-loading pistol better than a revolver?
We thought it was best for to hear the ladies’ own perspectives on these questions. After all they are the ones who will be carrying the firearm in a purse or on their person. In this article we include three videos focusing on handgun options for females. The videos cover six key factors: function, size, weight, ergonomics, reliability, and concealability.
Classic Swiss Precision — the Sig P239
The single-stack Sig P239 is an ultra-reliable, compact pistol with a grip suitable for smaller female hands. Weighing 25 oz. in 9mm, it is slightly heavier than polymer-framed handguns, but that may be a good thing. During my handgun training days, this Editor found most women shot the Sig P239 better than Glocks, with more control over recoil. This is a hammer-fired pistol with decocker but no separate safety. There are many other good handgun options for concealed carry — some smaller, thinner and lighter, but the Sig P239 provides a good benchmark for reliability and accuracy. Shown is the .40 S&W model. We prefer the 9mm Luger version. Photo Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0.
Choosing a Self-Defense Handgun — Ladies Explain the Options
Not Just a Guy Thing — 23% of Gun Owners are Women
Here’s an interesting statistic — according to an NSSF survey, the percentage of gun owners who are female has increased dramatically since 2005. Back in 2005, just 13% of U.S. gun owners were women. By 2012 that number had risen to 23% — a huge increase in less than a decade.
The vast majority of first-time female gun buyers acquire a handgun for defensive purposes. However, the statistics also show that many new female gun owners are also getting involved in sport shooting and/or competitive shooting.
NRA News host Cam Edwards has interviewed Celia Bigelow, who has written about the rise of gun ownership among ladies on the Townhall.com website. Tune in to the interview on Cam Edwards’ YouTube Channel. CLICK HERE for interview.
Are you feelin’ lucky? Well here’s your chance to win. For 12 Days in December (Dec. 5-16), Powder Valley is giving away a total of $15,000 worth of products from big name suppliers. That averages well over $1,000 worth of product prizes every day. This is top-of-the-line stuff, including Powder from Accurate, Alliant, Hodgdon, IMR, Ramshot, and Shooters’ World, Bullets from Berry’s, Nosler, Sierra, Speer, and Zero, Ammunition from Hornady, Nosler, and Zero, plus Reloading Hardware from Hornady. Each day there will be a new set of prizes. Not only will there be huge giveaways we have added something new this year! With the support of some great companies we will be offering discounts and free hazmats on the days these companies are represented. Keep a watchful eye — this is big stuff!
It’s easy to qualify to win one of the Daily Giveaway prize packages. Simply visit Powder Valley’s Facebook Page, and make a comment on the featured Daily Giveaway Post. You don’t have to fill out any forms, but you must have a Facebook account so you can comment. Each day the folks at Powder Valley will select winners from among the visitors who commented. In days ahead there can be multiple daily winners. And on Day 12 there will be very special prize give-aways including Powder Valley Gift certificates. NOTE: You can enter multiple times by commenting on multiple days, but sorry, if you win, you are no longer eligible.
Powder Valley Daily Giveaway — New Prizes Every Day
Powder Valley’s 12 Days of Christmas promo kicks off Wednesday, December 5th, 2018. To enter, you must visit the Powder Valley Facebook Page. Once there, scroll down to find the Giveaway of the Day. You need to comment on that post to be entered. Winners will be selected by lottery from those who comment. Each successive day, through December 16th, there will be another product giveaway post. Also on some of the 12 days we will have additional discounts and free hazmats so follow closely.
Here are some of Last Year’s Prizes… Stay Tuned for the 2018 Giveaways!
To be entered in this Powder Valley Contest, you need to go to the Powder Valley Facebook Page and post a Facebook Comment for the Daily Prize story. NOTE: You MUST post your comment on Powder Valley’s Facebook Site, NOT HERE. And you need to comment each day to be entered in that particular day’s contest. To have repeat chances to win you need to comment on multiple days. Got it?
Here’s an interesting offering from one of the USA’s leading brass-makers. We all know that having consistent brass is an important factor in repeatable accuracy. That’s why some hand-loaders weight-sort their brass and why any serious shooter trims his brass to consistent case overall length (OAL).
Well those time-consuming tasks may be a thing of the past for Peterson brass buyers. Peterson is now offering Peterson Select Brass in nine popular cartridge type. According to Peterson:
“Peterson Select casings are weight sorted at the factory. All casings in a 50-count box are guaranteed to be within one grain of each other. They are also sorted by overall length (OAL) and guaranteed to be consistent to within .001 inch.”
Derek Peterson further explained: “If you weighed and measured all of the casings in the box, the highest weight and the lowest weight, and the longest casing and the shortest casing would be no more than one grain and .001″ apart from each other.”
Think about that — brass consistent to ONE GRAIN, right out of the box. And having OAL standardized to .001″ is remarkable. NOTE: After firing, case length may vary. AccurateShooter recommends you re-measure your brass after first firing and trim to length as needed before normal case neck prep (chamfering and deburring).
Peterson Select Brass is offered in FIFTY (50) Count Boxes for These Cartridge Types:
“+SRP” Indicates Small Rifle Primer Option. Note that this brass is shipped in 50-count boxes, not 100 count boxes. Pricing is still attractive. For example Fifty Peterson Select 6.5 Creedmoor casings cost $49.50, about one dollar each.
M107 on duty in Afghanistan with Company F, 2nd Aviation Assault Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade’s Pathfinders. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Cody Barber, 11th PAD.
Christmas came early for Barrett Firearms Mfg. Inc. — the company was awarded an $8,000,000 U.S. Army contract for .50 BMG rifles, plus a $3.3 million maintenance support contract for M107s in service. Under the $8 million contract, Barrett will deliver new M107A1, M107, and M82A1M, Caliber .50 Cal Long Range Sniper Rifle systems with scopes, suppressors and spare parts kits. The work is expected to be completed by November 26, 2023, the United States Department of Defense reported this week.
The M107A1 was made “leaner and meaner” back in 2014, with a six-pound weight savings. That’s important to soldiers charged with carrying the big rig in the field. The M107A1 model comes with Lightweight aluminum upper receiver with integral 23″ (58.4 cm) 27 MOA M1913 optics rail, 20″ (50.8 cm) or 29″ (73.7 cm) barrel with fully chrome-lined chamber and bore, 10-round steel magazine with cartridge witness indicators, and anti-corrosive coating.
M107A1 with Quick Detach Large (QDL) Suppressor
$3.3 Million Maintenance Contract for M107s in Service
Barret Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. has also won a $3.3 million maintenance contract for the U.S. Army-issued M107, Caliber .50 Long Range Sniper Rifle system. The 5-year ID/IQ contract was awarded November 27, 2018 and will be available through November 26, 2023. The M107 Rifle System has been fielded by the U.S. Armed Forces for over 15 years.
The Official Rifle of Tennessee
Believe it or not, the Barrett Model 82/M107 is Tennessee’s official state rifle. Barrett’s plant and headquarters are situated in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The Barrett rifle is a true Tennessee success story — a rifle born from sketches drawn at a dining room table by 26-year-old Ronnie Barrett, who was born, raised, and educated in Tennessee. Using sketches of his design, Barrett worked in a one-bay garage with a tool-and-die maker to build the first prototype.
Watch Jerry Miculek Shoot .50 BMG Offhand. Action Starts at 1:20:
Looking for bulk ammo for your pistol or rifle? Right now Federal Ammunition is running a “Black Pack” promotion, just in time for the Black Friday/Cyber Monday Weekend. With this deal you get a direct Federal factory rebate up to $100.00 on Federal, Blazer Brass, or American Eagle Black Pack Ammo. The Rebate program is good through December 2, 2018. Combine this Factory Rebate with special Black Friday Weekend pricing from Brownells, and you can get reliable, brand-name USA-made ammo at bargain basement prices.
Here are some Federal Black Pack deals right now at Brownells (partial sample):
NOTE: These aren’t everything!! There are also Black Pack Rebates for .22 LR, 9mm, .40 SW, 12 gauge shells, and other ammo types. Just look for for Federal, Blazer, and American Eagle with Black Labels!
SPECIAL BONUS SAVINGS at BROWNELLS:
NOTE: If you purchase at least $200 before 11/25/2018 at 11:59 PM, you can get an additional $20 Off your order with Brownell’s Code FN2, or 10% Off your order over $300 with Code FN3! Remember though — this deal ends Sunday 11/25 at midnight!
How the Federal Black Pack Rebate Works:
Purchase ONE (1) case of Federal, Blazer® Brass or American Eagle® BLACK PACK bulk case or can ammunition and receive $20 back. Limited to FIVE (5) cases/cans or $100 per household. Valid manufacturer product numbers limited to: 5202BF350, 5200BF500, 5220BF350, 5230BF300, AE223BF300, 788BF and BF127 00AC1. Product must be purchased between 11/16/2018 through 12/2/2018. DEADLINE for mail-in or online submission 1/2/2019. See Terms and Conditions.
Today is Black Friday, the biggest SALE day of the year. We’ve scoured the internet to find killer deals from 12 vendors. You’ll find super deals on firearms, along with reloading tools, shooting accessories, and even gun safes. Check out these deals. Some of these special offers are for Friday only, November 23, 2018. Other promotions extend all weekend, all the way through Cyber-Monday, November 26, 2018.
Graf’s — Store Sale, 15% Off All Lapua Products, Sightron Sale
If you hand-load, you know Lapua is top tier stuff — great brass, great bullets, superior loaded ammo. As a Black Friday through Sunday special, Grafs.com is offering 15% off ALL Lapua products. In addition, Graf’s has some great deals on optics, running a Sightron Holiday sale with 25% off most Sightron scopes. Many other products are on sale at Graf’s this weekend.
21st Century Shooting — 15% Off and Free Shipping
21st Century makes some of the most sophisticated reloading tools on the planet. Our editors use 21st Century case lathes, concentricity gauges, and Hydro bullet seaters. These great tools will help you load better ammo, with more consistency, in less time. And now you can save money too. 21st Century Shooting will be offering 15% Off with FREE Domestic shipping Friday 11/23/18 through Monday 11/26/18 at 11:59 PM. To get the 15% savings use Coupon Code W9es52. For Domestic orders be sure to choose “FREE SHIPPING” at checkout.
Precision Reloading — 15% Off $100+ Orders CODE “PR18BLK”
Precision Reloading is running a compelling Black Friday promotion through Sunday 11/25/2017 at 11:59 PM. Here’s the deal — starting today you can save 15% off all orders of $100.00 or more. That means effectively that everything Precision Reloading sells is 15% off (as long as you spend at least $75.00). Yes that includes powder, bullets, dies, reloading tools and more. Get your 15% savings by using CODE “PR18BLK” during check-out.
McMillan and McCubed Stocks — Save 20% Today ONLY!
You can now get big savings on high-quality McMillan and McCubed (MC3) rifle stocks. Today, Black Friday, McMillan and McCubed are offering 20% OFF stocks purchased from the online stores. This Black Friday Special also includes FREE Shipping within the continental United States. Use promo code blackfriday3 at check out. NOTE: This is a ONE-Day sale ONLY! The sale ends today, November 23, 2018 at 11:59 PM.
Credit EdLongRange for finding this sale.
Brownells — Money Off Codes, Product Sales, Gun Gift Card
There are some killer Brownells discount codes now through 11/25/18 (Sunday) at 11:59 pm. These all use the FN prefix. Get Free Shipping with no minimum with Code FN4. Get $20 off $200 with Free S/H with code FN3. Get 10% Off $300 with Free S/H with code FN2. Along with this savings codes, Brownells has discounted many popular products for the Black Friday Cyber Monday weekend. For example, you can get the LabRadar Chrono for $499.99 ($60 Off), Howa 300 WM Barreled Action (with trigger) for $349.99, and Geissele Enhanced AR Trigger for $139.99 ($75 Off). There are also great savings on Nikon optics. Plus when you buy a complete firearm, you can get a Brownells gift card worth up to $100.00.
Bullet Central — Thanksgiving Weekend Sale
BulletCentral.com is running an attractive sale all Thanksgiving weekend, starting 11/22/2018 and running through 11/26/2018. Save on Sierra bullets, SK rimfire ammo, Lapua 6mm Creedmoor brass, ThoroughClean cleaning products. And you can also get FREE Shipping on Bix ‘N Andy triggers, and Kelbly Actions. CLICK HERE for Sale items.
Midsouth — Black Friday Sale and Hornady Prize Give-Aways
Partial Selection of Featured Sale Items
Midsouth Shooters Supply is running a big sale and Prize Give-Away for the full Black Friday through Cyber-Monday period. CLICK HERE to see SALE Items, discounted up to 50%. And are you feeling lucky? Midsouth will give away 12 Hornady Lock-N-Load Reloading Tools and Presses the day after Cyber Monday. Prizes include Lock-N-Load Progressive Press, Lock-N-Load Iron Frame press, Auto-Charge Powder Dispenser, and more. Come back every day for another chance to enter.
Natchez — Multiple Promotions Through Monday 11/26/18
Natchez Shooters Supplies posted a bevy of bargains this Black Friday Weekend. Choose your best deal with a variety of PROMO CODESs good through 11:59 pm November 26, 2018:
1. $25 Off all purchases over $200 with Code DOB181122
2. 10% Off products over $49.99 with Code PO181122
3. Free HAZMAT on purchases over $150 with Code FH181122
4. Free Shipping on Orders over $99.99 with Code FS181122
In addition to these savings Natchez has some great deals right now on Leupold scopes plus rebates on Federal Black Pack ammunition.
Credit EdLongRange for finding these promo codes and discounts.
MidwayUSA — Huge Black Friday Sale — Hundreds of Items
MidwayUSA is running an extended Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale. Dozens of items are deeply discounted, PLUS you get FREE Shipping on all $49+ orders with Code CyperFS49. Look for bargains on optics, accessories, reloading tools, hunting gear, and ammunition. Hundreds of items are on sale, including LabRadar Chronographs, TargetVision Target Cams, Vortex Scopes, Hornady Reloading Presses, Athlon Spotters and much more. SEE Sale Items HERE.
Davidson Defense — Black Friday Sale on AR Kits and Hardware
Black Rifles on Black Friday? You bet! Davidson Defense has you covered. Now through Monday, November 26, 2018, save on many products in Davidson Defense’s online store: complete uppers, stocks, buffers, handguards, trigger groups, muzzle brakes, parts kits and more — pretty much everything you need to build an AR but the lower. If you love tacticool products, you’ll like the Davidson’s store, and now is a great time to buy.
Gander Mountain — 15% Off Outdoor Inventory
While Gander Mountain is a general-market outdoor sports store, not a hunting/firearms-focused retailer, Gander still offers a wide selection of products for shooters. This weekend you can get big savings on a host of products. You can save 15% on rifles, pistols, ammo, gun safes, and more. To qualify for 15% Off your order (no minimum) with FREE shipping, use Code GO2018. CLICK HERE for Gander’s Sale Items.
SWFA — 15-20% Off Vortex, Burris, Timney, EoTech, and More
SWFA, a Texas-based retailer, is offering 15%-20% discounts off major product lines, including Vortex, Burris, EoTech, Leupold, Harris Bipods, and more. In addition, prices on SWFA’s “house-brand” SS scopes have been slashed up to 50%, so you can save $100 or more. CLICK HERE for all SWFA Black Friday Sale items.
MORE DEALS, MORE DEALS, MORE DEALS
If these dozen Black Friday vendors don’t provide enough temptation for your pocketbook, you’ll find yet more Black Friday specials on Gun.Deals a bargain-finder website. In addition, The Firearm Blog (TFB) has compiled a long list of select bargains — specific items on sale during the Black Friday/Cyber-Monday cycle. Highlighted Deals include AR Uppers, Geiselle Triggers, .22 LR Ammo, Ruger Rifles, Leupold Scopes, and MagPul magazines. CLICK HERE for TFB Deals, or select by category below:
It’s not Black Friday yet… but there are already some notable bargains to be had. Brownells has kicked off its Pre-Black Friday Sale today. Along with dozens of marked specials, you can get $10 Off $99+ with code NBM (plus FREE Shipping), $15 Off $150+ with code NCS (plus FREE Shipping), and $20 Off $200 with Code M8Y (plus FREE Shipping). Jump on those code deals — they may expire soon.
To make things even better, there are some MORE Brownells discount codes in play through 11/25/18 (Sunday) at 11:59 pm. These all use the FN prefix. Get Free Shipping with no minimum with Code FN4. Get $20 off $200 with Free S/H with code FN3. Get 10% Off $300 with Free S/H with code FN3. As Brownells says these are great deals.
OK, now here are the Brownells Product deals. NOTE: These are individually discounted prices in Brownells Pre-Black Friday sale. We can’t confirm how long the sale prices will last — but there are still some great deals to be had. Such as the LabRadar Chrono for $499.99 ($60 Off), Howa 300 WM Barreled Action (with trigger) for $349.99, and Geissele Enhanced AR Trigger for $139.99 ($75 Off). There are also great savings on Nikon optics. Plus when you buy a complete firearm, you can get a Brownells gift card worth up to $100.00 — Check it Out:
In addition, there are a variety of great deals on factory loaded ammunition, including up to $100 off on Federal “Black Pack” bulk ammo.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF®), the trade association for the firearms industry, is pleased to announce that it has established a $100,000 grant program to be used by firearms ranges in support of their NSSF First Shots® introductory shooting programs. Grants up to $2500.00 will be awarded to help shooting clubs offer introductory “First Shots” events. These First Shots events serve the dual purpose of providing a safe, fun and educational introduction experience for people new to firearms and shooting while fostering community outreach and developing a new customer base for member ranges.
The grant program is now open for application by shooting ranges and organizations. Applicants may apply for grants of up to $2,500 to be used to create or enhance marketing and advertising efforts for First Shots events held preferably before April 1, 2019, or within 90 days of receiving the grant. They can also apply a portion of their funds for any necessary equipment purchases such as loaner firearms. The grant program is open to current and former NSSF Member First Shots host ranges and organizations, as well as those ranges just getting started with or that plan to start hosting First Shots events for the first time. New and former First Shots host ranges will be given Grant award priority.
“First Shots is well-established as a program that connects people interested in learning about firearms safety and target shooting with the ranges and instructors in their communities, and it’s proven to not only get these people to the range for their first shots but to keep them coming back,” said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Shooting Range Services. “We expect this grant program, along with the additional program support we offer our First Shots host ranges, will go a long way towards improving shooting sports safety training, participation numbers and enhancing the viability of our Member ranges.”
Ranges and organizations that wish to apply for the First Shots Grant Program are encouraged to do so at their earliest opportunity. For more information, contact Ann Gamauf, NSSF Retail & Range Business Development Coordinator, at agamauf [at] nssf.org or CLICK HERE .
This fall in Vermont, Coast Guard Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Charlie Petrotto proved he is one of the nation’s top pistol shooters. At the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) New England Travel Games, held at the Camp Ethan Allen in Vermont in September, 34-year-old PO1 Petrotto won every single pistol competition during the event. As the “Top Gun” in every pistol match, Petrotto took home SEVEN plaques for his pistol marksmanship — a remarkable trophy haul.
Report based on story by Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer
At the 2018 New England Games, Charlie Petrotto swept all the pistol events. Competitors during the pistol events saw the skies open up to periodic rain showers, but, according to Petrotto, the biggest challenge wasn’t the precipitation so much as the darkness brought on from the clouds overhead.
That created a challenge he explained, “Obviously you need to be hard on your front sights and smooth on the trigger, and it was hard to do the first part, so it was hard to get on your sights and stay on your sights – the target was so bright, and your sights were so dark. It was easy to just jump to the target. I shot a couple of 7’s that way, not paying attention to my sights.” Though adequately tested, he captured each win during the weekend.
Petrotto is passionate about marksmanship. He’s a Coast Guard Petty Officer First Class (Gunners Mate) currently stationed at the Coast Guard Academy. There he studies marksmanship and works with cadets and Officer Candidate School (OCS) candidates.
Being stationed at the Coast Guard Academy has definitely helped Petrotto’s skill set: “It’s really a fortunate opportunity,” he said. “I get to come in early to work, we have a range where I shoot air pistol, I shoot free pistol, .45, .22 – all the things – before we have a cup of coffee and get to work. With that, we really get to do a lot of shooting,” he said with a grin.
Petrotto has achieved both Pistol and Rifle Distinguished badges. And he has reached the President’s Hundred in pistol at the Camp Perry National Matches four years running. Petrotto’s love for marksmanship competition began when he was in A-school in the Coast Guard. Looking through a manual he saw a picture of the Distinguished Badges. He photocopied the pages, put them in his locker and told himself, “I have to get that.” And he did — he is now double-distinguished in both pistol and rifle.
The Second Amendment Foundation and National Rifle Association have filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging gun control Initiative 1639 in Washington State, on several grounds. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. In addition to SAF and NRA, plaintiffs include gun dealers and young adults in the affected age group.
The lawsuit challenges the measure on the grounds that it violates the commerce clause by banning sales of rifles to non-residents, and that it unconstitutionally impairs the rights guaranteed by the First, Second and Fourteenth Amendments, and Article I Section 24 of the Washington State constitution by preventing the sale to otherwise qualified adults under age 21 of certain rifles.
“We are also considering additional legal challenges,” SAF Executive Vice President Alan Gottlieb confirmed. “We are disappointed that too many Evergreen State voters were fooled into supporting this 30-page gun control scheme, despite overwhelming law enforcement opposition. This initiative is an affront to the constitutional rights enshrined in the Second Amendment and the Washington state constitution[.]”
“We’re determined to fight this egregious measure because constitutionally-protected rights should never be subject to a popularity vote,” he stated. “The wealthy elitists behind I-1639 want to turn a right into a regulated privilege. This measure was only designed to have a chilling effect on the exercise of a constitutional right by honest citizens while having no impact at all on criminals, and we cannot let it go unchallenged.”
I-1639, over 30 pages in length, is far-reaching. This measure basically defines virtually ALL self-loading long guns as “assault rifles”. This would even include popular .22 LR rimfire rifles such as the Ruger 10/22, Marlin 60, and Remington 597. In addition, I-1639 imposes draconian gun storage requirements, imposes new taxes on gun ownership, creates a state-controlled gun registry, and mandates annual “verification” of gun owners. LEARN MORE HERE.
“The NRA is committed to restoring the Second Amendment rights of every law-abiding Washingtonian,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action. “I-1639 violates the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens and puts people at risk. This lawsuit is the first step in the fight to ensure that Washingtonians are free to exercise their fundamental right to self-defense.”
“The NRA will fight to overturn this unconstitutional initiative. We will not sit idly by while elitist anti-gun activists attempt to deny everyday Americans their fundamental right to self-defense,” concluded Cox.
The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 650,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control.
Here’s an interesting statistic — according to an NSSF survey, the percentage of gun owners who are female has increased dramatically since 2005. Back in 2005, just 13% of U.S. gun owners were women. By 2012 that number had risen to 23% — a huge increase in less than a decade.
