"Ask the Rabbi" by R. Mermelstein
QUESTION: Dear Rabbi
Mermelstein:
My sister received her right-to-acquire permit recently. She then
bought a .22 Browning pistol for training. She is now expecting her
first child and often feels sick, and doesn't get as much practice in.
She now wants to buy a more defense-worthy gun. I think a .38 or .357
MAG revolver would work. Or a Taurus Millenium in .380, or 9MM Para,
with idiot-proof DA and manual safeties. I have heard of some men
limp-wristing (and jamming) 9mm pistols; she only weighs about 110-lbs.
For someone who only goes occasionally to the range, what would you
recommend? Do you like the .380? Is there a .380 p+ that would work?
Thanks,
John Smith
2 Nov 1999
ANSWER: Dear Mr. Smith,
Any small semiautomatic pistol,
starting with the .380 ACP or 9 mm Parabellum, would be suitable to a
lady for concealed carry. Steer clear of the .22 rimfire and .25 ACP
pistols made by numerous manufacturers. If a revolver is desired, a .38
Special or .357 Magnum small frame 5-round model by S & W, Ruger,
or Taurus would also do the job. The .357 Magnum can also fire .38
Special ammunition. The reduced recoil and muzzle blast will eliminate,
to a degree, the tendency to flinch. In self defense handguns for
people that don't intend to devote a great deal of time toward gaining
a high level of proficiency, this is a plus.
However, no combination of handgun and cartridge will take the place of
many hours of training. I do not suggest that the government should
mandate how many hours of training are necessary prior to the issuance
of a CCW. The individual must take it upon his or her self to acquire
the necessary skills before relying upon any handgun to protect life
and limb.
There are high pressure .380 loads available from many major
manufacturers. 9 mm Para pistols, like the Glock 26, pack better
ballistics into a frame no larger than a .380. While many may argue,
the .380 is a marginal cartridge for self defense.
Sincerely,
R. Mermelstein
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