It would be good for you to try out a revolver and a semi-automatic pistol before buying them. (This could save you money and help you determine which one is best for you.) However, make sure to have someone help you - someone who can train you and help you make the decision that is right for you. If you know someone who is experienced, you could ask them to help you. Also, you could go to a range so that you could rent different types of guns to try out and still get the help you need as a beginner. Personally, I prefer a 9 mm semi-automatic as a concealed carry weapon. They seem easier to shoot accuracy. Also, there are so many choices and gun sizes available in 9mm semi-auto that you should be able to find one that fits your needs if you are unsure about the revolver.

Revolvers are an excellent choice for the new shooter. Easy to load and unload, easy to conceal, lots of self defense calibers, lots of choices. I carry the S&W Airweight Bodyguard in .38 spec.. Light, fast and accurate. But I'm a very experienced Handgunner and have no issues with recoil even with hot defensive loads. Don't make the mistake of thinking "small is easier". Small guns, revolvers and autos with short barrels can have loud reports and big muzzle blast. Small grip frames can be hard to hold securely under hard recoil. The short sight radius and very simple sights can make accuracy a little harder to obtain. All this being said I would recommend one of the new Ruger small revolvers with the .38 Special on the high end, then the 9mm. These are great calibers for short barrels but can be loud and "snappy", as the say. Lot's of great ammo for practice and defense in both of these rounds. A better starting point might be the .22 WRM, or magnum. They have some new ammo tuned just for these revolvers. They show serious defensive capabilities in the videos on YouTube. Almost no recoil, mild report, more of a "crack". They come in several models with fiber optic sights and lasers right out of the box. It would be hard to find a better place this lady to start than a .22 mag / with laser grip. In time you may want to try something with more power/bigger bullet ....but I bet you'd be happy with the Ruger .22mag and stay with it. Get training, practice, be safe.

Hi i shoot alot of fire arms and if your looking for a good concelled carry gun i would go with a ruger lcr 38+p no hammer so its snag free, trigger pull is nice quality gun shoots right on target and price is right ecpecially here on buds! Im looking to get my grandmother one for mothers day as well. Hopefully this helps !

If possible, buy a revolver and an ACP. You can work with both and decide that way. You can always sell off the other, or keep it in a night stand. Nothing wrong with owning multiple guns!

being woman who does have a ccw i would recommend a 9 mm...... trigger pull is easy and it does conceal easily in a purse.

I would recommend a 38 snub nosed revolver (around a 2 inch barrel). One low cost possibility is a Taurus 85. It's got some weight to it so that minimizes recoil. If you use 125 grain self defense rounds or, if you can find them, 110 grain rounds the recoil will be even less. In self defense these type of revolvers are fired in what is called double action mode. That has a long trigger pull although not necessarily difficult. This long pull tends to pull the aim off. The best way to get around this is to practice until you've got it down. You might also consider a concealed hammer model like a smith and wesson ladysmith. A concealed hammer won't snag on things when you draw it. Revolvers are pretty much foolproof, they will fire every time you pull the trigger and you don't have to worry about a safety. Autos can jam, especially if not held firmly. I have a weak wrist and I get a lot of jams of the type called "limp wristing" especially with Glocks. My wrist isn't strong enough. Hope this helps.

Model 642 LS LADYSMITH™ is a good choice as well, also has the enclosed hammer for snag free pull from purse or pocket. Weighs in at about 14 ounces, just under a pound. The J-frame guns are made to handle full loads of .38 ammo. The wood grips have finger grooves designed for smaller hands. I second the advice of initial instruction, find a range with a certified instructor and fire some rounds. "Rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it." I would probably suggest you compare with the M&P Bodyguard .380 auto at just 12.8 ounces, recessed trigger, and I like the thumb safety for those times I want a round in the chamber ready to fire. You could even step up to the new M&P Shield in .40 or .357 sig caliber at a little over a pound with striker fire action, no hammer exposed.(Unless of course you're a left hand shooter...no model for you yet. Some lefty's have adapted to it .)

A small revolver may or may not be a good choice. That is purely determined by the user. I would suggest that the training come first. By this I mean to go to a range that has rental pistols and try different ones. Revolvers, semi-automatics, hammer or striker fired and see what feels comfortable in your hand, caliber, and ease of firing. You have to make trade offs for size, grip feel, trigger pull, and recoil. Once you narrow down your choice/choices you can receive training on responsible carry ownership. During this evolution you can look for the pistol that you want and fits you for purchase. Lots of choices, but to narrow your selection in the beginning could cause you issues as time goes on.

A revolver is a good choice for carry because there is less issues with them. There are a lot of options on today's market for a good carry revolver. A revolver is a good choice for someone who does not spend a lot of time at the range. There are less things to get use to on a revolver than an auto and most revolvers operate the same. Auto are all different. Depending on manufacturer and style. Safteys, takedown levers, releases, and other options on autos differ from slightly to extremely. This can make an auto hard to get use to it you don't shoot it alot.

Nothing wrong with the suggestion but would not be my suggestion. I'd say go with a regular bodyguard (BG) with a slide safety OR look at the SCCY CPX line with the same. No the slide safety on the BG isn't necessary but I always suggest a manual safety personally --CK

Yes, it is a quality firearm and the ones I've shot are quite accurate, but you do need to practice, learn to properly hold the revolver and aim, to hit anything much past 10 feet reliably. The 38 special cartridge it is chambered for is a good choice and fairly easy to learn to control. Getting some instruction would be a good idea.

There is nothing wrong with his suggestion. I wouldn't normally go with a revolver but nothing wrong with it. I'd suggest the regular bodyguard semi-auto if you want a bodyguard model - I suggest the safety - NO - you DO NOT have to have a safety because the trigger pull is so hard but it's still a good idea to always have IMO. I'd also suggest you look at the SCCY line - great pistols a little larger and again come with a safety plus they are pretty and a 9mm is a better self defense round. --CK