Guns for Chicks

[TryingtogetCPD]

Hi all...I'm hoping to get into the Chicago Academy very soon here. I have had no experience with guns what so ever (except for one time when I had someone 'assist' me in target shooting with a .45). I am just kind of trying to get a feel for a good gun to get for a female. I'm not sure exactly what Chicago's gun policy is- if they have a specified duty weapon or not- but I have a few things that I need to keep in mind...

First, I am 5'5 and couldn't weigh over 120 lbs even if I tried. My hands are relatively small. My waist is about 26 1/2 inches. I don't want a gun that is going to take up all the room on my gun belt. I have heard both good and bad things about the Glocks, also some mediocre things about the H & K's...any advice from the firearms pros out there on what to look for, what qualities I should be searching for, prices, etc?:huh?:

[scootsmo]

Chicago only allows you to pick from three choices for a duty weapon, the sig, smith and wesson, or luger. I have a sig and love it. There are smaller versions of the 9 that would fit a smaller person's hands and waist. They only let you carry a 9 in the academy but they will go through that with you when you get there.

[kennethm3]

Luger?

[CanineCop]

I think it's "Ruger", heck of a typo.
The 9mm is a decent choice. Reasonable power, comes in a variety of sizes and shapes, and ammo is cheap for when you practice, practice, practice. Now, if you just want to learn to shoot find a class in your area that teaches basic gun handling and safety. They may also have guns available for you to try out which is a better way to find one than buying what somebody else says they like. If this is about the CPD academy then don't bother learning to shoot first. Basic academies are geared to teach first time shooters how it's done. You will probabley do better if you show up a clean slate and listen to the instructors than if you teach yourself to shoot before hand.
My 2 cents
Good luck, John
P.S. Of the choices mentioned above, I would go with the Sig. I have heard rumors that CPD or Cook Co were thinking of approving Glock for duty use. If so, that would be another viable option.

[scootsmo]

It was late guys. I meant ruger or in other words the "sh#thead's gun." I actually did an inventory of a gun a couple of weeks ago and put in luger and it got sent back to me. I need a vacation.

[jaybird]

Out of those options, I'd advise you to get the Sig Sauer.
That said, go to the SigArms (http://www.sigarms.com/products/handguns.asp) webpage and get an idea of the products they carry.

[kennethm3]

My wife is small, barely 5'1" if she "stands tall" in her shoes and only about 110 pounds. She carrys a SIG P228 and has no problem handling it. She has also spent a lot of range time behind my old Beretta 96D Brigidier in .40S&W and my current SIG P229's in both .40S&W and .357SIG. She makes a lot of the guys on the firing line look really bad, and me really proud. My point is that your size has very little if nothing to do with how you are going to shoot. Wait out the CPD process, you'll be able to pick the piece that suits you best when the time comes. Good luck.

[IL Lawman]

Go to your local gun store. Advise them of the situation & ask them if you can try the "feel" of each of the authorized weapons.
Some stores have attached ranges where you can actually rent firearms - if you have an IL F.O.I.D. card - and run a box of rounds through them.

[gtrchk]

TryingtogetCPD,

I'm of a similar build 5'5 125lbs and I too have small hands.
I have to say, I love my Sig Saur. Very comfortable.

I have a 239 in a .40 and it's great for target practice.
My friend has a 232 model in a .40, which is larger, but I can honestly say that even the 232 is managable despite my small hands.

[TryingtogetCPD]

Thanks so much you guys for all the advice...I will definitely check out the Sigs, overall, seems to be a favorite among you guys. I have heard as well, that it is better to go in with a clean slate and have them teach you how to shoot than to go in with already-learned bad habits...so I think I may just LOOK for now, and wait out until I hear from the academy... (fingers crossed)

The advice is very much appreciated, I am one of those people who appreciates minimal surprises when it comes to being prepared. I know that kind of sounds contradictory considering what line of work we're either already in/going into, but maybe somebody out there knows what I mean...I guess, I just don't want to be the last one picked for the kickball team because I don't know what I'm doing. I like having that edge, and you all have helped me feel a little bit better about it all...I'd like to continue to hear your opinions though...thanks a bunch!!!

[gtrchk]

There are police officers out there that are also firearms instructors. You could probably benefit from having one of them coach you. Especially if you haven' had any prior training. Ask at your local firearms store. They can usually give you a referal or two. Or surf the NRA website for local instructors.

My coach is an officer and she's been extremely helpful.
In one session of using her techniques, I went from not hitting the target at all to hitting it in the center.

It's made me much less nervous about the firearms training I might encounter at the academy.

[scootsmo]

Go into the CPD academy without even firing a weapon, it will help you for now instead of getting coached one way and then having them teach you a totally different way. They also have a gun day a few weeks into the academy where the representatives from these manufacturers allow you to feel them out.

[LA Express]

Originally posted by scootsmo
Go into the CPD academy without even firing a weapon, it will help you for now instead of getting coached one way and then having them teach you a totally different way...

I completely agree with this statement. Trying to get instruction, on whatever level--professional instructor, local gun guy or gal, what have you--is going to do more harm than good. Wanting to be prepared is great, but regardless of your firearms proficiency, the instructors will treat everyone in the class as if they've never fired a gun before. Let them mold you. In my experience, police dept. Firearms Instructors, especially those from big depts., are the best at what they do. Good luck!

[CPDfan]

Hey all,
For CPD you can also take a look at the Baretta. Ruger is junk - from what I hear. Plus I don't care for how they feel. S&W are good but not my personal favorite. I picked the Sig P226 and just ordered the latest P229 with the K-trigger. I may pick up a P220 before hitting the streets. The Beratta's are pretty good. Chicago will most likely never allow the Glocks so don't even bother looking at them.

If you have smaller hands check out the P239 or any of the single stack weapons. Couple of the ladies in my class went that way. Don't worry about shooting any of them yet. Like the folks have said before...you won't learn any bad habits then. You may want to go to a gun store and see how they feel though. You have a chance to hold all of them when you get to the academy. 9mm only while you are in the academy.

Later

[batakgt]

I have fired both SIG and Glock - and personally perfer the Glock. I own a couple of Glocks (G17, G22, and G37). I would recommend trying the G19 (mid-size 9mm). If anything try out some different firearms and go with what you like

[batakgt]

Originally posted by scootsmo
Go into the CPD academy without even firing a weapon, it will help you for now instead of getting coached one way and then having them teach you a totally different way. They also have a gun day a few weeks into the academy where the representatives from these manufacturers allow you to feel them out.

I totally disagree. There is a familiarization level that comes with firing weapons that does not hinder someone just because they have to learn a different technique. I say fire weapons, take a course, learn how to fire, how it feels, and how to handle them; but be open and attentive to the techniques and instruction offered by the CPD at their academy. I have read many posts on here that say "don't go shooting, wait till your at the academy." In my mind that makes no sense. Just my opinion.