CHL semi auto suggestions needed

[tvone]

My in-laws are coming up on their renewals, and are in need a new semi-auto for the test.

Mother in-law has become weaker in the last for years, and has considerable trouble racking the slide on the Browning HP that they currently own.

She wants to use a semi for the class so she has the option of carrying both a semi and a revolver. Her personal carry gun is a DAO J-Frame.

She also has very small hands.

We've tried Glocks, and she can pull the slide okay, but her hands are too big. Tried a CZ, but not enough grip surface for her to get a good grip on the slide.

She shoots best with the HP, but the slide gave her big problems.

Couldn't pull the slide on a Kahr.

Barely pulled it back on a PPK.

I wish I still had my compact 1911 in 9mm!

I thought of a Beretta 86. I has a tip up barrel in .380, but I can't find one for her to try.


I need some suggestion!

[rodc13]

Depending on where you live, I'd suggest taking her to a good gun shop (such as Nagel's in San Antonio, or Shooter's Station in Conroe) and just let her try a number of options. A gun show, if there's one near you. The SAXET Gun Show is held in San Antonio the first weekend each month and has a huge selection of dealers and weapons.

In my personal experience, I think the compact 1911 might be a good option. My Kimber Ultra CDP II is quite easy to handle, and the 1911 grip fits most hands pretty well. For a 9mm 1911, you might investigate Kimber's new Aegis 2: http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/cu ... /aegis.php

My young bride has an FN-P9 (Browning Pro 9) that is easy to operate. She used that one for her CHL qualification, although her favorite is her S & W Model 10-5.

[SRVA]

My wife has had very good luck with one of her students who has some of the same issues that you find with in your Mother-in-law. She had very good experience with the S&W M&P in 9mm. The grip fits almost any hand and the slide is very easy to retract. Try one out. If you are in the Houston area, PM me and we'll arrange to try one.

[Houston1944]

Since she like the HP I would talk to a gunsmith about trying a lighter spring to make it easier for her to rack the slide. An "expert" on this should know how light you can go and still have a reliable firearm.

[jbirds1210]

The Ruger P series seems to be easier for some people to rack the slide. I have a P95 and it is really smooth and takes little effort. The decock lever is on both sides of the gun , which seems to provide a solid grip on the back of the slide. My wife has always enjoyed shooting our little Ruger.
Jason

[Glockamolie]

How is she racking the slide? Once I showed my wife a better way to do it, she can do it with just about any gun, where she could barely do it her way.

Assuming a right-handed shooter, here's how I do it: Hold gun in right hand, about 6 inches from the chest. Put the left hand over the slide, with the heel of your left hand on the left side of the slide, and as many fingertips as you can get on the right side of the slide, preferably just forward of the rear sight where the inside web of your hand is touching the sight. As much as you pull towards your chest with your left, you should be thrusting the pistol straight out with your right hand. When you get the slide back, let it go with such a snap that your left hand continues back and hits you in the upper chest (careful, ladies!).

If she's pinching the slide at the rear between the pointer finger and thumb and "slingshotting", it will be much harder!

[jimlongley]

I would recommend the XD, the grip is a little bigger than a Glock's and it is as easy to operate.

[cyphur]

XD is a good suggestion. Another option is a Sig P229 in 9mm. Lower recoil, easy to operate, and they just plain work.

[spud]

Walther P99 compact 9mm.

[mbw]

If the HP is functioning properly, the slide only needs to be racked one time to complete the shooting part of renewal.

If she is too weak to rack the slide on a HP, how can she load the magazine?

Might be time to stick with the revolver.

[Tom]

If the HP is functioning properly, the slide only needs to be racked one time to complete the shooting part of renewal.

If she is too weak to rack the slide on a HP, how can she load the magazine?

Might be time to stick with the revolver.

OK, these comments made me curious.

Does the CHL test REQUIRE that the shooter rack his/her slide and load his/her own magazines?
I am looking only for the requirements here, not anyone's personal feelings about what a person
should be able to do.

Kind Regards,

Tom

[nuparadigm]

How about a Makarov? It'd be something to take the test with and she could go "serious shopping" later.

[Liberty]

Does the CHL test REQUIRE that the shooter rack his/her slide and load his/her own magazines?
I am looking only for the requirements here, not anyone's personal feelings about what a person
should be able to do.

Kind Regards,

Tom

I would think it would be up to the instructers discretion. I can see that some instructers would be uncomfortable with this. others would be happy to help load mags.. Asking before signing up would be a good idea.

[mbw]

Good Question. Here is the statue. Looks like it may be at the descreation of the instructor. Been through 4 times and all of my instructors required students to be able to load magazines etc.


Texas Administrative Code
Next Rule>>

TITLE 37 PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS
PART 1 TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
CHAPTER 6 LICENSE TO CARRY HANDGUNS
SUBCHAPTER B ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES
RULE §6.14 Proficiency Requirements

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(a) A person who wishes to obtain or renew a license to carry a concealed handgun shall apply in person to a certified handgun instructor to take the appropriate course in handgun proficiency, demonstrate handgun proficiency, and obtain a handgun proficiency certificate. An applicant will be required to demonstrate the applicant's ability to safely and proficiently use the category of handgun for which the applicant seeks certification.

(b) A proficiency examination to obtain or to renew a license must be administered by a certified handgun instructor. The proficiency examination must include:

(1) a written section on required subjects; and

(2) a physical demonstration of proficiency in the use of one or more handguns of specific categories and in handgun safety procedures.

(c) The department shall distribute the standards, course requirements, and examinations on request to any certified handgun instructor

[Thane]

There is another way of racking a High Power, one that can be done one-handed.

Place the bottom portion of the leading edge of the slide (right underneath the muzzle) against a hard, stationary object and push the pistol toward that object. The slide will be fully retracted when the dustcover taps the object you're using. Allowing the slide to close will, if a magazine is present, strip the top round off and load it into the chamber.

For someone who's not as strong, two hands can be used to push on the grip, making sure to keep fingers away from the trigger.

I know my description of this method isn't the best, but once you get the hang of it, it's supremely easy, even for those not as strong.