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Loblolly, where are you located. Please check into a local ladies group. They can help you address some of the concerns and challenges you are experiencing. Some of the "hiding' is not as bad as you think. Most ladies have to adjust to a good belt - which many do not wear at all - and realizing most will not at all notice the "bump that looks like a huge thing". I carry on body 98% of the time, and strap on my side arm when I get up in the morning, take it off at bedtime. My "holster" purse has "slash resistant straps" and when I carry in a non-holster purse I use a pocket holster in a designated compartment of the purse where nothing else goes. I am 5'4" and 135# (can't believe I just admitted that) but I lost 30# since December and since getting my CHL. I carry an M&P9C most days, the alternate is a Sig P238. I have carried my full size 9mm one time - but the longer grip frame and barrel were not so comfortable with my short wasted self (32" inseam). It can be hidden

All the best - keep up the good work!

Karder, might I suggest a pocket holster of some sort for inside the purse pocket for the Shield. Also, the Shield could easily become invisible on body as well. JMPHO - but on body is so much easier and less stressful than purse carry - YMMV

http://www.agirlandagunclub.com/leander.html

I can recommend AG&AG - Although I don't get to go much anymore due to some conflicts, when I was going regularly, we had brand new shooters every time - some that had never touched a gun, and even one that was terrified of them. They get hooked up 1:1 at our club, and likely at the others, and gently introduced to shooting. There are often a variety of guns to try.

Wish you the best!

If she can at all hook up with some like minded ladies and learn that way - less pressure - without you looking over her shoulder, I can't suggest that enough. Nothing personal against hubbies, boyfriends etc. but many women are a bit intimidated by handguns and we deal with issues that you guys don't.

I do not get to brag on my hubby (Middle Age Russ) enough about my journey to CHL. I grew up shooting primarily revolvers, but knew I needed to qualify with a SA. He took me to a local gun shop with a large selection and quietly ansered any of my questions unoppinionated. Bless him and the counter man that stood there with me for over an hour while I held, racked slides and dry fired everything from .380 to 45 in compact sizes. I narrowed it down to 3, and chose from that just because it felt right. Smaller is not always better as some gun salesmen would like to point females. If she can try some out, all the better! If hubby had said "you need to get this, or choose between these" my hard headed self would have likely hated it or fought it regardless if it were the perfect gun.

I now have 2 semi-auto primary carry sidearms and a 38 revolver snubby as well that I rotate through depending upon where I am going and what I am wearing.

I feel everyone regardless of gender should choose their own side arm. Everyone is different, with different hand structure and different tolerance for recoil. Like a pair of shoes - they are very personal, and typically my life doesn't depend on my shoe choice.

JMPHO - wish you the best - enjoy your new shooting buddy! Glad she was alert enough to get away and was not hurt.

Remember, if she would prefer a fun color you can always ceracoat what she gets Oh yeah, you did ask for suggestions. My first "choice" was an M&P 9C, my backup and alternate is my Sig P238. I held a Sheild this past weekend, and like the feel of the Kahr PM9, XD 9mm compact, and Beretta Nano, but have not shot them personally. again YMMV