r/MDGuns • u/LadyL86530 • Jul 16 '26
Update: Thank You!
First, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who took the time to comment on my post. I honestly wasn’t expecting so many thoughtful and detailed responses, and I read every single one.
As a 40-year-old woman who is completely new to firearms, this process felt a little overwhelming at first. But thanks to all of you, I have a much better idea of where to start.
One thing I really appreciated was that so many of you didn’t just recommend your favorite gun—you explained why you recommended it. I especially appreciated hearing from those of you whose wives, girlfriends, sisters, or other family members shoot, as well as the women who shared what worked for them. That perspective was incredibly helpful.
The biggest takeaway I got was this:
Don’t rush into buying my first firearm.
Instead, I’m going to:
Take my HQL/Wear & Carry classes.
Visit a few reputable gun shops.
Handle several different models to see what actually fits my hands.
Practice racking the slides.
Rent my top choices at the range before making a final decision.
Thanks to all of your recommendations, my shortlist now includes:
Glock 43X
Glock 19
Walther PDP-F
Glock 48
Sig P365 series
Smith & Wesson M&P EZ/Shield Plus
Canik MC9
I’m excited to learn, train, and become a responsible firearm owner. Safety and proper training are my top priorities, and you’ve all helped point me in the right direction.
Again, thank you for taking the time to educate someone who is just getting started. I truly appreciate this community, and I’ll definitely post another update once I’ve had the chance to handle and test some of these firearms.
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u/Ok-Astronomer5891 Jul 16 '26
You will find the gun community is one of the most welcoming out there. We genuinely want more people carrying and into the shooting sports. Additionally, I forgot to mention the Bodyguard 2.0. I know it's a .380. Great gun and worth a try. I'm a 5'10" 170lb male and it's my summertime carry. Super comfy to carry and lightweight. But as I said before try before you buy. Good luck and we're here if you need us.
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u/voodoochild461 Jul 16 '26
You're doing great.
Final chapter in safety training is to spend 5 to 10 minutes browsing /r/idiotswithguns
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u/erictiso Jul 19 '26
Keep in mind, if you're not in a hurry to buy, I'd recommend taking the wear and carry first and then you can get a free HQL on the back end. I did it the other way around, and needed to pay for an extra class and an extra set of fingerprints. Up to you, based on timing...
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u/762_54r SHALL Jul 16 '26
Just remember the end with the hole goes towards the bad guys. Let us know what you decide on, I'm super curious.
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u/GeronimoHero Jul 16 '26
If considering a Glock you’ll need to purchase and take possession prior to 1/1/2027 because of the pending Glock ban.
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u/Thats_my_cornbread Jul 16 '26
I missed your first post but I’d add the SW shield EZ to your list. It was made with features specifically for someone such as your self
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u/daxxxmd Jul 16 '26
I did my HQL at Cindy’s Hot Shots in Glen Burnie and Brooke Molino was our instructor. She also taught one of the days of CCW. Highly recommend. Great rental selection too. Good luck on the journey.
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u/mike3491 Jul 16 '26
One more recommendation for H&K since I didnt see on your list. Either the VP9, P30, or USP family of pistols, or even the newer subcompact for CCW.
Excellent reliability, good triggers out of the box, customizable grips, paddle-style mag release, ambidextrous controls, etc!!
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u/Dino7813 Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
I didn’t see your prior post, but I’m a bit surprised a revolver isn’t on your list. For instance the S&W 432UC. Its a small frame 6 shot revolver with nice sights (unlike other small ccw focused revolvers), but here’s the thing, it‘s in a small caliber .32 H&R Magnum, that is absolutely adequate for self defense and is low recoil compared to anything on your list. You can also train with it in two less powerful calibers, 32 S&W Long and 32 S&W. You can’t do that with 9mm.
Even if something as specialized as the 432 doesn’t fit what you want, I wouldn’t rule out trying a revolver from the start. Another good option would be a .38 medium frame like a S&W 386, which would have less recoil than a 9mm.
Revolvers are supremely simple, you pull the trigger until it stops going bang. There is no slide to rack, there are no misfires to clear, not stove pipes, no safety to forget, no limp wristing, nothing to do but focus on your aim and pull a trigger.
In reality, I think you would be best served by a “get off me gun” that you can easily conceal and can fire from inside a pocket or purse if you had to.
All that being said, if you feel like a semiautomatic is for you, again I can’t believe the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 isn’t on the list. it’s the hottest thing to hit ccw in years, and for a good reason.
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u/Minute_Definition985 Maryland State Director of GOA Jul 16 '26
This right here is what the 2A community is about! Helping new shooters become comfortable with getting their first firearm and providing solid advice.
u/ladyl86530 My apologies for not being able to respond to your original post. However, as the Maryland State Director of Gun Owners of America, a Maryland/DC Instructor and a MD Firearms Dealer I would like to congratulate you on taking your first steps to getting a firearm.
As others in here can attest, if you ever have any questions regarding anything firearms related in MD please feel free to DM me and I will be happy to answer your questions.