I want to get started with shooting, but I"m not sure what kind of hand gun would be a good fit for me. I've shot a .22 and that's not what I'm looking for. Right now I'm shooting for a hobby, but when I'm comfortable enough with it I might get my CHL and have one handy for protection purposes. I also shot a larger 9mm. It was a bigger gun and it did have a little more kick. I'm thinking about a .380 because it's smaller and can be easily concealed and stored in my car or carried on me. But obviously, I'm a noob and I will take any advice you have to offer. Also have any of you been to shooting ranges in the North TX area? Allen, Frisco, Mckinney, Garland etc?
Any opinions?

There are gun ranges near you that let you rent and shoot their guns. Go try several and see what's cool.

I went to one in Garland, I shot the .22 and the 9mm.

Right now I want something to practice with to move to a 380. Would the 9mm be a good practice gun, how much of a difference is there?

I would go back to the range you visited and rent different 380 and 9mm and determine which you like better.

The only thing is that it RACKS UP QUICKLY! We were there for about an hour the other day and it racked up to $100! When it comes to a 380, I love the sig p238, it comes in a bunch of different colors and styles that I love. But I know I'm not ready for it. Should I start with a larger model of the 9mm to practice with because since it's bigger it's a bit easier to handle than a tiny little easy to conceal handgun? I liked the 9mm that we shot, I could definitely use some practice with it but I know when it comes to real use purposes like concealment and putting one in my car it's just not logical to have a gun that large.

If you have one in mind already (P238), I would rent that specific one and see if it will work for you. There really is no right or wrong answer. It really comes down to personal preference and proficiency. Once you select which one is for you, practice, practice, practice.

The problem with most .380's is that they are small and light. Sounds good, but they are hard to shoot accurately and recoil is a lot more than a 9mm of average size. Personally, for a semi-auto, I would look at a compact (not sub compact) 9mm. The Glock 19 is somewhat a standard in that type pistol, although I feel it is a bit wide being a double stack magazine.

You might also look at the good old fashioned double action pistol like the Smith&Wesson Chief or similar model in .38 special. Old school, but they are light and just work.

Everybody is generally opinionated towards what they shoot. Best bet is to try as many different models as possible, do research, and go from there.

The Sig P238 is fine handgun for being as small as it is, orobably the best in it's class for subcompact pistols. My wife shoots hers all the time, and is very accurate with it. My only dislike with the 380 is the cost of ammo compared to a 9mm or 40. I dont see a larger frame 9mm as an easier gun to learn on, my wife went from a Ruger 22 to the 380, and now has no problem getting behind my 460S&W. The way the gun feels in your hand when shooting is whats most important for a newbie. My wife likes thinner grips, my P226 is to big forher even though she says it has less recoil then her P238
Just find what fits you and what you like, it may cost a lot to rent the guns to figure that out but it will be cheaper then buying a gun and then not liking it.

Why do you think you are not ready for the P238?

It's not just size, it's the type of action that makes the difference. Pretty much most 9mm pistols are a Locked Breach action, where most .380s are direct blow back action.

If you take the same gun, chambered in both .380 and 9mm, the .380 will have softer recoil without a doubt.

So, stay away from the small direct blow back guns like the Taurus TCP, Ruger LCP, etc. The Sig P238, Glock 42, Walther PK380 are all locked breach designs and will have softer recoil than their direct blow back brethren.

Also the Locked Breach pistols tend to be a little more reliable as the barrel tilting down when the slide come back aids in loading the next round from the mag since it doesn't have to make as big of a jump from the mag to the chamber like on the direct blow back designs.

I've been told that the kick and the recoil are much stronger and harder to handle since 380s are such small compact guns. I have not shot one before and I plan on testing one out next time I go to the range. But the p238 I've heard great things about and the ruger LC380, NOT THE LCP. I'm just trying to talk to more experienced shooters so I know a little more what to expect and maybe get some advice and tips!

Read my post above. This is not always the case and depends on the type of action the pistol has. The P238 should be pretty soft recoiling since it's a Locked Breach action.

When I first wanted to get into this, I was told to start with a .22, so I went into a range and rented one. It was like a BB gun, not even close to a challenge. So I tried with a 9mm that had a larger frame than a .380. Is it not true that since it is a larger gun a lot of the recoil is absorbed rather than with a larger gun where you have to absorb most of the impact? I did pretty well with the 9mm, should I just go ahead and jump into a .380 and practice with that until I'm comfortable with it or should I transition?

Sig P239

Hands down the best combo of shootability and concealability that I've ever shot. Great little gun, and doesn't cost a fortune to shoot.

Have you tried a revolver?

Very simple to operate and a 38 Special is a very good protection round. They are very easy to load unload and are very concealable.

My thought's on the 380:
1. Difficult gun to rack because the springs are short and stiff
2. Difficult gun to shoot because the sight radius is very short
3. The recoil is snappy and the vibration very apparent

I personally like the 1911 style 380s but I feel that you need to be a competent shooter to really use one well. A larger 380 like a Beretta Cheetah is a good choice but it is a large gun.

Larger Pistols like a Glock 19 or Revolver are a better choice for a beginner because they are easier to load and shoot. Small pistols are generally difficult to load and to shoot well. Larger Pistols recoil less and have a longer site radius thus allowing for easier and more accurate shooting. Women have the distinct advantage of a Handbag, thus negating the need for a tiny pistol.

Both my wife and daughter shoot Smith and Wesson Revolvers chambered in 9mm.

The P238 is a carry gun that's shootable. The P239 is slightly more shootable and less concealable.

Welcome to the forum, happy you are here.

If you "loved" the p238, then give the p938 a try. It's the same gun, just a little bigger. My tiny, little wife (5'2", 125lbs soaking wet) shoots here very well.

the following is a general comment...
To all whom start out shooting, meaning you don't own many guns, then keep ammo cost as a consideration. The best gun is the one you're most confident and comfortable with. Nothing brings about confidence more than familiarity, i.e. trigger. You WON'T shoot a gun that costs you and arm and a leg. Go ahead and price out the 380 ammo vs the standard 9mm (aka 9mm luger aka 9mmx19). i am willing to bet you can deal with the pain difference in recoil better than you can deal with the pain difference to your wallet.

Similar but different story with me. I taught myself how to shoot as a somewhat adult, age 21. My first gun was a 357 magnum. Awesome thing and still holds a special place for me. HOWEVER, it was literally almost double in ammo price. I got a 9mm later and shoot many more round of the 9mm than the 357, even though I've had my 357 for much longer.

My only gripe about this gun is its weight, I carried one for a backup and a off duty gun for a few years, then I switched to a Glock 26. The 26 is lighter, didn't rust, and holds a few more rounds. My mom just picked up a S&W MP compact in 9mm, I think you should give that a look, it is very easy to shoot for a 9mm compact. And there is also the Shield which is a little more thin

I haven't tried a revolver, what are the differences? Pros and cons between that and a semi-auto?

How much of a difference is the recoil between a small 380 and a small 9mm? For a small woman 100ibs soaking wet?

Go ahead and get a 22 and shoot it a lot. By the time your proficent you'll have saved enough moneey on ammunition that you can buy a second more capable gun. If a CHL is a possibility seek out and find a female CHL instructor for advice. Only a woman that carries can advise another woman on holsters and dressing around the gun. I know of a couple of women that carry and choose revolvers because, too them, the're more comfortable. Learning a smooth double action trigger pull on a revolver is slightly more difficult then a lot of automatics but it's a realativly easy trasition the reverse isn't true.

I shot a .22 at the range when I went and it felt like a little bb gun. It wasn't any kind of a challenge. It was too easy. I didn't have any problems with it besides the fact that it was too easy. It is a beginner gun for sure but I believe I would do better starting with something bigger because that was just too easy. I did well with accuracy and just handling the .22. I'd rather start with something bigger. Whether it be a full size 9mm or the 380. I want a challenge, something to master.

I also do not plan to carry, I want one for my car and one for my home. I do not plan on having a concealed handgun license. And right now it is only a hobby. I know I am not ready to carry one with me.

Get a Ruger 22/45 or Mk III to start with. Then get a 9mm, preferably in a 1911.