Need a gun for a (fictional) lady

[Fifth]

I'm writing a story set in southern Los Angeles, and my female main character is going to need to use a gun, preferably a pistol, and I'd like to bring in an existing model to improve realism.
She's really doing law-enforcement/bounty hunting work,and while her primary tool is magic, she's not always going to be able to use magic, thus the mundane backup.
Here are her requirements:
Small-caliber
Low recoil
Concealment is important, so is weight, she's carrying a lot of equipment to begin with, so lightweight helps.

Second, do most police departments issue their female personnel lighter-recoil guns than their male counterparts?

Thanks!

[armoredman]

Ladies, I know this gentleman, he is worthy of a well thought out answer.
Let me chime in first - my Dept issues the same sidearm male and female, and I am pretty sure all the others do. NYPD issued 32 revolvers to female officers back at the turn of the century while the males carried 38s, but equality brought that to a halt.
LAPD probably issues Glocks, so a Glock 19 would be common, and the subcompact would be the Glock 26, 9mm, subcompact size, poly frame means light weight, recoil is a bit stiff due to size and weight, and mag capacity is 10. As a CZ man, I'd reccomend what my wife carries, (she asked me to do this reply as I was logged in, so this comes from her), the CZ 2075 RAMI, 10 round mag, optional 14 round extended mag, double action/single action, standard safety, night sights, light weight alloy frame, excellent pistol. Plus, I can't stand Glocks.

This is the RAMI, specifically the wife's RAMI, same as the top of this page.

14 round mag extended magazine, with Surefire G2 Nitrolon flashlight.


10 round standard magazine.



Hope that helps!

[Grendel]

Sig 239 in 9mm.



or

Glock 19 , also in 9mm




Either can take CT Laser grips which would add extra 'coolness' factor.

[Fifth]

You are awesome people.

CZ 2050 RAMI looks like my lady's kind of gun. Thanks, Armored!

Edit: I beleive LAPD uses Glocks, but I know LASD (LA County Sherriff's Dept, which really works out here in the 'burbs) uses Berettas.

BTW, armored, what's the caliber on that CZ? .38?

[armoredman]

9mm Luger, also known as 9mm Parabellum, 9x19, 9mm NATO, and just plain 9mm. Hers is loaded with Federal 115 grain Jacketed Hollow Point ammo, (JHP) thier Personal Defense series, good stuff. Looks just likethe ones pictured.

[jwc007]

In 2003, LAPD switched from issuing the Beretta 92F to an approved list of Glock Pistols in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, that Officers may purchase for duty and off duty use.

LASD (LA Sheriffs Department) still issues the Beretta 92, but also has an approved optional list of Handguns that may be used.  The S&W M&P Series handguns were recently removed from that list.

Now Bounty Hunters, particularly Independent Contractors, Private Investigators, and such, will probably not be constrained by any Official LE Agency Rules in their area as to what handgun they must carry, so you could probably pretty much choose what you would consider suitable. 

That said, most Detectives seem to be using the Glock 19 where 9mm is allowed or standard, these days.

Also, your character should also probably have a jewel encrusted dagger that magicly cuts thru steel!  Just a thought.   

[Fifth]

Also, your character should also probably have a jewel encrusted dagger that magicly cuts thru steel!  Just a thought.   

WEll, actually, a Tonfa that'll punch in a tank armor. Just seemed more kinetic.

Thanks for that information - I thought police departments issued a single "Ye shall use THIS" gun.

[armoredman]

Depends on the Department, some have lots of latitude, some are staightjacketed.

[Mrs Armoredman]

  Hello Fifth,

 You got some great answers from good people. I find my CZ 2075 Rami 9mm a low recoil smooth shooter a great gun. It is easy to conceal and doesn't dig into my side when I carry it. I fell in love with this gun when it first came out. I knew I had to have one.  It was like I could see myself on the range shooting it.


  I will say I am not fond of Glock. Afer my husband (Armoredman) got one from the range rental counter. I held it and put one round throught it and gave it back. I feels like a brick and it jammes to much.

 I hope what ever you decide works out for you.      

[BBQ Mitch]

If the lady is "sexy", have her carry a Kahr PM 9. Thin is sexy!

[Fifth]

Ended up giving my lady a CZ RAMI 9-millimeter.
Thanks for the information re: police departments, could lead to REALLY good banter comparing different brands.
Seriously, you are all awesome people.

[Grendel]

Ended up giving my lady a CZ RAMI 9-millimeter.
Thanks for the information re: police departments, could lead to REALLY good banter comparing different brands.
Seriously, you are all awesome people.

Oh God, she'll be posting on here next complaining about the FTFs and FTEs! 

[armoredman]

Thbbbpt!

[aaronsy]

Fifth please let us know what the name of the book is and when it is coming out

[armoredman]

He has left here and the other website i knew him on. He has internet published some of it, but I lost the link, about a young lady who has great powers...and carries a RAMI.