Guns for Ma'?

[JustSomeDude]

My mother, in her late 60's, is looking for a safe, reliable firearm that won't be hell with her arthritis. I suggested a Glock 9mm, but then realized that racking the slide would likely be too hard for her to do in a critical situation (as she would not be comfortable keeping the Glock stored with a round in the chamber). The local shop recommended a lightweight titanium .38 revolver. This might be a good solution, but I worry the weight of the double-action pull might be a little too much for her. The kick from a snub-nose (even a .38) might also be more than she can handle reliably with follow-up shots in an emergency.

So, I'm looking for suggestions. Currently, I've moved towards recommending the DA/SA Ruger type pistols. The first pull is a heavier double-action pull, with the remainder of the magazine feeds receiving a single-action pull.

Any other ideas would be appreciated.

[Great-Kazoo]

22 LR or 22 mag revolver
8-9 rds of JHP will do the trick.
in reality the sight of a senior pulling a gun in defense should be a warning sign to the alledged assailant.
saddling your mother with anything that sends the potential recoil shock up her arm, would have her not want to pull the trigger a sceond time.
ANY firearm that requires her to rack the slide is asking for trouble. unable to rack the slide has the potential for a loos grip, etc etc.

IF this is a HD weapon why not a .410 shorty shotgun, pistol grip forward grip 5rds of .410 would work well.

[Chaffee2]

Like Jim said a .410 or even a .20ga would be a good choice if in the house. Another option would be the Ruger SP101 in .327 Federal if you can find one. If not maybe a SP101 in .357 but find some .38 Special loads she can use without hurting her.

A possible .38 load would be just some standard wadcutters. Unless the badguy is on drugs he would probably be high tailing out of there if hit by one.

[Marlin]

I'd 3rd the .410,, Motion carries...

As stated, Unless the bad guy is hopped up, A few stings of buck should send Him running..

[RYAN50BMG]

While I certainly do not want to bash your mother, I question the wisdom of buying a firearm for someone that may not be able to handle it safely. Look into less lethal options. How about a Surefire M-6 light w/ a 500 lumen bulb? How about a Taser? Specialty Sports here in the Springs sells the "Civilian" Tasers and cartridges. If you must go the gun route, a .22 revolver, like the 9 shot Taurus, would be best. And for those that said pistol grip shotgun, slap yourselves.

[Sucka]

The problem with those light weight revolvers such as the S&W 442 and 642 is that they kick like a mule. They're easy to use, easy to load and all that, but they aren't extremely accurate nor are they a joy to shoot.

A .22lr of some kind would probably be a better idea.

I would recommend some training. A firearm might as well be a rock unless she knows how to use it safely, and put rounds on target.

[Gman]

A Beretta .32 with a tip up barrel? Then she won't have to rack the slide. Centerfire is more reliable than rimfire.

[Great-Kazoo]

And for those that said pistol grip shotgun, slap yourselves

Why??

small lightweight, ease of operation. i suggested a .410 not 12ga. the 410 pistol grip is very managable for anyone, especially with a weak grip or unable to support a heavier firearm.
any kind of centerfire revolver is
1) waste of money
2) putting the operator in harms way
3) still too heavy for an older inexperienced person.

[bjl913]

I would say a 20 guage shot gun like a mossy 500 and a .38 or .357 loaded with 38s. i would stay away from the lightweight models if she has bad arthritis, although the weapon will be heavier, the recoil will not be as bad with standard weight pistol. I also like the idea of a .22 but definately go /w a 22 mag.

[HunterCO]

my vote is the 500 S&W might as well go for broke at least what ever you hit will get destroyed to some extent.