gun for mother

gregrph

my mother has decided she would like a handgun for self defense in the home. she is a small person, in her late 50's and has some problems with her hands,(arthritis, childhood polio victim). her right hand is not strong enough to rack a slide, and i don't think a semi would be a very good choice for other reasons. i would like to hear some of your ideas about an easy to operate, low recoil, home defense capable firearm (no neighbors overpenetration not a prob) that you guys might reccomend. have a few ideas of my own, but want to get some ideas from you guys.thanks

mhanson

I would take her to a gun shop/show and see what feels good in her hand and if she can pull the trigger ok. I think any gun person would be more than willing to help you and your mom out. good luck

gap1916

Look at the 410 shot guns on the market. A double barrel coach gun or the Saiga AK type. They work much better than a pistal for home defense. My 2 cents

KJACK

I'll put my 2 cents worth for a .32 H&R Mag. I found a gently used Charter Arms with a 4 inch barrel that is very much like a .22 when I shoot .32 Longs through it, but I have the option of some hotter jacketed hollow points if I feel the need for speed.This is not a world class target gun, but at $140 it fills a niche in my gun cabinet.

JustC

I'll go with saxon on the 22 revolver idea. The slide on a semi-auto may be too hard for her hands to handle. Unless you consider a ruger mark II or something like that. That way she will have 10 round capability so if she gets too freightened she can simply empty it in the intruder. with whichever one she uses, I wouls suggest CCI STINGERS. They approach a 22mag velocity and have wicked hollow point designs. other good bullets for maximum damage are remington yellowjackets.

11echo

SHOTGUN is the way to go! For a number of reasons. Frist, (I'm guessing here) Your mom may not have alot of experience with fire arms ...ie she not a good shot! The shotgun has natural pointing ablities that a handgun does not. NEXT, multiple pellets vs a single slug is self explantory. NEXT, there may be legal dificults with handgun ownership and normally not so much with "birdguns". LASTLY, the sound/look of a shotgun over a handgun is much more mensing ...why do you thing the police fight over who gets to carry the shotgun?*G* MY 2 cents ...Mark

DarkStar11

I'd have to say a shotgun is a better solution, too. The Mossberg HS410 might be a good fit. Very low recoil, light, easy to operate. My mom loves the one I got her.

nmyers

I had an S&W M63 fixed up with Wolff springs, target stocks, and an action job for the kids; smooth, accurate, and not much recoil.I also like the S&W M422/622; not only are they light, they have the lightest slide I can recall.Neal

gregrph

thanks for all the suggestions. she has been using my dad's rem 870 express 12 ga, but she can't really hold it very well (bruises the h out or her) so therefore no real practicing. working the pump is a little challenging also, but doable. i like the idea of the 410 or maybe a 20ga youth model that might fit her better, but i'm still concerned that the recoil might be too much. i also happen to like the idea of the 22lr revolver, i know the recoil is light enough for her to handle and she would be able to practice with it enough to shoot it decently. i also thought about a 22 mag but, i've never shot one and i don't know how it would compare as far as recoil. also ammo availability is better for the lr. ditto hon the 32 h&r. it is hard enough to find ammo for my 32auto down here. i've also thought about a 357/38 loaded with low recoil 38spc rounds, but i'm stuck with the recoil vs weight issue again. anyway, thanks for the ideas you guys have given me a lot to think about, if anyone has any input on the 22mag vs 22lr info i would appreciate it.

gregrph

thanks for all the suggestions. she has been using my dad's rem 870 express 12 ga, but she can't really hold it very well (bruises the h out or her) so therefore no real practicing. working the pump is a little challenging also, but doable. i like the idea of the 410 or maybe a 20ga youth model that might fit her better, but i'm still concerned that the recoil might be too much. i also happen to like the idea of the 22lr revolver, i know the recoil is light enough for her to handle and she would be able to practice with it enough to shoot it decently. i also thought about a 22 mag but, i've never shot one and i don't know how it would compare as far as recoil. also ammo availability is better for the lr. ditto hon the 32 h&r. it is hard enough to find ammo for my 32auto down here. i've also thought about a 357/38 loaded with low recoil 38spc rounds, but i'm stuck with the recoil vs weight issue again. anyway, thanks for the ideas you guys have given me a lot to think about, if anyone has any input on the 22mag vs 22lr info i would appreciate it.