S&W M&P Shield 9mm EZ. Works well with my arthritis. Also comes in .380. I hated to give up my Walther PPK, but on bad days I couldn't rack the slide. If you have trouble loading magazines the Range Tray Thumbless loaders are the easiest I've found.
Colleene, do you plan to do an updated version of this list? In recent years, there has been an increase in firearms more suited to those with arthritic hands and other physical impairments/poor grip strength in general, such as the S&W Shield EZ, the even newer S&W Equalizer, and some even say the Sig P365 380 ACP (also a newer release) is easy to manage (I'm not saying you have to review those specific guns, just that those are the ones that came to my mind for this category based on reviews from others, including other female shooters). I have enjoyed the videos of yours that I have watched and would love to know what your current recommendations are, if they have changed any. Peace and God bless. Sincerely, Rose
is there a diff b/w .380 and 9mm vers for EZ? as far as recoil or slide rack ease goes? Asking because I got an issue with pulling the slide back due to weak wrist.
@@drakke125Channel I am 72 years old, have very weak hands and the 380 EZ works fine for me. I can rack the slide fine after some practice to find the easiest motion for me and the recoil is light enough not to cause pain in my fingers. The trigger pull is easy and smooth and the gun is light, but also big enough to get a good grip. ONE NEGATIVE NOTE: The grip safety may cause problems if any hand deformities are present. Took me some practice to get the proper grip without fumbling. I tried firing my friends LCP 2 and the pain was immediate and pretty severe.
@@DebbiesBackPorch yeah the grip safety seems like a big turn off in general. What gr would you suggest has the least felt recoil? 115gr, 124gr, or 147gr? I'm a relatively new shooter as well. Thank you so much for your sharing!
Kimber K6s , probably in 3 inch barrel might be a good pick for his mom? It’s not too heavy, fairly small and it’s DASA with a sweet factory trigger. SA trigger is probably around 3.5 lbs I am guessing. I just got recently for EDC.
Hi Colleen, I'm an older woman with severe arthritis (non-deforming) and can no longer work the slide in my ancient Hungarian 9mm. I've looked up both firearms you recommend, but they're both "micro-guns", and I have large man-hands, with very long fingers--I couldn't comfortably handle any of the smaller weapons normally recommended for females. I too prefer the sights on the pistols, although I learned to shoot with revolver sights, so there is that...do you have any suggestions for ladies with great big hands and arthritis? Thank you!
Avoid older CZ's, and Tanfoglios that are based on them. The slide-in-frame design drops the slide down low towards your hands, which means you have extremely little slide real estate to grab a hold of and squeeze. I shoot 10 mm. My Glocks and XDM make it easy to rack the slides, because the slides are plenty large and squared off enough to get a good grip, even with heavier recoil springs for hot ammo loads. But my Tanfoglio Match 10mm comes with a lighter 15 pound spring and is still much harder to rack the slide with, because there is very little slide above the frame. Something to consider is to add a slide racker device to your slide, which gives your hand a positive object to pull straight back against, instead of just having to squeeze the slide.
I agree. The LCR trigger is very easy to shoot well. If the sights are insufficient, try a LaserMax. I have the LCR in both .22lr (heavier trigger) and .327. BTW, I do recommend the LCR in .327. You can shoot .32 S&W Long, .32 H&R Magnum and .327 Magnum. Shooting .32 S&W Longs has almost no recoil or report (less than my .22 LCR), and shooting .32 H&R Magnums is like shooting a .38. If you go with the LCR in .38, get the .357 version and shoot .38s through it. The .38 version of the gun is too light for comfort (for my arthritic hands and skinny wrist). I tried on at the range and knew after two or three rounds that I would not like shooting it. It hurt. The heavier .357 should be fine, though. It's the same steel frame that I have on my .327 version.
Thank you Alan for the good advice on the Ruger LCR. I had been wondering about the .327 magnum. What other cartridge would you say it compares the closest to? I thought it might make a good caliber for home defense. Stay safe.
I have seen it compared to 9mm +P. It's a fast and lighter weight bullet that has less stopping power than a .357 but way less recoil. The only real objection that I have seen is that is not as available on store shelves as 9mm and .357 in some areas. I have had no trouble finding any of the loads that the LCR .327 will shoot. The .327 Magnums are pretty expensive, though. But I use it for SD, not too much for target. But it's a bit of a thrill to shoot it at the range :)
I enjoy your video's Colleene. I am a long time shooter and firearm safety instructor. Unfortunately, I developed severe carpometacarpal arthritis and underwent a trapeziectomy and tendon interposition. My grip has changed significantly and the strength in my thumb and wrist have not recovered, even with physical therapy. I've had to caliber-down my carry firearm to a 9mm. I was able to have the trigger systems in my Ruger SP 101s swapped out and they are easier to shoot. I have not, however, been able to find a reputable gunsmith who is willing to alter the grips on my Sigs and H&Ks. This is more of a problem in our real world of shooting for self-defense and recreation than has been made known from the industry. I, too, like the trigger pull on the Ruger LCR, but I don't like the firearm for other reasons. I hope the civilian firearm industry starts to recognize this as something they can give more attention to. This video may have more impact in the future of firearm sales than you know.
Wow, I'm so sorry to hear about all the struggles you've faced. Isn't it terrible how an injury can change the rest of your life? I had a sub-muscular ulnar nerve transposition on my right arm in 2003 due to a work injury. It didn't restore complete function, so I'll always have pretty severe nerve damage from shoulder down on both sides...since the right side repair didn't work, we never touched the left. I have to be pretty creative with shooting, and not do too much or I'll be totally out of the game for months trying to recover. I agree that there should be more attention to this type of challenge in the gun design world. Thanks for sharing your story and wisdom. God bless!
I am a retired chef with R/A in both hands. I have been a long time shooter, former armed guard. I shot 9x19 or 45 ACP for years. Last year my hands got too bad they could not take the recoil of the 45 ACP or 9x19. I tried the .380 micros including the Sig Sauer P238. They are just too small, the older Beretta Cheetahs kick more than the 92. I always did like the PPK and Makarov pistols. With their direct Blowback action the spring is stiff. I was shopping around I tried a Ruger LCR in 22mag and a Walther PK .380. After shooting both. The LCR like most LCRs are just too small for me. I shot the Walther PK .380 fell for it. Like the bigger size, comparable to a Glock 19. Slide is easy to rack, mags are easy to load. 380 is the minimum of what I feel comfortable with. After 200 rounds of shooting the PK .380 I felt little numbness in my hands. Shooting strong hand and weak handed is something I practice. I traded the Ruger LCP 2 and my favorite gun of all time The Ruger P 95 on a used PK .380.
God Bless you darlin. You have basically described what my problem is. Hubby went out, got suckered at a gun show and brought me home the worst semi auto ever made, I'm sure anyone with any gun smarts can guess. I have RA, very weak hand strength, and the so called grip on that thing I cannot hold it, and it take two fingers on the trigger for me to pull it. Not a good thing. Can you recommend anything else? Can anyone recommend anything else? I travel with my disabled son, he sings at local nursing homes/rehabs and it just him and I in a 31 year old car so I have to have something. Any help would be appreciated. :)
Video was great 👍👍. I really don’t have any must have recommendations on handguns but I do have something to ponder. If I was to get an SP101 4” in stainless steel. I would purchase 257 magnum it does almost the same as a 357 magnum with the smaller diameter bullet what you get is one more shot in the cylinder.I do own and love my Ruger GP-100 357 magnum 6”barrel it’s a 6shot cylinder but it’s like a small hand cannon.The Ruger SP-101 38/357 is a 5shot smaller revolver size. What ever pistol you purchase don’t get a pistol with a ported barrel for recoil! At night it will be like a flashbang device going off in-front of you thus Momentary blindness and hearing issues could occur. One possibility every Shooting range should have for rent is a high quality 22cal pistol 6”barrel. 22cal Ammunition it’s not ideal for an defensive bullet because of reliability lack of wound tissue damage and miss fire due to substandard ammunition. 22 pistols just needs high quality ammunition. I owe a Ruger 22cal MkII 6”stainless 10shot pistol and I would have no problem defending my castle with it.Very accurate but under powered for tissue damage but with almost no Recoil/muzzle flash. It’s just means when engaging the thug targets only shoot for the head when possible.Most targets will Probably require at least 3-5 in the chest to stop the engagement.Thus will a dirtbag liberal D.A. (District attorney) try to financially suicide the castle defender in legal cost for excessive force due to excessive bullets shots. If I get Seriously arthritic and money was no object I would probably use my Ruger MKII pistol.
That is called rheumatoid arthritis where there is bone and joint damage deforming the hand. My suggestion is to find a top recommended gunsmith and take her so he/she can watch her as she tries to handle and shoot various models. If you are lucky to find several close by - talk to several. They will most likely have a wide variety of guns - enough to figure out her specific issues. If not, they can meet you at a range or shop to assess the situation. He/she can suggest the best gun/ammo for most issues and then rework the gun or change out parts to make it easier specifically for her. Custom isn’t cheap but if you can’t safely and comfortably use the gun - what is the reason to get it. And of course, you are going to spring for professional lessons and range training. After that, you need to take her target shooting on a regular basis to keep her tuned and accurate. When a gun is needed - you and it need to ready to defend, not stand there trying to remember what is next. It needs to be second nature. Burglars, rapists, terrorists, nor serial killers will wait for you to find bullets, read the manual, or call your oldest son or brother for directions. It is usually a split second situation where you might not even have the ability to call 911. You have to keep the weapon clean, loaded if children aren’t present, easily accessed, and well used so everything works smoothly. I find most gun shops, particularly big chains, are mostly aimed at the “most” of everything..fastest, most power, deadliest, coolest, etc. and particularly they aim at the strong, young crowd, the macho types, or the collectors who want the biggest and baddest in their cabinet. Why - because it is a lot sexier than finding a gun for Grandma (or Aunt Jo, Mom, or even Granpa). They might have a guy working whose wife shoots, or he once bought a gun for his mom, and they think that qualifies them to help an elderly or disabled women to select a gun and deal with problems. Been there/done that. You need a woman talking to women. But unless she is above 60, or has shot for years and used many guns, or suffers with at least moderate arthritis herself or has suffered with nerve issues which affects and can cause pain and cramping from shoulder, forearm, to fingertips - they won’t know how to help. Even metabolic issues, chronic electrolyte deficiency (say from diabetes) can cause severe cramping and be missed by 1-2x yr labs. Diabetes can cause a intake of large amounts of fluids, and then corresponding urination - flushing out vital electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, sodium) thus cramping ensues and is even worse in summer months with heavy sweating. Even conditions/medications that cause severe dry mouth and the need to drink a lot can cause the same issue. I know because I deal with all of the above, and the cramping can be severe body-wide from finger to toe and everything in between-even your abdomen. Back to consultants with specific knowledge of pain and weakness issues as it applies to shooting. It is hard to understand what you can’t feel yourself, or haven’t experienced with say an injury or if you don’t have trained knowledge of the body parts and how they interact with each other.. Maybe gun shops should employ hand and arm physical therapists for consultation purposes or have a list of physicians who work in this area and possibly are gun users themselves. The therapists will know which muscles and nerves are involved, know how to design exercises or treatments to help, and know what will just make the issues worsen. There also needs to be consideration that there are many women who are older, may not be as fit, or have never shot a gun and may need special fitness training even if they don’t have a nerve, muscle, bone, joint or strength issue. Maybe they are fit walking wise, maybe have a decent core strength but that doesn't mean their shoulder to fingertip fitness is good. If you have any possible issues and experience cramping, or pain,, get them checked out before starting to shoot or as soon as it appears. Actually this can apply to anyone. If you have nerve damage from say a chronic torn rotator cuff or other muscle or from overuse - you may permanently cripple yourself trying to “push through”. Get it fixed, or appropriate treatment, and you will be able to shoot for years. The world is aging at a quick rate and there will soon be (if not already) be more folks over 50 than under - marketing needs to wake up to the fact that we have the most disposable income, the most time, and are living a lot longer and they need to be catering to our aging issues - from vision to fitness, travel, home gadgets and home design, etc.
I thought about the Tomcat for my wife but, after trying it at the store, snapping the barrel back into position was very stiff and the trigger pull was long and heavy.
Question for you. I have a handful of disabilities including a neurological condition doctors think is mutiple sclerosis ( still in testing), as well as autism spectrum disorder without cognitive delays. I also broke my hand in a wreck 20 years ago and it didn't heal right effecting my hand strength. I have a Glock 42 .380 currently I find it almost impossible to cock ( an intruder would die laughing watching me try to cock it) and have to have family load the magizine as the spring is too stiff making loading difficult if I really try hard I can to load it I can get first two maybe three bullets out of a five bullet clip but that the best I can do and have to either use it like that or find someone to finish loading it for me ( I've tried a loader it didn't help much, I set the mag on table and press down on the loader and the mag would flip and I'd have to restart). I like my Glock because it's reasonably quiet ( for a gun lol), I have sensory issues with my autism and am noise sensitive perticurlarly some gun pitches ( louder boomier guns). What would you recommend as a good self defense gun for me ? I need easy low strength loading, cocking and recoils and not over whelming sound. I'd prefer one that I can get a built in Lazer light to help with aim. As far as handing or feel I went to gun store and looked at some ( but wasn't allowed to fire them) and was highly impressed with the feel of the Walther pk .380 and almost bought one until I learned I'd need a tool to take it apart and it's spring is known for flying across the room and getting lost on taking it apart and was a afraid it would turn into a bad hide in go seek game.
Thanks for letting me know about this video. I actually ended up buying a Sig Sauer P238 ironically. I was afraid of even trying a revolver, but might look into the one you mentioned. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for this. Just discovered your videos today. I started making a channel to address these same issues as I just couldn't find solid voices discussing shooting and arthritis. Grounded, articulate guidance all around. Well done. Sub-ed.
Actually there is one other really new interesting choice it is the Taurus TCP 738 with "WINGS" Part no 1-738039WGS or 1-739031WGS. This is made for those who have Arthritic hands! If you go to the Taurus sight and DOWNLOAD the catalog it is in the 2016 catalog. hope this helps!
I wasn't aware of the winged version. I'll have to check that out. I had a TCP years ago but let it go because the mag release was unreliable. I'll check out that part number. Thanks for the tip.
I think everyone is wise to recommend the LCR. I would try to find the biggest, softest grips for it though. I would also suggest the Walther CCP. the downside with the Walther is it's takedown procedure so he'd have to clean it for her probably but then, I've never known a lady to clean a firearm anyway. Maybe it's because I'm such a gentleman and always do it for them.
I dunno...maybe I'm just bein' an old man here, but I like a hammer on my revolvers. Cocking the hammer sure does relieve some of the pressure required to squeeze the trigger on a revolver. So, I vote for the Ruger LCRx...they can be had in .38 +P with target sights. And let's face it. A body can devise a way to pack a revolver with those features without having them hang up on clothing and such. BTW...The LCRx with target sights has more like a 3" barrel. But the barrel length isn't usually the problem with concealing a gun anyway...and the added sight radius can't hurt a darned thing. Anyway, gotta add...this isn't my channel...I'm no expert...but yall ain't gotta pay anything for these as they're only my humble opinions anyhow. Oh...and great response, Colleene...and here's a little love from Northeast Missouri. And if ya need any of this freezing rain, let me know. I'll ship ya some(8-).
I also enjoy the exposed hammer. I can't really enjoy a long period of shooting any revolver with a shrouded hammer. Taxes my muscles and I start shaking from the effort of just pressing the trigger repeatedly. Pretty much takes the fun out of it for me. ;)
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Thank you I have arthritis and you are so helpful
Great info thx
Awesome
S&W M&P Shield 9mm EZ. Works well with my arthritis. Also comes in .380. I hated to give up my Walther PPK, but on bad days I couldn't rack the slide. If you have trouble loading magazines the Range Tray Thumbless loaders are the easiest I've found.
looking to purchase a handgun & I do have arthritis in my fingers. thanks for sharing.
I agree the sig P238 but also the smith &Wesson shield EZ 380
Colt Cobra, excellent revolver trigger.
Lightest trigger I have found on a revolver is rhe charter arms ultralite. 38 soecial.
Colleene, do you plan to do an updated version of this list? In recent years, there has been an increase in firearms more suited to those with arthritic hands and other physical impairments/poor grip strength in general, such as the S&W Shield EZ, the even newer S&W Equalizer, and some even say the Sig P365 380 ACP (also a newer release) is easy to manage (I'm not saying you have to review those specific guns, just that those are the ones that came to my mind for this category based on reviews from others, including other female shooters). I have enjoyed the videos of yours that I have watched and would love to know what your current recommendations are, if they have changed any. Peace and God bless.
Sincerely,
Rose
Real good advice! Thanks for sharing your insight on a topic many adults deal with.
I loved your video. I have some deformities in my hands from my arthritis and would love some information on a better handgun for me.
Try the S&W EZ pistol. The are 380 and 9 mm
S&W M&P Shield .380 EZ. They have also recently released a 9mm version.
is there a diff b/w .380 and 9mm vers for EZ? as far as recoil or slide rack ease goes? Asking because I got an issue with pulling the slide back due to weak wrist.
@@drakke125Channel I am 72 years old, have very weak hands and the 380 EZ works fine for me. I can rack the slide fine after some practice to find the easiest motion for me and the recoil is light enough not to cause pain in my fingers. The trigger pull is easy and smooth and the gun is light, but also big enough to get a good grip. ONE NEGATIVE NOTE: The grip safety may cause problems if any hand deformities are present. Took me some practice to get the proper grip without fumbling. I tried firing my friends LCP 2 and the pain was immediate and pretty severe.
@@DebbiesBackPorch yeah the grip safety seems like a big turn off in general. What gr would you suggest has the least felt recoil? 115gr, 124gr, or 147gr? I'm a relatively new shooter as well.
Thank you so much for your sharing!
Kimber K6s , probably in 3 inch barrel might be a good pick for his mom? It’s not too heavy, fairly small and it’s DASA with a sweet factory trigger. SA trigger is probably around 3.5 lbs I am guessing. I just got recently for EDC.
What do you recommend for those of us with arthritic deformities in our hands?
The little beretta .22 lr with the tip up barrel is a good pistol for arthritic hands.
Hi Colleen, I'm an older woman with severe arthritis (non-deforming) and can no longer work the slide in my ancient Hungarian 9mm. I've looked up both firearms you recommend, but they're both "micro-guns", and I have large man-hands, with very long fingers--I couldn't comfortably handle any of the smaller weapons normally recommended for females. I too prefer the sights on the pistols, although I learned to shoot with revolver sights, so there is that...do you have any suggestions for ladies with great big hands and arthritis? Thank you!
The Walther PK 380 is also very easy to "rack" the slide but maybe not as small as some would desire.
Avoid older CZ's, and Tanfoglios that are based on them. The slide-in-frame design drops the slide down low towards your hands, which means you have extremely little slide real estate to grab a hold of and squeeze.
I shoot 10 mm. My Glocks and XDM make it easy to rack the slides, because the slides are plenty large and squared off enough to get a good grip, even with heavier recoil springs for hot ammo loads.
But my Tanfoglio Match 10mm comes with a lighter 15 pound spring and is still much harder to rack the slide with, because there is very little slide above the frame.
Something to consider is to add a slide racker device to your slide, which gives your hand a positive object to pull straight back against, instead of just having to squeeze the slide.
My wife favors revolvers and the Ruger LCR in .38 Special +P is her favorite due to the trigger pull. It is her home defense weapon.
I agree. The LCR trigger is very easy to shoot well. If the sights are insufficient, try a LaserMax. I have the LCR in both .22lr (heavier trigger) and .327. BTW, I do recommend the LCR in .327. You can shoot .32 S&W Long, .32 H&R Magnum and .327 Magnum. Shooting .32 S&W Longs has almost no recoil or report (less than my .22 LCR), and shooting .32 H&R Magnums is like shooting a .38. If you go with the LCR in .38, get the .357 version and shoot .38s through it. The .38 version of the gun is too light for comfort (for my arthritic hands and skinny wrist). I tried on at the range and knew after two or three rounds that I would not like shooting it. It hurt. The heavier .357 should be fine, though. It's the same steel frame that I have on my .327 version.
Thank you Alan for the good advice on the Ruger LCR. I had been wondering about the .327 magnum. What other cartridge would you say it compares the closest to? I thought it might make a good caliber for home defense.
Stay safe.
I have seen it compared to 9mm +P. It's a fast and lighter weight bullet that has less stopping power than a .357 but way less recoil. The only real objection that I have seen is that is not as available on store shelves as 9mm and .357 in some areas. I have had no trouble finding any of the loads that the LCR .327 will shoot. The .327 Magnums are pretty expensive, though. But I use it for SD, not too much for target. But it's a bit of a thrill to shoot it at the range :)
Thanks for letting me know. It sounds like a useful caliber.
S&W .380 M&P Shield EZ 2018
i got my parents the ruger lcr in 38 +p i put on a fiber optic front sight and they love the trigger! my parents are 78
I love the Sig P238. Love the size and the trigger
me too!!!
Walther designed the pk380 especially for people with hand problems. My mom has the same issue. The slide is unbelievably easy to manipulate.
Colleene are you still there? I might have help for your inflammatory issues! I have seen tremendous improvement by changing my dietary habits.
I enjoy your video's Colleene. I am a long time shooter and firearm safety instructor. Unfortunately, I developed severe carpometacarpal arthritis and underwent a trapeziectomy and tendon interposition. My grip has changed significantly and the strength in my thumb and wrist have not recovered, even with physical therapy. I've had to caliber-down my carry firearm to a 9mm. I was able to have the trigger systems in my Ruger SP 101s swapped out and they are easier to shoot. I have not, however, been able to find a reputable gunsmith who is willing to alter the grips on my Sigs and H&Ks. This is more of a problem in our real world of shooting for self-defense and recreation than has been made known from the industry. I, too, like the trigger pull on the Ruger LCR, but I don't like the firearm for other reasons. I hope the civilian firearm industry starts to recognize this as something they can give more attention to. This video may have more impact in the future of firearm sales than you know.
Wow, I'm so sorry to hear about all the struggles you've faced. Isn't it terrible how an injury can change the rest of your life? I had a sub-muscular ulnar nerve transposition on my right arm in 2003 due to a work injury. It didn't restore complete function, so I'll always have pretty severe nerve damage from shoulder down on both sides...since the right side repair didn't work, we never touched the left. I have to be pretty creative with shooting, and not do too much or I'll be totally out of the game for months trying to recover. I agree that there should be more attention to this type of challenge in the gun design world. Thanks for sharing your story and wisdom. God bless!
I am a retired chef with R/A in both hands. I have been a long time shooter, former armed guard. I shot 9x19 or 45 ACP for years. Last year my hands got too bad they could not take the recoil of the 45 ACP or 9x19. I tried the .380 micros including the Sig Sauer P238. They are just too small, the older Beretta Cheetahs kick more than the 92. I always did like the PPK and Makarov pistols. With their direct Blowback action the spring is stiff. I was shopping around I tried a Ruger LCR in 22mag and a Walther PK .380. After shooting both. The LCR like most LCRs are just too small for me. I shot the Walther PK .380 fell for it. Like the bigger size, comparable to a Glock 19. Slide is easy to rack, mags are easy to load. 380 is the minimum of what I feel comfortable with. After 200 rounds of shooting the PK .380 I felt little numbness in my hands. Shooting strong hand and weak handed is something I practice. I traded the Ruger LCP 2 and my favorite gun of all time The Ruger P 95 on a used PK .380.
LCP MAX
I'm in the market for a small handgun, and I am 71 with multiple illnesses. But honestly, I'm only planning on shooting it once. Him or me.
God Bless you darlin. You have basically described what my problem is. Hubby went out, got suckered at a gun show and brought me home the worst semi auto ever made, I'm sure anyone with any gun smarts can guess. I have RA, very weak hand strength, and the so called grip on that thing I cannot hold it, and it take two fingers on the trigger for me to pull it. Not a good thing. Can you recommend anything else? Can anyone recommend anything else? I travel with my disabled son, he sings at local nursing homes/rehabs and it just him and I in a 31 year old car so I have to have something. Any help would be appreciated. :)
Video was great 👍👍. I really don’t have any must have recommendations on handguns but I do have something to ponder. If I was to get an SP101 4” in stainless steel. I would purchase 257 magnum it does almost the same as a 357 magnum with the smaller diameter bullet what you get is one more shot in the cylinder.I do own and love my Ruger GP-100 357 magnum 6”barrel it’s a 6shot cylinder but it’s like a small hand cannon.The Ruger SP-101 38/357 is a 5shot smaller revolver size. What ever pistol you purchase don’t get a pistol with a ported barrel for recoil! At night it will be like a flashbang device going off in-front of you thus Momentary blindness and hearing issues could occur. One possibility every Shooting range should have for rent is a high quality 22cal pistol 6”barrel. 22cal Ammunition it’s not ideal for an defensive bullet because of reliability lack of wound tissue damage and miss fire due to substandard ammunition. 22 pistols just needs high quality ammunition. I owe a Ruger 22cal MkII 6”stainless 10shot pistol and I would have no problem defending my castle with it.Very accurate but under powered for tissue damage but with almost no Recoil/muzzle flash. It’s just means when engaging the thug targets only shoot for the head when possible.Most targets will Probably require at least 3-5 in the chest to stop the engagement.Thus will a dirtbag liberal D.A. (District attorney) try to financially suicide the castle defender in legal cost for excessive force due to excessive bullets shots. If I get Seriously arthritic and money was no object I would probably use my Ruger MKII pistol.
That is called rheumatoid arthritis where there is bone and joint damage deforming the hand.
My suggestion is to find a top recommended gunsmith and take her so he/she can watch her as she tries to handle and shoot various models. If you are lucky to find several close by - talk to several. They will most likely have a wide variety of guns - enough to figure out her specific issues. If not, they can meet you at a range or shop to assess the situation. He/she can suggest the best gun/ammo for most issues and then rework the gun or change out parts to make it easier specifically for her. Custom isn’t cheap but if you can’t safely and comfortably use the gun - what is the reason to get it. And of course, you are going to spring for professional lessons and range training. After that, you need to take her target shooting on a regular basis to keep her tuned and accurate. When a gun is needed - you and it need to ready to defend, not stand there trying to remember what is next. It needs to be second nature. Burglars, rapists, terrorists, nor serial killers will wait for you to find bullets, read the manual, or call your oldest son or brother for directions. It is usually a split second situation where you might not even have the ability to call 911. You have to keep the weapon clean, loaded if children aren’t present, easily accessed, and well used so everything works smoothly.
I find most gun shops, particularly big chains, are mostly aimed at the “most” of everything..fastest, most power, deadliest, coolest, etc. and particularly they aim at the strong, young crowd, the macho types, or the collectors who want the biggest and baddest in their cabinet. Why - because it is a lot sexier than finding a gun for Grandma (or Aunt Jo, Mom, or even Granpa). They might have a guy working whose wife shoots, or he once bought a gun for his mom, and they think that qualifies them to help an elderly or disabled women to select a gun and deal with problems. Been there/done that. You need a woman talking to women. But unless she is above 60, or has shot for years and used many guns, or suffers with at least moderate arthritis herself or has suffered with nerve issues which affects and can cause pain and cramping from shoulder, forearm, to fingertips - they won’t know how to help. Even metabolic issues, chronic electrolyte deficiency (say from diabetes) can cause severe cramping and be missed by 1-2x yr labs. Diabetes can cause a intake of large amounts of fluids, and then corresponding urination - flushing out vital electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, sodium) thus cramping ensues and is even worse in summer months with heavy sweating. Even conditions/medications that cause severe dry mouth and the need to drink a lot can cause the same issue. I know because I deal with all of the above, and the cramping can be severe body-wide from finger to toe and everything in between-even your abdomen. Back to consultants with specific knowledge of pain and weakness issues as it applies to shooting. It is hard to understand what you can’t feel yourself, or haven’t experienced with say an injury or if you don’t have trained knowledge of the body parts and how they interact with each other.. Maybe gun shops should employ hand and arm physical therapists for consultation purposes or have a list of physicians who work in this area and possibly are gun users themselves. The therapists will know which muscles and nerves are involved, know how to design exercises or treatments to help, and know what will just make the issues worsen. There also needs to be consideration that there are many women who are older, may not be as fit, or have never shot a gun and may need special fitness training even if they don’t have a nerve, muscle, bone, joint or strength issue. Maybe they are fit walking wise, maybe have a decent core strength but that doesn't mean their shoulder to fingertip fitness is good. If you have any possible issues and experience cramping, or pain,, get them checked out before starting to shoot or as soon as it appears. Actually this can apply to anyone. If you have nerve damage from say a chronic torn rotator cuff or other muscle or from overuse - you may permanently cripple yourself trying to “push through”. Get it fixed, or appropriate treatment, and you will be able to shoot for years. The world is aging at a quick rate and there will soon be (if not already) be more folks over 50 than under - marketing needs to wake up to the fact that we have the most disposable income, the most time, and are living a lot longer and they need to be catering to our aging issues - from vision to fitness, travel, home gadgets and home design, etc.
The Beretta Tomcat or any other "flip up barrel" pistol might help. Sights are pretty terrible though.
I thought about the Tomcat for my wife but, after trying it at the store, snapping the barrel back into position was very stiff and the trigger pull was long and heavy.
I agree on the sight issue, and if there's a malfunction, clearance is a bear. ;)
Browning 22 revolver
Question for you. I have a handful of disabilities including a neurological condition doctors think is mutiple sclerosis ( still in testing), as well as autism spectrum disorder without cognitive delays. I also broke my hand in a wreck 20 years ago and it didn't heal right effecting my hand strength. I have a Glock 42 .380 currently I find it almost impossible to cock ( an intruder would die laughing watching me try to cock it) and have to have family load the magizine as the spring is too stiff making loading difficult if I really try hard I can to load it I can get first two maybe three bullets out of a five bullet clip but that the best I can do and have to either use it like that or find someone to finish loading it for me ( I've tried a loader it didn't help much, I set the mag on table and press down on the loader and the mag would flip and I'd have to restart). I like my Glock because it's reasonably quiet ( for a gun lol), I have sensory issues with my autism and am noise sensitive perticurlarly some gun pitches ( louder boomier guns). What would you recommend as a good self defense gun for me ? I need easy low strength loading, cocking and recoils and not over whelming sound. I'd prefer one that I can get a built in Lazer light to help with aim. As far as handing or feel I went to gun store and looked at some ( but wasn't allowed to fire them) and was highly impressed with the feel of the Walther pk .380 and almost bought one until I learned I'd need a tool to take it apart and it's spring is known for flying across the room and getting lost on taking it apart and was a afraid it would turn into a bad hide in go seek game.
Thanks for letting me know about this video. I actually ended up buying a Sig Sauer P238 ironically. I was afraid of even trying a revolver, but might look into the one you mentioned. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the info Colleene. Hope you had a merry Christmas/happy holidays and hope you have a happy new year.
Well, got a little bit problem with my, but I don't have arthritis, I have surgery in both hand ( trigger finger) and yes is real tough.
Thanks for this. Just discovered your videos today. I started making a channel to address these same issues as I just couldn't find solid voices discussing shooting and arthritis. Grounded, articulate guidance all around. Well done. Sub-ed.
Actually there is one other really new interesting choice it is the Taurus TCP 738 with "WINGS" Part no 1-738039WGS or 1-739031WGS. This is made for those who have Arthritic hands! If you go to the Taurus sight and DOWNLOAD the catalog it is in the 2016 catalog. hope this helps!
I wasn't aware of the winged version. I'll have to check that out. I had a TCP years ago but let it go because the mag release was unreliable. I'll check out that part number. Thanks for the tip.
ruclips.net/video/sxcO7ev3hd0/видео.html
I think everyone is wise to recommend the LCR. I would try to find the biggest, softest grips for it though.
I would also suggest the Walther CCP. the downside with the Walther is it's takedown procedure so he'd have to clean it for her probably but then, I've never known a lady to clean a firearm anyway. Maybe it's because I'm such a gentleman and always do it for them.
A Sig. P238 .380 has an easy slide and good sights.....
Oh you just said that. haha
My wife settled on the Sig P938 in .22lr.
This line of guns is definitely easy on the hands, in addition to being easy to conceal and quite reliable. Great combo, in my opinion. :)
I dunno...maybe I'm just bein' an old man here, but I like a hammer on my revolvers. Cocking the hammer sure does
relieve some of the pressure required to squeeze the trigger on a revolver. So, I vote for the Ruger LCRx...they
can be had in .38 +P with target sights. And let's face it. A body can devise a way to pack a revolver with those
features without having them hang up on clothing and such. BTW...The LCRx with target sights has more
like a 3" barrel. But the barrel length isn't usually the problem with concealing a gun anyway...and the added
sight radius can't hurt a darned thing. Anyway, gotta add...this isn't my channel...I'm no expert...but yall
ain't gotta pay anything for these as they're only my humble opinions anyhow.
Oh...and great response, Colleene...and here's a little love from Northeast Missouri. And if ya need any
of this freezing rain, let me know. I'll ship ya some(8-).
I also enjoy the exposed hammer. I can't really enjoy a long period of shooting any revolver with a shrouded hammer. Taxes my muscles and I start shaking from the effort of just pressing the trigger repeatedly. Pretty much takes the fun out of it for me. ;)
great seeing you making vids again and happy new year!
You got your braces off ! They look great, good for you!
Walther CCP is good For my wife.
Fire9986 7834 a
Thanks for the info Colleene. Hope you had a merry Christmas/happy holidays and hope you have a happy new year.