[oldfella]

Would you recommend a Beretta Compact 9000S Type F (Single/Double Action) for an Oldfella with a very weak grasp to rack the slide? I recently sold my Glock 26 because I had problems racking the slide. I bought a small S&W Revolver, but would like to have a 9mm semi-auto as a home defense and carry. What say you?

[10-Ring]

Oldfella, get whatever you're more comfortable with, after all you'll be using it to protect you & your family w/ it, so don't settle. If it were me tho, I'd go w/ a 357 revolver. Simple, reliable & fun to shoot!

[Mastrogiacomo]

Try a Beretta compact type M -- and the S&W 686P in a 4" barrel. I shoot just .38's out of that one...

[sm]

I agree with the revolver idea.

Semi for those with weak grasp, the tip up Beretta in .380 works great. I do have a friend with arthritis that finds a Lt wt commander 1911 or a BHP works best for him still.

I'd rent, ask to borrow, whatever it takes to try a variety first.

[oldfella]

I do have a S&W 640, and also a 686 - 4", but I do like a semi-auto to pocket-carry. I like the idea of the pop-up barrel as on the small Beretta, either the 21 Bobcat (.22LR) or the .380, those would take care of the slide-racking problem.

[E357]

That Beretta 86 Tip-up (.380 single stack) is a classy gun. If you really don't want a revolver it would be the one to get.

Elliot

[Poohgyrr]

I'd suggest shooting a 9mm Hi power to see how you like it. If the double action revolver trigger works fine for you then another one would probably be fine; and they come in 7 and 8 shot .38/.357 versions now too.

[Brer Bear]

What about a semi-auto with forward slide serrations. it seems that by changing your grip (racking the slide while grasping the forward serrations rather than using the rear) may facilitate easier loading/unloading of the firearm.

[doctorhumbert]

Walther P5C has very soft recoil spring (unique thin dual P38 style springs) that is easy to rack. Almost easy as racking .22 slide. Only problem is they are hard to find and cost about $750-850.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid66/pff83f68ac902b3a3240a91589bea3446/fbdfc3a5.jpg

[oldfella]

I talked to S&W today, they are sending me a shipping label for the return of my S&W 640. If they clear the DA hanging problem and smooth out and lighten the trigger pull, I might just rethink my need for a semi auto as I do like my S&W 640. Thanks y'all for your input. Regards, The Oldfella