[al123]

I'm new to handguns, so I was wondering if there are any advantages to one or the other and if there are any particular models that seem well suited for someone that has such a problem.

The general purpose will be for target shooting.

Thanks.

[rich642z]

If it is for only target range shooting,go with a revolver. A .22,32,327 Federal,or a .38S&W special revolver. I only have a Glock 17 1rst gen in 9mm but all the rest of my collections is one rifle,leveraction and revolvers in .38/.357 magnum. Welcome aboard the forum and good luck in your firearm searching future.

[benEzra]

It basically boils down to personal preference and intended use.

If this will be strictly for target shooting and will not serve in any secondary self-defense role whatsoever, your choice might be different than if you wanted a defensive style handgun that was also fun and economical to shoot at the range.

As far as pistol vs. revolver, there are excellent target models and defensive models in both styles. The revolver is somewhat simpler for a novice to operate (it is very intuitive, a pistol somewhat less so); a pistol usually has a higher capacity, all else being equal. They can be equally accurate, depending on caliber, sights, and quality.

I would suggest finding a local shooting range that rents guns to try, and try both styles. Representative samples would be a .22LR pistol and revolver, a .38 Special revolver, and a 9mm pistol, and see what you like. I would recommend going with an experienced friend or a staff instructor if you have never shot before.

Another thing to keep in mind is that for any given caliber, the smaller and lighter the gun is, the more it will recoil, for physics reasons; and the shorter the barrel, the louder it will be. Hence, I would avoid very small, light, short-barreled handguns in major calibers for a first gun; a scandium-alloy .38 with a 3" barrel will be a lot less pleasant to shoot than a steel-frame 6" .38 or a 4" 9mm.

Finally, if this is your first shooting experience (especially if you go to an indoor range), wear both earplugs AND earmuffs. A lot of nonshooters have no idea just how loud a firearm is, particularly in an enclosed space, and wearing plugs + muffs makes the noise a lot less intimidating.

[al123]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to answer.

I'm a relatively recent shotgun user, and know little about handguns. I've been getting my non-user friends involved with firearms (including maybe someone with hand problems) and the shotgun is too much. And I'm also interested in handguns ;)

So we'll probably start testing with a 22LR (probably both revolver and semi) and just see which works best.

[Waywatcher]

Automatics require a good deal of strength to rack the slide and stack magazines.

Revolvers dont have a slide, of course. To load and unload requires some button pushing.

I would suggest a heavy .357 but only use .38 specials in it. Something like a Ruger GP100.

[gofastman]

Automatics require a good deal of strength to rack the slide and stack magazines.

Revolvers dont have a slide, of course. To load and unload requires some button pushing.
True, but some revolvers have ridiculously stiff triggers, make sure you can actually pull it!
I too would recommend a revolver

[Drail]

I think you could have a good time with either but I would strongly recommend staying with light recoiling calibers (.38 Spl, 9mm) I have been dealing with arthritis for years and it has certainly made an impact on how much I shoot and how heavy a kicking gun I want to deal with. My advice would be to invest in a quality .22 revolver or my favorite - the Ruger Mark II or III semi auto pistol. They will teach you everything you need to know about handgun marksmanship without learning bad things (like flinching) and are very inexpensive to shoot.

[Shadow 7D]

depends on what your problems are, if it's finger strength, then a Single action revolver might be better, if it's recoil sensitivity, then an auto is going to be better, as it takes energy to cycle the slide, but requires a bit of strength to cycle the slide.

So in the end it's all up to you, and what you like to shoot.

[Carl Levitian]

My wife and I are live long shooters,l and we even met at a shooting range, almost 40 years ago. Being in our 60's, we both have arthritis issues, and it gives us some problems in our hands. Both of us have sold off our auto pistols. My wife had a Glock, and could no longer deal with loading the magazine, even with the loader that came with the gun. Racking the slide was getting hard. She went back to using jus the S&W revolvers she'd been using most of her life.

I sold off my pistols, and just use revolvers now. It's just soooo easy to break open the revolver, drop a round in each nice little hole, close gun and shoot. We do a lot of target shooting since we both are retired and have the time. Once a week most times, twice a week in nice weather, we shoot at the club we belong to. Karen and I both use K22 S&W revolvers, so most of our shooting is done single action. The K frame revolvers with .22's hardly have any recoil at all, so we shoot a bulk box of Federals every time we go to the range. I don't think we could do this with center fire or semi auto pistols.

A .22 revolver for target shooting for an arthritis sufferer is a nice gun to shoot. And if an emergency popped up, a 10 round model 617 could be pressed into service for defense.

[doubleh]

I have arthritis and can't tell much difference in the actual shooting of either as long as they are about equal in recoil. I don't shoot .44 mag anymore. As mentioned already loading magazines and racking slides is where the problems show up with semi-autos. I am still able to do this without much problem but I use a gadget to help me load hi-cap magazines.

[Furncliff]

I have arthritis in my hands also. Some semi-auto pistols have stiffer slide actions than others. I can't operate the slide on a Browning Hi-Power comfortably, but with other pistols I'm o.k.. Be aware that there are techniques for racking a slide that will help you. Get together with an instructor. Revolvers are easier to operate, but I prefer the way my semi's fit in my hand, this should be a very important consideration for you. Find what fits. Keep in mind that there are a lot of aftermarket grips available, and they can change how you grip and how accurate you are with the gun. I have Pachmyer Grips on a 1911 and a Smith & Wesson revolver, they are very helpful.

.22 Rimfire is your friend. And there are some really nice target pistols out there. Hi Standard and the Smith & Wesson 41 are just two.

In addition to arthritis I have a tremor that makes shooting off hand difficult and I now do more bench shooting. Mostly with .22 rim fire rifles. Try it.:)

[TexasGunbie]

I think a revolver may be better. Easy to load. No need to rack the slide. I am sure you can cock the hammer...

[easyg]

I think that it all depends upon how much the arthritis affects one's finger-strength vs how much it affects one's overall hand-strength....

A revolver typically requires greater finger-strength to pull the heavy double-action trigger or to cock the hammer for single-action shooting.
OTOH, an autoloader doesn't require as much finger-strength as it does hand-strength, to insert a fresh magazine and rack the slide.

Most of the folks that I know with arthritis suffer more when trying to do things with the fingers rather than with their overall hands.

[cougar1717]

For what the OP's intended purpose is, I wouldn't limit it categorically to a pistol or a revolver. What he is looking for (I gather) is a gun that is comfortable to shoot and doesn't require extreme grip strength to operate. I would first find a gun store in your area that won't get annoyed with you for handling a few guns without buying one. Secondly, as you pick each one up - Is it comfortable and does it fit your hand? Can you get a good grip on it? When you aim it (down or away, of course) does it feel natural? Lastly, evaluate the guns in terms of how easy they are to load, rack, cock, unload, etc. Some pistols (esp. those with double stack magazines) require a lot of finger strength to load 5+ cartridges. As long as you stay away from the smaller guns, recoil should not be an issue. So I would suggest a gun with a 4"+ barrel that is comfortable to grip and points easily.

[Fishman777]

Have a look at Keltec's new .22 magnum pistol. It holds 30 +1 rounds of .22 magnum. .22 magnum is a really good pentrator. I've read that it is a better pentrator than .38 special. It packs more of a punch out of a handgun than .22 lr rounds out of a rifle.

I'm really thinking about picking up on of these.

[Rexster]

My issue is right hand nerve damage, not arthritis, so take this as FWIW. I have found running a slide to be problematic, if shooting in lefty mode, as the right hand just can't do some things anymore. I can still shoot a handgun fine with the right hand hand, running the slide with the left hand.

Revolver or auto, a a handgun with a lower bore axis directs recoil through the wrist more so than kicking upward, which directs recoil against the web of the hand, causing the hand to be torqued in that direction. Within reason, either way works, but if one type of action is more aggravating to one's infirmities, keep that factor in mind. With autos, two ends of the bore axis range are represented by Glock and SIG as examples, from low to high. With revolvers, assuming a good high hold on all of them, J-frames and SP101s have low bore axes, a K-frame is in between, and L and N Frames will be higher.

This is offered as food for thought, as arthritis is not my issue; not yet, anyway.

[Fat Boy]

I believe the best way to determine what works for you, if possible, is to visit a range that rents handguns, and try different guns; see what works for you.

My most recent issue is significant, chronic shoulder pain- doesn't affect shooting, yet. Given that I have just crossed my 56th year on this earth, I am only expecting physical issues to worsen over time, and have already begun thinking about which handgun(s) will work best for me in the years to come.

Best of luck!

[jimmyraythomason]

I have osteo-arthritis but it hasn't affected my hands very much yet. I shoot both but actually find the revolvers much easier to operate.

[writerinmo]

I have mild arthritis in both hands, and enough that loading a magazine can be a pain for the last few rounds. I bought a Maglula Uplula for my 9mm through .45 semi-auto magazines and this thing is wonderful, best thing since sliced bread IMHO.

I stick with the semi-autos, I personally EDC a SW40VE but the long trigger pull is similar to a DA revolver. Just remember, you only have to rack the slide once per magazine.

[David E]

It depends on the type/severity of the arthritis, but for general target shooting purposes, I think it'd be difficult to find much of a downside for a singel action .357 (or .22)

The loading gate needs to be opened and the ejector rod operated, but that's about it as far as "difficult" handling goes. No hard, long DA pull to deal with, or tiny cylinder release latch either.

Once loaded, cock the hammer and pull the trigger. Repeat.

[The Lone Haranguer]

If just for target shooting, there is no real need for racking slides or pulling double-action triggers. A revolver (either a single-action or a double-action cocked to fire SA) in .22 rimfire or .38 Special with lightly loaded ammunition should be fine. If cocking the hammer gives trouble due to the thumb motions required, use the thumb of the support hand to sweep it back. For a defensive sidearm I would recommend the Beretta 86. The slide does not have to be racked (the barrel tips up at the rear to load the chamber) and its safety system permits it to be carried "cocked and locked" for a lighter trigger pull.

[Trebor]

If if is for target shooting ONLY, look into a Ruger Mk II or Mark III.

The bolt (it's not a slide) isn't that hard to retract. The magazines have a button on them that you depress to make loading easier. There are also mag loaders available.

You'll have to try one for yourself, but it's worth a look.

You may find a used one, that's been broken in a bit, easier to rack then a brand new pistol, btw.

The Browning Buckmark is also worth consideration.

[JShirley]

.22 Magnum is NOT a "better penetrator" than. 38 Special. It will cause more destruction than some .38 rounds. (Very deep penetration is the mark of a poor defensive bullet, such as 9x19 FMJ. Expanding rounds penetrate less, but make much larger wound tracks.)

As with everything else, revolvers and pistols each have their advantages. Under stress, a pistol is much faster to reload.

[doubleh]

The uplula is great for the hi-cap mags. Makes loading them easy.

Something no one has mentioned. If recoil is painful you might switch to shooting single action revolvers as the design lets them roll in your hand and lessen the felt recoil. If holding it and cocking it with one hand is difficult, hold it with one hand and cock it with the other. Might be worth a try to keep shooting.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

Generally, carrying only 5 or 6 rounds is deliberately handicapping yourself, should a violent encounter actually occur. But if one cannot work the slide of a semi-auto due to medical reason, a revolver is a good compromise compared to not carrying at all.

[jimmyraythomason]

Generally, carrying only 5 or 6 rounds is deliberately handicapping yourself, should a violent encounter actually occur. Thanks,I just added that to the myths and legends thread.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

I would wager you also think being assaulted by multiple attackers is also a myth.

[jimmyraythomason]

Multiple attackers are very possible. More than 6 is highly unlikely(unless you are a gang member or something).

[easyg]

Multiple attackers are very possible. More than 6 is highly unlikely(unless you are a gang member or something).
Look are real life shootings....

Even those who regularly train (like cops and soldiers) still miss their attackers with disturbing frequency.

And since "one shot stops" are rather rare, one should certainly try to put several rounds in the attacker (or attackers) to increase the likelihood of a quick stop to the aggression.

Considering those two notions, then yes, carrying a 5-shot or 6-shot revolver can be considered handicapping oneself.

[jimmyraythomason]

Everyone has to satisfy themselves as to what they "need" to feel protected. I find bandoleers of ammo are quite hard to conceal.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

Multiple attackers are very possible. More than 6 is highly unlikely(unless you are a gang member or something).

I certainly hope you're not under the impression that A: one pistol round will stop one attacker, and B: you will actually hit said attacker with your own round.

As easyg said, one-shot-stops are a fantasy. If you're training yourself to only fire once with your pistol at a dangerous attacker, you are training in an unsafe manner. Second, if you think that under the stress, tunnel vision, and adrenaline rush of a violent encounter, you will actually hit your target in vital areas with every round you fire, you are not being honest with yourself.

Basically, if you taking multiple attackers into consideration, which you said is possible, you need to also consider multiple rounds per target and account for the very likely misses you will fire. Once those two things are factored in, those 5 or 6 rounds in your revolver stand a good chance of being gone before the threat is over.

I find bandoleers of ammo are quite hard to conceal.

A pistol that holds 10-17 rounds in the magazine on the other hand, is very easy to conceal.

A good rule of thumb for how many rounds is enough in the weapon is, assume there are three attackers, give everyone two rounds, then double it for misses. That's 12 rounds ready to go. You do not want to arrive at the end of the encounter with an empty weapon, hoping it's over. You should be scanning, reassessing, with a weapon that is ready to save your life again.

You take down 3 bad guys, and you still have 4 or 5 rounds left in your weapon, you're in a decent place. You shoot at 3 bad guys, and one of them is unhurt and you have an empty weapon...

[easyg]

I find bandoleers of ammo are quite hard to conceal.
Yeah, those probably are hard to conceal.

Fortunately, I have a Glock 27. ;)

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n165/allenXdog/HPIM6634.jpg

10 rounds in the pistol.
And if I carry just one G22 magazine (which fits the G27 just fine), I can have an extra 15 rounds on hand.

One loaded pistol + one loaded extra magazine = 25 rounds = sweet!!!:)

[jimmyraythomason]

FWIW,I have a CZ-82 with 12 round magazine that I carry (I do not carry an extra mag) but am not underprotected with the Taurus or S&W snubbies with Remington Golden Sabres in .38 sp.

[Fishman777]

According to the boys at Gunblast.com, who are huge fans of the .22 magnum cartridge, the .22 magnum is a better penetrator than many .38 acp and .38 special loads. They state this based on their experience with the cartridge and mention this observation in several of their reviews.

http://www.gunblast.com/Charter-Pathfinder.htm

http://www.gunblast.com/Taurus-941Ultralite.htm

[rocky branch]

With my worsening arthritis I am beinning to be afraid I might actually drop a pistol.
Certain, sometimes unpredictable moves cause unbelieveable sharp pain in my wrist.

I have been putting off a joint replacement where my thumb goes into my wrist.
Had my left done years ago with some remaining issues.
Old age ain't for sissies.

[MCgunner]

According to the boys at Gunblast.com, who are huge fans of the .22 magnum cartridge, the .22 magnum is a better penetrator than many .38 acp and .38 special loads. They state this based on their experience with the cartridge and mention this observation in several of their reviews.

http://www.gunblast.com/Charter-Pathfinder.htm

http://www.gunblast.com/Taurus-941Ultralite.htm

Thanks for those links. I just got a 5 shot NAA Black Widow and have been reading such links about the .22 mag. Now, I don't carry it that often, really do think a 9 or .38 is better when I can carry one which is most of the time, but the little gun has merits and beats my .22LR version in ballistics, I reckon, which ain't sayin' much.

More rounds fired means more bullets flying around the neighborhood which can really get you in trouble! I can't forsee a running, gunning gun fight for an hour and a half with multiple reloads in any self defense scenario. I figure either him or me is going to run first and get the heck outta Dodge. :D The only time I ever had to produce a weapon, the mere sight of a .25ACP ended the confrontation. I didn't know an old bumb with a knife could run so fast. I'm glad he didn't trip and fall on that blade.

[Paladin7]

Since you are new to handguns, I'd strongly recommend the revolver to start with, then move up to the semi-auto.

The revolver is very versatile, has a simpler manual of arms, and the double action trigger is an excellent starting place for training.

The semi-auto, has a more complex manual of arms, is less versatile than the revolver, but has some very strong advantages in social encounters.

Welcome to the Forum and stay safe!

[Rexster]

Interesting, how this has already become become an ammo capacity/number of attackers debate, when the author of the original post is currently taking baby steps with .22 LR into handgunning, specifically target shooting. That being said, we have opened that discussion. There are some .22 rimfire handguns that can double as defensive weapons, and as J-frames have always tended to painfully concentrate recoil in the base joint of my thumb, I am seriously considering an S&W Model 351PD, which holds eight rounds of .22 WMR. This lightweight wonder has a much better trigger pull than the .22 LR Model 317, our example of which would suffer from light-strike malfunctions if the mainspring was replaced with anything lighter. I can't explain why a 317 needs such an extra-heavy mainspring, but it seems necessary.

I have the greatest respect for the late, great Bill Jordan, and I remember him advocating the concept of an Airweight J-snub chambered in .22 WMR. I don't remember if he advocated carrying it by itself, or as a back-up, but as he served on the southern border during some very rough times, he was no stranger to gunfights. Well, it took decades, but S&W now makes such a weapon.

Don't get me wrong, I believe in .38 +P and 9mm +P on upward for primary defensive weapons, but if future medical conditions compel me to carry something milder, I will not feel defenseless with .22 WMR. And, I don't feel handicapped by carrying revolvers; who says I must carry just one? ;) Two of those 351 PD eightguns adds up to 16 rounds. I have actually carried two to three SP101 snubbies concealed during the 2002-2007 time period, and as my not-so-large hands are well-filled by the SP101 grip, did not feel handicapped by the shootability of the little beasts, which perform almost up to service revolver accuracy in my hands. When I retire from policin' in the next one to eight years, I may well revert to carrying two to three revolvers. (I presently usually carry the same P229 pistols concealed on my own time that I carry in uniform at work.)

Three revolvers too much? Jim Cirillo didn't think so. Not that I feel naked with just one 5-shot revolver, which is, on rare occasions, my only armament, even in "bad" parts of town, for reasons I won't get into here.

[Fishman777]

I'd prefer to use a more legitimate defense cartridge, but if I had issues with recoil or arthritis, I'd like my chances with 31 rounds of .22 magnum.

I'm considering getting one of these for my wife. She currrently uses my 9 mm, but eventually age is going to catch up with both of us. When it does, I think that the Keltec pistol will be a pretty attractive option.

[jad0110]

If getting jumped by 6 or more attackers is a highly likely scenario where you live, I'd seriously consider moving out of that poop hole to another location. Sell a kidney if you have to. 1 vs 6 determined badguys at close range that actually continue to press their attack is pretty sucky odds to say the least, even if you are armed with something like a shotgun or carbine, much less a puny handgun. Your only hope of survival will be keeping your head clear and screwed on, because if fear takes hold it won't really matter how many rounds you have in your gun.

I spend the vast majority of my time in a pretty sedate area where attacks by multiple BGs are exceedingly rare. Heck, violent crime in general is pretty low (usually it's wannabe 'banger on wannabe 'banger). Yes, they could happen, but it is very rare around my parts. Therefore, for me I've concluded that the first shot I fire (God forbid) will be the most critical, so I carry the platform that I can draw and fire better than any other: S&W K and N Frame wheel guns, as well as the Ruger Six Series revolvers. Those guns are an extension of myself, and are the most intuitive for me to draw and fire. But YMMV.

As for arthritis, my mother has fairly painful arthritis. Right now, she relies on a High Standard Citation in 22LR for home protection. In the coming weeks, we will be taking her out to try a number of different handguns, revolvers and autos. Selecting a handgun is a pretty personal thing anyway, throwing arthritis into the mix only makes it more so. Trying different guns out before buying is absolutely mandatory for someone with arthritis, IMO.

[writerinmo]

Be nice if you choose whether or not the bad guys are coming after you. Things happen everyday in places where the first reaction to the news reporter is "Things like that never happen around here." Well, no one can say that anymore. Drugs and thugs are in your neighborhood somewhere, you can rest assured. Whether or not they decide you have something they need is something you can never predict, only be as ready as possible for.

As far as .22 goes, I don't know of anyone who likes to get shot with any caliber.

[Fuego]

I too would strongly recommend the revolver. A used Smith and Wesson Model 10 with a 4" would be ideal for several reasons.

They are plentiful as used revolvers, and they are inexpensive to purchase.

The Model 10 was the standard police revolver until the cops went to semi-automatics and police trade-ins are common.

The controls on the Model 10 are easy to use.

It is easy to load, and easy to eject cartridges.

The .38 Special has a wide variety of cartidge loadings available for it. There are light target loads, and very powerful +P loads.

My uncle lost a hand in WWII and he always travelled with a Model 10 in .38 Special because he could not easily rack the slide of an automatic.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

It's not about getting attacked by 6 bad guys. It's about getting attacked by 2 bad guys, and missing with 2 out of your 5 rounds. Now you've got an empty revolver, and a bad guy who is still able to fight. Now what? While you're fumbling for that speed load, he's shooting at you. Would have been nice to be able to keep shooting at the bad guys until they're down instead of running out of ammo before the fight was over.

[Carl Levitian]

Bernard Goetz did pretty good with a 5 shot snubbie against 4 attackers on a subway car.

After 50 years of reading the Armed Citizen page in the American Rifleman, I've yet to read about either the 300 pound unstopable crack addict, or a prolonged shoot out with a armed gang. What I do read is that most low life criminals seen to run like the cowards they are at the first shots. It is, for the most part, still over in a few seconds and a few shots. But if for some reason you have P.O. the local chapter of Hells Angles or the local drug mob, yes, carry more ammo.

[jimmyraythomason]

It's not about getting attacked by 6 bad guys. It's about getting attacked by 2 bad guys,and missing with 2 out of your 5 rounds. I see no need to carry 20 pounds of ammo. I also see no need to justify my choice of CCW to anyone but myself. The OP asked which action was better for someone with arthritis and that is easily a revolver.

[burley]

Al123, I'd get a ruger mark of some kind and an Ultimate Cliploader. Your hands are going to give you intermitant problems anyway so you might as well get the one with the most options. That's a ruger mark. Get one that has a mount for a scope and have fun.
http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt309/burley_bucket/rugerultra.jpg

[Madcap_Magician]

If it's just for target shooting, I would go with a .22. Semiauto or revolver doesn't matter too much there. For bigger calibers, the recoil spring strength and the DA trigger pull of revolvers do not lend themselves to the arthritic.

However, the recoil springs on .22 target pistols like the Ruger Mark series, the Beretta Neos, etc. are all very light. For revolvers, I would recommend a DA/SA option.

(Before all you revolver folks jump on that, I would say that my arthritic mother couldn't rack the slide on any of a wide variety of semiautos... but eventually also couldn't handle the DA trigger on a Ruger SP101)

The most important thing, of course, is to have them find out by trying various guns what they have the hand strength to use, because if they can't dry fire the gun, they probably won't be able to shoot it... and shooting a .22, which you shouldn't dry fire, takes no more physical effort that performing a functions check on it.

[jimmyraythomason]

For bigger calibers, the recoil spring strength and the DA trigger pull of revolvers do not lend themselves to the arthritic.
I agree in part. My S&W Model 36 and Taurus 85UL are almost as light in DA as in SA and are very easy on my arthritic bones(hands aren't too bad yet). I shoot my DA .44 magnums in SA only and it does hurt in my wrists and elbows. I also agree that the Ruger Mark pistols would be the easiest of the semi-auto target only guns(loved the ones I had). Basically it is going to be, try several and pick what works best for you.

[al123]

Thanks for the replies. And for those who posted photos, they're great, detailed pictures.

It looks like a personal thing, so trying out first hand definitely is important.

Things to watch out (for the arthritic) seem to be how easily one can rack the slide on a semi-auto vs. the DA trigger on some revolvers. I'll keep that in mind.

[burley]

http://www.gunblast.com/Cliploader.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAN_v8pDr4w

[burley]

http://www.hornetproducts.com/bin/category.asp?category=22

Cliploader and bolt racker. Problem solved for a Mark II. If you find one that's drilled and tapped for a scope or red dot mount you'll be dancin'.

I'd call around to local gunshops and pawnshops after looking at gunbroker. Mark IIs are around 300 bucks mol.

[sm]

Original Post: The general purpose will be for target shooting.

I lean more to revolvers.
I base this on how raised, and experiences with those with arthritis and other physical limits.

Revolvers, especially older ones with buttery smooth actions, are just a joy to shoot anyway. The ability to tweak fit to shooter's hand, with various stocks on the market, is a big plus with revolvers.
Easier to load, and not having to pick up brass is appreciated too.

We often forget, that arthritis, and other physical limits, be these temporary or permanent, affect the whole person.
For example, hands and fingers may be fine, but having arthritis /physical limits in hips, or knees, one may better appreciate not having to bend down to pick up brass.

Another nice thing about revolvers, is the action is NOT dependent on loading to run the gun.
Meaning one can shoot more "soft" or "less recoil" loads if need. Take the .38spl with 148 gr wadcutter loads. These are easier on a person, accurate, and leave a nice clean hole.

All this leads up to...
... when a person is not hurting, their confidence and self esteem increases, they continue to improve and they have FUN!

Actually one should have two revolvers anyway. One a .22 rim-fire, and the other a center fire. It would be best to have these two similar, like a S&W Model 18 and Model 10.
Quality practice with a .22 will transfer to a center fire.

Always has, always will.

.

[19&41]

By all means, if you have access to a range that rents handguns, try both revolver and semi auto and let your confidence and comfort guide your choice. My sister has severe arthritis and it is baffling to determine what is easy for her to operate in any type of hand operated device. Trial and error rules the day, as it can also be recoil that causes aggravation of an arthritic condition. I would start with a small caliber for targets, and work up.

[JShirley]

If one actually looks at penetration tests, it becomes obvious that defensive rounds from 2" .38s and .22 Mag are similar. More than doubling barrel length will mean LESS penetration and MORE expansion from the .22. If you have read claims from folks saying .22 Mag from a rifle has great penetration, they're wrong. The .22 Mag only has "great penetration" when fired from the LEAST EFFECTIVE very short barrels.