I would think it would not be the recoil spring weight that would be the problem with racking the slide , but , gripping the slide and overcoming the recoil spring weight . So I would think make it easier to grip the slide and there are a multitude of things on the market for this ( Glock slide covers that stick out on both sides ) . Just something for his thumb and finger to register on . Once you decide to go this route the pistol choices and calibers open up . Finding a pistol that fits this narrow application out of the box , that's going to be tuff . Not a fan of .380 anything because its a short bullet that doesn't engage much rifling and most ( I repeat most ) don't shoot well ( yes I did buy one ,PK 380 , still have it ) . For instance , CZ PO-7 in 9mm , ( endless holster choices ) polymer lower but heavy enough for mild recoil and a full grip that spreads out the recoil . Change the decocker to a safety for cocked and locked carry ( it comes with it ) . He can cock the hammer on an empty gun dropping the force required to rack the slide by a third . Buy the Cajun deluxe trigger kit ( you can pull my review up on that ) that I believe comes with one step lower recoil spring ( or just buy the spring only ) . Have a dovetail milled in the slide for some kind of slide racker that sticks out on both sides . Buy some sights that work for him ( XS big dot ? ) . I know this sounds involved but it really isn't . I just think building something that is tailored for him would be the way to go instead of trying to find something that works , kind of , sort of , but not really . As we all know if we don't like a gun we won't practice with it much . Just a suggestion .