Input Requested: The Old Man Gun

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mine is what has been suggested right along in this thread. double action revolver.
,,,,,32 hr mag 3inch charter arms. 7 pound double action trigger pull. i can pull my elbows tight to my sides, teacup the gun with limited muscle and mash the trigger seven times. low recoil, not as much muzzle flash or noise comparatively speaking.
 
As to cocking the Single Action revolver, the Ruger Blackhawk/Vaquero Single Action have coil springs that facilitate cocking. Colt, and Colt copies, have flat springs which are stiffer. They can be lightened, but often times this results in poor ignition.

But one-at-a-time ejection can be an assist if the fired cases are sticking.

Bob Wright
 
WheelGunMan said:
My favorite DA/SA revolver would be my 3" LCRx357. I like the heft, the balance and the adjustable rear sight that allows me to dial it in for whatever ammo I'm shooting out of it.
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This gets me thinking 6 inch barrel. Much easier on recoil than shorter barrels.
 
chicharrones said:
Yeah, I have true double action pistols with double strike capability, which of course replicates a DA revolver in that regard. What's becoming more difficult with my hands is the squeeze. Some days, the pain just shoots out of nowhere (all this just started in 2020).

Hence my personal reason for now wanting a 1911 based action with a safety lever locked single action trigger. Which goes against my previous and long standing preferences in purchasing a defensive firearm.

But, back to single action revolvers . . . buy a new Ruger and it does not come with a light hair trigger. It takes some 'smithing to remove the factory installed lawyer creep and pull weight. So, it could be argued that a new stock Ruger SA trigger is suitable for SA self defense.
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I'm in the same frame of thought. I'm in the hunt for a HK P30SK v3 with a safety. I get it all with that. DAO if I should so desire with a decocker. SA cocked and locked.

I really, really like my P365XL w/ safety and I shoot it well, but I got the itch for a P30.
 
Jim Watson said:
A twist loader like HKS is simple to load.
A Dade type (Speedbeez) is even simpler, especially with a block.
A Safariland or Jetloader is a pain to load barehanded but no trouble with a tray.
If you have several, you can load them at home at leisure and blaze away at the range.

Moon clips are an easy reload but even the better loading and unloading tools take a bit of work.
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Oh I'm familiar with some speed loaders. I'm saying it didn't make it easier for some one with hand issues. Even the easiest speed loaders requires 1 more step vs dropping right into the cylinders.

Unless of course there is some type of jig, but even then, you still have to load each round into a hole at some point
 
JeeperCreeper said:
Oh I'm familiar with some speed loaders. I'm saying it didn't make it easier for some one with hand issues. Even the easiest speed loaders requires 1 more step vs dropping right into the cylinders.

Unless of course there is some type of jig, but even then, you still have to load each round into a hole at some point
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Actually with my HKS speed loaders you need to get two cartridges kinda over the holes and twist. Gravity does the rest.
 
Don’t know what OP’s definition of old is but I’m over 60 and can still rack a slide, don’t want nothing to do with a 12 lb trigger pull through.

My last to leave gun is my Blackhawk.45 convertible, semi I’m leaning towards a Shield9 but that could change.
 
Dibbs said:
This gets me thinking 6 inch barrel. Much easier on recoil than shorter barrels.
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Yep...I have a 6" Security Six...not a real friendly carry gun though :(. Surprisingly, my 3" LCRx's steel frame does a great job of mitigating recoil.
 
jar said:
Actually with my HKS speed loaders you need to get two cartridges kinda over the holes and twist. Gravity does the rest.
Click to expand...

Definitely, I prefer HKS loaders over my safariland for ease of loading.

But my original point was dexterity becomes an issue just as much (or more) than strength. And in my opinion, there is no speedloader than makes reloading a revolver more simple/easier from start to finish. It's extra steps and still requires taking loose rounds and slotting them into a hole of sorts.

And back to my original post, stuck cases will be a bigger issue anyways. So unloading will be harder than loading.

Unless someone knows a mechanical loader that takes loose rounds and loads them into a speedloader for you.

It's called a "speed" loader not an "easy loader"
 
JeeperCreeper said:
Definitely, I prefer HKS loaders over my safariland for ease of loading.

But my original point was dexterity becomes an issue just as much (or more) than strength. And in my opinion, there is no speedloader than makes reloading a revolver more simple/easier from start to finish. It's extra steps and still requires taking loose rounds and slotting them into a hole of sorts.

And back to my original post, stuck cases will be a bigger issue anyways. So unloading will be harder than loading.

Unless someone knows a mechanical loader that takes loose rounds and loads them into a speedloader for you.

It's called a "speed" loader not an "easy loader"
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True BUT the loading of the speed loader itself can be done during non-stress times and over extended periods. That part can even be incorporated into a physical training regimen and maybe you can even get your home help person to do it for you while they feed you your morning cereal. And there is always the need for ways to engage the grand kids.
 
Thank you everyone for your input.

Based upon your thoughts and my own research and experiences the Old Man Gun will be a Smith and Wesson Model 25-5 in .45 Colt with a 6" barrel (Which I just scored on GunBroker) for the following reasons:

1. 45 Colt bullets are big and easy to manipulate and don't require full moon clips.

2. Smith and Wesson revolvers can have their triggers tuned as needed based upon loss of hand strength.

3. The N-Frame cylinder is big and easy to manipulate.

4. The weight of the N-Frame will help deaden any hand shaking that might be present.

5. The Target Hammer is easily cocked with a thumb or with the heel of the support hand if loss of hand strength makes it so I cannot cycle the double action trigger pull.

6. The six inch barrel will help in steadying the gun and I think will make the front sight easier to see over time.

7. Between now and Old Man Status I can load it mild to slightly wild (no Ruger Loads though).

Thank you again everyone!

-Stan

P.S. I have wanted one of these since I was a kid and everyone's input here plus the stars aligning at Gunbroker have made a dream happen. Thank you!
 
stanley_white said:
Based upon your thoughts and my own research and experiences the Old Man Gun will be a Smith and Wesson Model 25-5 in .45 Colt with a 6" barrel (Which I just scored on GunBroker) for the following reasons:
Click to expand...

Congrats! Sounds great. Looking forward to a follow up when you get it and shoot it. :cool:
 
Interesting choice. I have a Model 57, with a 6" barrel, and it's a heavy gun. A couple of weeks ago I went to the range, and was shooting .41SPL low velocity ammo. My shoulder had been aching a little for the last week or so (onset of bursitis), and I can tell you that holding that gun at arm's length with an achy shoulder it's no fun, nor does it do your groupings any favors either.

When you're young and have no aches or pains, it might sound like a good idea that a heavy gun will steady your hand, but when you reach your golden years, holding something that weighs 45oz at arm's length and trying to steady your aim, it ain't easy.
 
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Dudemeister said:
Interesting choice. I have a Model 57, with a 6" barrel, and it's a heavy gun. A couple of weeks ago I went to the range, and was shooting .41SPL low velocity ammo. My shoulder had been aching a little for the last week or so (onset of bursitis), and I can tell you that holding that gun at arm's length with an achy shoulder it's not fun, not does it do you groupings any favors either.

When you're young and have not aches or pains, it might sound like a good idea that a heavy gun will steady your hand, but when you reach your golden years, holding something that weighs 45oz at arm's length and trying to steady your aim, it ain't easy
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Yes Sir.

Time will either validate or invalidate my over-thinking.

And if not this one, I always have the gun in my avatar, a Ruger .357 Blackhawk in 4 and 5/8” that I can fall back on.

-Stan
 
I had a very similar problem come up with my daughter in-law. She could not operate a slide or in some instances even the trigger of automatic 9mm or 380s. My son was gone 9 months of the year. So I built her a 22/45 Lite 5” with Voquartzen trigger, sear, etc. With Aguila SSS loads it could be very effective with 10 rounds of 60gr inside her house and was very accurate with CCI Mini Mags for plinking. It is real light weight and handles well.
 
stanley_white said:
Thank you everyone for your input.

Based upon your thoughts and my own research and experiences the Old Man Gun will be a Smith and Wesson Model 25-5 in .45 Colt with a 6" barrel (Which I just scored on GunBroker) for the following reasons:

1. 45 Colt bullets are big and easy to manipulate and don't require full moon clips.

2. Smith and Wesson revolvers can have their triggers tuned as needed based upon loss of hand strength.

3. The N-Frame cylinder is big and easy to manipulate.

4. The weight of the N-Frame will help deaden any hand shaking that might be present.

5. The Target Hammer is easily cocked with a thumb or with the heel of the support hand if loss of hand strength makes it so I cannot cycle the double action trigger pull.

6. The six inch barrel will help in steadying the gun and I think will make the front sight easier to see over time.

7. Between now and Old Man Status I can load it mild to slightly wild (no Ruger Loads though).

Thank you again everyone!

-Stan

P.S. I have wanted one of these since I was a kid and everyone's input here plus the stars aligning at Gunbroker have made a dream happen. Thank you!
Click to expand...

There ya go! You've just answered one of your dreams...you only live once in this life...savor the moments!!
 
If I was just going with something I currently own it would probably be my S&W Model 686 with a 4" barrel. Not too big or heavy, can handload anything from mild to off the charts wild, and has a fantastic DA/SA trigger right out of the box.

If I was buying something new I would give serious consideration to what Sistema1927 made a strong case for: a Ruger SP101 in .327 with a 3" barrel. Can run the whole range of loads like with a .357 but with a tad bit less in the way of felt recoil. The only thing that would concern me is finding an SP101 with a decent trigger on it because most of the ones I have tried have been pretty heavy, especially in DA mode.
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I'm 75, and I have to say, speaking for myself, that a lack of interest (in shooting) has preceded a lack of ability in doing so. I can still handle my guns just fine (to the extent I ever could), but for me a trip to the range is a big bother. I'd rather sit at home and admire my many guns. (A side benefit of this is that I don't have to spend money on ammo. I have enough to cover my non-shooting for the rest of my life. :) )
 
I recently gave my son, who will carry it, my beloved Colt Officer's light weight .45acp and moved to the (with same holsters I'm used to) Para P12 LDA .45 because of my advancing years. It took me a few years to get the Para P12 to run 100% , as does it's bigger brother P14 which share same mags if needed. But since this is a revolver thread I still regularly conceal an S&W 640 and with a 9 pound DA trigger can't imagine not being able to use it. If not carrying then then the Colt Service .45s I have would be easy to manipiulate . A sawed of 20 ga. SxS also easy to manipulate :)
 
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