Self defense recommendation for handicapped shooter

just be sure she can handle the recoil of a lightweight revolver. After I had the tendons in my right hand worked on I couldn't rack the slide on my cw9 so I picked up a sw 442 the recoil even with light 38spl loads is very snappy. And I shoot alot both weak and strong hand.

You might want to look into the Kimber K6S. It is heavier when compared to the S&W 442 (23.0oz vs 14.7oz). Thus, the recoil is really not that snappy. The Kimber K6 has six rounds vs S&W 442 five rounds.

I ended up buying Kimber K6S with Crimson laser grips for my wife and daughter. Previously, my wife carried a P228. They both like the Kimber K6S, though they really do not use the laser. Their SD ammo is Winchester Ranger LE +P .38 Specials (RA38B).

Good luck in your search!

I am a die-hard revolver man but have seen issues in equipping elderly/handicapped/etc. folks with them. As mentioned, recoil can be far too violent in the small frame guns, and pulling DA triggers can also be an overwhelming issue. I first would ensure that the prospective user can physically pull the trigger without too much difficulty, and then would consider the heaviest - rather than lightest - practical gun.

"Serious" gunmen usually think it faintly ridiculous, but I have come more and more to believe that a single action revolver may be the last, best option for folks with severe physical difficulties.

IMHO, a revolver is the right choice. It is 100% reliable can ( and should) be adapted to her with large rubber grips and requires little dexterity and hand strength beyond the trigger finger. The SW 442 model shown is a PC version which has a lighter and smoother action than a standard J frame. It's CT grips are also very good at absorbing recoil. The Ruger LCR is another good choice as it also has an easier trigger out of the box. Beyond that, you could consider a EZ series from SW but she still would need to demonstrate comfort and speed with being able to clear a jam. In my experience (from working in a gun shop), many women with strength issues want a semi auto but just aren't up to the task when tested. Caliber wise, a 38 special in a J frame (with large grips) is no worse than a small polymer framed 9mm (or even 380). All are certainly going to be significantly less than her Mossberg Shockwave

I also have seen lots of people fail to use revolvers properly. Recoil and insurmountable issues with grip position and height over bore, DA pull /OR/ thumb cocking, frankly pretty fussy to get the cylinder open (two coordinated actions) etc. which can be hard with some injury/disability/aging issues. Need to try a bunch of stuff out sometime. First mechanical usage, then can get to a range to see how recoil is handled for those that can be basically operated.

I'd certainly try the EZ, but also ask about carry. Full time wheelchair users consider that part of their body so happily carry in a pouch there. Possible, or has to be on-body? If the latter, start thinking first of where. A gun comfortable all day in a wheelchair with possibly other things strapped in may be a no-go and you are going to be either restricted or have fannypacks etc so more room for bigger things that may alleviate issues. I don't mean an AR pistol, but some of the big .22WMR pistols or even a 10/22 pistol can be pretty easy to shoot, provide more room for a support hand, etc.

Think of sighting also. Often it can be hard to get to the eyeline or hard to focus properly. A red dot or (more likely here) laser may also help. That can add bulk also, so think about it before committing to the whole platform and method of carry.

Also, talk to physical therapy folks (even if dancing around the GUN issue itself). If some level of recovery/strength improvement is on the table, it may be early and waiting a few months would be better. If degenerative (or otherwise expecting regular or near-term degradation for any reason) then give lots of leeway in what you choose now AND set a red line. When there's a range day where X happens (can't pull slide/hammer anymore under some time) then that solution is over, time to step down yet again.

May Wife uses a DAO SP101 .357 for years.
Age and arthritis, she could not longer pull the long, heavy, double action trigger. Sold it

She shoots 1911 much better, but cannot rack the slide.

Lightweight revolvers will be recoil heavy.

Single Action or Double Action (fired single action) may be the best option.

BUT!, let her decide.

Ruger Single Six, SP 101, or GP 100 in .327 Fed or excellent choices. If she can operate and handle them.

If you can find a new or well-taken care of used tip-up Beretta, that may be a route to take. No racking is needed and the ones that I’ve shot were reliable. They were made in .380, as well as smaller .32, .25 and .22 versions if recoil is also a concern.

They are certainly not “tactical-Ted” approved guns for every situation, but having one when it’s needed sure beats not having one…or having a gun you can’t operate.

Stay safe.

The center fire Ruger LCR models are a good choice for someone with poor hand strength.

My elderly mother was easily able to pull the DA trigger on center fire LCRS. The rimfire models were too difficult for her to pull the trigger.

Get her a model 10 S&W.

citizenconn said:

I will take her to the LGS to see if she can manage a S&W Shield EZ slide, but I'm wondering if a revolver would be a better way to go in the long run. I am considering a S&W 442 in .38 spl as pictured.

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I've spent some time training an elderly lady with arthritic hands, and the S&W .380EZ is much, much easier to operate. She enjoys the EZ, but couldn't run the 642 hardly at all.

Could she possibly use the arm or some other part of the wheelchair to aid in racking a slide? Similar to what one should practice for in case of a hand injury during a SD event, using your boot, or belt or a table edge, or whatever to push against the rear sight to rack the slide?
I like the suggestion by @Riomouse911 of a tip up too.

Have her try a few guns. Trigger pull must be doable easily, recoil is a concern. Any gun that appears easy for her to shoot and is of reputable quality and reliability should be considered, caliber would be secondary. The previously mentioned Beretta models with tip up barrel are good choices, Taurus made a copy for years of that design. Cannot emphasize ergonomics enough over caliber. It has to work comfortably and easily.

BlueHeelerFl said:

The center fire Ruger LCR models are a good choice for someone with poor hand strength.

My elderly mother was easily able to pull the DA trigger on center fire LCRS. The rimfire models were too difficult for her to pull the trigger.

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Pretty much makes me think of the 6-shot .327 LCRx or LCR which would allow firing softer shooting .32 magnum or .32 long. A better trigger pull and better defensive ammo than the rimfire alternative. No limp wristing worries, either.

chicharrones said:

Pretty much makes me think of the 6-shot .327 LCRx or LCR which would allow firing softer shooting .32 magnum or .32 long. A better trigger pull and better defensive ammo than the rimfire alternative. No limp wristing worries, either.

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Same. A small light 38 special guarantees plenty of recoil. A small light 32 does not.

Snappy recoil and a horrible trigger would not bode well with hand issues.

Take the lady to the range and arrange for her to shoot a variety of firearms. She might surprise you.
A .22 has much to recommend. Being in a wheelchair a heavier steel pistol or revolver might conceal easer with some creative thinking.

I don’t own one, but the new Colt Pythons and King Cobra supposedly have very smooth triggers, and enough weight to tame .38+P ammo. Capable of both single and double action fire. I agree with those who say the choice must be hers.

wcwhitey said:

Have her try a few guns. Trigger pull must be doable easily, recoil is a concern. Any gun that appears easy for her to shoot and is of reputable quality and reliability should be considered, caliber would be secondary. The previously mentioned Beretta models with tip up barrel are good choices, Taurus made a copy for years of that design. Cannot emphasize ergonomics enough over caliber. It has to work comfortably and easily.

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Excellent advice!

I have had to rethink my choices in home defense and carry guns due to health reason. I have arthritis and fibromyalgia which effects my hands and wrists. Having a handgun that is ergonomic and easy to use is very important. And having a little extra weight will help absorb some of the recoil. I would definitely stay clear of hammerless double action revolvers or any with lightweight frames. And all steel frame will soak up the recoil better and having a hammer on a DA/SA will make it easier too.

A Beretta or Taurus with a tip up barrel would be a good idea if going with a semi-auto. And yes definitely look at the S&W EZ line too.

For home defense, don't overlook a 410 shotgun loaded with buckshot either. My wife has MS and due to her tremors can't shoot handguns very well anymore. But she does fine with my .410 Mossberg 500.

I'll end with stating what others have said. Let her try as many different guns as she can and let her make the final choice.

My wife is 68 and an amputee, spends most of the time in her wheelchair. A .38 snubby will not work for her, too much recoil. (Why do people recommend the 38 snubnose for elderly women when healthy men complain about the recoil?) My wife used a Ruger LC9s until she couldn't cycle the slide and recoil became too much.

I took her to a LGS that had female staff and turned her over to them. SHE chose the S&W .380 EZ. We've been to the range a few times now and she's doing well with it. I also bought a S&W .22 compact as a subcaliber trainer which she also shoots.

I rigged up a holster mounted to the frame of her wheelchair using an Alien gear holster shell and 1/4" starboard as a backing plate. Most people don't notice it yet it's readily accessible for her.

I'd go with a steel framed gun.
My 65 year old wife loves shooting my Ruger SP101 with a 3.2" barrel instead of the Snubbie.

Have to ask how is a firearm going to be helpful ?
Will a perp be able easily over power the wheel chair bound and use firearm on victim ?
How will the firearm "follow" the person from wheel chair to bed or other locations ?
Suggest keeping a fire extinguisher close at hand to dust the perp.
If one decides on a firearm, suggest an M10 or one of the Ruger single action revolvers with a bird head grip - there is a Single Seven with birds head grip in 327 mag that might be a good choice. Or the bird head Wrangler - these are comfortable to hold and operate. Make sure the wheel chair one is part of the selection process.

@citizenconn
I agree with @earplug
It says your in Houston. I am sure there is a range there that will let you and her rent guns. Take her there and let her pick what works for her. You may even inquire if they have a lady shooting instructor that could help her out and help her to feel more comfortable with her test guns.

Thomas Mayberry said:

Why do people recommend the 38 snubnose for elderly women when healthy men complain about the recoil?

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Exactly this.

For my money, a snub revolver in a "major" caliber is graduate-level handgunnery. I shot master and high master scores with revolvers in competition "back in the day" and never have managed a snub as well as I would like to. Suggesting one for grandma because she doesn't get around so well anymore has always struck me as perfectly backwards.

NeroM said:

Have to ask how is a firearm going to be helpful ?
Will a perp be able easily over power the wheel chair bound and use firearm on victim ?
How will the firearm "follow" the person from wheel chair to bed or other locations ?
Suggest keeping a fire extinguisher close at hand to dust the perp.
If one decides on a firearm, suggest an M10 or one of the Ruger single action revolvers with a bird head grip - there is a Single Seven with birds head grip in 327 mag that might be a good choice. Or the bird head Wrangler - these are comfortable to hold and operate. Make sure the wheel chair one is part of the selection process.

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I can't speak for the lady, but if I have the fortune (or misfortune, I suppose) of living to near-uselesness, I will be damned if I do it unarmed.