Self defense piece for Mom

"Penetration, stopping power" A few 22s to the gonads will make anything male rethink his pain threshold. Aim lower, mom!

The problem is now, she's having a difficult time with recoil when using .357's and in my humble opinion, the .38 is just simply an underperforming round. I realize that the +P's are a little better but I am now trying to find something that can combine the best stopping power with the ease of operation and keeping in mind the weight so that she'll actually carry the darn thing.
Any suggestions for me?

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If you are limited to revolvers and need less recoil than the .357 you don't have a lot of choices. I honestly think that a good .38 load would work best but if you absolutly won't consider that I would either look at heavier steel frame revolver to deal with .357 recoil (Ruger SP101 or S&W M60 or even a used S&W K-Frame), or perhaps look at a 5 shot .44 special revolver (Charter Arms or used Taurus).

Have you taken Mom a a range that rents handguns so SHE can pick the handgun that fits her best, and then take it on the range to handle and shoot it?

Let Mom pick the handgun, let Mom shoot the handgun, and let Mom decide what handgun she wants. All you have to do is make sure it is a quality handgun, .38 or larger in a revolver or .380 or larger in an auto, and make sure you have your credit card or cash ready .

She will not shoot or carry a handgun she does not like or does not fit her. A handgun that fits her hand will be easier to control and cause her less pain.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

I had a similar issue a year ago. My Mom has Arthritis and a number of other problems that make shooting difficult. While I was trying to find a gun for her, I bought a Ruger LCR in .38 for myself..... She immediately took possession of it. She has trouble working the slide on an auto, and she really isn't a "gun person". She loves this little revolver because it's lightweight and easy for her to hold, the trigger is easy on her, the sights are big and easy to use, and she feels comfortable loading, cleaning, and shooting it. I was so happy we found something she could shoot, carry, and care for I didn't even think about the $450 I was missing.

.38 doesn't pack a huge wallop but it's still a pretty hot round and it also plays well with extremely lightweight firearms and inexperienced shooters. I believe in carrying the biggest thing practical and this thing is incredibly practical for her.

If every (eligible) old lady (of sound judgement) was packing a 5 shot .38 criminals would be terrified.

My wife had trouble with everything I brought for her to try. Brought her a Keltec PMR-30 and she seems to like it. Lightweight pistol at 15 oz., 4" barrell, 22 magnum caliber, 30 round magazine, reasonably accurate. She can rack it with difficulty, but with a 30 round magazine, it is unlikely she will need to, as I would expect the fight to be over with by the time she has shot 30 times. She has no trouble aiming it, taking the safety off, or pulling the trigger. Not the best caliber, but better than .22lr and .25 acp. Just a thought.

Full sized 38 revolver, possibly the 7 or 8 round cylinder, if money is not an issue. Or a Glock 19

My wife(who is a mom too) prefers my model 1905 s&w revolver. k-frame round butt 38spl. Fits her hands just right!

I honestly think down chambering to a .38spl utilizing the tried and true old school "FBI" load of a +P 158gr LSWCHP will be plenty for SD.
I personally like Buffalo Bore.

Although any excuse to get another gun is a good excuse in my book. A .327mag is definitely not a bad idea. From what I've read on them they perform very well.
Plus you have two other down chambering options for practice with .32 S&W and .32 H&R Mag.


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