Best first gun (.22 revolver?) for my mother: has some hand-weakness

[BullRunBear]

Uh, guys.... The OP stated the gun would be to learn the basics of firearms handling and for fun. Specifically NOT for defense. And if she can cock his 1860 Colt cap and ball, she can likely deal with any revolver fired single action that she weild comfortably.

 

[spazzymcgee]

I'm with BullRunBear on this one. I don't even think some of you guys read the OP's requirements.

 

[MedWheeler]

^ x3.. I was about to add this myself ^

 

[doc2rn]

I would wonder about the HK .22's with the front cocking lever...or even a black widow by NAA?

 

[MCgunner]

The SR22 is light weight and quite easy to rack the slide for the weak of hands. It's very reliable, not picky about ammo, and quite accurate. I'd highly recommend it to any DA revolvers other than perhaps an old M17 Smith and Wesson K22 Masterpiece, the only .22 revolver I know with a decent DA trigger pull.

I'd suggest the SR22 be stored condition 3 with safety off and she rack the slide in case it's needed. She could even store it without the mag so that the mag interlock safety would prevent any possibility of it going off if she's worried about grandkids or such. But, this would leave it in cocked and unlocked condition, SA trigger first shot, if she needed the gun and if she couldn't handle the DA pull. It's not THAT bad, but for a weak handed individual, DA can be a problem on any firearm. The Ruger SR22 gives her options, though. With a DA revolver, she might not even be able to get the hammer back.

 

[FlaBoy]

Wow guys, I really appreciate the overwhelming responses. I ended up getting her a Heritage Rough Rider in .22 LR at the gun show saturday. NIB, out the door for 145 cash money. I think it'll be perfect. Fits her hands just fine, and she can work the hammer with her off hand easy as pie. Works a lot better for her than my old Ruger Mk I. And for all the many people who were suggesting compact .380 and 9mm (or .357?!?!) guns for her, you must have missed the part where I mentioned she was an old lady with nerve damage and some weakness in her hands, and that I was looking for a .22 for range/plinking only, not defensive use (no, I'm not dumb enough to get her a single-action .22 with a 6+ inch barrel as her concealed carry piece). She's only shot guns once before, is still not very comfortable handling them, much less carrying one daily. I hope she gets to that point, but for now I just want to teach her the basics of shooting and safety. Again, thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[GEM]

Sounds like a Ruger Bearcat. Very nice size and easy to use. I use it with beginners and it's just fine as a starter and plinker.

About the 38/357 issue - as stated above - folks didn't read the OP before starting the stopping power rant fest.

Here's the point, which many forget as they want to be manly - most gun uses are deterrent. No shots. If any shot is fired and hits the BG it further reduces the crime going to completion. These probabilities dwarf the probability of the zombie, meth, biker, psycho taking many rounds and coming for you.

Thus, if SD was an issue - the 22 puts your far ahead of the game than NO gun because medical conditions limit yous.

I'm surprised no one suggested 12 GAUGE - NUFF SAID!!

The Bearcat would be great.

As far as the tip up 22s like the Taurus and Beretta - they can be extremely finicky and who wants to play around with loads, etc. Get something that works.

 

[Mauser lover]

Good choice FlaBoy. Also, good job in introducing someone into the world of shooting sports.

 

[BCRider]

Congrats on finding a suitable plinker that fit in the budget.

.... I mentioned she was an old lady with nerve damage and some weakness in her hands.....

Seems to me that the one big effect of this is that you and your mom can get out and enjoy some time together doing something that makes you both smile. One of the best things that folks in their later years can have is a hobby that makes them smile at the idea of getting up to face another day. If your mom enjoys the shooting then she has a new hobby. And for her and you it's a double bonus that you can enjoy the time at the range together.

My own mother was great to visit but she didn't really do anything other than just get up and pass through the day. I tried to get her into motorcycle racing but it never seemed like a great idea to her....

 

[firesky101]

Good job FlaBoy, If she likes it that is all that matters. Now you need to get her some bricks to get started

 

[MCgunner]

Mm, well, if she's good with cocking the hammer, that should be a fun gun for her for a not so budget breaking price.

 

[chanroc]

Another vote for the Ruger Single Six. My Mom, who is in her late sixties, loves her's! She has no problem loading it and unloading it. And while she shot my Glock 19 well, she could not rack the slide. Anyway, she can give me a run for the money with the Ruger.