handgun choice for handicapped

[socalbeachbum]

I'm getting older, and want advice on choosing a handgun I can run a few thousand rounds through now, get proficient, knowing my arthritis will only get worse with time.

I'm pretty proficient with a Glock 19, a Beretta 92A1, S&W 60, an AR-15, Ruger LCP, been a shooter for the past 55 years or so.

I ask to see what ideas others have about aging and what they end up with as their 'go to' handgun. My present feeling is that a light revolver may be the easiest, can't lose the magazine nor release it accidentally, can't forget where the controls are, etc.

anyone have an opinion

 

[WestKentucky]

I think another glock is your answer (hate that too) because they are extremely reliable, accurate enough, and are very easy to operate. You can swap parts to get a lighter trigger when your finger doesn't want to pull a heavy load any longer, and you can reduce the recoil spring weight for easier slide racking. You can use one of the mag loaders to help unsure hands put ammo where it belongs too. Sure revolvers are simple to operate but that glock can be really easy to operate and pretty simple to get the gun operational as well. This will hopefully reduce the need for a reload as you have more rounds ready, and shaky hands don't reload like they once did. If you do need a second supply of ammo it's easy enough with the glock.

 

[socalbeachbum]

well, I am pretty good with my G19 now, have night sights on it, have the trigger down to 3.5-4 lbs pull.

I do have a few thousand rounds through it. I'm not sure I'd go with a lighter recoil spring. I've messed around with them on my G17L but have had issues with failure to close and chamber a round fully if going too light. maybe 1 or 2 lbs lighter than factory would be ok. I'll have to pay attention to how much easier that makes it to rack the slide

 

[BullRunBear]

If recoil is or becomes a problem, a 22lr. (The ammo has to become available some time soon.) My wife has a Ruger Mk II with a 6" bull barrel. Even when her arthritis symptoms act up it is easy to rack the slide, easier than her CZ Kadet. Being a revolver guy, I would prefer a Single-Ten or a S&W DA 22. No need for a 22 Magnum.

Not easy to find, but I am fond of the Ruger Single-Six in 32 magnum. Using 32 Long ammo it kicks like a 22 and is very accurate. A K-frame 38 special with wadcutter loads would also do for target work. Both cartridges are easy and cheap to reload and commercial ammo is available.

I don't have arthritis but these suggestions are based on what is comfortable for my wife when her symptoms appear.

Jeff

 

[Teachu2]

I'd stick with the 19. Add a grip sleeve if it's painful to shoot. Trigger pull is probably lighter than any reliable DA revolver, capacity reduces need to reload, and I doubt you drop the mag unintentionally.

Another good choice is a S&W M&P 9c. My wife finds it very comfortable to shoot - she has arthritis in her hands. Hers is still stock, but many folks add an Apex trigger.

Shoot everything you can beg, borrow, or rent. You have to find what works best for you and your particular hands.

 

[Jim Watson]

I would stick with the G19. Nothing wrong with the others you list, either.

A small revolver has the advantages you give, but it is not particularly easy to SHOOT; which a lot of people do not take into account when recommending guns for the non-enthusiast.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Honestly, I'd look at the new HK VP9. The trigger is real nice, and arthritis wouldn't be a problem I hope, and the wings on the slide will aid you if chambering a round is difficult. HK makes durable guns, that should serve you well. The mag release is the paddle style also, which will help avoid accidentaly pushing it.

As far as a light revolver goes, light 38 caliber anything can be hard to shoot, especially if your hands are impaired. Id stick with a S&W L frame, like a 686+ in .357, or if they come out with a 3" or shorter model 69, and load that with 44 specials. Of course those really aren't light, so I think the smallest revolver I'd go with is the Ruger SP101.

I really think you'd be better off with the VP9 though. It seems like it would work better for someone with arthritis.

Hmmm, don'r know if the VP9 has a Cali legal model though.

 

[JTQ]

The Glock does seem like good choice. I don't own one, and may never own one, but they seem easy to rack the slide and are simple in operation and recoil is light with 9mm.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Beretta "tip up" barrel....

I'm not sure if Beretta USA still makes new versions but used/good condition models should be available. The "tip up" style allows you to quickly load a round into the pistol chamber without racking the slide or any complex steps.
These Berettas were in .25acp, .32, .380acp if I recall. The smaller pistols could be concealed but they were not the same as a .44magnum N frame or .45acp semi auto.

If your hand strength & dexterity are issues you might want to look at these guns. A Ruger LCR .22mag with a red laser could be smart(if you can fire double action wheel guns). A S&W J frame kit gun in .22LR could work. Again Id add a Lasermax or CT lasergrip to aid marksmanship.
Being disabled or having limited mobility, you may benefit from the red dot laser pointing where you want it, .

edit; I checked the current Beretta USA site. They still offer the Bobcat 21A in regular blue or Inox(silver grey). I think it's in .22LR but it still has the "tip up" format barrel.

 

[bikerdoc]

At 66 I try to maintain proficientcy with my autos and revolvers. My favorite revolver is a Ruger service six - 4 inch.

 

[340PD]

I think if it ever came down to one gun in my doddering years it would be my S&W 586L comp 3"
7 rounds, easily loaded by anyone, a few round options, low recoil, accurate far beyond what I need, and very easy on the eyes.

 

[Deaf Smith]

I'm getting older, and want advice on choosing a handgun I can run a few thousand rounds through now, get proficient, knowing my arthritis will only get worse with time.

I'm pretty proficient with a Glock 19, a Beretta 92A1, S&W 60, an AR-15, Ruger LCP, been a shooter for the past 55 years or so.

I ask to see what ideas others have about aging and what they end up with as their 'go to' handgun. My present feeling is that a light revolver may be the easiest, can't lose the magazine nor release it accidentally, can't forget where the controls are, etc.

anyone have an opinion

While I agree a revolver may be the best choice for it's simplicity and reliability (at least for the first 5 or six.. or even seven shots) wither it's light or heavy just depends. The light ones are easier to carry but as one gets older they find the recoil HURTS. Especially airweight .38s/.357s.

Now here is a sample of outstanding revolvers I have that work for CCW.

Top to bottom going clock wise:

Ruger SP-101 DAO .357 Magnum
S&W 66 2 1/2 Combat Magnum .357
Ruger GP-100 3 inch .357 Magnum
S&W 60 2 inch J .38 spl.
S&W 2 1/2 686 Distinguished Combat Magnum .357 Magnum
S&W 64 2 inch .38 spl.
Ruger Speed Six DAO .357 Magnum
S&W 640 .38 spl.
Ruger Security Six .357 Magnum (I turned into a round butt model.)
S&W 65 'Lady Smith' .357 Magnum

I find that for belt carry the S&W 66 2 1/2 inch Combat Magnum, with Buffalo Bore 'standard' velocity 158gr LSWHPs at 900 fps is just about optimum.

And for IWB the S&W 640 Centennial in .38 special with the same load at around 850 fps is also just about as much as a older geezer (I'm 59 myself) can take.

Not saying any of the others above wouldn't do but for size of package, weight, and power those two are the optimum pick for ME.

It's all about clout .vs. control .vs. concealability and portability.

Deaf

 

[BCRider]

From what I understand about arthritis I would expect a compact and light gun of any sort that shoots a bigger round to be the very LAST thing you will want to use. The kick from compact J frame guns that I've shot with stouter .38Spl rounds mimics the kick I get from a bigger K frame Model 19 shooting hot magnums. I would expect tender joints to scream at you if you try that sort of thing.

Another factor, as I understand arthritis, is that you'll be able to hold some shapes but not others with any degree of comfort and strength. So it's pretty tough to suggest a gun or grips now when your hands aren't there yet.

If you like the idea of expanding your fairly nice broad looking list to include a few different revolvers I think I'd be looking at an L frame 686 or 586 in a barrel to suit your needs. The little bigger size and weight will ease the kick you receive.

To keep your future options open for grip size and shape I'd also suggest a round butt style frame since grips can be done to mimic the square butt styles. But if your hands want a round butt style later on then starting out with a square butt frame means a gun swap. So better to start with the round frame gun.

 

[CWL]

Small pistols are a terrible choice for someone with arthritis.

Whatever the choice of gun, I suggest adding a set of competition pistol grips to the firearm. Comp grips are oversized and designed to better fit the swell of your palm and allow comfortable placement of the fingers for better hold & control of a firearm for shooting. Take a look at what Herrit and Volquartsen offer.

Replace moving parts like slide releases and cylinder release with oversized parts for easier gun manipulation.

Consider changing the sights to a set of Express site offered by XS Sight Systems for easier front site acquisition and fast placement onto target. Good for older eyes and shaky hands.

If a semiauto. Either buy, or get the rear sight notched so that you can do fast slide racking off of your boot, belt, table edge, whatever. Originally meant as a means for someone with one hand/arm out of commission to get back into the fight, it can also help anyone who has trouble racking the slide of their pistol due to age.

Personally, I'd also consider firearms using larger bullets for easier handling. It'd be easier for me to grip .38 spl and ..45ACP rounds than 9mm, .22lr, .32ACP.

 

[JohnBiltz]

If recoil is a problem and you like Glocks then a G42 seems a no brainer. The G42 is about as soft shooting as a gun gets this side of .22. If the problem is gripping the gun then a revolver offers the most options. I would say that the best solution for at home is going to be a long gun.

 

[herrwalther]

I second firearms that use a barrel tip-up design. Not very many to choose from. Taurus makes/made a few in .22LR and .25ACP. Beretta makes the Tomcat and Bobcat which are .32ACP and .22LR respectively. Beretta also made a model called the Cheetah which is a bit more hard to find. The 83, 84, 85, and 86 models were chambered in .380ACP and the others were .32ACP. Either the .32 or .380 gun from Beretta or Taurus are probably the easiest arthritis guns there are, in my experience.

 

[Artym]

Revolvers

I have arthritis, but it is not too bad. A clear advantage of a revolver is that you can shoot pretty tame loads out of it, and it will function just fine. A small auto in any real power level, and all handguns are really weak, will pound your hand. A 380 in a 21 oz gun has worse recoil than a 38 +p in many decent revolvers like a K frame or SP101 Ruger.
You can shoot mild loads in a revolver and it will work. You don't need to struggle with a slide, loading a magazine, or worry about a weak grip leading to jams.
I certainly like 22s for target practice, but for the real deal, go with a revolver if you have bad arthritis. Just be sure to try the trigger out first to be sure it suits your needs.
There is no need to go to a very small gun, like a snubby, unless you need it for carry. A medium sized gun will be easier to shoot.

 

[JTQ]

There seem to be a lot of recommendations for little guns in this thread, much like the recommendations you'll find in the "what should I get my wife/girlfriend/etc.," threads.

Who finds it easier to shoot a pocket pistol than a full size auto like a G17/G19 or a Beretta 92. Not me.

The bigger gun will absorb recoil better, it will be easier to grip, and the controls will be easier to operate.

Unless the OP mentioned, "I need to pocket carry this gun" somewhere in one of his posts, and I missed it, I say get a bigger gun that shoots a low recoiling round.

 

[CWL]

I think the people recommending "mouseguns" don't have a good grasp of what arthritis will do to a person's hands and fingers.

 

[Jim K]

No arthritis in the hands, but they are not as strong as they once were and I don't load a magazine or retract a slide as easily as I once did. I think if I got bad in that department, I would stick with two old favorites, a Model 19 and my square butt 3" Model 36. If the DA got too hard, I can use SA.

Jim

 

[popbang]

I have issues with my hands and arms that limits my hand strength. You need a gun that heavy enough to absorb some of the recoil. I cannot pull double action trigger with my fingers. My grip is such that I limp wrist most semis. I have chosen single action revolver as just right for me.

 

[skoro]

anyone have an opinion

You're on target with the revolver. I'm also old and that's what I keep handy for HD and carry. Very simple manual of arms. Failure drill? Pull the trigger again.

So simple even a cave m, er..., a geezer can do it.

 

[g.willikers]

None of us can really recommend what is going to be best for you.
You're the only one who can judge what that is.
Pick the one that is the best choice right now.
It will probably still be the best choice in the future.

 

[Jenrick]

I was diagnosed with full body rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 21, and have been dealing with it in one form or another ever since. Prior to my diagnosis and treatment it was bad, real bad. Like couldn't make a fist, or roll my wrists.

Revolvers have an advantage in that you can have a pretty custom grip on them that will fit your hand comfortably, and allow you to manage recoil even with diminished strength. Most semi-autos don't allow that. Also revolvers will function with everything from full power loads, to powder puff target loads. Most semi-autos won't. Loading a revolver is a dexterous task, but once it's loaded, if you can grab it you can probably shoot it (depending on hand strength). If you're trigger finger not up to DA shooting, select a revolver that can be cocked to shoot SA.

Surprisingly if you're going to go with a semi-auto go either traditional double action or the single action route. Cocking the external hammer will dramatically reduce the amount of force it takes to run the slide.

For me a full steel K frame with standard pressure .38 special was a good choice at the worst of it all. As my hand's got better and I was able to grip thing better a 1911 in 9mm and then .45 both at standard pressure and large target style groups worked well. I then transitioned to a P226 in TDA, and used dry fire in DA as a hand exercises.

Good luck to you,

-Jenrick

 

[Psyphertext]

I wish you were in Springfield, Mo! I built a comp class catering to the individual needs of someone handicapped, injured, or disabled. I spent 3 weeks between a cane, an arm sling, a walker, a knee scooter, and even a wheelchair.

My first suggestion is wheel gun due to the likelihood it won't jam. Ammo capacity is very limited and depending on the disability, reloads with a revolver may be a problem. Mine is a Glock 19 with 115 grain hollow points, since you are proficient with it. My backup us a S&W 638 in 38spl+p, but I run standard loads in it to manage single-hand recoil recovery for follow-up shots.

One tip, disability or injury. No matter your disability, identify your weakest moments in your routine and train around them. I found getting in and out of cars and homes a huge weak point.

You will be shocked at the creative ideas you can come up with training around those weak points. I cannot begin to explain how much I hated and enjoyed that learning experience as an instructor. Absolutely eye opening!