CAS700850
Member
I highly recommend a good quality revolver for your mother, in .38/.357 caliber. Between Smith, Ruger, and Taurus, you should be able to find something in her budget. I'd stick with a 4" barrel, as concealment isn't a concern in the home defense scenario, and it will dampen recoil and be easier for Mom to shoot than a shorter barrel. Have her try the feel of different grips, if possible, to find what feels good. Hogue works especially well, as the open backstrap design will not lengthen the distance to the trigger, making it harder to shoot.
I also concur with the suggestion that you start with .22 for the basics. Ideally, you'd have access to similar guns in both calibers. Then the difference between the guns would be irrelevent to training.
And, assuming you are going to be around for a while, why not try and teach her the basics yourself, to keep costs down? She clealry trusts you, and your judgment, so she'll likely feel comfortable with you providing instruction as well.
I also concur with the suggestion that you start with .22 for the basics. Ideally, you'd have access to similar guns in both calibers. Then the difference between the guns would be irrelevent to training.
And, assuming you are going to be around for a while, why not try and teach her the basics yourself, to keep costs down? She clealry trusts you, and your judgment, so she'll likely feel comfortable with you providing instruction as well.