jar
Contributing Member
Does it have an extractor?
What gun for disabled wife - she has MS
- Thread starter Valkman
- Start date
jar
Contributing Member
The problem with all of the tip up barrels no-extractor pistols is the failure drill.
Remember, the reason to choose the tip up barrel is that the shooter finds it hard or impossible to rack the slide. If there is a failure to fire or failure to eject then the shooter must tip up the barrel hoping that flings the dud or case out. If the dud or case does not fly out then the dud or case needs to be extracted by hand. From a hot chamber.
The next issue is where to get the replacement round? The obvious source is to rack the slide to get one from the magazine. But remember the problem.
The Tip up barrels are great as range guns where you can have a box of ammo to rely upon but for someone who cannot rack the slide I can't recommend them for SD. If they had an extractor that would increase the probability that a case doesn't get stuck but still does not address the miss fire issue.
The really moderate effort slide pistols available seem at least to me to be a far better choice than the tip up barrel.
SterlingBullet
Member
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2015
- Messages
- 305
I have worked at a LGS for a number of years in Florida; a state with a sizable population that is older with hand/finger/wrist conditions that make operating slides and pulling triggers difficult, painful or impossible.
The best handguns have easy to rack slides and trigger pulls under 5 lbs. However, virtually everyone can pull the trigger on most 1911 action guns if the slide has been pre-racked.
In order of ease-of-operation:
#1. Ruger LCP II Lite Rack 22 LR. If you cannot rack this pistol or operate its trigger, then there is no other firearm you could fully operate. Note that Ruger now has a Lite Rack 380. I have not yet handled this gun but I assume it should be about the same.
#2. Smith&Wesson EZ 380. The only concern is whether the person can grip the gun tightly enough to operate the grip safety.
#3. Smith&Wesson EZ 9mm. The slide has a little more resistance than the EZ 380.
#4. The Ruger SR 22. Note that some SR 22s have slides that provide resistance similar to the Lite Rack 22LR and very light trigger pulls but it varies by individual gun.
#5. The new Smith&Wesson EZ Equalizer.
There are some factory revolvers with lighter triggers and shorter length of pulls that can accommodate arthritics. But it is on an individual basis by gun and operator. Note that some people with arthritis may have a trigger finger that is unaffected making is easy to operate most revolvers. Some of the micro 1911s have easy slides to rack but it varies by individual gun.
There are some tools that help grip a slide to allow easier operation but it varies by person. Some slides can be racked by being pressed against furniture edges but again it varies by gun and operator skill level.
That’s the best information I have based on selling hundreds of handguns to first-time gun buyers in their 70s, 80s and 90s, since the pandemic panic started three years ago.
The best handguns have easy to rack slides and trigger pulls under 5 lbs. However, virtually everyone can pull the trigger on most 1911 action guns if the slide has been pre-racked.
In order of ease-of-operation:
#1. Ruger LCP II Lite Rack 22 LR. If you cannot rack this pistol or operate its trigger, then there is no other firearm you could fully operate. Note that Ruger now has a Lite Rack 380. I have not yet handled this gun but I assume it should be about the same.
#2. Smith&Wesson EZ 380. The only concern is whether the person can grip the gun tightly enough to operate the grip safety.
#3. Smith&Wesson EZ 9mm. The slide has a little more resistance than the EZ 380.
#4. The Ruger SR 22. Note that some SR 22s have slides that provide resistance similar to the Lite Rack 22LR and very light trigger pulls but it varies by individual gun.
#5. The new Smith&Wesson EZ Equalizer.
There are some factory revolvers with lighter triggers and shorter length of pulls that can accommodate arthritics. But it is on an individual basis by gun and operator. Note that some people with arthritis may have a trigger finger that is unaffected making is easy to operate most revolvers. Some of the micro 1911s have easy slides to rack but it varies by individual gun.
There are some tools that help grip a slide to allow easier operation but it varies by person. Some slides can be racked by being pressed against furniture edges but again it varies by gun and operator skill level.
That’s the best information I have based on selling hundreds of handguns to first-time gun buyers in their 70s, 80s and 90s, since the pandemic panic started three years ago.
Last edited:
OP
OP
Valkman
Member
She thought this one was too heavy, and we haven't found a EZ 380 yet. Also looking for a Ruger Security 380.
jar
Contributing Member
Discount Gun Source website says they have the Security 380 in stock. Scroll down to the 380s.
OP
OP
Valkman
Member
jar
Contributing Member
Make sure it's the M2 version although I think the 380 was only available in the M2. Yeah, at $299 I'm tempted to take the heir and a spare regal route.
OP
OP
Valkman
Member
OP
OP
Valkman
Member
OP
OP
Valkman
Member
Here's a couple shots of the Sig:
OP
OP
Valkman
Member
Ruger Security 380
jar
Contributing Member
Register the Ruger and get 20% off on mags or other goodies.
OP
OP
