The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: SwoopSJ on May 18, 2009, 06:26:19 PM
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I've been looking for a handgun for my mother. She doesn't carry, so this would be a nightstand gun only. I would like to get her a suitable defensive caliber (.38 at least), however, due to carpal tunnel syndrome, I don't believe she is capable of handling the recoil. Since any gun is better than no gun, does anyone have any suggestions for a simple defensive handgun chambered for .22 or something of similar low recoil? Thanks for any help y'all can provide.
Swoop
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Hey Swoop, Here'a a good article from Massad Ayoob, specific to ladies.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_3_49/ai_97170886/
Maybe a Taurus 85, or .32,.
IMHO, .22 or .25 is just too small, for a nightstand, some light .38's are out there.
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SP101 in .327. the Ruger SP101 will shoot 32 H&R Magnum, 32 S&W and 32 S&W Long ammunition—giving shooters four caliber offerings and a great, versatile product for target shooting and personal defense applications
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SP101 in .327. the Ruger SP101 will shoot 32 H&R Magnum, 32 S&W and 32 S&W Long ammunition—giving shooters four caliber offerings and a great, versatile product for target shooting and personal defense applications
Took the words out of my mouth Haz.....little heavier frame and this set up won't hurt a bit...24-25 oz...
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Hey Swoop, Here'a a good article from Massad Ayoob, specific to ladies.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_3_49/ai_97170886/
Maybe a Taurus 85, or .32,.
IMHO, .22 or .25 is just too small, for a nightstand, some light .38's are out there.
True, but the best case in a worst case scenario, is that just showing a gun will motivate the bad guy to find an elsewhere to be. Problem is, once you show it, you better be prepared to use it. A .22 that you can use beats a .38 you can't everytime. I agree that a .32 is mo'better, but still a light weight .22 auto has no recoil. If she sleeps with an alarm that will alert her to a door being opened and her bedroom door locked. She will have time to get the pistol, and if necessary put a round through the ceiling tiles. This should hopefully do it.
FQ13
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(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b346/long762range/tacticaldouble.png)
Tactical 20 gauge double. Just holding it will cause any burglar to levitate out of the room.
;D
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Serious question to silliness in 5 posts.....don't think that's a record but it might be close!
;D
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My mama would use it. Course she is an old woman from Arkansas. :)
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Serious question to silliness in 5 posts.....don't think that's a record but it might be close!
;D
Not even close for here . . . ;D
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I'm wondering if the LCR might be a candidate. With regular .38 and the recoil absorbing grip it might be OK for your mom.
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1st if you have any revolvers, have her dry fire one or two and make sure she has the finger strength to shoot double action, of course she can still cock the hammer for S/A, but make sure she can do that as well. If the above works, then I think the .327 would be a fine choice, especially with crimson trace laser grips. The reason I state the above, is a deputy friend brought me a Colt Cobra to slick up, because his girl could not pull the trigger D/A, I slicked it up, but my standards on defense pieces is " No spring modification" Wolff or otherwise, I just don't do it, and Colt revolvers that use the V spring are even worse for positive ignition, and I recommend Federal ammo only, for the softest primers = more positive ignition with revolvers.
Good luck.
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I've been looking for a handgun for my mother. She doesn't carry, so this would be a nightstand gun only. I would like to get her a suitable defensive caliber (.38 at least), however, due to carpal tunnel syndrome, I don't believe she is capable of handling the recoil. Since any gun is better than no gun, does anyone have any suggestions for a simple defensive handgun chambered for .22 or something of similar low recoil? Thanks for any help y'all can provide.
Swoop
Afew years back I bought a Taurus M85 Ultralite for my wife. She loved shooting it. Since I bought it for her, she has developed athritis in her hands, and can't handle recoil like she used to. To remedy this, I purchased some 38 wad cutter target loads. The recoil is greatly reduced and, at close range, I still think they would be an effective SD round. It's better than a pointed stick.
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Thanks for the suggestions guys. She has tried the trigger on my S&W 642, and had no problems. I just figured the recoil from .38 in a snubbie might be a little much for her. I hadn't even thought of the SP101 in .327, but that seems like a very viable option, given the fact its simple (revolver) and has several options for ammo, I'll definitely have to check those out. I had thought of buying one for myself in .357 not too long ago, so I may walk out with two guns. My gun guy should be happy even if my bank isn't. ;D
Swoop
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Thanks for the suggestions guys. She has tried the trigger on my S&W 642, and had no problems. I just figured the recoil from .38 in a snubbie might be a little much for her. I hadn't even thought of the SP101 in .327, but that seems like a very viable option, given the fact its simple (revolver) and has several options for ammo, I'll definitely have to check those out. I had thought of buying one for myself in .357 not too long ago, so I may walk out with two guns. My gun guy should be happy even if my bank isn't. ;D
Swoop
If you've dealt with him before, he should be willing to take either back (unfired) for a nominal restock fee.
FQ13
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I'm not up on all of the Model numbers of all of the gun makes.. but what about like a compact framed Glock 9 or similar model/size doesn't have to be a Glock. Semi-Auto would take some recoil out and the weight would take some more out.. Light trigger pull.. Higher capacity.. Maybe this has been addressed already and I easily could have missed it. Just a thought.
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Charter arms has a new wheel gun chambered in 9mm,40S&W,and 45acp. The 9mm would probably a good choice for Mom.
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38 wad cutters was the old school load for many years. I think this might be good one for her out of say a 4" gun.
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Not even close for here . . . ;D
I think the record will never be beat ... If I remember we once had a poster with a serious question that he twisted himself and never go a serious answer ;D
Seriously - I'd look at something in a .38 spl (easy to find, and a large enough cartridge that it is easy for aging fingers to load), and I would suggest a midsize gun (S&W K frame for the added heft to help control recoil and allow an easy grip).
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If the recoil on a .38 is really a deal breaker..... .32 is a very mild caliber to shoot, even in the little mouse guns. .380 in a heavier weight gun might also work out nicely.
If you go with a revolver, I would suggest having the trigger worked over to help with the carpal tunnel situation.
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you know I've been thinking about this thread.
No one really makes a inexpencive 38 with a light DA... but colt did. A older colt detective can be had for less then $400.
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I have to appologize. In reading all the posts I forgot that .38 might be an issue with her wrists.
If you can get guns of similar design in light calibers let her try some. Start small and work your way up to a recoil she isn't comfortable with.
Good Luck!
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How about a 22 magnum revolver?
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=14744&langId=-1&isFirearm=Y
Smith and Wesson makes the Model 351PD Revolver - HIVIZ® seven shot, 11oz, little kick and very easy to hold.
A 22 magnum is very much on the light side but if it will cause a bad guy to reconcider his career choices and she will not be afraid to shoot it.
22 magnum Hollow points will put a hurt on any one.
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How about a 22 magnum revolver?
Smith and Wesson makes the Model 351PD Revolver - HIVIZ® seven shot, 11oz, little kick and very easy to hold.
Thanks for the suggestion. I wanted to get her something a little more potent, like the SP101 in .327, but she wanted no part of it. She's afraid of the recoil (city girl). ::) The .22 mag may not strike fear into the hearts of the unjust, but it'll sure put a hole in them. ;D
Swoop
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.22 Mag is not all that bad of a SD round.
(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt63/True-Texan/67289.jpg)
I have some of these I have shot into a few cans filled with water (my version of ballistics gel). It completely flattened it out. I've been told they are close to .38 ballistics with LOTS less recoil. (I shouldn't say that without solid backup information, but they do a make a mess of an aluminum can. ;D )