Handgun suggestions for those with arthritis

[deth-jeep]

My parents have expressed an intrest in purchasing their first firearm. My mother has arthritis badly enough that my Bodyguard trigger is too much for her to squeeze. I have an old H&R double action .32 sw and that one is too much as well. What I'm looking for is the "jitterbug" of hand guns with a lighter trigger for mom. I should add that this will be kept at the house, I don't see them concealed carrying.

[pitt45GAP]

keltec pmr-30 - .22 winmag
fn Five seveN - 5.7 x 28

both have mild recoil and fairly easy triggers... the FN having only a 4.5lb trigger w/ easy to reach safety and slide stop..both have the ability to send a lot of firepower towards an attacker rapidly.

[39flathead]

Find a good gunsmith to talk to.
Mine just built up a 1911 for a guy and the trigger is awesome.

Also, while it might not be for everyone, there are "Cocking Handles" for Glocks that allow you to rack the slide with a table, door frame or off hand and then go with a 3.5 trigger/connector on top of that.

I did one of these setups for a guy with 3 fingers on his left hand.

Jump to about the 5:30 mark:

[deth-jeep]

That's a neat product but I'm still doubting my mothers ability to rack a slide. What about a .357 revolver (loaded with 38's) and some type of extended hammer? Does that even exist, I will have to seek out a gunsmith in my area. My dad is not a problem, but with my mom I don't want to overwhelm the old gal.

[rmagill]

I would first try a Glock or a 1911 - whichever is more comfortable in the hands. If a .45 1911 is a bit much, maybe a 9mm version will be more comfortable... If the recoil is still too much, .22...

[Deleted]

My hands are beat to crap from years of working with dogs. The arthritis in my hands gets bad after a day of heavy shooting. I have noticed however they hurt less when I shoot my 1911's. I think the .45 combined with the heavier gun cuts the recoil and muzzle flip and saves the hands a bit....JMO

[Twoboxer]

That's a neat product but I'm still doubting my mothers ability to rack a slide.

I'd suggest giving that cocking lever a second thought.

If her arthritis has left her with twisted and/or weak fingers and no grasping strength - but she has normal arm strength - the palm of her hand and a slingshot move will rack the slide. And she only has to do that once per (eg) 17 rounds. With a revolver she'll need to cock that hammer every time.

Also, my wife has arthritis and neuropathy - can't open a bottle of Snapple - but she can rack the slides on an SR22, M&P9, and S&W1911. She does it once each weapon per range session, I handle the racking the rest of the time to save her arms for aiming. My point is if you're guessing about mom's ability to do it . . . don't. Bring her to the range and try them out.

[39flathead]

I'd suggest giving that cocking lever a second thought.

If her arthritis has left her with twisted and/or weak fingers and no grasping strength - but she has normal arm strength - the palm of her hand and a slingshot move will rack the slide. And she only has to do that once per (eg) 17 rounds. With a revolver she'll need to cock that hammer every time.

Also, my wife has arthritis and neuropathy - can't open a bottle of Snapple - but she can rack the slides on an SR22, M&P9, and S&W1911. She does it once each weapon per range session, I handle the racking the rest of the time to save her arms for aiming. My point is if you're guessing about mom's ability to do it . . . don't. Bring her to the range and try them out.

Pretty much the response I was going to give.

If the gun is kept at the ready, she would only need to be concerned about a reload after 18rnds in a G17, or 34 if a 33rnd mag was inserted.
And in the case is a malfunction.

If she does not have the strength to firmly grasp a firearm in one hand while pushing away from her after hooking that lever on a table top, she probably is not going to be able to fire a gun without it leaving her hand anyway.

[Brick]

FWIW, I think I'd be inclined to forget the idea of a handgun to begin with.

I'd lean more towards a semi-auto shotgun in 20 ga. with the shortest possible legal barrel length. I also think I'd use something like BB size shot. At inside the home room distances there's no reason to use anything heavier.

A 3/4 to 1 oz low brass load should work fine. If you can find them.

Of course the caveat is a reminder to consider your Mom's abode. A private house on its own lot? Or an apartment or condo with neighbors separated by sheetrock walls?

[39flathead]

FWIW, I think I'd be inclined to forget the idea of a handgun to begin with.

I'd lean more towards a semi-auto shotgun in 20 ga. with the shortest possible legal barrel length. I also think I'd use something like BB size shot. At inside the home room distances there's no reason to use anything heavier.

A 3/4 to 1 oz low brass load should work fine. If you can find them.

Of course the caveat is a reminder to consider your Mom's abode. A private house on its own lot? Or an apartment or condo with neighbors separated by sheetrock walls?

Many 20 ga shotguns are light, which can equate to more felt recoil IMO.

Also, depending on her arthritis, and if it's in her shoulders as well, a shotgun is going to be a bad idea.

The Drams are what makes a shells "power", not the amount of brass.

Using the old system of high and low brass would mean that the total plastic shells must have no kick at all.


I'm not singling you out, all those that suggested a shotgun needs to think about what arthritis is and how it can be in other places other than just the hands.



Honestly, the Ruger MK series is a good idea and the triggers can be worked to be smooth as polished glass and IIIRC, someone makes competition type extended "wing grips" for the slide as well.