Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
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    Default Handgun suggestions for those with arthritis

    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.
    Last edited by deth-jeep; July 29th, 2012 at 09:54 PM.

  2. #2
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    Mar 2007
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    Indiana Township, Pennsylvania
    (Allegheny County)
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    Default Re: Handgun suggestions for those with arthritis

    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.
    Voluntary transactions are the only moral kind.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Handgun suggestions for those with arthritis

    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:

  4. #4
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    Orangeville, Pennsylvania
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    Default Re: Handgun suggestions for those with arthritis

    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.

  5. #5
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    Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
    (Northampton County)
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    Default Re: Handgun suggestions for those with arthritis

    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...

  6. #6
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    Feb 2012
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    New Hope, Pennsylvania
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    Default Re: Handgun suggestions for those with arthritis

    Quote Originally Posted by deth-jeep View Post
    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.
    Last edited by Twoboxer; July 30th, 2012 at 04:16 AM.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
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    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
    (Allegheny County)
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    Default Re: Handgun suggestions for those with arthritis

    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

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
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    PENNSYLVANIA, Pennsylvania
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    Smile Re: Handgun suggestions for those with arthritis

    I find revolvers ,most,would need triugger work to compensate for arthritis on some folks,But recommend a Bersa 380,easiest slide to rack trigger is a lot lighter to pull than most,its dependable and accurate,good luck.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
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    Pennsyltucky, Pennsylvania
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    Default Re: Handgun suggestions for those with arthritis

    Maybe a long gun would be a better choice?
    FUCK BIDEN

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
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    Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania
    (Pike County)
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    Default Re: Handgun suggestions for those with arthritis

    Have her look at older Smith & Wesson model 10's. They have very smooth trigers and enough weight to cut down on felt recoil.

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