Age old question. What CCW for elderly

[alamogunr]

I carry rarely and there are many good pistol recommendations in this thread than I can't improve. There is one critical recommendation, however, that needs to be added for all of us "old folks" and that is EXERCISE! When I was in my early sixties I had all kinds of aches and pains and my balance was a little off - I was getting the symptoms of "old" . My doctor suggested exercise and walking. Now at age 72 and after about ten years of frequent exercise, I have no serious joint pain, I don't get winded, and my reflexes are good.

Additionally, for hand gun shooting, I have one of those hand grip squeeze things in the car that I squeeze (ten reps) periodically while driving around town. I exercise both hands. My weak hand is stronger and my trigger control on both hands is improved. I can't crack walnuts but I can easily rack all my semi-autos and I can comfortably shoot full boat .357s out of my 640 J frame and I can shoot my Dan Wesson 44 at arms length (bulls eye style) without quivering.

I agree. I'll be 71 in July and try to exercise 3 times a week. Mostly cardio(bicycle, elliptical stepper, treadmill) and relatively light free weights. A man could hurt himself throwing heavy iron around. I don't say I have no aches and pains but they are minor. I've been lucky to not have serious health problems and the exercise is mostly to stave off as many problems as I can.

I carry a model 65 w/3"bbl that has had an action job and the hammer bobbed for DAO. I'm still not a great shot but I can hold them on a paper plate at 15 yards double action. At 6'1" 205lbs, I don't notice the weight too much. A good belt helps.

The original poster asked a very pertinent question and has been given many good answers to choose from. I have a feeling that there are others reading this that don't have the physical limitations but still don't want to carry a full size 1911.

 

[thingamajig]

If you like autos, want good sights, and don't want to rack a slide, you must consider a tip-barrel Beretta like the 86:



Should weigh about 23 oz, which I think would be lighter than the revolvers you have which you said are too heavy. 8+1 rounds and you can carry a spare mags for quick reloads - much faster and easier than strips of .38/.357.
You can find them online for for about the same price as a new Smith or Ruger.

And don't overlook the smaller Tomcats and Bobcats. They are so small and light you can put one in each pocket and when trouble strikes whip 'em both out and dual-wield on those creeps.

 

[bobkat5]

Hi, another "oldtimer" here, 68 quickly approaching, with arthritic hands and wrists. A retired LEO, I have carried concealed for some 45+ years. My carry guns of choice were typically 1911's in 45acp, various 40 S&W's, and in the old days Colt Cobra, Detective Specials, 21/2" Diamonback, and a favorite 21/2" S&W Model 19.

In the past 5 years a Kahr P9 and the Ruger LCR were what usually got slapped on when leaving my home. The slide on the P9 became so difficult for me to manipulate I traded it for a NIB Ruger LC9 with Laser grip installed. It is a great little handgun, that is now also available in 380 auto. The slide is much easier to manipulate than that of the P9.

Another handgun you may wish to consider is Glocks popular 9mm G19. I had never warmed t
o Glocks, but finally acquired a G 19, at a friends urging. It has great capacity, yet is still light and concealable enough for daily concealed carry. The slide is easily drawn for those with limited hand agility, and has very managable recoil. One final note, Smith has a small 3" model 60 size revolver in the 327 magnum that looks great. Only problem is an 800 plus price tag.

Hang in there, and I hope this info helps a little. This was always the best part of acquiring a new gun, the "hunt". Enjoy!

Bobkat

 

[Richard44]

Same age and same problems, plus wanted lighter weight to keep pants up. Found S&W Mod. 36 3" and got it for fair price at gun show. Trigger was rough on double action. New spring kit and 6 hrs. honing took care of that. At 10 yds. off sand bags it was shooting low and to left. File, punch, and hammer took care of that. Factory .38 Sp. Ammo still to much recoil for me. Went to cast 158 gr. HP with 2.5 gr. Bulleys. Now shooting 1 1/2" groups dead on with little recoil.

 

[kilroy2721]

If you are considering a smaller lightweight J frame due to weight, but dislike the recoil, you might consider a larger grip...that will help to tame the recoil down some.

 

[Bill559]

I also am approaching senior status and have some of the problems mentioned in your original post. I do not know if it has been mentioned, but the first accessory I placed on my carry pistol was a Crimson Trace laser. If your gun can accept one of the new green lasers from a good manufacturer; CTC, Viridian, LaserLyte, etc.; even better. I know I could still achieve accurate hits if my glasses were damaged or not accessible. As for a gun, one of the modern single stack 9mm Luger in DAO (but with an extremely smooth double action trigger pull) should be the ticket, just be sure it has a laser available. For old eyes, it is the best thing since sliced bread.

 

[Elliott41]

After much research I bought a 642 and sent it to S&W for its "J frame trigger action job", which at the time cost $80 plus shipping. It was a good investment, making the perceived trigger pull much lighter and smoother. It also maintained S&W's lifetime warranty. I then added Crimson Trace LG-305 rubber overmolded grips which have an "air pocket" behind the top of the backstrap to give a little extra cushion. I practice with my own reloads, 153 grain lead SWC over 3.5 grains of Trail Boss; otherwise it's loaded with Winchester 110 grain Silvertip HPs which supposedly were developed for snubbies. I'm 72, so the laser grips really help the old eyes.

 

[gman51]

I have just recently gone back to a revolver. I really feel the revolver is safer and more reliable than the semi autos. Don't have a safety to be concerned with nor a slide to pull. I have noticed the slides getting harder for me to pull even though I don't have arthritis. I have the LCR .357 which I bought because I can shoot any .38 or use .357. I had an Ruger SP101 .327 mag and sold it. It was a little to big for CC but it could be done. Anyone that says a .327 mag doesn't have harsh recoil has not shot one. With the stock grips it felt like it pulverized my hand with only 3 shots. I changed to Hogue grips and it was much better. The trigger on double action was a bear to pull. Older person I could see having real problems pulling the trigger. In single action the trigger is very nice.
Anyway I bought the LCR and it has got to be the best DAO trigger I have ever felt. I am 62 yr. old and the heavy common revolver triggers made me skeptical of getting one. But this LCR trigger is great.
Shooting just 38 special has friendly recoil. +P is noted + more and the .357 is kind of a bear claw swat experience. The SP101 .327 with stock grips was way worse IMO.
I would suggest getting the LCR .357 version rather than the 38+P only. The 38+P IMO would be to much recoil to handle as the gun is light as a feather. 4 oz. lighter than the .357 version. As far as carry weight the .357 gun only weighs 19 oz. loaded and actually fits into my front jeans pocket. In comparison my KelTec pf9 in 9mm weighed 17 oz. loaded and it was considered the smallest and lightest 9mm at the time.
I paid $559 at Gander but dang it I saw Academy had one for $499 after I bought mine. Academy didn't have one the day I bought from Gander and availability was almost nil so I bought the gander hook. I am so glad I really like this gun.
S&W makes a comparable gun to the LCR and the reviews are pretty much equal. S&W I believe is much more $$.
I really give thumbs up to the LCR in .357. Pull the trigger on one and I think you will be sold on it.
Let us know what you get and how you like shooting it.

 

[sophie]

A "pop gun" might do. Sorry, couldnt resist. I am there myself at 72.

A "pop gun", now that is funny. I haven't heard that in years. I am 72 also, and carry a 642. Not trying to hijack this thread but that "pop gun" is funny and brings back memories.

_______
James

 

[LarryC213]

My 2 cents...

I'm sorry if this has already been mentioned…I have not read every reply. The suggestion of the j-frame sized .22 magnum seems like a good suggestion. I do not know the model numbers, but Beretta and Browning have a somewhat lightweight .380 that comes in two different magazine capacities. I think the low-cap model holds ~ 8 rounds and the other holds 13 rounds. You never have to rack the slide to load the chamber because the gun has that tilt barrel feature that the little .22's and .25's have that are made by Beretta. I've held a couple and they have an incredibly comfortable and ergonomic grip. I've seen some used models at gun shows. I have a model 442 that I use for pocket carry and I like it a lot. It isn't a scandium model, but it is light enough and you can load it with some milder loads. I read somewhere where Massad Ayoob was recommending a trigger-pull reduction kit for j-frame smiths that lowers the DA pull to around 9 pounds, and that is a lot better than 12+ pounds. It was made by a company called Apex Tactical (I'm pretty sure that's the name of the company). I installed one of their kits in my 442 and I have tried a very good assortment of different makes of ammo in mine (since installing the Apex kit) and it has continued to be 100% reliable. Good luck.

 

[DepOne]

Although I rarely carry a revolver I think those who are suggesting that you carry one are correct. I'm 67 and have carried a gun professionally for 50 years. So far I can still rack the slide and fully load the 45 ACP magazine with relative ease. It is not uncommon for people with dexterity problems to have trouble doing both. There are a great number of small, comfortable to carry, quality semi autos out there but, before you buy one, make damn sure you can manipulate the slide and load the magazine. If you can't you might finish in 2nd place in a gunfight.

Personally, I would also recommend a snubbie revolver for you, but probably not one of the really lightweight Scandium guns. Even in .38 the recoil is substantial. Whoever said that in a real defense situation you won't feel the recoil is absolutely correct, but if you are going to carry it you sure as hell better be out practicing with it.

Good luck with whatever you choose, and I hope all your shots are at paper.

 

[littlerocknroller]

Gun for the retired

Hi,
I live in Germany and we don't even think of carrying a gun. So I can only tell you what I was thinking when reading about your problem. My preference would be a simple Model 19 with 2 1/2" barrel. I would add some bigger stocks to take away a bit of recoil (in case you shoot .357). The gun is light, not too small and can produce a lot of punch - in case you want.
Rainer from Germany

 

[Jessie James 58]

I also am of the age that I am on Social Security. If you choose a Revolver practice with light loads (target) ether from a GOOD reloader or factory target round. That will help reduce the felt recoil. Load your gun with +P 38s for protection.
If you end up having to use your gun for protection, you will never feel or remember the guns recoil if you fire it.
If you choose a semi auto make sure it is reliable and feeds the ammo that you are going to use for protection. Again you can use lighter loads for practice once you have made sure the gun will function properly with your chosen defense ammo.
I have Mister Aurthur in my hands also, so I can relate to all of the info here. The two guns I use are the CZ RAMI 9MM, and a tuned Sig 239 9MM with a ' short trigger and short trigger reset'. Both are safe to carry with a live round in the chamber and have a smooth trigger pull, both can have the trigger pull lightened by changing the hammer springs (as can be done on most pistols). I am of the old school, where I like to have a hammer (that I can see) on my guns. Years ago I purchased a Glock 17. It was a fine pistol and shot very well, BUT it just did not feel RIGHT, so it found a different home.

 

[seawind24]

I'm 77 and started to have some arthritis in my hands but the gin soaked raisin treatment solved that. I'm thin and have small hands and when I carry I carry my S & W 9 mm Shield. It's light, very thin, and has a very light recoil for a 9 mm. I use the Remora no clip IWB holster.

 

[Freedomfirst]

Best Concealed Firearm for older folks

I like the S&W M&P 340 scandium DAO revolver. It is light weight and I like the trigger pull - stiff and firm so if you use it in a self defense situation there can be less legal accusations of "negligent discharge" - shooting too many bullets to stop an attack. I load it with Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .38+P's since .357 Magnum rounds hurt my hand out of that snubbie. Difficult to conceal in the Summer though, with light weight clothes. Winter is easier when I use a pocket holster. The bottom line is to find a balance between whatever feels the most comfortable for you to conceal and use.

 

[vipermd]

I would suggest the SW 638 since it has the option of SA to learn the sights. Light, carry in front pants pocket, coat/light jacket pocket so you can have you hand on the gun if a threat seems likely, yet do nothing to alarm civilians ( brandishing), if problem goes away you go about your business. Use a pocket holster, it will stay in pocket and gun will be oriented for the draw. Remove holster to re-holster. The 638 is comfortable even with Speer gold dot 130 gr +p for short barrel gun, 38 wadcutters for practice. Crimson trace/lasermax are an option, also an XS big dot tritium allows you to always see the front sight. Be Safe,

 

[jimmyj]

Long Story-Short:
Ruger LCR .38spl or .22 magnum

 

[vaphil]

Glad to hear I have so much company with CCW questions. I'm 70 with arthritis in both hands (had surgery in 1 and approaching the need for same in the other). I've been carrying for approximately 4 years and have settled in on the Kahr CW9 as my primary carry. I recently purchased a Beretta Nano and find it also easy to carry and handle. Both give me satisfactory result, hand held at 7 - 9 yards. I've tried several other S&W's, Charter Arms and Taurus offerings and am still satisfied with my Kahr (I would consider the S&W M&P Shield but the bank is closed at this time).
Hope this helps.

 

[KKECK5]

What about a S&W Model 36 it has a short barrel and can handle a variety of .38 special ammunition. The sights can be painted with bright color nail polish or model paint so that they can be easily seen crimson trace laser grips can be put on the revolver as well.
.

Ok. i don't feel so bad now.....I painted the front sight of my model 36 with my wife's red polish years ago, when i started to have trouble picking up the front sight. And yes, it makes a world of difference at the range.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I'm 68, and don't have problems with any of my guns yet, although some .44 mag loads seem to recoil a bit.

I think your K-frame snubby is the way to go. I usually carry a 2" Model 15 with Rogers grips, which I really like because of the high square sights. My 2" Model 12 revolvers (each with a Tyler) are a close second. I usually carry the 15 in a Don Hume JIT slide. Any of these revolvers has reasonable power and reasonable recoil. Obviously, the 12s kick a little more.

Sometimes I just carry a 342PD.