I'd go with standard velocity service-type ammo with SWC bullets. More punch than a WC, but the way everything seems to be under-loaded today, almost no difference in recoil.
Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
Ammo for 642 or drop back to 22LR!
- Thread starter NYlakesider
- Start date
A local firearms instructor teaches women's handgun classes and suggests the 90 Grain Hornady load for those who have recoil tolerance issues.
I agree with the several posters above recommending a heavier gun. A steel J frame (36, 640, etc.) might be the ticket as might a Model 10 snub. A reduced recoil .38 load in a steel frame would be far preferable to any rimfire. The Airweight is not kind to sensitive hands.
hyena
Member
First thing I would have considered is what type of grips he has on his 642. When I bought mine 20 years ago, it came with skinny little wooden grips. Hurt my hand and trigger finger every time I shot it. I eventually put Uncle Mike's rubber boot grips on it, and can shoot a box of regular (non +P) without discomfort. I recently changed to Altamont smooth rosewood grips so they wouldn't cling to my pocket so much, and about 15 shots is all my hand wants to do.
Everybody's reaction to recoil I different. I have large, strong hands, but I struggle with small, snappy handguns. Large handguns are no problem.
Also - very nice of you to be helping him out. Kudos.
Everybody's reaction to recoil I different. I have large, strong hands, but I struggle with small, snappy handguns. Large handguns are no problem.
Also - very nice of you to be helping him out. Kudos.
silversnake
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I only carry steel-framed revolvers (J or K frames). Never found them difficult to carry or conceal. With a Model 10 snub there's hardly any difference in shooting standard .38 or +P and the trigger is substantially better than any J-Frame.
This is good advice but I would add that the 642 is a carry gun and not a range gun. I have the 442 and shoot it little because of the +p recoil, but I doubt it has 20 rounds through it. I'll shoot my steel guns, like the model 60 more often or the 640. I'd think shooting the 442 routinely is a way to beat up one's hands.
iPac
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He could switch to a 9mm revolver like the LCR, or he could switch to a 32 caliber. I am not a fan of the 32 caliber, but I know there are some great loads that can be made. I am not a fan of 9mm in a revolver either, but this isn't for me.
I know not everyone is the same, but I am still amazed at the amount of people who have trouble shooting 38spl. The person in question has medical problems so that is understandable but I have seen others completely healthy that have trouble. Astonishes me, considering I am probably smaller than all of them and don't have an issue with any caliber.
I know not everyone is the same, but I am still amazed at the amount of people who have trouble shooting 38spl. The person in question has medical problems so that is understandable but I have seen others completely healthy that have trouble. Astonishes me, considering I am probably smaller than all of them and don't have an issue with any caliber.
hostler
Member
Harking back to the basics, "Carry the largest caliber you are comfortable shooting." Maybe a .22 is it for him.
My advice to him would be to try some of the low recoil .38 offerings before investing in another gun.
My advice to him would be to try some of the low recoil .38 offerings before investing in another gun.
Steve C
Member
Lightweight guns are a joy to carry but recoil increases with the power of ammo. A steel frame model 60 will reduce the recoil to 1/2 of what the air weight has. Practice with standard pressure 158gr LRN or 148gr WC carry +p for defense. If you have to use the +P in a defense situation you won't notice the extra recoil. You can use something like Hornady 110 gr FTX loads in standard pressure for a light load but its probably no better than the standard pressure 158gr LRN out of a 2" barrel.
Frankly the LRN's are vilified as poor man stoppers but they're better than a stick and no one wants to be shot with anything
Frankly the LRN's are vilified as poor man stoppers but they're better than a stick and no one wants to be shot with anything
Triggernosis
Member
Be advised: a person's SIZE really has little to do with their tolerance for recoil.
chanroc
Member
Another vote for Hornady's 110 gr Critical Defense rounds. I find these the most pleasant to shoot out of my Airweights, plus they are easy to find.
Depending on how you plan to use this, you might want to consider replacing the grips with those from Pachmayr, Hogue, or Altamont, especially if this is more of an nightstand gun than a conceal carry. I can easily conceal my 638 with Pachmayr's Compac Grips, using an inside the waist holster and I can shoot stouter loads with it (Speer 135gr +P Short Barrel). My 442 is dressed with from grips from Altamont and I can easily shoot and pocket carry it using Hornady's Critical defense loads.
Almost forgot about Eagle's Secret Service Grips. They still provide a better grip without giving up on concealability.
Good luck!
Depending on how you plan to use this, you might want to consider replacing the grips with those from Pachmayr, Hogue, or Altamont, especially if this is more of an nightstand gun than a conceal carry. I can easily conceal my 638 with Pachmayr's Compac Grips, using an inside the waist holster and I can shoot stouter loads with it (Speer 135gr +P Short Barrel). My 442 is dressed with from grips from Altamont and I can easily shoot and pocket carry it using Hornady's Critical defense loads.
Almost forgot about Eagle's Secret Service Grips. They still provide a better grip without giving up on concealability.
Good luck!
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OP
Thanks guys, lots of good thoughts here. I let him try my heavier 60 and he said "wow that felt much better"
So we are working towards a solution!
So we are working towards a solution!
I don't have arthritis, I still have fairly strong hands, and I used to consider .44 Magnum in a 4" 29 to be a medium-recoil cartridge. Meanwhile, aluminum J frames have ALWAYS been marginally useful guns for me. A SB with a Tyler can be a really good gun, as can RB guns with certain large grips. Some people don't find it convenient to use large grips, or haven't found the right ones yet. How about a steel gun? With a Tyler, or, even better, large grips if acceptable to the user? This is all for normal disability-free adult males.
IMO, there is no reason why anyone should expect an older person with arthritis to find a 642 usable with any ammo. I'm not saying that it's impossible - with exactly the right grips and probably 148gr WC or maybe 158gr RNL non+P ammo, it might work out, but one shouldn't expect it. People with arthritis should be firing steel K frames if they fit the hand, or maybe steel J frames if they fit the hand.
Did I mention that some attention should be paid to choice of grips?
If a magnet won't stick to your gun, wherever applied, there's probably something wrong with your gun.
IMO, there is no reason why anyone should expect an older person with arthritis to find a 642 usable with any ammo. I'm not saying that it's impossible - with exactly the right grips and probably 148gr WC or maybe 158gr RNL non+P ammo, it might work out, but one shouldn't expect it. People with arthritis should be firing steel K frames if they fit the hand, or maybe steel J frames if they fit the hand.
Did I mention that some attention should be paid to choice of grips?
If a magnet won't stick to your gun, wherever applied, there's probably something wrong with your gun.
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Groo01
Member
Groo here
Get the lightest weight bullet in 38spec [non +p]
As long as it has a flat nose or HP.[no round nose]
Do not expect the bullet to expand,rather a flat nose for "slap".
OR, get the heaviest [AKA 200 lead] load.
The SLOW bullet has a different kind of kick.
More of a push.
Get the lightest weight bullet in 38spec [non +p]
As long as it has a flat nose or HP.[no round nose]
Do not expect the bullet to expand,rather a flat nose for "slap".
OR, get the heaviest [AKA 200 lead] load.
The SLOW bullet has a different kind of kick.
More of a push.
Go get a K frame, if he can handle it or.............
get a 380 auto.
If this does not work the .22 or pepper spray is an option that "may" work ??
get a 380 auto.
If this does not work the .22 or pepper spray is an option that "may" work ??
