CPL weapon for my senior Dad

[Brickster6]

Hello all,

My Dad's going to get his CCW (CPL here in Michigan) and he'll be 81 this month. He can take care of himself but mongrels, (4 and 2 legged) walk in packs. He wants a 9mm auto but I don't know if he has the hand dexterity anymore to manipulate a slide. I'd like him to go with a 38 J-Frame.

My question is: Have any of you folks helped your parents through the process deciding what kind of weapon they feel comfortable using? Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[snakeman32]

You should take him to a range that has gun rentals. Rent a few guns and see what he likes and what he can handle.


snakeman

 

[flop-shank]

KISS rocks

Snakeman has good advice. Mine is not to ignore the KISS principle.

 

[GLV]

six shot K frame with very bright sights--with a J frame in an outside pocket.

I am 78 and carry at least two revolvers at all times. I can still run a slide, but at times my arthritis is bad enough that if my hands are real cold, it might be difficult.

 

[BarbC]

The Walther PPS 9mm is pretty easy to work with.

If you go with a .38 J frame, I'd go with any LadySmith .357 because it's sturdy enough to easily absorb the shock of a .38 and it has a good trigger pull.

 

[Spotteddog]

The last four posts are why I think so highly of this place!
These folks said everything I would have said, if I was smart enough?

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
Browning BDA .380acp
Beretta M84 .380acp
Both models have the "Tip Up" barrel for loading/un-loading the chamber.
Also can be carried condition 1 or 2.
13rd magazines
.380acp JHP is a awesome round.
Jimmy

 

[reyno2ac]

Not sure what county in Michigan you are in but it could be a while till the CPL clears, so you've got a little time to shop. I'm in Oakland and was just told yesterday that it would be another 4 weeks till I got mine, I applied Dec 14th.

 

[sipowicz]

My dad is 81 and carries a Colt Detective special like this one....your dad may find it's old school looks nostalgic....and since it harks back to a simpler time, comforting too....

 

[Iggy]

K-frame snubbie. A model 12 for example
6 shots Aluminum frame. Easy to see the sights and recoil is not unpleasant.

 

[M29since14]

Brickster, it might surprise you what your Dad would decide if you would take a minute to show him your various guns. My Dad went almost his entire life with nothing but a K22. When he decided he wanted an "anti-personnel" handgun, I drug out about everything I had for him to check out, and to my surprise, he ended up buying a SIG .45. He was a bit younger than your Dad then, but had no problems with the gun, other than being a little too cheap to shoot it much - even with my (free-to-him) handloads.

He kept the SIG the rest of his life, and always admired it, but secretly, I think he felt it was unnecessary and would have been just fine with the K22. He was perhaps more than "a bit" frugal.

Give him a chance to look at and handle several different guns, and let him decide.

 

[Srigs]

Another vote for let him decide. Any gun he feels comfortable with is one he will actually carry and shoot enough to be good.

 

[TACC1]

Great advice from people who know what they're talking about.
Just my 2-cents, but, whatever he likes, is a good bet.
If it turns out he really likes pistols, get one that locks the slide back on empty. That way, he can keep it ready, and it'll give you a reason to
get together with him at regular intervals for cleaning.
A back-up snub for belt-and-suspenders approach, if he can't work the slide.
Good luck, and please post the outcome. TACC1

 

[YogiBear]

Aloha,

When I teach NRA classes, I always bring a Beretta Model 86 in 380

This has a tip up barrel and women who have rouble with slides like it. I also had some Big construction worker guys who like it too. Their hands are big enough to cover the entire gun.

I also bring a S & W M-65 LadySmith. Again the women like it and so do a lot of men.

FWIW, Beretta also has a tip up barrel in their small 22 and 32 semi auto pistols.

 

[Brickster6]

I am truly overwhelmed!

Guys,

Thanks so much for all the feedback. This is an awesome website with awesome people and you guys have given me a lot to think about.

You're absolutely right about having my Dad make the decision as to what to carry. He got a bit indignant when I 'implied' that he may not be able to work a slide. (He was a Ranger during the Korean War) He just patted me on my balding pate and told me not to worry about that.....

I'm going to take him to a few local gun shops where they rent out pistols and have him try a few out.

Again you guys are the best.

P.S. keep the messages coming. I need all the help I can get.