Home pistol for bad hands

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kmonroe99

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I'm kind of thinking out loud here, looking for some ideas that might help clarify my thinking...

I'm looking for a home defense pistol for my wife, who has severe rheumatoid arthritis; her right (dominant) hand has been rebuilt. I had her handle a SIG P320c my daughter has, and the small grip is fine but she can't rack the slide. My PC 686+ is way to heavy for her.

I know the real answer is to have her try a bunch of options but I have very limited access to a range with sample pistols to shoot.

I'm thinking maybe a 9mm Shield (NTS) or maybe a J-frame or other revolver...

Thoughts?
 
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Not to be a heretic but maybe try an FN Five-seveN. My major concern for her would be it's rather large grip. If you can find one to rent, that would be awesome. Just a thought...
 
Perhaps the 351PD in 22 mag or the 317 in 22LR, if she can pull the trigger.

Otherwise the Shield is good, just leave the chamber loaded.

Just ask permission of the sales person to dry fire them, with spent cases or snap caps.

Put up a sign at the range that you want to try out some pistols and why.
Most shooters are willing to share their guns for this purpose.
 
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I agree. See if she feels comfortable with a J frame.
The only problem may be the DA trigger pull.
If she cannot rack the slide all other options are limited except maybe for a shotgun but that may be an issue.
Let her decide but you can advise.
I bought my daughters J frames and they were ok with it on the recommendation of the former chief.
But what do I know about other peoples needs. They are the best judges of that.
Yiogo
 
Over the years I've trained a number of folks with disabilities that left them with weak hand strength or paralysis on one side due to strokes, accidents etc.

I recommend a double action revolver. It's simple to operate, and one can be taught fairly quickly how to load and unload it using only one hand.

A K-framed size .38 spl. loaded with wadcutters or some of the high-tech 90-100 grain "light loads" from Hornady works well in these situations. If weight or recoil still presents problems we move to a J-framed size gun in .22 caliber. If one is on a limited budget (read fixed income) and can't afford a new or used S&W or Ruger, there are still viable options from such brands as Charter Arms, Taurus and Rossi.
 
I'm thinkin' a 4" K frame. Maybe a little trigger work and experiment with some different grips to find one that works with for her.
Personally, I've been told that I have profound weakness in my right hand and moderate weakness in my left hand due to a degenerative peripheral motor nerve condition. I carry a 442 that I've done some trigger work on and switched to a Pachmayr Compact grip. Works for me.
 
my daughters shoot my lcr 22mag,S&W 351C (22 mag} and S&W mod 36 (38 special). They love the ruger trigger but tell me the mod 36 has about the same felt recoil as the the 22 mag's
 
Why rack the slide ?? !!

380 or 9mm standard or a +P load if she can handle it.

the Federal 147 standard load is great in a little 3" if you can find them.......... or even the new Winchester T&D ammo.

Just depends if she can handle 32 oz. or have to drop to 16 oz. of weight in her hands.

Good luck.
 
I would be more concerned with an auto malfunctioning on her, due to the strength in her hand. A revolver would be less likely to fail in a stressful situation. J-frame triggers can be a little stiff. I'd be inclined to find a k-frame and load it with some light .38s.
 
I'm "lucky" that I have osteoarthritis, and not rheumatoid arthritis, still my sympathies to your wife. When my arthritis flares up in my hands, I usually downsize from my regular EDC (a Model 38-0 and a Model 638-1 - both chambered in .38 Special) to a Model 432PD chambered in .32 H&R Magnum). The Model 432 and 632 (stainless steel) can also safely chamber and fire the .32 Long as well as the .32ACP (I'd bet accuracy is lousy with the .32ACP). While the 432/632 can be difficult to find, and they tend to be pricey, you should be able to find her a nice, used revolver chambered in .32 Long without a lot of trouble or expense. If she can't handle the recoil of a .32, then try to find her a revolver chambered in .22LR or .22 Magnum. If she has small hands, I'd stick to a J-frame, or an I-frame. Otherwise, consider the K-frame.

Best of luck,

Dave
 
I suggest the J frame. I'm 62 with mild osteoarthritis and cycling the action on semiautomatics is starting to give me some trouble. I have an old S&W model 30-1 (.32 S&W Long) that I figure will be the last handgun I will ever be able to shoot when I get older. J frames come in .22 LR if recoil is also an issue.
 
Aloha,

Caliber aside, I would suggest a Beretta 86 in 380.

It has a tip up barrel.

No need to rack slide to chamber round.

After first shot, it is a SA semi auto.

Probably the most comfortable recoiling 380.

Single stack magazine.

Problem is finding one.
 
It is only a two shot but if you can find an old junker Stevens 20 Ga. ........................

You don't have to rack any thing.......

iz5o37.jpg
 
kmonroe99 said:
I'm looking for a home defense pistol for my wife, who has severe rheumatoid arthritis; her right (dominant) hand has been rebuilt.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

My initial thoughts are that if her condition is that extreme then maybe fooling around with a handgun isn't the best idea.
 
Sigs for bad hands

There was a similar thread recently and I suggested either a Sig P938 or a P238 depending on whether you want a 9mm or a .380 and how much you want to spend. Since I have a 9mm Shield, I bought the .380 and also because I got a good deal on a two-tone gun with night sights for around $500. I have a friend who has the P938 and he loves it too. One place to check prices is at the Ky. Gun Co. as they are very aggressive on their pricing. With some of the defensive ammo they make today for the .380, one should feel well protected and it's certainly better than no gun at all. It's built on a 1911 platform but you can rack the slide with the safety on with a round in the chamber. Again, it is the easiest slide I've ever racked. Both models are very accurate and I've never had any issues with mine since I purchased it a couple of years ago. BTW, you mentioned the Shield and it would be too difficult for her to rack. Good luck with your decision. Elliot45
 
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Just personal experience here, but my grandma had the same problem a few years back... She ended up with a Taurus TCP .380, slide was light enough (she had more of a problem pulling the trigger than racking the slide...) the DA pull was VERY even and light. If the problem is more of a slide racking thing, I have a Walther PK380 that is extremely light slided. Lightest I've ever felt in an auto that wasn't a .22. Plus, it's a full size gun, so the recoil is a little more manageable. Good luck on your hunt, hope you find something that works.
 
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