ideal small home defense revolver?

[Harrison]

My mom last shot a cheap .22 revolver 30 years ago.

2

Then probably the first thing you should do is enroll her in a basic firearms class, and basic firearms self defense class. After that she can decide what kind of home defense weapon is suitable for her. Just having a gun in the house isn't much help if you are not at least semi-proficient in its use.

 

[rmbrad]

I would add this to the reply from Harrison. Find classes that are female friendly. The basic safety, handing, and marksmanship are the same. From there on, it is different.

 

[NorthWoods1900]

Buffalo Bore Ammunition makes .38 reduced flash wad cutters for personal defense, my wife and I both carry them in our air weight Bodyguards. Good Luck.

 

[rmbrad]

There are a number of companies making ammo for short barreled pistols with premium bullets designed for the reduced velocity, and still have reduced recoil.

 

[sac-gunslinger]

My 86 year old mother keeps this M64 w/SIX 158 gr Nyclad HP +P in her nightstand. I gave it to her "just in case". She hasn't had to use it... yet. It beats talking "harshly" to an intruder.

Bill, could you adopt me for a couple of weeks, just long enough for you to give me a 2" M64 also? I am 66, potty trained, and do not each much. Well, not too much.

Seriously, that was a great gift for your mom.

 

[sac-gunslinger]

Buffalo Bore Ammunition makes .38 reduced flash wad cutters for personal defense, my wife and I both carry them in our air weight Bodyguards.

I use that load in all of my working revolvers. Buffalo's standard pressure 158 grain FBI load in the speedloaders for easier reloading if needed.

 

[S&WForty]

Thank you for the added replies, guys. Our two best ranges here are VERY lady friendly. After I let her shoot both, I'll see exactly what the two ranges offer and get her to take a course.

I also have a female co-worker that shoots everything under the sun that said she'll shoot with her if she'd like shooting with another lady.

Oldtrader3, thanks for the .40 vs Airweight .38 Special input!

 

[wildenout]

Have to agree with the crowd above, K frame, Steel and longer than a snubby. I would recommend the 686+ with the 3 inch barrel. Or a Ruger Sp101/Gp100.

 

[87hurricane]

Sounds like you made a good choice with the 67. My recommendation (and my personal SD pistol) would have been a 4" K frame, either a 10 or a 64. The 67 you chose is the exact same gun with adjustable sights, and it should serve her very well. A 4" K frame 38 is and absolute dream to shoot, one of my favorites, just slightly under .45ACP for me.

 

[sac-gunslinger]

getting her a Coach Gun in 20 gauge with a Limb Saver recoil pad

Think about this, a 70 year old woman leads herself around a corner with the long barrel of the coach gun. The BG grabs the barrel and tries to lever it out of her hands. That is a long lever, many big, burly guys have lost their guns in this scenario. The 70 year old woman is likely not to be able to retain the shotgun.

Yes, the 20 gauge coach gun is effective but the shorter revolver will be easier to retain.

 

[pittpa]

Whatever she is comfortable shooting and that has a grip- activated laser, also preferably night sights as a backup.

 

[Bubbageorge]

Ok, Lets Be Honest Here, A Revolver Its A Poor Home Defense Weapon, Period. Get A Mossberg 590A1 12 Gauge With The 8 Round Tube. I Use #4 Buck To Reduce The Chance Of Over Penetration And Its A Man Stopper, No Handgun Is.

Can you picture a senior citizen hauling out a shotgun when she feels threatened, think about it, where do you keep it for the 99.99% of the time when it is not needed. Please show me how to quickly get a shotgun ready. Pick up a revolver and pull the trigger goes bang.keep it in the night stand or in a biometric gun safe by the bed. I have two and the gun is ready at first fright but not always pulled out.