Will do. One small update in the meantime though, as of last night, she is no longer my girlfriend, she’s my Fiancé.
Recommend a revolver for a disabled shooter?
- Thread starter 9245
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Will do. One small update in the meantime though, as of last night, she is no longer my girlfriend, she’s my Fiancé.
Correct, however one could still load lesser .32 caliber rounds if it is too much, it offers versatility. .32 ACP, .32 Long, .32 Short and .32 H&R Mag. ammunition in any .327 Federal Magnum, all from one revolver.
BlackRhino
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This video from Lucky Gunner makes a great case for the usefulness and versatility of the .327 Magnum and all the other options opened by this chambering.
Why the Best Snub Nose Caliber is .32 - YouTube
Naturally it’s pretty important to consider availability and cost of ammunition in this decision.
9245, congratulations on the engagement!
I know that a lot of recommendations have been thrown out at you. I can appreciate that you want your future wife to be safe. No matter what your lady decides, she'll need specialized training. Aside from yourself and perhaps a friend, few programs exist for challenged shooters. I would strongly suggest that you reach out to Trevor at adaptiveshoot.com. He is the man behind the Adaptive Defensive Shooting Summit held at the Sig Academy for the past three years. An expanded version is supposed to be held at the Sig Academy this coming September. In the inaugural year, we had 13 participants. In years 2 and 3, we had close to 30, if I remember correctly. All of us have varying levels of physical disabilities, ranging from age related incapacitation to loss of use of limb(s) to paralysis to even loss of sight.
While all of us had pre-handicap shooting experience, we are all using 9mm or larger caliber semi-autos. At the Summit, we all get combat style instruction on day 1 that's adapted to each of our unique personal challenges, and engage in a stationary version of an IDPA match on day 2. Honestly, while I can see your point behind purchasing a revolver, you could also be adding to your lady's challenges. You also don't want to turn her off from preparing for armed defense.
Since your lady is a neophyte shooter, start her off properly without turning her away from shooting. To do this right, you'll need to purchase 2 handguns: a 22 and a 9mm.
Yes, I know that this is a S&W forum, but looking at this realistically, Smith doesn't truly offer what I will suggest (to the best of my knowledge). Get both a Glock 44 and a 19, and equip them both with earred slide cover plates. The 19 and 44 are touted as being the same size, and they both utilize the same manual of arms. Then train on the 22 (G44), and build confidence. When she's ready, transition to the 19. If she carries off-body with a chair mounted holster (a specialty purchase), the same holster can be used for both pistols. Don't make this more complex than it needs to be.
I know that a lot of recommendations have been thrown out at you. I can appreciate that you want your future wife to be safe. No matter what your lady decides, she'll need specialized training. Aside from yourself and perhaps a friend, few programs exist for challenged shooters. I would strongly suggest that you reach out to Trevor at adaptiveshoot.com. He is the man behind the Adaptive Defensive Shooting Summit held at the Sig Academy for the past three years. An expanded version is supposed to be held at the Sig Academy this coming September. In the inaugural year, we had 13 participants. In years 2 and 3, we had close to 30, if I remember correctly. All of us have varying levels of physical disabilities, ranging from age related incapacitation to loss of use of limb(s) to paralysis to even loss of sight.
While all of us had pre-handicap shooting experience, we are all using 9mm or larger caliber semi-autos. At the Summit, we all get combat style instruction on day 1 that's adapted to each of our unique personal challenges, and engage in a stationary version of an IDPA match on day 2. Honestly, while I can see your point behind purchasing a revolver, you could also be adding to your lady's challenges. You also don't want to turn her off from preparing for armed defense.
Since your lady is a neophyte shooter, start her off properly without turning her away from shooting. To do this right, you'll need to purchase 2 handguns: a 22 and a 9mm.
Yes, I know that this is a S&W forum, but looking at this realistically, Smith doesn't truly offer what I will suggest (to the best of my knowledge). Get both a Glock 44 and a 19, and equip them both with earred slide cover plates. The 19 and 44 are touted as being the same size, and they both utilize the same manual of arms. Then train on the 22 (G44), and build confidence. When she's ready, transition to the 19. If she carries off-body with a chair mounted holster (a specialty purchase), the same holster can be used for both pistols. Don't make this more complex than it needs to be.
I gave my wife a model 17 and a model 19. She trains with the 22 and has a choice of loads in the 19.
I would not go with the Glock trigger safety in your situation. Ruger SP101 might also be a good pairing.
I would not go with the Glock trigger safety in your situation. Ruger SP101 might also be a good pairing.
Buick
Member
Im thinking a Webley mkiv .38-200 might fill the bill.
Thumb actuated top break, auto eject. Soft shooting, accurate cartridge as well. They have gone up in price, along with everything else, but they can still be found.
Thumb actuated top break, auto eject. Soft shooting, accurate cartridge as well. They have gone up in price, along with everything else, but they can still be found.
Grayfox
US Veteran
Buick may be on to something here. A break top revolver may be the answer. I suggest you look into it.
Buick
Member
My Webley mkiv is what i use to introduce all my newbies to centerfire revolver shooting. Everyone has always found it very easy to use. Loading and ejection is a cinch with the large and positive thumb latch. It will chamber and fire .38 s&w (not .38 s&w special) perfectly. Real military ammunition is fairly peppy, but typical 145 grain .38 s&w rounds are quite mild....and accurate.
A 5" barreled military model would be on the large size for concealment on one's person, but not impossible on a wheelchair.
Many of these revolvers were also cut down to snub nosed models.
The nearly identical Enfield No.2 revolver is also easy to find and was manufactured in a double action only configuration.
A 5" barreled military model would be on the large size for concealment on one's person, but not impossible on a wheelchair.
Many of these revolvers were also cut down to snub nosed models.
The nearly identical Enfield No.2 revolver is also easy to find and was manufactured in a double action only configuration.
SWOH
Member
Power chairs are so expensive because the vast majority of them are bought with money from Medicare or Social Security Disability. The government will pay the outrageous prices so the companies charge that much.
My wife got one that way. Her's retailed for right at $15,000 and good ol' .gov picked up the entire tab.
But know that the car carrier and class 3 hitch to tote it around were all on me. That ran about $2500.
If the lady is on Medicare or SSD, check into it as they will foot the bill.If she's not on these programs, get her on them. Sounds like she qualifies.
On the bright side, used power chairs have absolutely no resale value. Mere pennies on the dollar. Because government programs will pay for new, there's very little market for used.
Check Craig's List and similar local sale ads. You can probably find one for around $500.
Also check power chair dealers as the usually have trade-in used chairs at greatly reduced prices. But it'll still be more than buying from an individual.
After my wife passed, I sold her chair, but was only able to get $300 for it. But the lady who bought it did need it and I was happy to pass it along to a worthy recipient.
The car carrier OTOH I sold for $1200.
BTW: .gov also has programs to help buy handicapped equipped vehicles as well. You should look into that too.
edit: Just checked my local Craig's List. 8 power chairs offered, various makes and styles. priced from $250 to a little over $1000. I'm sure you can find some in your area as well.
Unfortunately, they are also considered "medical devices," so there's a lot of certification to meet that drives the price up for these compared to an electric bike. That said, I'm still sure they pad the hell out of their prices.
John Patrick
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32 S&W Long wadcutters meet FBI minimums. Recoil is very mild.
Google Lucky Gunner’s tests.
Buffalo Bore offers a hard cast 100gr 32 S&W Long self defense wadcutter load. Recoils is reasonably mild.
A steel Model 30 or 31 J Frame 3” with a spring replacement and action job will be decently light and smooth trigger pull, and 100% reliable.
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Tools to help with racking slides: Racking a Pistol Slide: Devices to Supplement Your Technique - USA Carry
Octagun
Member
I recently accompanied an elderly neighbor of mine to the range. She had a Beretta Tomcat (Inox) her late husband had bought her that she had never fired. She had difficulty operating the tip-up lever and loading the magazine . I refrained from doing this for her and she figured out a way to hold the pistol in a way she could make it happen. If one has will, they will find a way. The pistol functioned well and she could empty a mag into the center mass of a man sized target with one hand. For her, this is a very viable option.
oddshooter
Member
I know several folks who train dogs for the handicapped. A good dog is a GREAT companion.
A dog will discourage a lot of folks from thinking bad thoughts and will give their lives for their roommate. I can't think of a better security alarm in the middle of the night.
They also give love and affection during the other 99.99% of your life.
Prescut
A dog will discourage a lot of folks from thinking bad thoughts and will give their lives for their roommate. I can't think of a better security alarm in the middle of the night.
They also give love and affection during the other 99.99% of your life.
Prescut
Some have mentioned the small Berretta autos, including rimfire versions. When I'm asked about small CCW weapons I don't usually reccomend them as they have no extractor. Should an empty case fail to eject or fail to fire occurs, immediate action is tip up the barrel with the lever in hope that the round/case will dislodge. Sometimes that will get it done, but..... the barrel has to be put back down and the slide has to racked to charge the weapon again. In the case of rimfire models, a spent casing can sometimes need to be pushed out with a cleaning rod.
I wouldn't trust my life or anyone I cared about to an auto pistol with no extractor based on the malfuctions I've seen.
I wouldn't trust my life or anyone I cared about to an auto pistol with no extractor based on the malfuctions I've seen.
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Jim Watson
Member
Any shooting going on there since Christmas?
Mehutch
Member
I'll be 70 this year, I still can handle my carry choice. Still will defend myself. This is my everyday carry choice.
Some good news on the 327 magnum front.
Taurus just reintroduced their 327 magnum revolver - and the price is VERY reasonable.
MSRP of $371.05 for the black finish, MSRP of $388.52 for the stainless finish.
You aren't going to do better in a disabled friendly revolver than that.
I just got one and shot it with 32 S&W Longs, 32 acp, and 327 Federal Magnum last weekend. The 327 magnum rounds were a bit stiff, but the others were very soft shooting. I still want to try some 32 H&R magnums to see how they are. Kinda hard to find for a reasonable price right now. I may have to load some up myself.
Taurus just reintroduced their 327 magnum revolver - and the price is VERY reasonable.
MSRP of $371.05 for the black finish, MSRP of $388.52 for the stainless finish.
You aren't going to do better in a disabled friendly revolver than that.
I just got one and shot it with 32 S&W Longs, 32 acp, and 327 Federal Magnum last weekend. The 327 magnum rounds were a bit stiff, but the others were very soft shooting. I still want to try some 32 H&R magnums to see how they are. Kinda hard to find for a reasonable price right now. I may have to load some up myself.
