There are some 90 year olds that are more capable than 70 year olds, it depends on the individual. My father in law is 89 and very sharp. When I visited him in Mar, he brought out a 1939 Police Special that was his dad's service weapon. He kept this gun loaded in his bedroom for self defense. I asked when the last time he fired it and he couldn't recall so we went to the range. He couldn't hit a target at 5 yards and had difficulty pulling with the trigger when using double action. We had fun, he shot his dad's gun but when we got home, I recommended that he not keep this gun loaded because I feared he hurt himself or his wife. I would never suggest that he CC. There were other very elderly folks at the range that were having no problems, so it's not age that matters, but the capability of the person. I agree with the others that you take him out to shoot to see how he does.
Recommend CCW or not?
- Thread starter Rastoff
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Wolf1775
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My one neighbor is an older gentleman, probably in his late 70's or early 80's. Fantastic guy, loves to help out his neighbors, loves to just chat, very sharp, and likes to do things on his own. Old school guy and former Army; I'll do the job until I can't. We were discussing how the neighborhood seems to have changed while he's lived here, with things being nice, then not so nice, and then getting nice again. I found it interesting that he said he keeps a .32 ACP by his bedside at night because while it's getting nicer again, he's learned not to chance it. When I asked when the last time he shot it he told me just a couple weeks ago, and he was still on target. Not as quick on the draw anymore (he seemed embarrassed admitting that) but he was happy he could work the slide and keep it steady. He laughed when I told him that if it ever came down to that, that he'd have his son (lives right across from him) and me charging towards whoever was giving him trouble.
Like others have said, take him to the range and let him try out a few things to see what he's able to do. If he can't CC, then maybe he can keep something on the nightstand. If he can't do that, then y'all can still have some fun at the range.
Like others have said, take him to the range and let him try out a few things to see what he's able to do. If he can't CC, then maybe he can keep something on the nightstand. If he can't do that, then y'all can still have some fun at the range.
Protected One
Member
Love your comment about his son and you charging towards whoever was giving him trouble. Nice to hear someone with the proper respect and attitude towards our older citizens. Kudos to you!
Wolf1775
Member
It's how my parents raised me, I'd give them the credit for that. The Marines just reinforced it.
A community is only as strong as the strength those are willing to put into it. Norm (he hates being called Mister) has been around longer than I have, and he's been nothing but polite and helpful. He's tried to help my wife and I move a fridge into the basement when we first moved in, help me rake the front lawn, and offered his mower when mine broke down. That's a great neighbor, and one that's earned my respect. His son is much the same, and he's told me to give a call if my wife and I are ever in a bind. We take care of each other and don't put up with nonsense.
If I ever have kids, then that's what they'll be taught. I think I'm pretty happy with just shepherds for a while though.
A community is only as strong as the strength those are willing to put into it. Norm (he hates being called Mister) has been around longer than I have, and he's been nothing but polite and helpful. He's tried to help my wife and I move a fridge into the basement when we first moved in, help me rake the front lawn, and offered his mower when mine broke down. That's a great neighbor, and one that's earned my respect. His son is much the same, and he's told me to give a call if my wife and I are ever in a bind. We take care of each other and don't put up with nonsense.
If I ever have kids, then that's what they'll be taught. I think I'm pretty happy with just shepherds for a while though.
OP
Rastoff
US Veteran
I'm sure it's a wonderful little gun, but not in CA.
I will talk to him about going to the range. I honestly don't think he will want to. That alone may make the decision for him.
In Florida the same theory applies to driving. After somebody gets run over or the car goes through a storefront the kids take the keys away.
smokey04
Member
This guy is 91 years old and has mental and visual acuity? He is old enough and smart enough to make his own decisions. Tell him no and see what happens. Let him take the course if he can't pass it , so be it. He'll figure it out. A friend would encourage and help him. Nick
eveled
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Look into the Berreta Tomcat. It breaks open to load and he wouldn't have to operate the slide.
I was going to recomend the 21a, basically the same gun in .22lr.
I haven't had any dealings with a .32 Beretta but the 21A doesn't have an extractor and if the shell doesn't fire you have to flip the barrel, get the shell out of the barrel, close the barrel and then rack the slide to chamber a shell. For me that is not much of a pistol to carry for offense or defense. Larry
Look into the Berreta Tomcat. It breaks open to load and he wouldn't have to operate the slide.
I've fired the .25 version of this gun and it is EXTREMELY accurate (point & shoot) and almost no kick.
LEOSA
At my last LEOSA quals an elderly gent and former Baltimore City PD officer attempted to qualify. He was very soon removed from the firing line as he was clearly a danger to all...including himself.
It was sad to see, but the instructors later told us the gentleman suspected he would be disqualified but wanted to attempt one last time.
Be safe.
At my last LEOSA quals an elderly gent and former Baltimore City PD officer attempted to qualify. He was very soon removed from the firing line as he was clearly a danger to all...including himself.
It was sad to see, but the instructors later told us the gentleman suspected he would be disqualified but wanted to attempt one last time.
Be safe.
Wolf1775
Member
I had forgotten about derringers... might not be a bad option, and it's certainly better than nothing.
Lobster Picnic
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Ruger LCR in .22 Magnum would work better then the J-frames in that caliber. My 351c has like a 14# DAO trigger.
forrestinmathews
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Hmm...if the PMR-30 is not an option, I like the Beretta tip up autos. I believe they make the cheetah in a tip up and that is .380. I'm only advocating .380 because its the biggest of the little gun calibers and the cheetah is pretty big to soak up the recoil.
Larry from Bend
Member
He probably has more maturity and common sense than all of the 20 - something ninjas with CWPs put together. I'd help him all you can.
hangnoose
Member
BE SURE
Do you really know him as well as you think? Do you know the full story, or just his side? I'm not trying to be insulting towards him or you. Many elderly have sundowners (& other conditions you may not be aware of) , where they seem perfectly normal during the day, then go off the wall at night. If he has family I would talk to them first, and get their thoughts before getting involved in a potential nightmare. In a perfect world we would all like to see him be able to defend himself. As we all know too well the world aint a perfect place.
Do you really know him as well as you think? Do you know the full story, or just his side? I'm not trying to be insulting towards him or you. Many elderly have sundowners (& other conditions you may not be aware of) , where they seem perfectly normal during the day, then go off the wall at night. If he has family I would talk to them first, and get their thoughts before getting involved in a potential nightmare. In a perfect world we would all like to see him be able to defend himself. As we all know too well the world aint a perfect place.
Mcwsky09
Member
I think the Mosquito is about the easiest semi-auto slide I have encountered so far. Yes only 22 but better than nothing.
DoubleTap Defense - Creators of DoubleTap? might be an option
A revolver might be better though.
DoubleTap Defense - Creators of DoubleTap? might be an option
A revolver might be better though.
forrestinmathews
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To all the derringer suggestions: Marksmanship potential, fun, and low recoil...all pleasantly absent from the derringer equation. Don't confuse novelty with fun. That double tap has a horrendous trigger. Long, stacky and heavy.
