Why I can't Rack my .380

[hkcavalier]

In typical conversational textual communications there is something called conceptual semantics. Tone, intent, and humor, for example, may be difficult to interpret.

Hear hear! I'm a media consultant these days. Most of my workday involves crafting persuasive emails, making persuasive phone calls, and holding video meanings intended to persuade the other side. People complain that professional communication is dry, but when dealing with strangers, it has to be, and missteps can be pretty embarrassing.

Here I'm freed from those shackles, and "embarrassing missteps" usually lead to more activity and engagement. I make use of Cunningham's Law here all the time (posting a wrong answer vs. asking a question) as it gets me actual answers vs. more conjecture/guesses. The engagement experts with Facebook and other media companies have figured out the same thing and certainly to a much greater degree than I have.

Poe's Law is probably more apropos for this thread (satirical expressions of extremism online are hard to distinguish from genuine ones without indicating intent). One can also do some research into manufactured controversy and find even more clues as to why posts like the OP's get engagement. 9mm vs. .45 comes to mind...

 

[fatcat3]

It has been mentioned above, but I will reinforce the wisdom of the suggestion for senior citizens (or any upper body strength challenged individual) to consider getting a revolver. None of the above worries seem to apply. I use a J-frame Mod.49 in a Mika pocket holster. Yes, a J-frame is five rounds of .38 Spl. (what I would use), but that is enough to get you through two average gunfights.
I suggest this after carrying a BHP, a full size 1911, a sub compact SIG 1911, and others I cannot recall. A .38 Spl. with wadcutters satisfies all my needs now as I am no longer on course to vanquish the world of crime when I leave home; simply to defend myself or a loved one should the need arise.
Blessings to all, but please carry something that you do not have to struggle to use, and practice with it until you have a decent level of confidence putting it to use.

I understand that I'm about to commit heresy and be burned at the stake. If your revolver has a hammer, you can always cock the hammer for a lighter trigger pull in worst case. Better than a harsh word and a mean look and better than struggling to shoot a gun that just makes noise and sends the round off down range to god knows where.

 

[gwpercle]

The Air-Weight J-frame 38 Special I carry gives this old guy a lot of comfort ... it may not be the smallest 9mm wonder nine but it beats a sharp stick ... Seven Ways To Sunday ...
Use whatever you can operate and shoot well with .
Getting old means you gotta get smart and adapt to whatever your situation is .
Getting old sucks but it's better than not getting any older !
Gary

 

[JH1951]

.............. If your revolver has a hammer, you can always cock the hammer for a lighter trigger pull in worst case. Better than a harsh word and a mean look and better than struggling to shoot a gun that just makes noise and sends the round off down range to god knows where.

You are right, being able to shoot SA or DA at my option suits me best, and a shrouded hammer prevents snags on clothes. That's why I carry a Mod. 49. It is also steel, giving me some weight to hold on to. I do not like the lightweight versions that hurt my wrist with each shot.
If you can determine an honest 'need/want list' for yourself, I would wager that there is a good revolver solution for you. And there really is no need to spend big bucks on a 'new' piece, as there are tons of gently used ones out there too.
Again, just commit to learning how to use it. They are not magical things that spring into action at your command. You need to learn to work together.

 

[old tanker]

Being well past my Biblical allotment of "three score and ten" I too am finding grip strength, recoil tolerance, visual acuity and high frequency hearing on the decline. Worse yet is the shrinkage, where I used reach up and comfortably change light bulbs in ceiling fixtures, I now need a step stool. Long gone are the days when I could pick up a 56 pound tank gun round with one hand and chamber it smartly with the other.

 

[jimmyj]

I found that hammer fired autos are easier for me when I cock the hammer first and then rack the slide. I have put my striker fired auto out of CCW rotation.

 

[fatcat3]

You are right, being able to shoot SA or DA at my option suits me best, and a shrouded hammer prevents snags on clothes. That's why I carry a Mod. 49. It is also steel, giving me some weight to hold on to. I do not like the lightweight versions that hurt my wrist with each shot.
If you can determine an honest 'need/want list' for yourself, I would wager that there is a good revolver solution for you. And there really is no need to spend big bucks on a 'new' piece, as there are tons of gently used ones out there too.
Again, just commit to learning how to use it. They are not magical things that spring into action at your command. You need to learn to work together.

You forgot to mention the MOST important fact.
Humpbacks are just way cooler than anything else. 638 for me.

 

[Execpro]

I had to give up my revolvers and my pistols due to arthritis in my hands.
I ended up with a S&W 9mmEZ. They also (as mentioned above) make it in a 380cal. They make a winged back plate to replace the stock one for Glocks. So a model 42 (380cal) is also a possibility.

 

[Shibadog]

It has been mentioned above, but I will reinforce the wisdom of the suggestion for senior citizens (or any upper body strength challenged individual) to consider getting a revolver. None of the above worries seem to apply. I use a J-frame Mod.49 in a Mika pocket holster. Yes, a J-frame is five rounds of .38 Spl. (what I would use), but that is enough to get you through two average gunfights.
I suggest this after carrying a BHP, a full size 1911, a sub compact SIG 1911, and others I cannot recall. A .38 Spl. with wadcutters satisfies all my needs now as I am no longer on course to vanquish the world of crime when I leave home; simply to defend myself or a loved one should the need arise.
I will although admit my feeling of triumph years ago when a very upset trucker got out of his cab with an axe pick handle and charged my car in gridlock traffic. In mid-swing he found himself looking down the bore of a full size Colts 1911. He stopped in his tracks, said "My mistake, sorry." I said "That's great, now give me that piece of wood and get back in your cab." He did, and all was well resolved with no shots fired. I still have his stick here somewhere. I digress.... I wish I was still young enough to carry a nice 1911, but I am not. J-frame all the way. If need be I may throw a speed strip in my other pocket just for insurance. But need has never been.
Blessings to all, but please carry something that you do not have to struggle to use, and practice with it until you have a decent level of confidence putting it to use.

Only problem with a wheelgun is the DA pull can be pretty stiff. Folks I’ve taught to shoot who had trouble racking a slide have also had issues with 10+ lb trigger pulls.

 

[TwinV10]

Whatever you do don't buy one of the new S&W Bodyguard 2.0's......the stiffest slide I have ever felt and I've had a lot of auto's (although only a few in .380). Breaks in some but it's really tough. I don't know how a smaller woman can rack it. Men have trouble with it. It does break in somewhat but it's a tough little bugger.