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Revolver recommendations for a 70 year female

Posted on 4/21/21 at 12:31 pm
Posted by MoarKilometers
Member since Apr 2015
17945 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 12:31 pm
I figure you guys are the right place for this question. My dad has a Smith & Wesson featherweight .38 revolver that is too much for the step mom to handle. Looking for something with a lighter trigger pull and also in smaller caliber. Not per se aiming for a 4 shot .22, but generally curious as to what y'all might recommend. Will be sending her to the store to try a couple, so multiple suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance
Posted by bbvdd
Memphis, TN
Member since Jun 2009
25006 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 12:37 pm to
I would be hesitant to go below a .38. The featherweight .38 is not a fun gun to shoot, at all. The weight of the gun (or lack of) contributes to the heavy recoil.

Look at a heavier gun. GP100 or something loaded with .38.

My daughter loved shooting mine when she was around 7 or 8. If a 7 or 8 year girl can shoot it your step mom can as well.
Posted by Stexas
SWLA
Member since May 2013
6011 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 12:48 pm to
Posted by Shexter
Prairieville
Member since Feb 2014
13885 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 12:48 pm to
IF you insist on a revolver , look at full sized revolvers (if not looking for a concealed carry revolver). The weight will help a LOT with the recoil issue.

Personally, I'd have her look at .380 semi-autos. They aren't that hard to learn.
Posted by Jack Ruby
Member since Apr 2014
22789 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 12:48 pm to
S&w 43C



J Frame, very light, shoots 22LR, and holds 8 shots.

Would I ever carry one every day? No way in hell. Would I carry one for jogging/summer outdoor events, maybe.

Just know, that a 70 yr old woman with a snub nosed revolved isn't going to be able to hit shite outside of about 5 feet. It's more or less a belly gun.

If that's what she wants, that great.

I also would try to avoid anything with a hammer on it, especially for carrying in a purse/bag.

If you want more pop from the gun (which I would) I would string my recomend looking for a 22 magnum revolver instead of 2LR.
Posted by MoarKilometers
Member since Apr 2015
17945 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 1:08 pm to
quote:

I would be hesitant to go below a .38. The featherweight .38 is not a fun gun to shoot, at all. The weight of the gun (or lack of) contributes to the heavy recoil.

It's more the trigger pull than the recoil. At ~70 arthritis is taking its toll on her finger strength. She's set on revolver, which unless she goes hammerless would still be SA vs DA.
Posted by MoarKilometers
Member since Apr 2015
17945 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 1:10 pm to
quote:

IF you insist on a revolver , look at full sized revolvers (if not looking for a concealed carry revolver).

It's not me insisting on revolver, I promise And she has her ccp, so it would be for concealed carry purposes 99.8% of its use.
Posted by MoarKilometers
Member since Apr 2015
17945 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 1:19 pm to
quote:

Just know, that a 70 yr old woman with a snub nosed revolved isn't going to be able to hit shite outside of about 5 feet. It's more or less a belly gun.

I totally get this, as does my dad. Convincing her is another bag of worms. Ultimately I think it's more of a peace of mind type situation. Knowing it's there and she can fire it, if necessary.
quote:

If you want more pop from the gun (which I would) I would string my recomend looking for a 22 magnum revolver instead of 2LR.

.22 mag is actually what my dad initially asked about. Being a .45 guy I just didn't have any experience with them in handgun form, nor did my friends/their wives I asked.
Posted by Shexter
Prairieville
Member since Feb 2014
13885 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 1:22 pm to
quote:

she has her ccp, so it would be for concealed carry purposes 99.8% of its use.


Take her to a local gun range and try out some revolvers along with any of these .380 semi-auto's:

Glock 42
Ruger LCP
Walther PK380
Walther CCP in .380



Avoid the cheap brand .380's. They will jam more than they will shoot.
Posted by lgtiger
LA
Member since May 2005
1141 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 1:32 pm to
quote:

If you want more pop from the gun (which I would) I would string my recomend looking for a 22 magnum revolver instead of 2LR.



Ruger LCR 6 shot 22 mag,

Some women lack the strength to rack an automatic. 22 mag is way under rated. Jeff Quinn (RIP ) from Gunblast website really liked them

Gunblast link

8#14 oz trigger pull
This post was edited on 4/21/21 at 2:46 pm
Posted by Big_country346
Member since Jul 2013
3623 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 1:44 pm to
quote:

Ruger LCP


I don’t know about this one. He said she has trouble pulling the trigger. That thing has about 6 miles of trigger and a shite reset. Plus it’s a little snappy.

Let her put her hands on a shield ez.
Powpow bought a airweight s&w 38 for grandma years ago to keep in her car.
Same instance, arthritis knocked her hand strength down to where she can’t pull the trigger.
She works every part of a shield ez without issue. (Slide, catch, mag, trigger)


This post was edited on 4/21/21 at 1:50 pm
Posted by Jack Ruby
Member since Apr 2014
22789 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 1:48 pm to
quote:


It's more the trigger pull than the recoil


Just know that basically any double action revolver (which all CCW options are) are going to have hella trigger pull.
This post was edited on 9/10/21 at 1:41 pm
Posted by Lsuham
Member since Mar 2019
39 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 1:51 pm to
I know ammo is hard to get these days but see if you can find 38 special low recoil hydrashock. I think it's around 90 grain. Less pressure so the recoil is reduced but still effective. Jim's in Baton Rouge normally carried it.

Also don't count out 32acp. I know you said revolver but look at the Beretta Tomcat. I know some here will down vote me for it but do your own research on the Hornady XTP loads in 32. Same penetration and expansion as 380 but with the lower recoil of a 22. Very good compromise. Beretta Tomcat also doesn't require racking the slide as you can load the chamber separately. A plus as many ladies have trouble with that function due to the wrist motion.
This post was edited on 4/21/21 at 1:54 pm
Posted by lgtiger
LA
Member since May 2005
1141 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 2:10 pm to
quote:

And I mean Like 10+ pounds. I've heard that some common j-frames are closer to 15 lbs


8lb 14 oz trigger pull on LCR
Some women have trouble racking an auto so revolver may be easier to operate
This post was edited on 4/21/21 at 2:34 pm
Posted by Ol boy
Member since Oct 2018
2932 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 2:40 pm to
Another vote for the SW ez. 70ish ur ol Mother in law had one and I think it’s ~5 pounds trigger pull or so and she was able to work the slide and shoot it decent enough to pass her CCL.
I would never suggest a LCP and I have one, it’s only convenient to carry and nobody who has ever shot unit myself included has said they like it..
Posted by Huntinguy
Member since Mar 2011
1752 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 2:55 pm to
Its not sexy, but I bought my MIL a Rossi, steel framed smub .38 that she shoots really well.

Double action so she can cock it for easier trigger pull.
Posted by MoarKilometers
Member since Apr 2015
17945 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 3:00 pm to
Again I do appreciate all the info and opinions. They/she definitely plan on trying them out beforehand, as you'd be silly not to... if at all possible. The 3 stores I've recommended them in their area all have attached indoor ranges. So I feel pretty good about the try it before you buy it likelihood.
Posted by Notnac
Vidalia
Member since Nov 2020
881 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 3:11 pm to
Not a revolver.....

Glock 43 is perfect for females.
Posted by Shexter
Prairieville
Member since Feb 2014
13885 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 3:27 pm to
quote:

Some women have trouble racking an auto


Walther PK380 - Seriously, I can rack the slide with my thumb and finger.
Posted by dawg23
Baton Rouge, La
Member since Jul 2011
5065 posts
Posted on 4/21/21 at 4:40 pm to
quote:

Not a revolver.....

Glock 43 is perfect for females.
Not what I've found with my female students. The 43 is very snappy.

To the OP: You've been given some very good advice:

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