Trapshooters Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Handgun for arthritic hands

Jump to Latest
1 - 15 of 15 Posts

Buzzj

· Registered
Joined
·
634 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
A friend of mine who has early signs of arthritis in his hands wants my help and advice on purchasing a handgun.
I know there are a great many trapshooters who are also pistol shooters out there that have arthritis in their hands so I was looking for some good common-sense advice that I could give my friend on what type of home defense/ CCW he should get. Ie what kind of grip would be most comfortable to shoot and other advice. Thanks Buzz j
 
#2 · (Edited)
That would depend on what size hands your friend has. CCW and home defense is different in my book, I want a full size for home defense, and a compact for CCW . In summer I carry a Ruger SC9s in my pocket, and in winter I carry a SR9c or a SR40c in a cell phone holster. On my night stand I keep a Taurus PT92F or a Glock 17. Every pistol I own is loaded, and in the safe with the door open when I'm home.

When I first got my CCW I bought a Ruger LCP because it was very small. That gun and my LC9s are painful to shoot. I got rid of the LCP because I didn't feel comfortable with a gun with no safety in my pocket, even in a holster. I do have rather large hands, and smaller guns just don't feel good to me.
 
#3 ·
As soon as they get more in stock I am going to pick up a Walther CCP M2 .380. This gun probably has the easiest to retract slide and lightest recoil on the market for a .380. It has a gas operated retarded blowback system so they could put in a very light recoil spring and reduce recoil.
 
#5 ·
#8 ·
Small handguns are difficult because there really is not a place to get a good grip, for operation or shooting. Light handguns are very difficult to control the recoil. I have never seen a person with hand strength problems that could handle the slide manipulation. Beretta makes small tilt barrel semi autos that eliminates the need to work the slide., but that does not make them easy to shoot. Don't forget any limp wrist of a small semi causes jam ups. Of you cannot work the slide, you will not clear the jam.

I lean towards a revolver, at least the size of a K frame Smith and Wesson. As long as you stick with a S&W or a Ruger, the after market has a whole range of different grip sizes and shapes. A grip that fills your hand is the easiest to shoot and shoot well. Recoil is balanced with frame weight. Through the First Shots program, I have trained many older women, they can all operate and shoot a mid to full sized revolver.
 
#9 ·
I was in Academy this morning. Shelves are bare. There was some .270, 30.06, and 300 Win. Mag. ammo and a little bit of .17 ammo. But, that's all.

Take your friend to a gun store/dealer and let him try some different pistols for grip fit, weight and so forth. I personally carry a Glock 19 in both my pickups, and have a Kimber Micro 9 CDP that I like to carry. It is 9mm, light, and doesn't profile. I like Kimber .45ACPs, but they can get heavy after awhile.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Buzzj
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#10 ·
I would rule out any of the autos. If he has arthritis in his hands he won't be able to rack the slide - any slide. The Ruger LCP revolver in 38 special would be a good choice. Easy to open and close, load and reload. If he doesn't have enough strength to pull the double action trigger, he can pull back the hammer and fire it single action.
 
#13 ·
Semi auto would be harder to rack with arthritis. I say a Ruger SP 101. 5 shoot stainless .357 Shoot 38spec. for practice. Small very carriable gun. Slim grips and easy action. I carried one for 25 years. It was abused and never had a hiccup. Best handgun I have every owned
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#14 ·
henrydog said:
Semi auto would be harder to rack with arthritis. I say a Ruger SP 101. 5 shoot stainless .357 Shoot 38spec. for practice. Small very carriable gun. Slim grips and easy action. I carried one for 25 years. It was abused and never had a hiccup. Best handgun I have every owned
Click to expand...
The S&W EZ was designed for individuals that have weak hand strength.
It is available in both .380 and 9mm. The .380 might be the best choice
for arthritic hands.
 
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
About this Discussion
14 Replies
14 Participants
Last post:
thebigski
Trapshooters Forum
posts
4.3M
members
93K
Since
2005
A forum community dedicated to Trap shooting enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about targets, clays, hunting, gunsmithing, gear reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Shooting Related Discussions For Sale Reloading Want to Buy/Trade Threads Gunsmithing