Arthritis & Semis

They're not considered great SD pistols, or at least not great for concealed carry because they're sort of big and bulky, but the Ruger P95DC I've got is about the easiest semi-auto I've ever owned to rack the slide on. I don't know if that's because it's big and got a lot of slide to grip, or because it at least looks like it's had a million rounds through it or what, but that thing is slick.

I don't particularly "like" poly frame semi's myself, but I'm quite willing to admit that they get the job done. The older I get the more I appreciate small and light. I just picked up a Ruger LC9s that has become my carry gun. That's a big change for an old revolver guy. The slide isn't hard for me or my wife to cycle and we've both got a touch of Uncle Arthur, her's worse than mine. I of course don't know how it would work for you.
 
Doc,

What would you chose having your
Top budget of $650.
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Home SD, carry SD, or both?

If for home, I'd go with a full-size version of something you find you like renting at the range. For carry, a full-size pistol can work, but you may want to consider a compact. I'd steer clear of subcompacts.

I'd definitely focus on 9 Luger. I can't think of a steel-framed .380 Auto that isn't blowback operated (ie, harder to rack). With 9 Luger, all else equal, recoil is milder, accuracy is better, and ammo is cheaper and widely available.

As far as platforms go, the 1911, the Beretta 92 FS, and the CZ 75 B are all good suggestions. The 1911 will likely be SAO; compact versions are available. The Beretta is DA/SA with a safety/decocker somewhat awkwardly located on the slide (Taurus makes a clone with the safety/decocker on the frame); a compact version has been made, but not recently. The CZ can be had with either a frame-mounted safety (similar to the 1911) or a frame-mounted decocker; either version comes in compact size, although I think the compact decocker version are aluminum-framed (a bit more recoil than a comparable steel-framed version).

For whatever you get, Wolff Gunsprings probably has lighter-than-stock recoil springs for it, which should increase racking ease. And, a lighter mainspring (hammerspring), which mostly reduces the DA trigger pull, should make racking easier when the hammer is not already cocked.

Good shopping.
 
$ 650 is a pretty tight budget for a decent 1911 in 9mm....Colt, Springfield are all around $1,000...CZ, Sig are a little more...

But you need to look at a few 1911's in 9mm and figure out what you want in terms of options ....some of the less expensive models are deleting options that would make a real difference to me...like checkering on the front strap of the grip / night sights / cocking serrations on the slide...but there is a lot of variation out there. I suggested wilson combat before I knew what price range you were looking at - so as someone else said, that won't work - they're in the $3,000 price range ( and worth every penny in my view - with a lifetime warranty, even if you bought one used )....

With companies like Springfield in that $ 1,000 - $1,500 price range...you have to ask yourself what RIA and others are doing differently if they're selling guns under $500.../ it might be the quality of the steel or quality of internal components...but its your money, and you'll have to evaluate what you see...and hopefully be able to shoot some variations of 1911's in 9mm to evaluate them yourself.

Part of the reason I'm suggesting a 1911 in steel so strongly is its partly the trigger on a 1911 as well...how it moves straight back and forth in the frame / its not suspended from a pin and it doesn't move thru an arc like a lot of guns....and those triggers are tougher to manipulate if your hands are bad that day. 1911's break like glass ..with no creep and no overtravel if they are built correctly...and they reset very smoothly ..and in a relatively short space compared to most other types of handguns with hinged triggers ( like Sig 226's or Sig 239's )..

Its rainy and cold up here today ...and my hands are swollen 30% or so ...especially my "strong hand" shooting hand...fingers for my grip would be an issue for me today with anything other than a good 1911. I hope you find something that works for you.
 
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I suspect a 1911 in 9mm with a light recoil spring would be easy to rack. I'm not a 9 guy, but a 45 ACP in 1911, set up for light target loads is a breeze, but arthritis isn't chasing me around yet either..............

EDIT - The Beretta 92 comes to mind as well. I have one that I rarely shoot, but just dug it out, and it seems pretty slick to rack as well. I also noticed with the slide mounted safety in the safe position when you rack the slide gives the fingers an "ear" on each side so you don't have to squeeze as tight as you would on just a gun with serrations. A police buyback/used 92 could probably be had in the 3-400 range.
 
I'm 80, and have arthritis everywhere including my hands, which requires steroid shots for several (trigger) fingers, including the base of my thumb on my shooting hand. I also have a torn rotator cuff in my shooting shoulder.

I still shoot 200 to 300 rounds weekly, and own a Beretta PX4 for HD, and a PX4 Compact for carry. My first gun was in 1948, and I've fired about everything, up until 5 years ago, when I sold my collection, and settled down with my two Beretta's. Last fall I fired 100 rounds with a Taurus 809. Nasty trigger, but not much difference in recoil despite the B's rotating barrel.

I keep my hands in shape, and sometimes I have to suck up the pain. Sometimes I pay the price after the shooting is over.

I don't anticipate the recoil in a 9mm, because it's a 9mm. I believe I could still hang on to a .44mag but probably wouldn't be able to hit anything. So buy what you like to shoot in 9mm, it's not going to matter much, and see an Orthopedic guy if shots might work for you. :) It only hurts for 15 seconds.:rolleyes:
 
If you have not tried the Bersa line yet, you might want to look into them. The slide operates very smoothly and they are accurate, light, and fit the hand very well. My father in law loved his .380 so much he also purchased a .22lr. They are not going to break the bank account either.
 
With companies like Springfield in that $ 1,000 - $1,500 price range...you have to ask yourself what RIA and others are doing differently if they're selling guns under $500.../ it might be the quality of the steel or quality of internal components...but its your money, and you'll have to evaluate what you see...and hopefully be able to shoot some variations of 1911's in 9mm to evaluate them yourself
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I think the difference between the Springfield and the RIA is like the difference between a Mercedes and a Toyota. The higher priced one is smoother and slicker but no more reliable or dependable than the cheaper one. The higher priced one has more snob appeal for those that care but there is little or no functional difference.
 
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