Handicapped CCW any suggestions?

G

GringoGrande

New member
1. Are there any Handicapped persons shooting clubs or org?

2. Any suggestions of a firearm for someone that is wheel chair bound and bad arthrius in the hands. The person in mind is female, 72 years old, parapalegic. Her house was broken into and she wants to be able to defend herself.

I have had her shooting at a range and she seems to be capable of handling a firearm well.

Condiserations:

Safety
Ease of shooting
Two shots or more

I suggested a S&W Chiefs Special in .38 with a Trigger Job to make it smooth and easy on DA use. I also suggested she use Glaser Safety rounds or something similar.

There was about 6 months ago a hoopla about a "T" gripped gun for handicapped, but I see it is not for sale yet and it is just a single shot and has a combo lock at the back, so I do not think this would be good, but would be better than nothing.

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But would like to hear from those that may have a similar situation.
 
Why a snubby of any kind?

When you could get her a 4" K-frame with more substantial grips and frame, and correspondingly less actual and perceived recoil? Concealment won't be an issue in a wheelchair, as she can easily keep a fanny pack or other such thing in her lap and nobody would think twice.

I tend to recommend revolvers in general for arthritic or otherwise weaker hands, as cycling an auto's slide can require more grip strength and dexterity than some people's hands can manage (I have a couple of older relatives who fall into this category, can't cycle a 9mm but can handle a revolver no problem). But I don't recommend snubbies for those same folks, due to the lighter weights and typically sharper recoil. Less weight overall, less weight forward means weight and balance allow sharper acceleration and muzzle rise. Smaller grips mean less contact surface and therefore less recoil control.

Snubbies are just fine for a lot of us, but not for those with bad arthritis.

If she can't handle the weight of a 4" K frame, then you might consider a small frame in a lighter caliber, like a .32 or even a .22, to keep the recoil down.

As always, good idea to check out Pax' website, corneredcat.com

Good luck
 
I would try to find a hi cap 9mm pistol that she feels she can shoot well. The larger gun will allow her more capacity and should be easier to shoot. Having 13-16 rounds in the magazine would mean not having to reload if she ever needs the weapon. The 9mm would be a good compromise between capacity/recoil/effectiveness. The only problem she may have is racking the slide but if the weapon is already loaded by herself or someone else she shouldn't have to worry about it. She could also consider carrying a backup gun since she's in a chair and has plenty of room to conceal two guns.
 
Problem with the auto, and having somebody else load it...

... is that if she can't load it herself, then she needs somebody else to help her practice with it, as well. Better to get her something she can practice with whenever she wants to go to the range.

The other problem is that if she encounters a stoppage, and can't manipulate the slide, she's out of luck.

You'll need to work with her to determine what she can handle.
 
She currently has a K-22 I gave her to use. The K frame is a bit too large for her small hands and the LOP is longer than the J frame and the 22 lr ammo is actually too small for her to get her fingers on. I had her shoot a 9mm at the range, she hated it, her words were "too violent of muzzle blast for her." So we kind of settled on the .38spl with frangible ammo as she lives in a quadplex
with none of the other condos having anyone moved in YET.

Yes, you are correct, she cannot rack the slide even on smoething smaller like a Guardian or . 380 back-up or bigger like a .45 or 9mm.

Good idea on a hi cap so she does not have to even try and reload or cycle the slide. I will check into a hi cap in 380 or 32 on Monday unless you all know of some.

A revolver is where she needs to be at though I think, based on seeing her at the range. BUT she and I are open to what might be out there. She already carries in her apron a NAA Mini Rev in .22lr with the folding grip, she said the grip and the hammer/trigger are fine. , if it was a 7 or 9 shot, I think it would be just fine for her to fend off idiots, 5 shots does not make me warm and fuzzy. The problem there is to reload she cannot do it, so she right now is at 5 shots in the mini and the K-22 that is hard for her to shoot.

She was able to handle and load the .38 with the rubber speed strips. I will check to see if she can handle .32 and .380.

Most of our worry is when she is at home, not out and about as it is either I or my sister or both of us with her out and about. We both CCW, me a Para wart hog and my sis a .380 Guardian. My aunt, she refuses to have someone live with her nor her live with someone else.

I am honestly not sure what other .22 9 shot small frame revolvers or .32 or .380 hi-cap semi autos are avail as I have not bought or looked for any in 20 years or so, feel free to mention some I should look at and shoot at the range with her.

She also wants to meet other handicapped seinors who enjoy shooting and want to CCW. That is the reason for asking for a Handicapped Shooting Club she could join.

Thanks for the help guys, keep it coming please.

Gringo
 
If the K is too big...

... she is pretty small; first time I've heard a complaint about a K-frame grip being too big. Sounds like my great aunt, except mine doesn't shoot.

Out of curiousity, what .38 model did she shoot at the range? You said she could handle it, so what did she handle?

Looking at the S&W website, the Chief's Special is available with a 3" barrel; maybe that would be a good option.

Another revolver worth considering is: Ruger SP101 in .327Federal Magnum. It holds 6 rounds, and can also chamber .32H&R magnum and .32S&W, and it comes with a 3-1/16 barrel. It's heavier than a J-frame, has a small and well-cushioned grip, and costs less than a J-frame. You can have a pretty nice trigger job done on an SP101 for about $20 in parts, plus labor.

Of course, you can also get the SP in .357 or .38. These hold 5 rounds, as opposed to 6 in the .327. One of the .357 options comes with a Crimson Trace lasergrip; that one sells with the CTC for about the same as a stock S&W J-frame. I have one of the SP101 CTC .357's; it's on lone to my mother, who is in her late 60's and has weak hands. She shoots .38 ammo in it. Recoil is strong but manageable in .357, not bad in .38+P, and not much at all in standard .38special.
 
She fired and reloaded a model 36 Chiefs Special in .38spl, Model 60 the stainless chiefs spl and a Model 40 Centenial (shrouded hammer & rtound edges chief) and (broke my heart to see it shot). My problem is, it is still 5-6 rounds, although she could reload with a speed strip fairly well, she could not use a speed loader though, was confusing to her, that is why I would maybe go with a new S&W for her with speed strips.

A .327 mag, wow, never heard of it, but will def take a look on Monday at the shop if they have one. It has been really 20 years since I bought a new pistol, lots of trades for older or typical stuff and new long arms just not pistols, so I just do not know what is out there.

She is small, not frail, but small.

Gringo
 
.327Mag

On the one hand, got the handgun ammo of the year award for 2008, power level is between .38special and .357mag, but holds more rounds than a .38 (typically).

On the other hand, it's been slow to catch on, and so is harder to find and more expensive than .38.

Plus side is a .327 gun will also chamber .32H&R Mag and .32S&W, so you have a wide range of power/recoil options. Minus side is none of those calibers are inexpensive...
 
Me and old Uncle Arthur have become constant companions in the past 10 years. Wrists and hands in pain in various degrees depending on the day. I have given up DAO pocket guns for the most part. Sold my 640 and 042 Smiths. I now prefer the Smith 36/37/38/60, Colt D frames and older Charter Arms Undercovers stoked with Federal standard pressure Nyclads. I use standard 130 FMJ ammo for practice. These guns and this load gives me the best compromise for constant carry in a pocket. On really bad days, I may only be able to fire SA shots with two hands. For a mousegun, the Beretta 950B or BS is a good one. Not a super stopper but easy to chamber in the tip up bbl, mild recoil, 8 shots, light trigger SAO, small yet fits hand pretty good.
 
Look for a S&W 432. Its a j frame .32 H&R magnum. It holds 6 shots instead of 5, has lighter recoil than even a .38, and if the magnum is also too much, it will also handle other .32 caliber rounds. The stopping power is way better than a .22.
Unfortunately, it is no longer in production, or that was the case the last I looked. There may be some old dealer stock around, or get used.
Many on this forum have reviewed this firearm favorably.
 
I just bid on GB for a S&W 432

Absolutely perfect firearm that I am looking for and it is shrouded hammer. Here is the GB link....... http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=135039612 so far I am the high bidder and most likely will be.

I read 4 reviews and not one bad word. I wonder why S&W discontinued it?:confused:

She loved my Model 40, but as much as I love her, she was not gonna get it LOL :eek:

Thanks guys.................. I knew you all would come through for us.:D

Regards
The 32mag sold Gringo
 
Unless I'm missing something...

... the GB link shows the reserve isn't met. You may be high bidder, but you haven't met the seller's minimum price yet. Of course, it still has several days to go, so you probably plan on raising at the last minute.

Good luck, looks like it would be a nice revolver.
 
GASP!!!! MLeake, you figured out my strat.... I had wrote the seller and asked if I am close to the reserve but not met, would he deal for it, he wrote back that yes he would. He already knows my top, although he would not reveal the res price, but was OK with my top bid I am willing to give at the last minute. Gawds I hate that 15 minute rule, it is why I rarely buy on GB and usually on AA. AA just never has the quantity of selection.

Yes I do understand the 15 minute rule is good for the seller, but totally sucks for the buyer if the buyer really wants something and cannot sit there and hawk the bid. That is life in the auction arena I guess.

The only .327's avail were the Taurus and I am not a huge fan of Taurus even though they and S&W are made by the same parent company.

The .32 H&R Mag will work out well I think in the 432.

I should be able to find a Smith around here in Sandusky Ohio that can do a S&W trigger job to make it glass sooth to fire.

I just bought some reloading gear (dies, brass, bullets) at Midway. I have the correct powder & primers already for the .32 H&R Mag. ..... total out the door w/S&H.... $103.88 for enough gear for 300 reloads at 50 round lots each. Ammo at GB was close to $25 to $35 a box for the .32 HR Mag. So I think I am ahead of the game in the long run.

Even if I do not win this one, I will make sure I get a S&W 432 some how and some way.

Thanks to all

The Excited Gringo
 
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did you also check

gunsamerica.com and bud's gun shop?

Just to keep your options open...

Oh, for that matter, check WildAlaska's profile; his email and phone numbers are listed, and he might have something you like in stock.

Cheers,

M
 
LOL very funny about W.A., NO thanks (based on my SOCOM thread), Have you had any luck on GA ?? I have heard way too many horror stories from GA buyers when in chit chat at gun shows. I might want one of these 432's for myself, so I will look for another one I think in time.

Gringo
 
I have a friend in my gun club who is in a wheelchair, and he also suffers arthritis. Despite this he is able to shoot his Glock 23 very well, and while I'll admit a .40 caliber Glock may not be the best choice in this womans situation, she should have the most powerful weapon she can effectivly use. I recomnd taking her to a range and allow her to fire as many weapons and different calibers as possable. Some guns to think about: S&W 642 .38, Kahr 9mm compact, Springfield XDM 9mm sc...I'd stay away from .380's though, in my opinion they'er worthless. What ever her choice make sure she knows the gun backwards and forewards, Regular training at the range is also a good idea.
 
Hi Bismark, we took her to the range and tried a few autos, she cannot jack the slide at all. We tried 9 different firearms, the chiefs special seemed to work the best.

A revolver is where she needs to be and that 432 is perfect, she is a very small woman and very small hands. The Spfld Xd she would swim in. I am not a fan at all of a Kahr. Plus she could not clear the jams.

She shoots the .38 ok but the recoil was a lil too much for her, but a S&W 432 .32 HR Mag would be perfect after looking at the specs and the ballistics. I figure the .32 HR mag, 4 speed strips for her to have in her apron and a few laid around the house like at the bed stand, kitchen the front door hutch etc would serve her well.

Thanks for everyones help .....this was a win-win thread as far as I am concerned. :D

Gringo
 
+1 on the 431/432 - fabulous revolver. Nothing bad to say about the gun or the round (shooting the H&R since Ruger SS came out with in '84). Failing that S&W route, the aforementioned 3" .327 Ruger. Shoot H&R for a particluarly low recoil solution. A bit (?) on the pricey side, but Perf Ctr Smith (also J frame like 431/432) in same .327. More .327s are sure to come.

I haven't checked Georgia Arms lately--they were backed up like everyone else last I knew--but they have always had a great "warm" 100 gr hollowpoint in the H&R for comparatively reasonable rate. Still shoots "reasonably" out of the little J.
 
GunsAmerica

I've only purchased one weapon via gunsamerica, but I was able to find a seller who had a large number of previous sales and a good rating. S&W .44mag; it arrived as advertised.

I'd be a bit more nervous about buying from somebody without an established record.

Good luck with the 432, though, sounds like it should meet your aunt's needs pretty well. While you keep working the auction and doing your search, have you given thought to how she will carry the weapon? IE holster, fanny pack, some sort of pocket in the chair itself...
 
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