Recommendations for Disabled Shooter
- Thread starter USAF Ret
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I agree with .380 if it has to be a semi auto. My Glock 42 is very manageable, and still fairly light. I added Pearce one-round extensions to my magazines so I can carry it with 8 rounds on board.
But if she only has the use of one hand, you might ask her to look at a revolver. My Ruger LCRX .327 holds 6 shots and can be loaded with lower-recoil .32 H&R Mag or even .32 S&W Long. I know you stipulated 9mm or .380, but I think the .32 H&R is very close in power to a .380. The revolver might be easier to load and reload, as opposed to racking a slide one-handed.
But if she only has the use of one hand, you might ask her to look at a revolver. My Ruger LCRX .327 holds 6 shots and can be loaded with lower-recoil .32 H&R Mag or even .32 S&W Long. I know you stipulated 9mm or .380, but I think the .32 H&R is very close in power to a .380. The revolver might be easier to load and reload, as opposed to racking a slide one-handed.
A Beretta 92 has a manageable slide. It’s easy to maintain. Due to the weight, recoil will be manageable.
If a 380 ACP is something she’d like to get then a Sig Sauer P 238 380 ACP HD, which is heavier and handles recoil, but it is Single Action Only.
Single action revolvers in 38 Special is another option.
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If a 380 ACP is something she’d like to get then a Sig Sauer P 238 380 ACP HD, which is heavier and handles recoil, but it is Single Action Only.
Single action revolvers in 38 Special is another option.
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Spats McGee
Administrator
Shield EZ? (Not that I've fired one. It's just what comes to mind.)
Dfariswheel
New member
These topics quickly devolve into a "My favorite gun" discussion.
With that said, a prime candidate for a handicapped woman would be a Kahr Arms polymer framed model.
My recommendation would be for the P9 version over the micro versions.
The P9 is about the same size as a Walther PPK/s
Among the advantages of these polymer Kahr's is that they are one of the few autos that are as safe as a double action revolver to carry.
The long double action trigger IS the safety and like a good revolver, the only way it will fire is with a long trigger pull.
A good way to carry it is in a fashionable fanny pack that's specifically designed to carry a pistol.
I DO NOT recommend carrying a defense pistol in a purse. That's the first thing to get grabbed.
With that said, a prime candidate for a handicapped woman would be a Kahr Arms polymer framed model.
My recommendation would be for the P9 version over the micro versions.
The P9 is about the same size as a Walther PPK/s
Among the advantages of these polymer Kahr's is that they are one of the few autos that are as safe as a double action revolver to carry.
The long double action trigger IS the safety and like a good revolver, the only way it will fire is with a long trigger pull.
A good way to carry it is in a fashionable fanny pack that's specifically designed to carry a pistol.
I DO NOT recommend carrying a defense pistol in a purse. That's the first thing to get grabbed.
Maybe I can help. I’m missing my left hand. I wear a prosthesis that I’m quite capable with, so each case is different.
Does she wear a prosthesis? What does she feel capable of doing? For example, can she rack a slide. I catch my slide on a strap on the prosthesis and can quickly rack against that or my pants pocket.
How will she reload? I transfer the gun to my hook, grab the mag with my hand and reacquire with my hand after seating.
I look like a cat on fire, but I can beat a couple 2 handers when I idpa. So, it is possible to be proficient.
The bad part is she will really have to train! She will have to learn how 2 handers do it and adapt. That said, she has done that her whole life!
Good luck. Let her pick the tool. It should be something she shoots well 1 handed and using the prosthesis as support.
I carry a Shield 9, DW CCO 45, or a CW380.....so, the guns can be pretty mainstream.
Feel free to reach out....I’d love to help. Many prosthetists will help too. I’m thinking about putting mlok in my next prosthesis!
Does she wear a prosthesis? What does she feel capable of doing? For example, can she rack a slide. I catch my slide on a strap on the prosthesis and can quickly rack against that or my pants pocket.
How will she reload? I transfer the gun to my hook, grab the mag with my hand and reacquire with my hand after seating.
I look like a cat on fire, but I can beat a couple 2 handers when I idpa. So, it is possible to be proficient.
The bad part is she will really have to train! She will have to learn how 2 handers do it and adapt. That said, she has done that her whole life!
Good luck. Let her pick the tool. It should be something she shoots well 1 handed and using the prosthesis as support.
I carry a Shield 9, DW CCO 45, or a CW380.....so, the guns can be pretty mainstream.
Feel free to reach out....I’d love to help. Many prosthetists will help too. I’m thinking about putting mlok in my next prosthesis!
It may help to know what you mean by disabled. Any idea whether strength, range of motion, or coordination are affected? Or perhaps disabled means wheelchair bound?
My first thought was the M&P Shield EZ9 or 380 also, not because I own one, but they are supposedly easy to load and rack.
For small hand size, Kahrs do have slim grips. I EDC a kahr, and in the smallest model the short recoil spring needs to be stiff, so it can be difficult to rack. So a larger one like Dfariswheel mentioned would do better. For being described as a revolver-like trigger, the trigger pull is much lighter than a small revolver's trigger pull.
If she lives on her own and doesn't have anyone to help her load mags, maybe a revolver would be easier to load. Although I hear the shield EZ series are supposedly easier to load, you would need one hand to pull down on the spring tab (like 22 pistol magazines usually have) and the other hand to slide rounds under the feed lips. If she's got 2 hands or a helper maybe it's a non issue.
For revolvers, she could open up the cylinder (although the latches are made for right handers), set it down on a table, slide some rounds in, and close it up. Revolver reloads in an emergency could be difficult one handed depending on her physical challenges. The M&P Bodyguard revolver has an ambidextrous cylinder latch, but the trigger pull is just as stiff as the usual J-frame, along with the stout recoil.
Trigger pull on the smallest revolvers (J-frame size) can be tough depending on what deficits she's experiencing. Sometimes the first trigger pull on Double Action/Single Action semi autos can also be stiff like on a Cz75, Beretta 92FS, Sig p226/229. Again, not sure what the limits of strength are as it affects her ability to pull a trigger or hold a heavier gun.
Best of luck to you and her too.
My first thought was the M&P Shield EZ9 or 380 also, not because I own one, but they are supposedly easy to load and rack.
For small hand size, Kahrs do have slim grips. I EDC a kahr, and in the smallest model the short recoil spring needs to be stiff, so it can be difficult to rack. So a larger one like Dfariswheel mentioned would do better. For being described as a revolver-like trigger, the trigger pull is much lighter than a small revolver's trigger pull.
If she lives on her own and doesn't have anyone to help her load mags, maybe a revolver would be easier to load. Although I hear the shield EZ series are supposedly easier to load, you would need one hand to pull down on the spring tab (like 22 pistol magazines usually have) and the other hand to slide rounds under the feed lips. If she's got 2 hands or a helper maybe it's a non issue.
For revolvers, she could open up the cylinder (although the latches are made for right handers), set it down on a table, slide some rounds in, and close it up. Revolver reloads in an emergency could be difficult one handed depending on her physical challenges. The M&P Bodyguard revolver has an ambidextrous cylinder latch, but the trigger pull is just as stiff as the usual J-frame, along with the stout recoil.
Trigger pull on the smallest revolvers (J-frame size) can be tough depending on what deficits she's experiencing. Sometimes the first trigger pull on Double Action/Single Action semi autos can also be stiff like on a Cz75, Beretta 92FS, Sig p226/229. Again, not sure what the limits of strength are as it affects her ability to pull a trigger or hold a heavier gun.
Best of luck to you and her too.
allenomics
New member
I agree that the S&W 9EZ warrants serious consideration.
https://www.smith-wesson.com/9ez
I have not fired one, but they are receiving positive reviews. It has enabled more people with somewhat weaker hands and finger strength and those with disabilities to defend themselves, and also get into or stay involved in the sport of shooting and plinking.
https://www.smith-wesson.com/9ez
I have not fired one, but they are receiving positive reviews. It has enabled more people with somewhat weaker hands and finger strength and those with disabilities to defend themselves, and also get into or stay involved in the sport of shooting and plinking.
ammo.crafter
New member
Walther .380
With a “next-to-nothing” recoil and an easy-to-rack slide, the new Walther CCP M2 brings 8+1 rounds of .380ACP in a compact package.
That would be my first choice.
With a “next-to-nothing” recoil and an easy-to-rack slide, the new Walther CCP M2 brings 8+1 rounds of .380ACP in a compact package.
That would be my first choice.
You should hook up with someone to video how you deal with loading - racking the slide - clearing jams.
That would be extremely helpful to others.
I dropped a 600 pound air compressor on my hand 30 years ago & my hand was in bandages for a few weeks - my right hand/strong hand.
I had to do everything left handed & it was a real eye opener.
I felt as helpless as a new born.
Jim Watson
New member
Great. The "Arthritis Specials" offered above are not necessary.
1. I recommend whatever standard service pistol suits her taste, get her to shoot as many as you have, and that she can borrow, rent, or at least gymnasticate at the store.
Might be a Glock 17 or 19 or any of the many similar Plastic Pistolen. I like S&W Plastic M&P or Compact for concealment.
2. Have it fitted with one of the rear sights with an abrupt ledge for cocking against a table edge, door frame, stiff belt, or shoe heel. Like the Dawson Charger.
https://dawsonprecision.com/dawson-...arger-sight-set-black-rear-fiber-optic-front/
3. Look around for accessories and techniques for loading the magazine one handed. I have somewhere seen pictures or video of a stand that will firmly support a magazine so you can push cartridges into it with one hand.
4. Look around for techniques to load the gun with one hand, given a loaded magazine. Those abound, unlike magazine loading.
1. I recommend whatever standard service pistol suits her taste, get her to shoot as many as you have, and that she can borrow, rent, or at least gymnasticate at the store.
Might be a Glock 17 or 19 or any of the many similar Plastic Pistolen. I like S&W Plastic M&P or Compact for concealment.
2. Have it fitted with one of the rear sights with an abrupt ledge for cocking against a table edge, door frame, stiff belt, or shoe heel. Like the Dawson Charger.
https://dawsonprecision.com/dawson-...arger-sight-set-black-rear-fiber-optic-front/
3. Look around for accessories and techniques for loading the magazine one handed. I have somewhere seen pictures or video of a stand that will firmly support a magazine so you can push cartridges into it with one hand.
4. Look around for techniques to load the gun with one hand, given a loaded magazine. Those abound, unlike magazine loading.
Interesting
Have you considered a .38 SPL revolver? If her left hand is as strong as you say, then a 9MM is just a "slight" step up and you have more options. This thread will be interesting to follow. ....
Be Safe !!!
With all due respect, I am reading that use of her right hand is totally out of the picture. ....
Have you considered a .38 SPL revolver? If her left hand is as strong as you say, then a 9MM is just a "slight" step up and you have more options. This thread will be interesting to follow. ....
Be Safe !!!
Aguila Blanca
Staff
I think we need more information before we can offer knowledgeable suggestions. That said, allow me to toss this out:
When the range where I shoot ran mini-combat competitions one night per week, one of the top shooters was a young man whose left arm ended about halfway between shoulder and where his elbow should have been. He shot a full-size 1911 in .45 ACP.
He did not require assistance in loading or in magazine changes. I don't recall how he put magazines into the gun. I do recall that he racked the slide by holding the slide between the stump of his left arm and his torso, and pushing the grip forward.
Did I mention that he was one of the top shooters? Yes, I did -- and he was. Obviously, he had been doing it for awhile and he practiced. The point is that not having use of one hand may not mean that one's only option is a revolver. In fact, I think a revolver would likely be more difficult to manipulate with one hand than a semi-auto, when you consider the complete manual of arms, speed reloads, etc.
Not knowing any more than what you have told us, my initial suggestion is this:
https://bersa.eagleimportsinc.com/bersa/firearms/thunder-plus
When the range where I shoot ran mini-combat competitions one night per week, one of the top shooters was a young man whose left arm ended about halfway between shoulder and where his elbow should have been. He shot a full-size 1911 in .45 ACP.
He did not require assistance in loading or in magazine changes. I don't recall how he put magazines into the gun. I do recall that he racked the slide by holding the slide between the stump of his left arm and his torso, and pushing the grip forward.
Did I mention that he was one of the top shooters? Yes, I did -- and he was. Obviously, he had been doing it for awhile and he practiced. The point is that not having use of one hand may not mean that one's only option is a revolver. In fact, I think a revolver would likely be more difficult to manipulate with one hand than a semi-auto, when you consider the complete manual of arms, speed reloads, etc.
Not knowing any more than what you have told us, my initial suggestion is this:
https://bersa.eagleimportsinc.com/bersa/firearms/thunder-plus
That's good to hear!
Most up to date versions of the polymer pistols have reversible if not ambidextrous magazine releases and slide releases. Gen 3 Glocks didn't have a reversible mag release, I believe Gen 4 you could set it to be Lefty friendly. It wasn't until Gen 5 that you have an ambidextrous slide release though. These may not be make or break deals because with practice you can substitute other fingers but if you had a choice, lefty friendly or Ambidextrous may be of some help. S&W M&P's both Gen 1 and 2 have always had reversible mag release buttons and ambidextrous slide lock/slide releases, as do the new Sig P320.
Jim Watson
New member
Not one handed, but for a left handed reload, I press the 1911 magazine catch with my left middle finger. Most people use their left forefinger, though.
One handed operation...I'd recommend a revolver with suitable loads to manage recoil. My wife, and DIL both have Smith 637's in .38 Special, but as the guns are alloy framed, the recoil, while manageable, can be significant with some carry loads. For that reason, I'd opt for one of the steel framed models.
Auto's are fine, but demand a level of dexterity that may prove a problem for a shooter who is not dedicated to regular practice. Malfunctions are one area that demands attention as does reloading under stress. They do offer capacity, but from a civilian point of view, that may not be the over riding reason for their selection.
YMMv, and thanx for your service...Best regards, Rod
Auto's are fine, but demand a level of dexterity that may prove a problem for a shooter who is not dedicated to regular practice. Malfunctions are one area that demands attention as does reloading under stress. They do offer capacity, but from a civilian point of view, that may not be the over riding reason for their selection.
YMMv, and thanx for your service...Best regards, Rod
lee n. field
New member
Without knowing anything about the disability, because I haven't read the rest of the thread yet, these come to mind:
S&W Shield EZ series. Available in both 9mm and .380. Said to be very easy to rack the slide. A bit bigger than the standard Shield, also a couple ounces heaver, and there's more gun to hold on to.
Walther CCP. Available in both 9 and .380, said to be easy to rack, size similar to the Shield EZ.
(No personal experience with either, just Internet social media herd mind hearsay. YMMV.)
And, for the one handed, there's this: http://www.handi-racker.com/.
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