What to recommend for an elderly lady? If anything?

[johnwilliamson062]

did she try to cock it with her wrist?

I have a colt police positive made in 1921 that has an incredibly smooth and light trigger. From what I have read they left the factory in this condition. A number of chamberings/barrel lengths available on gunbroker for as little as $250.


What if you tied a string to the hammer...

 

[Skans]

I'd agree that a revolver with work done to it by a competant gunsmith to lighten the hammer spring and trigger pull might be the way to go. I'd think a true .38 Special (not .357 loaded with .l38) would be my choice.

I understand that arthritis might be painful, but she can learn to overcome the pain and train her muscles to operate the customized revolver. She'll need to practice, just like the rest of us, to be competant with it.

FWIW, I'm not a big fan of having an inexperienced older lady try to cock the hammer on a revolver with anything other than her hand(s) - too easy to slip and accidentally discharge the weapon.

 

[orangello]

This situation is similar to how i was given my first non-target handgun. My grandmother couldn't pull the trigger on a lil .38spl snubby she had. She traded it to me (her idea, my age 16) for one of those freon-powered airhorns i had just demonstrated for her. The family, more-or-less, agreed she needed a .410 pump or sidexside, but she wouldn't go for it.

In retrospect her overweight chihuahua was her best defense; he scared a burglar into diving through a closed window as she watched, while her lighter-trigger pull .25 sat on her dresser beside the airhorn . (i would pay good money for a picture of that idiot's face as he crashed through the window)

I vote .410 double or pump OR slightly crazed, granny-lovin, loud-mouthed dog.

If you feel she might be nearing the point at which she might not be fully mentally capable of handling a firearm, they do sell some nice tazers that probably have an easy trigger pull.

 

[BillCA]

Some thoughts for Grandma from someone who's own mother is 87 and has arthritis in her hands.

• Keep her as active as possible to avoid strength loss in her arms, hands & legs. As painful as arthritis is, mom started working with tennis ball and turning it in her hands while watching TV. The resulting improvement in dexterity is amazing. Still have that strength thing tho.
• With autos, the FTF/FTE issue is compounded if she can't rack the slide. About the only answer is the Beretta "tip-up" series of .380's which can be hard to find.
  
  
  
  Beretta Cheetah .380 with tip-up barrel
• Seniors do have trouble with memory, so unless she's already familiar with how autos function, stick with the wheelgun.
• M1 Carbine? They're as expensive as a new handgun, but this might work well for her. Lightweight, 15 rds of .30 Carbine, relatively easy to operate and the bolt handle is usually fairly easy to operate. And .30 M1 carbine is no slouch inside the house either.
  
  
  
  .30 M1 Carbine - light, quick, low recoil, easy to operate.
  The Ruger 10/22 may be another good choice if equipped with a large magazine and extended magazine release. The Mini-14 is too heavy, IMO, for a good light carbine.
• The problem with most rimfire handguns is the mainspring must be strong enough for reliable ignition. This means a stiffer hammer to cock. Some tuning can be done on revolvers but centerfire is probably better.
• Pistol caliber or light caliber lever rifle. If she likes it and doesn't have an issue with weight or stock length, this might be a good solution.
  
  
  
  Marlin 1894FG lever rifle - example only. Revolver is S&W 57. Both chambered for .41 Magnum (a bit much for grandma).
  The 1894C in .38/.357 is probably a much better choice.
• I also think of a J-Frame (.32 H&R or .32 Long) or a K-frame .38 special for her, with a gunsmith slicking up the action for her needs. Either a Ruger SP-101 in .32 H&R or perhaps a 3-inch .32 Long, like the Model 31 with a slightly lightened trigger. When using the .32 Long, I suggest Fiocchi's full wadcutter as it leaves a nice, round hole behind.
  
  

 

[Normb263]

Thoroughly thorough, Lost Sheep! About 15 years ago I had a client who thought she needed a "pistol" to protect herself and the people in her nursing home. She went out to a local gun shop and came home with a H & K auto in 9 mm . The salesman made a $ for the shop, but she never shot it or took lessons or even new how to load it let alone fire the noisy thing. Took her out to the range to get "familiar" with it. Great weapon from my perspective but she shot 2 rounds and put it down. She gave me the H&K and I sold it for her as an extra for a local police officer. I sure like pepper spray given that granny can operate the trigger. TMO

 

[KingEdward]

A few years back we (brother and I) helped our mother (who was 75 with arthritic hands) acquire and learn to shoot a handgun.

She was living alone for the first time in 50+ years and was concerned
about being able to protect herself.

She had in past years shot rifles and shotguns but had little if any familiarity
with a handgun.

After a good afternoon of shooting outdoors and trying different handguns
shooting both seated and standing (as she wasn't able to get on her feet too quickly) we ended up with the following and she kept it loaded and strapped to her walker in the house:

Heritage Arms single action .22 revolver with a 4.5in barrel.

it was the only gun that she could cock and shoot with pretty good proficiency. She liked it and was comfortable with it.

I realized it wasn't a great round for self defense but it was a start.

She had a nice security system at the house and two great neighbors who were both retired and they all watched each others homes and helped each
other out (getting her the paper / visiting with her / etc.)

She past last year (at 82) and the revolver is with my brother now.

 

[Last Knight]

What people aren't considering when they recommend tasers and pepper spray as less-lethal alternatives to a handgun for Grandma is that these will not stop a determined intruder, nor will they take him out of action long enough for the police to arrive. At best, you're hoping they will deter him - "ouch, my eyes! I should run away!" - which is, sadly, entirely less likely than ******* him off - "ouch, my eyes! I'ma stab a b*tch!"

Likewise, a dog - especially a large dog, like a pit or other 'guard dog' can be an unfair burden to put on an old lady. Dogs are expensive to care for, they require constant upkeep, and they can be something of a strain with the requirements of walks and playing and such like.

I'm afraid I don't have any recommendations to offer to the thread, other than repeating the assertion some have offered of a single action revolver. Uncomplicated, reliable, and accurate - I think it would definitely be the way to go.

Also, the image of an old lady racking the slide on her 1911 against a kitchen counter definitely dissuades me from any thoughts of robbing her.

 

[scottaschultz]

Last Knight wrote, "Likewise, a dog - especially a large dog, like a pit or other 'guard dog' can be an unfair burden to put on an old lady. Dogs are expensive to care for, they require constant upkeep, and they can be something of a strain with the requirements of walks and playing and such like."

I completely disagree! With the possible exception of the OP, no one here has met the woman in question. No one knows what her physical and mental capabilities are. The only way a gun will be of any use to this woman is if she is able to get off the first shot (or shots) at her attacker.

Stopping your attacker means that your situational skills are honed to the point where you recognize the threat before it actually happens. Of course I don't know this woman either, but as people age, as a general rule, their senses become diminished. Three key elements of situational awareness are, hearing and seeing and reaction time, are these are usually the first to go.

My mother is 88 and without her hearing aids, she is deaf as a post. Even with them in, her hearing is only passable at best. There are numerous "bump in the night" posts here and making sure you come out on top is to hear the bump in the first place and react accordingly. If you can't even hear the bump, what's the use of having a gun?

Likewise, without her glasses, she might as well have her eyes closed.

As far as reaction time, this is usually the primary reason people in this age range lose (or should lose) their driving privileges.

Enter the professionally trained guard dog. I am not talking about some mutt rescued from a local shelter. I guarantee you that a well trained dog will have better hearing and vision than just about any 80 year old. Also, their reaction time is going to probably be better than a human being of any age.

Another advantage of a dog is that they will attack on command or when they sense their master is in danger. They are trained to react. They are animals and do not make any value or moral judgements regarding their actions. They will either stop the threat until they are called off or die trying.

A good agency will place the appropriate dog in the home for the situation at hand. Like hunting dogs, guard dogs are not necessarily pets. They have a job to do and love doing their job.

Scott

 

[Last Knight]

Stuff.

Fair enough, and I would certainly agree that a dog makes a wonderful first line of defense. But nothing of what you posted disagrees with my assertion, that a dog can be an unfair burden to place on an old lady. Feed, care, love and affection, walks, cleaning up after its messes - all of these can be difficult and/or expensive tasks for a woman with arthritis, osteoporosis, or possibly constrained by a walker.

By grandmother is in her early 70s, and sometimes her dog - a rambunctious setter mix - can get to be too much for her. This dog is very much not a guard dog, more like an alarm dog - his barking alerts her to visitors, and he might even be enough to scare away an intruder, but I would worry about him being able to handle any sort of determined invader. But that's not why she has a dog - this is a company puppy, a companion, not a defender. So, I digress slightly.

 

[scottaschultz]

I still think you are thinking along the lines of a guard dog as being a pet. There are thousands of "service" dogs for the blind, deaf and handicapped that are trained for one purpose; to serve. When they are at work, proper etiquette dictates that you not approach the animal or even touch it without the owner's permission. A rambunctious setter might make a good pet, but would not be a good service dog. A service dog is invisible until or unless it is needed.

As far as tending to the dog's needs, most service dog placement organizations can help with that as they fully understand that the dog's owner may not be able to take care of these needs.

Scott

 

[BillCA]

Once people reach a point where their mobility is limited (perhaps along with hearing or vision), having a dog may, in fact, become a burden. Unless the owner has a large enough yard for the dog to run off some energy and get exercise, they'll feel cramped. Cleaning up the dog's waste is another item that may over-tax a senior unless they have help. Feeding isn't usually much of a problem unless the person's income is tight. Loving 'em comes free though.

Do not sell dogs short though. Even a golden retriever can become dramatically protective of its family members. While not necessarily trained to "attack" and they may be easily shot, the point is that many breeds will make a serious stand for their owners. When a neighbor's ex-husband came by to apparently snatch his kids (illegally) the family Golden Retriever turned very aggressive to protect "her" kids. He was caught quickly due to that ruckus. Yet this same golden would run up to you, roll on her back and beg for tummy-rubs.

For grandma, unless she's dead set on a revolver or handgun, I'd suggest a nice M1 Carbine. Easy to operate, very lightweight, 15 (or 30) round magazines and the cocking can be done by catching the bolt carrier on some furniture and shoving the rifle forward. Just be sure to get one that's a USGI WW-II/Korean war type and test it out for her first.

 

[scottaschultz]

BillCA (Editorial Advisor - Handgun Club of America) wrote,

"Once people reach a point where their mobility is limited (perhaps along with hearing or vision), having a dog may, in fact, become a burden."

He then goes on to write,

"For grandma, unless she's dead set on a revolver or handgun, I'd suggest a nice M1 Carbine."

If this is the kind of editorial advice you give out at the Handgun Club of America, remind me to NEVER become a member!

Here you describe an elderly person with diminished faculties and now you want to put a gun in her hand! There is a lot more to using a handgun for protection that being able to pull the trigger. As I said before (but you apparently ignored), stopping your attacker means that your situational awareness skills are honed to the point where you recognize the threat before it actually happens and can react appropriately before your attacker attacks you! Three key elements of situational awareness are hearing, seeing and reaction time, and these are usually the first to go in the elderly.

If you can not rely on this person having the mental and physical ability to effectively use a gun for their own protection and if having a trained guard dog (NOT A PET!!!) is not a practical solution and you genuinely fear for this person's safety, then it is time to have them move to a facility with 24/7 security and limited access. If this person has diminished faculties, then they are probably (eventually) going to need help with other areas of their daily living.

Putting Mom in a facility like this is not an easy thing to do. I know. I just had to do this with my 88 year old mother. For her own safety and my peace of mind (along with the rest of the family), it was the best thing to do and as it turns out, she loves the place!

Remember, the 2nd Amendment is a right, NOT a requirement! Some people simply should not have a gun... at least not for protection.

Scott

 

[ilbob]

What to recommend for an elderly lady?

Perhaps an elderly man?

If she wants a handgun, let her get herself a handgun. A shotgun is heavier and might well be harder for her to work with than a handgun.

It might be a good idea to take her to the range and let her shoot several different handguns and see what she does best with. I would have to guess a DA revolver, probably in 38 special, would be best for her based on what you wrote. If she has to cock it before each shot, thats just the way it is.

However, as a practical matter, she might be beyond where she is well served with a firearm of any kind for self defense purposes. I am not suggesting she should not have a firearm, but just that it is possible that could be the case. Without more information on her specifics, it is tough to make that kind of a judgment call.