I am thinking a model 10 or other K frame in a 2 inch barrel would work well, maybe a 3 inch gun for a little more sight radius if it would work for him. Mode of carry has to come into play a little as one can pocket a J frame gun but not a K/L frame. Of course if he plans belt carry or wants a fanny pack then a k frame is very reasonable, maybe even an L.
I hope that I am not being overly presumptive but I am thinking 38 special +p equates way better in this equation than 357 magnum. There are a ton of smith and wesson grips out there, one can find what works for him, and a K frame is pretty easy to hide on one's body if going out. Plus the trigger can be slicked up to the point it is very user friendly. I would plan of finding what works for him then getting a trigger job no matter what and don't be afraid to sand the grips or do whatever to make the gun fit the hand it need to.
Cost wise you should be able to make a used model 10 snubby come in under 450, maybe even 350. Lasers are fine if one must but they restrict you grip choices as most are built into the grips plus at most self defense ranges point or instinct shooting is likely more important.
Not a big fan of anything in the super compact 5 shot classification for anyone who is not a somewhat dedicated user who plans to practice a good bit, between grip size and sight radius it's just a lot to work out. Plus again not to make assumptions here but I am thinking a 92 year old in Ohio can hide a K frame in most manners of dress.
One other consideration would be something in the 32 magnum / 327 federal mag classification. You get "magnum" energies with less recoil and an extra shot. So he could have a 6 shot ruger SP101 or 7 shot GP 100. I am personally not someone who is a flag waving fan of these calibers however here is a niche were they might be of genuine utility. Were I in your shoes it's a suggestion I would make and let him decide. Keep in mind in the ruger line the trigger tend to be rough new and plan to pay someone to smooth them out. I have read more than one account of bad folks falling to well placed 32 smith and wesson rounds.
Last consideration is, is it a given that it must be a revolver? While I shoot and appreciate many revovlers and would agree that your Dad's needs are "textbook" for a revolver might there be a few semi-auto guns worth considering? Maybe a Beretta 85 or 86 in 380? I know the 380 is not the "manstopper" everyone wants to have on their night stand however well placed rounds count more than anything and in a larger frame gun the 380 is easy shooting esp on a traditional da / sa gun. Just another consideration to think of, they are not popular so finding one in a store may be a challenge.
I share the disgust you and others have expressed with him being victimized, I wish you were closer to where I live as I can think of several reasonably priced revolvers I have seen lately for sale that might do well for him.
A dog is a useful deterrent, however it's just that unless it's a trained K9, which is a whole other idea and beyond what I am guessing you want to get into. Also a dog would not have helped much out at the mail box situation you report. That being said the trappings of a dog (food bowls, chew toys, beware of dog signs) and or one of those motion detector based deals that barks would be a consideration if I were in your shoes, I know many who do this. Does it work? I don't know but every bit helps and it's cheap. My 2 dogs chew up 5 and 15 gallon plastic buckets / drums, if you want I will mail you one to add to the effect if he has a yard.
The companionship is a whole other subject, and I would say not to steal Nike's slogan sometiems you have to "just do it" knowing that it might not work and having a plan B for if it does not, I have had to do this with my family.
I hope that I am not being overly presumptive but I am thinking 38 special +p equates way better in this equation than 357 magnum. There are a ton of smith and wesson grips out there, one can find what works for him, and a K frame is pretty easy to hide on one's body if going out. Plus the trigger can be slicked up to the point it is very user friendly. I would plan of finding what works for him then getting a trigger job no matter what and don't be afraid to sand the grips or do whatever to make the gun fit the hand it need to.
Cost wise you should be able to make a used model 10 snubby come in under 450, maybe even 350. Lasers are fine if one must but they restrict you grip choices as most are built into the grips plus at most self defense ranges point or instinct shooting is likely more important.
Not a big fan of anything in the super compact 5 shot classification for anyone who is not a somewhat dedicated user who plans to practice a good bit, between grip size and sight radius it's just a lot to work out. Plus again not to make assumptions here but I am thinking a 92 year old in Ohio can hide a K frame in most manners of dress.
One other consideration would be something in the 32 magnum / 327 federal mag classification. You get "magnum" energies with less recoil and an extra shot. So he could have a 6 shot ruger SP101 or 7 shot GP 100. I am personally not someone who is a flag waving fan of these calibers however here is a niche were they might be of genuine utility. Were I in your shoes it's a suggestion I would make and let him decide. Keep in mind in the ruger line the trigger tend to be rough new and plan to pay someone to smooth them out. I have read more than one account of bad folks falling to well placed 32 smith and wesson rounds.
Last consideration is, is it a given that it must be a revolver? While I shoot and appreciate many revovlers and would agree that your Dad's needs are "textbook" for a revolver might there be a few semi-auto guns worth considering? Maybe a Beretta 85 or 86 in 380? I know the 380 is not the "manstopper" everyone wants to have on their night stand however well placed rounds count more than anything and in a larger frame gun the 380 is easy shooting esp on a traditional da / sa gun. Just another consideration to think of, they are not popular so finding one in a store may be a challenge.
I share the disgust you and others have expressed with him being victimized, I wish you were closer to where I live as I can think of several reasonably priced revolvers I have seen lately for sale that might do well for him.
A dog is a useful deterrent, however it's just that unless it's a trained K9, which is a whole other idea and beyond what I am guessing you want to get into. Also a dog would not have helped much out at the mail box situation you report. That being said the trappings of a dog (food bowls, chew toys, beware of dog signs) and or one of those motion detector based deals that barks would be a consideration if I were in your shoes, I know many who do this. Does it work? I don't know but every bit helps and it's cheap. My 2 dogs chew up 5 and 15 gallon plastic buckets / drums, if you want I will mail you one to add to the effect if he has a yard.
The companionship is a whole other subject, and I would say not to steal Nike's slogan sometiems you have to "just do it" knowing that it might not work and having a plan B for if it does not, I have had to do this with my family.
revolver for my dad? I am specifically looking at their models 856 SS2 (s/s) and 856 B2 (blued). These .38 Special models are described as being all steel, "small frame" revolvers but offering six shots. They weigh 22.2 ounces and come with 2" barrels (I think I might prefer a 3" barrel but that size barrel doesn't seem very popular with most people). These revolvers seem to be configured a lot like the long-discontinued Colt Detective Special. A draw-back for some (and maybe even for me) is that they are offered only in traditional da, hammer spur and all.
