Self defense for mom

[PistolKidd]

+1 on the training.

If she's going to learn how to shoot, i think it's in everyone's interest that she knows the basics... I think a class would be perfect for that.

As someone mentioned, clearing jams and doing drills isnt most likely something you expect dear 'mum' to do while shooting. If i had to give my mom a gun to use for self defense, I would give her something like a revolver. "Aim and pull the trigger".. simple as that.. I seriously doubt my mom is going to be the mall ninja type and know the in's and outs of grip/stance/sight picture/follow up.. a revolver in .38 (or .357) is capable enough and in a heavy enough frame, there's not much kick.. that and i can keep it loaded with little fear of her having any problems with it..

But i would definitley get her the training.. even if it only helps a little, I'd like to give her every advantage that she could possibly use..

I dunno, take her to the range, let her work her way up in caliber size..see what she's comfortable with.. maybe it wont be such a hard decision once she becomes familiar with shooting..

[CWM4A1]

For the model recommendation, I would say the S&W Model 686 if she does not mind the weight; model 60 with 3" barrel if she wants a smaller gun. The draw back is model 60 only hold 5 shots. Both gun is capable of shooting 357, but will work just fine with .38. Both gun are all stainless steel, so it's heavy enough to minimize the effect on recoil, and both offer full grip.

2" snob nose revolver is not recommended as they kick too much even with just .38. Stay far away from the titanium models.

And another +1 on taking classes.

[asintado]

I keep one of my handguns at my parent's house and my dad can use it no problem, but when I was showing my mom how to you it she said, "You lost me at this is a 1911." I decided to get her a Taurus model 85 revolver. She's familiar with a Charter Arms Undercover so I figured teaching her how to use the Taurus wouldn't be such a strech. I have it loaded with 110 grain low recoil Federal Hydrashocks and I installed a hogue grip on it because the stock grip was irritatingly small. Although I know she can manage a semi-auto with proper training I still wanted something simple for her to use. I also didn't want to have her worrying about changing the magazine to keep the springs in good condition. At least with a revolver she can load it up, put it away, and know its good to go.

[Mudvayne540ld]

I would go with a Glock. No need to remember a saftey. The 26, 27, and 30 are both small, plus you can get it in the 9mm, .40 or .45
Glock 27 = .40
Glock 26 = 9mm
Glock 30 = .45

[Blue]

I'm voting XD9

[M. Sage]

+1 to Kestrel's Taurus 66. That's my Mom's revolver (though hers is a B4 instead of S4.) She's had it for probably close to 20 years, shot quite a few rounds through it (some for police quals) and it's never had a single problem.