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Mom almost mugged, need help picking CCW pistol...

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  • John Browning
    Calguns Addict
    • May 2006
    • 8073

    Mom almost mugged, need help picking CCW pistol...

    My mom, who is 67, recently had her tire slashed by someone who was setting her up to be mugged, beaten and whatever else. Luckily she had run flat tires and instead of being a victim, jumped in her car and made it far enough away to get help.

    My dad, who is a complete idiot when it comes to this, still thinks that having a gun in his car is good enough. I've tried everything with him from gun selection to carry options and he refuses to carry. I bought him a Glock 43 for his birthday and it sat unfired in the box for a year. He's gotten a half dozen different handguns that he won't use. He doesn't want to go shooting much more than to sight in his deer rifle. I haven't had any success when it came to getting him able to defend himself.

    My mom now actually is showing interest as a result of her near catastrophe and I don't want to have her decide she doesn't want to carry. I now realize, and so does she, that her age (and the car that my parents drive, which makes it seem they're worth robbing) make her a target.

    She wants to get a CCW permit and will almost certainly purse carry. She has very little firearms experience and is recoil sensitive. She struggles to rack the slide on most semi-autos. I need to help her find something that is safe to purse carry, that she can practice with enough to use effectively, and pretty simple to operate under stress. She lives out of state so roster issues are not issues for her. What I'm thinking:

    Ruger LCR (.22LR, .22 Mag or .38? Thoughts?)
    Ruger SR22
    Sig P238 (I hear the slide is easy to rack, but don't like the single action idea)
    Glock 42 (Slide easy to rack also...yes?)

    Should I look at more full to mid size guns since weight isn't as much an issue? Any full to mid size guns easier to rack? I know the drawbacks of purse carry, but I've been struggling to get my dad to carry and 95% of the time he leaves his gun in the car. I'd rather have my mom have a gun in her purse than have nothing.

    I'm going to take a trip to Cabelas and Scheels with her to pick it out. I think I'm leaning towards the LCR in .22 LR because it could be a jumping off point to something better.

    Any of you who have experience with senior citizens picking up firearms for CCW, I'd appreciate your thoughts on everything related to the topic.

    ***Added***

    Thanks for all the help. I'm noticing the common theme of an all-steel revolver, so I'm going to let her try my S&W 19-2, and if she likes it see if I can find her a 2.5in all steel 19 or something in that vein and start there.

    Also, some have asked what exactly happened. I'll go ahead and share it here.

    She was in an industrial part of town and being a senior in a luxury car made her a target. She walked out from a shop where she was getting some construction bids, saw the tire was leaking, and then actually saw the guy who was waiting for her to do anything other than drive away watching her from bushes on the other side of the empty parking lot. As he started walking toward her, she immediately jumped in the car and split. At that point, he went from walking toward her to running away. The tires she had were run flats, so she made it far enough away to call for help. Sure enough, the tire was slashed.

    From her understanding of the situation, she can't think of any other explanation other than she was being set up to have bad things happen, and after hearing the details, I can't either.

    Her real saving grace, along with quick action, was the run flat tires were not expected and the distance between her and the scumbag, which was only possible because there was no cover for him closer than about 50 yards away. She now realizes she'd like to be a little more prepared if she can't run or evade. She handled it perfectly, quickly recognizing what was going on and taking the best action available. I asked her what she would have done if she had this gun she now wants, and she said that she'd have put her hand on it inside her purse when she walked out given where and when she was walking and pretty much done the same thing. Not bad for an old lady.

    Unexpected surprise in her favor (tires), plus quick action on her part. Not much got past mom when I was a kid, not much has changed apparently.
    Last edited by John Browning; 05-07-2017, 10:47 AM.
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    Originally posted by KWalkerM
    eh why bring logic into this, that makes too much sense... besides when you have bested a fool, you have accomplished nothing and he is a fool.
  • #2
    CalAlumnus
    Senior Member
    • Nov 2014
    • 817

    I'd consider the Walther PPS or Glock 43, depending on how each feels in her hand. I'd recommend a 9mm over a smaller caliber.

    I'd also strongly discourage off-body carry, and encourage you to consider payying for her to receive high-quality instruction, ideally one on one.

    Comment

    • #3
      SkyHawk
      I need a LIFE!!
      • Sep 2012
      • 23407

      The LCR in 22 has a heavy pull, because rimfire needs a heavy hammer to fire. The LCR magic is gone in 22 or 22mag.

      I would go LCR in 38 and load it with 90 grain lite FTX


      Read the reviews there, you will see a lot of ladies like this from a LCR.

      The problem with the striker pistols, besides needing to know how to run various malfunctions drills in a hurry, is they are only safe in a purse if they are holstered or have a trigger block.
      Last edited by SkyHawk; 05-06-2017, 10:17 PM.
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      • #4
        jdben92883
        Veteran Member
        • Dec 2012
        • 3635

        I would whole-heartedly recommend a G42 over any of those other options you listed. I have it and the G43 and the .380 is very soft shooting and easy to manipulate. It's not tiny, but is very light and feels good in the hand. The slide is pretty easy to rack. I have Trijicon HDs on mine while they're not completely flat in front, they can bite in the hand enough to help in racking. Hornady makes a potent HD cartridge that's been 100% reliable in mine. I have 5 other handguns on my permit, but carry the G42 the most.
        NRA Benefactor Member

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        • #5
          John Browning
          Calguns Addict
          • May 2006
          • 8073

          Originally posted by CalAlumnus
          I'd consider the Walther PPS or Glock 43, depending on how each feels in her hand. I'd recommend a 9mm over a smaller caliber.

          I'd also strongly discourage off-body carry, and encourage you to consider payying for her to receive high-quality instruction, ideally one on one.
          I have a G43, is the PPS easier to rack? Don't have one of those.

          I've taken enough classes that I could teach her as much as any instructor in her area (most of who I've already shot with and half of whom are...not totally compentent). I know all the problems of off-body carry, but I've never had anybody tell me how to do it well and since I didn't have a purse, never asked how. At the end of the day, I already know that the only shot I have at getting her to carry consistently is off-body. I'd rather she had a gun in her purse than it sitting in a really nice holster in her closet.
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          Originally posted by KWalkerM
          eh why bring logic into this, that makes too much sense... besides when you have bested a fool, you have accomplished nothing and he is a fool.

          Comment

          • #6
            angelinointexas
            Banned
            • Apr 2017
            • 297

            God bless you. You're a good son.

            Comment

            • #7
              John Browning
              Calguns Addict
              • May 2006
              • 8073

              Originally posted by SkyHawk
              The LCR in 22 has a heavy pull, because rimfire needs a heavy hammer to fire. The LCR magic is gone in 22 or 22mag.

              I would go LCR in 38 and load it with 90 grain lite FTX


              The problem with the striker pistols, besides needing to know how to run various malfunctions drills in a hurry, is they are only safe in a purse if they are holstered or have a trigger block.
              I didn't know that about the .22 LCR, thank you. That's really helpful.

              Is purse carry really just the same rules as pocket carry? Keep it in it's own compartment with a holster or trigger block?
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              Originally posted by KWalkerM
              eh why bring logic into this, that makes too much sense... besides when you have bested a fool, you have accomplished nothing and he is a fool.

              Comment

              • #8
                John Browning
                Calguns Addict
                • May 2006
                • 8073

                Originally posted by jdben92883
                I would whole-heartedly recommend a G42 over any of those other options you listed. I have it and the G43 and the .380 is very soft shooting and easy to manipulate. It's not tiny, but is very light and feels good in the hand. The slide is pretty easy to rack. I have Trijicon HDs on mine while they're not completely flat in front, they can bite in the hand enough to help in racking. Hornady makes a potent HD cartridge that's been 100% reliable in mine. I have 5 other handguns on my permit, but carry the G42 the most.
                Thanks for the feedback. How much of a difference is there between the 42 and 43 in how they handle?
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                Originally posted by KWalkerM
                eh why bring logic into this, that makes too much sense... besides when you have bested a fool, you have accomplished nothing and he is a fool.

                Comment

                • #9
                  John Browning
                  Calguns Addict
                  • May 2006
                  • 8073

                  Originally posted by angelinointexas
                  God bless you. You're a good son.
                  Thanks. My mom drives me insane at times, but she's a wonderful mom and I'm somewhat pissed that my dad isn't more seriously stepping up at all in this case. I'd like to keep her around for as long as possible.

                  Thanks for the help guys. I think I'm going to have one range session to get this right and either get her willing to start shooting, or see her change her mind and decide she doesn't like it enough to want to continue to learn and practice.
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                  Originally posted by KWalkerM
                  eh why bring logic into this, that makes too much sense... besides when you have bested a fool, you have accomplished nothing and he is a fool.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    jon94520
                    Senior Member
                    • Oct 2016
                    • 762

                    I think a j frame 38 would be a great choice. They require much less maintenance, are safer to purse carry, pack plenty of punch and malfunctions are a non issue.
                    BUY AMERICAN

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      SkyHawk
                      I need a LIFE!!
                      • Sep 2012
                      • 23407

                      Originally posted by John Browning
                      I didn't know that about the .22 LCR, thank you. That's really helpful.

                      Is purse carry really just the same rules as pocket carry? Keep it in it's own compartment with a holster or trigger block?
                      I personally would carry a naked DAO LCR in a pocket or purse. I have 3 LCRs, including one for my wife. IMO they are not going to fire accidentally. I would never carry any of my striker guns including my G42 or G43 naked.

                      Another nice thing about the 38 is you have a really wide range of cartridges to choose from. You can start her with soft shooting loads to get her confidence up on the range, and she can carry for SHTF with a more powerful round. Since the revolver is not recoil operated, you can shoot real soft loads.
                      Last edited by SkyHawk; 05-06-2017, 10:31 PM.
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                      • #12
                        John Browning
                        Calguns Addict
                        • May 2006
                        • 8073

                        Originally posted by SkyHawk
                        I personally would carry a naked DAO LCR in a pocket or purse. I have 3 LCRs, including one for my wife. IMO they are not going to fire accidentally. I would never carry any of my striker guns including my G42 or G43 naked.

                        Another nice thing about the 38 is you have a really wide range of cartridges to choose from. You can start her with soft shooting loads to get her confidence up on the range, and she can carry for SHTF with a more powerful round. Since the revolver is not recoil operated, you can shoot real soft loads.
                        How snappy is the .38 LCR? I handload and can work up powder puff 158gr loads over Trail Boss for her, but wonder if you feel the low recoil defensive loads might be off putting to a new shooter.
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                        Originally posted by KWalkerM
                        eh why bring logic into this, that makes too much sense... besides when you have bested a fool, you have accomplished nothing and he is a fool.

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          L84CABO
                          Calguns Addict
                          • Mar 2009
                          • 8460

                          Mid to large size guns are usually easier to rack than their smaller, comparable caliber, counterparts.

                          I would really try to stick with either 9mm or .38 if she can handle the recoil. If you do need to step down, .380 is probably as small as I would go.

                          The logical place to start with this is with the guns your father already has. What's he got that might be suitable and that your mom could try out? The G43 is an ideal candidate if she can rack it.

                          And yes, you absolutely want to keep the gun in a holster in her purse and in an isolated and easily accessible compartment. She also has to be insanely vigilant with NEVER letting her purse out of her direct control. Pay attention to how she manages her purse currently. For example, does she ever put it in grocery cart and then walk five or ten feet away from the cart to grab something? That would be a no-no. Etc.
                          "Kestryll I wanna lick your doughnut."

                          Fighter Pilot

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                          • #14
                            John Browning
                            Calguns Addict
                            • May 2006
                            • 8073

                            Originally posted by L84CABO
                            Mid to large size guns are usually easier to rack than their smaller, comparable caliber, counterparts.

                            I would really try to stick with either 9mm or .38 if she can handle the recoil. If you do need to step down, .380 is probably as small as I would go.

                            The logical place to start with this is with the guns your father already has. What's he got that might be suitable and that your mom could try out? The G43 is an ideal candidate if she can rack it.

                            And yes, you absolutely want to keep the gun in a holster in her purse and in an isolated and easily accessible compartment. She also has to be insanely vigilant with NEVER letting her purse out of her direct control. Pay attention to how she manages her purse currently. For example, does she ever put it in grocery cart and then walk five or ten feet away from the cart to grab something? That would be a no-no. Etc.
                            She watches her purse like a hawk which is why while it isn't ideal, I don't see her ever doing any of the real no-nos. I really think she'd take it seriously.

                            Any guns that you're thinking are easy to rack? She struggles with the G43. She can do it, but it isn't easy, even with the push the frame and hold the slide method.
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                            Originally posted by KWalkerM
                            eh why bring logic into this, that makes too much sense... besides when you have bested a fool, you have accomplished nothing and he is a fool.

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              SkyHawk
                              I need a LIFE!!
                              • Sep 2012
                              • 23407

                              Originally posted by John Browning
                              How snappy is the .38 LCR? I handload and can work up powder puff 158gr loads over Trail Boss for her, but wonder if you feel the low recoil defensive loads might be off putting to a new shooter.
                              It all depends on the load. The LCR has a gel insert in the factory Hogue Tamer grip, which helps. You should read those reviews on Midway for that 90gr XTP ammo. A lot of recoil sensitive shooters are Ok with it from a LCR.

                              The 90gr XTP ammo doesn't expand through denim from a snub so a lot of wonky lab rat ammo testers knock it, but seriously no one wants to get shot with it anyhow. And it beats 22 all day.

                              Here is a video of a small lady shooting it




                              I would have her carry the Gold Dot Short Barrel but it is basically a +P round. She would not enjoy that round on the range, but if SHTF I don't think she would care.
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