self defense gun for elderly

[Dirty506]

so i'm looking for a self defense gun for my grandpa. he was in the navy and fired guns then as well as owned his dads guns but never really shot them. he is getting older so i am thinking of something stupid simple for someone to use with minimal recoil and good stopping power. i was thinking a 410 side by side. small low recoiling very easy to use but it lacks in power a bit. although 3 pellets of 00 buck still wouldnt feel very good. but what about a 20ga? its been a while since ive fired a 20ga and when i did it was an 1100 and didnt recoil much being a semi auto. theres also the pistol route. a big 357 to shoot 38s? dont know. what would you guys say?

[Flyin Brian]

My parents spend a lot of time on their yacht out on the delta and I am looking at getting them an Rem 870 in 20gauge. With 7 shots and fairly mild recoil, I'm thinking it is the best choice for them overall. They are both in their early 70's and in very good physical condition. Both of them are not comfortable with a pistol, or else I would have probably just loaned them one of mine.

I hadn't thought about a SA, but I honestly think the pump will be more foolproof.

[GW]

A revolver in 38 Special.
When my dad got older, operating an auto became problematic. His hand strength/arthritis made racking the slide difficult and ultimately impossible
I gave him a Ruger Security-6 with +P 38's The recoil wasn't too stout and he could handle it easily.

[RoundEye]

A 71 year old man in a Florida Internet cafe did fairly well with a .380 recently.

[Legasat]

I would have to a revolver with .38's

[Ron-Solo]

A side by side in 20 gauge with 00 buck is what my grandma used until she was 93. Very basic, but effective.

[XYZ]

S&W 500. If you only have one shot, make it count.

[nomp7incali]

I suggest taking him to the range and try different rounds, a revolver is probably better to keep loaded for a long period of time. Accuracy is deadly imo

[MrExel17]

+1 for .38 wheel-gun

[voiceofreason]

Take him to the range and rent a few. See what he likes. Would recommend staying away from light triggers with no manual safeties.

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For the yacht, get TWO 20 gauge shotguns and plenty of buck & slug ammo. If there are 2 capable shooters, there should be 2 guns. A boat can be boarded from all sides. Slugs into the hull of another boat might be good, but slugs to an outboard motor are better. Get the more corrosion resistant model "Marine" version.

An alternative is a stainless Mini-14 or a cheapie AR which would be my choice assuming the law allowed it.

A boat is not like a home, you don't want to try to defend yourself from inside if at all possible. Although there is a "fatal funnel", you're also trapped like a rat with no way out and help is a LONG ways away assuming you can radio for help.

[Renaissance Redneck]

Another "vote" for a revolver; .38+P or above. When you pull the trigger, they go bang. No safeties to fuss with, reliable, etc. etc.

[fighterpilot562]

I suggest taking him to the range and try different rounds, a revolver is probably better to keep loaded for a long period of time. Accuracy is deadly imo

I agree with this, see how he does with different guns.

[0321jarhead]

S&W 642 .38+P special snubnose. Lightweight, hammerless, 5 rounds. Just squeeze the trigger, that's all ya gotta do. Then call the police.

[FX-05 Xiuhcoatl]

.38 wheel gun

[voiceofreason]

S&W 642 .38+P special snubnose. Lightweight, hammerless, 5 rounds. Just squeeze the trigger, that's all ya gotta do. Then call the police.

too much recoil for elderly.

even with Nyclads, the light weight of the gun, short barrel results in significant recoil and muzzle flip

great for a deep concealment gun or BUG, but there are better choices for HD