self defense gun for elderly

[Dirty506]

ya hes in his 80s and the ruger gp100 is what i would lean towards. i owned one in the past and they are easy to shoot and reliable. but a break open shotgun may be even easier. i dunno. there really is no right answer here, just opinions. and each person and scenario is different.

[Dirty506]

what would be your guys input on a 410 break open shotgun. over under or SxS

[voiceofreason]

what would be your guys input on a 410 break open shotgun. over under or SxS

Why limit the # of rounds available? Can they reload effectively under stress?
a break open would limit their firepower

CA doesn't have many available, but this is another example of where a pistol caliber carbine would be a great option.

9mm recoil out of a lightweight carbine, 147grain +p or a 180 grain .40 would do nicely

I would generally NOT recommend any rimfire round for SD, but a .22 rifle like a 10/22 or 795 might be a backstop option if they need a long gun, but are recoil sensitive.

CCI AR Tactical and Federal Value Pack hollowpoints are both good options provided they function reliably in their specific firearms. The lead nosed/non-copper plated rounds like Blazer are horrible. Would rather have a big sword than trust my life to a .22 cycling those rounds.

[oddjob]

Lever action 22lr....like a Henry Rifle, W-W 94/22, Marlin, Browning BLR .22 & etc.....Or a lever action center fire rifle in a handgun caliber like a .38/.357. Easily stored with an empty chamber and loaded tube, but fast to "make ready!". Plenty of rounds and soft shooting.....and Fun!

[BigDogatPlay]

One of these.... everything you need in a defensive firearm, and nothing you don't need. Simple, reliable, and potent enough to get the job done.

[Mr. Beretta]

One of these.... everything you need in a defensive firearm, and nothing you don't need. Simple, reliable, and potent enough to get the job done.

This /\ /\ /\ /\ /\

Nobody ever raped a 38!

[smle-man]

.22 DA revolver.

[bsg]

One of these.... everything you need in a defensive firearm, and nothing you don't need. Simple, reliable, and potent enough to get the job done.

good suggestion.

[Dirty506]

i dont think semi autos regardless of make model or type would be good due to the fact that they could jam and at his age i dont think performing immediate action is going to be somehting he becomes proficient at or if he can even remember it under pressure. for me hell yes i beleive i could perform with any firearm i am roughly familiar with. maybe even some ive never shot before but in my opinion simpler is better. his hand strength isnt horrible but it is a fact that joints and strength diminish with age. i like the lever 22 idea and i do have one for him to use(i actually got it from him it was one of his dads). its a marlin model 39M article 2. havent fired it yet and it hasnt been for a while i dont think. ive been cleaning it up and soon i am going to take it to the range and put a few hundred through it see if it is reliable in its state(which i would say is phenomenal for surviving a fire). i am going to take him out with that my buddies 1100 20ga and i'm gonna get a 38 from somewhere. as far as break opens ya 2 shots isnt much but with a good first shot and proper placement you shouldnt need more than that. if i put a light and laser i htink it owuld be easy for him to make a hit. i really need to take that 22 out though i've been wanting to for a while

[Dirty506]

i dont think semi autos regardless of make model or type would be good due to the fact that they could jam and at his age i dont think performing immediate action is going to be somehting he becomes proficient at or if he can even remember it under pressure. for me hell yes i beleive i could perform with any firearm i am roughly familiar with. maybe even some ive never shot before but in my opinion simpler is better. his hand strength isnt horrible but it is a fact that joints and strength diminish with age. i like the lever 22 idea and i do have one for him to use(i actually got it from him it was one of his dads). its a marlin model 39M article 2. havent fired it yet and it hasnt been for a while i dont think. ive been cleaning it up and soon i am going to take it to the range and put a few hundred through it see if it is reliable in its state(which i would say is phenomenal for surviving a fire). i am going to take him out with that my buddies 1100 20ga and i'm gonna get a 38 from somewhere. as far as break opens ya 2 shots isnt much but with a good first shot and proper placement you shouldnt need more than that. if i put a light and laser i htink it owuld be easy for him to make a hit. i really need to take that 22 out though i've been wanting to for a while

[Ron-Solo]

For a hd situation, two shots from a 20 gauge shotgun is going to be very effective. Just make sure he doesn't fire both barrels at once.

For handguns, you can't go wrong with a S&W .38 revolver.

Keep it simple, as fine motor skills diminish with age.

Stay away from .22 for HD. .380 is barely enough stopping power.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

Consider a 20 ga. over and under shotgun with a single trigger - can't fire both barrels at the same time, just aim, squeeze, repeat, then reload.

I agree with the .38 (or .357 Magnum so that the option is there, even if he never uses it). There's enough S&W Model 19s and 66s out there that you/he should be able to find one.

[0321jarhead]

Now knowing your folks are in there 80's is a big help. So yes, let's forget about a .38. Mine are also in there 80's. What I have loaned my folks is my old Ruger Mark I. Semi-auto .22lr hp. My parents feel safe with that.

[Dirty506]

I'm gonna put a bulk box of ammo through the lever 22 I have this week and see how reliable it operates and make a decision from there. I figure some.velocities would do alright for HD with a 22