Looking for an easy "racking" 9mm

[Rizzo]

My wife has a S&W M&P 9mm but recently does not have the strength to rack that semi-auto anymore.
She can rack my Ruger SR22 OK (22LR) but since we are both heading towards getting a CCW permit I'd like to get her another smaller 9mm that she can rack successfully.
I do have a Ruger SP101 snubbie revolver but she would prefer to have more rounds and faster reloading (mag) if needed so a semi-auto is the preferred gun.

Anybody have some first hand experience on which 9mm would be the easiest?...or any other suggestions?

Thanks.

[Mitch]

I have a suggestion.

Get your wife a .38 Special revolver. They are easier to use than pistols and she won't have to rack the slide.

One of my biggest issues with semi-autos, especially for people with limited arm strength, is the need to rack the slide with alacrity. There is nothing wrong with a good revolver.

[MXRider]

Pretty much every Beretta 92 series I've ever used had a very smooth and easy to manipulate slide.

[Creampuff]

My wife has the same problem and yes like Mitch states, a revolver is a good solution. I have also found the charging supports on the VP9 is very helpful.

Otherwise, have your wife hold the slide, and then charge the slide by holding the slide steady and racking with the grip instead. Essentially hold the slide steady, and then push the frame forward. The grip of the frame is easier to hold onto than the small scallops on a slide.

[Bansh88]

I'm thinking if she has a hard time racking a slide, she's gonna have just as hard a time doing a tac-reload.
Definitley sounds like a revolver is needed here. Might have to give up on packing all those extra mags.

[Mitch]

Otherwise, have your wife hold the slide, and then charge the slide by holding the slide steady and racking with the grip instead. Essentially hold the slide steady, and then push the frame forward. The grip of the frame is easier to hold onto than the small scallops on a slide.

That's good advice, but another problem I have seen women have with pistols is reliably engaging the slide lock with their small hands.

[kjv146]

IMO, find the shield's slide fairly easy to rack. maybe once it's well broken in, 400 rounds or so.

[Kishfisser]

Another option and forgive me I do not have the link, but my girlfriend looked up on you tube for different ways to rack the slide. It has made a world of difference to push the grip while holding the slide.

Also my broken in Ruger P-89 slide is far more manageable for her.

[Bansh88]

Also my broken in Ruger P-89 slide is far more manageable for her.

I had a P89. Great gun and very soft slide now that I think about it.

But OP is looking for a concealed gun. I recall thgat P89 being BIG.

[Jimmybacon43]

Ruger LC-380? Still better than a .22, easy racking slide, manageable recoil in a larger frame than the LCP which is off-roster anyway.

[2euro]

We picked up a Shield for the wife just a couple of days ago and its still somewhat hard for her to rack it. I tend to leave the slide open for her and she just loads the magazine in and uses the slide release. It works out OK when target practicing together.

I would consider her getting a revolver for CCW as others mention. If and when we're allowed here in California.

[slayer61]

My wife has a S&W M&P 9mm but recently does not have the strength to rack that semi-auto anymore.
Anybody have some first hand experience on which 9mm would be the easiest?...or any other suggestions?

Thanks.

Since she already has experience with the M&P line, why not the M&Pc? My wife shoots the M&P9c very well and it is the "go-to" gun in her arsenal, her first choice.

[erik_26]

I have a suggestion.

Get your wife a .38 Special revolver. They are easier to use than pistols and she won't have to rack the slide.

One of my biggest issues with semi-autos, especially for people with limited arm strength, is the need to rack the slide with alacrity. There is nothing wrong with a good revolver.

^THIS^

There is a slight trade off. Depending on the model, a double action only could have a heavy trigger pull. A short barrel likely wouldn't be comfortable to practice regularly.

[350skylark]

I'm thinking if she has a hard time racking a slide, she's gonna have just as hard a time doing a tac-reload.
Definitley sounds like a revolver is needed here. Might have to give up on packing all those extra mags.

Not sure why she would really need to tac reload or how that has to do with racking the slide. She might have to rack a little bit differently like suggested above but the way i look at it is, the round count debate 10(more if in free state) rounds vs 5. Would you rather her have 10 rounds before she has to fumble around or 5? To me reloading a magazine is a bit easier then reloading a revolver with a speed loader and she would be ble to get off twice as many shots before she has to do any reloading or manipulating.

If carrying for ccw, she would only have to charge the gun before heading out and carry with a loaded chamber. Not doing that under stress and if the need to reload comes then its already locked back.

[Captiontom]

Put a lighter recoil spring in the m and p