I took my mother-in-law to the range the other day and she can no longer rack the slide on her semi-automatic so I recommended to her that she pick up a revolver. I personally don't own one so I am here asking for a recommendation. Like everyone she is looking for something that is the best bang for the buck.
I need a recommendation for a revolver
- Thread starter Raydee
- Start date
Some more information would be helpful. What does she plan to use it for? Self/home defense? Does she have a license and does she plan to carry it? Targets/plinking? You mention she can't rack the slide - doesh she have restricted mobility/arthritis/strength?
Her primary use and abilities will dictate the caliber etc that folks may recommend.
Her primary use and abilities will dictate the caliber etc that folks may recommend.
Yes she has a license to carry, she has become a little weak in her older age no longer has the strength for the semi-auto that she has now. She plans to carry the firearm and also use it for self/home defense.
How does she carry it or want to carry it? I'm deciding between the LCR (x)and SW 442 currently for a snub nose as a BUG and deeper concealment option.
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As @Phauxtoe said the LCR is a great choice with many caliber options. S&W J-frames are compact and available in multi calibers - 38 might be the sweet spot unless she has become recoil sensitive. If shooting 38 special is too much maybe 22 magnum. I have a S&W 351PD which is a great option and step up from 22LR without too much recoil.
If you can find a place that rents pistols it may help decide.
BTW what was she using in past?
If you can find a place that rents pistols it may help decide.
BTW what was she using in past?
Bananabandit
.338 Win Mag
Hows her trigger finger? Is that weak? If so, a DAO revolver may not work. Idd go with LCR or LCRx for sa/da
li02liberty
9mm
I just pick up a used Taurus 905 in 9mm. So far it has been reliable and accurate. Double action is smooth but long and in single it is short and crisp. I was very surprised.
Deplorable Me
.700 Nitro Express
Buffalo Gun Center has a decent selection of used snub nosed 38s. Usually a decent selection of S&W and Rugers. Inventory varies.
As my dad was getting old he had problems racking the Glock 23, so I got him a brass stacker slide pull
Gear Review: Brass Stacker Glock Slide Pull Charging Handle (VIDEO)
Gear Review: Brass Stacker Glock Slide Pull Charging Handle (VIDEO)
Bananabandit
.338 Win Mag
Gave my dad a gatling gun. Im a nice son...unlike you!
Saltwater60
20×102mm Vulcan
You could also look at the sig 238. I hear that women like it because the slide is super easy to rack. Maybe not, but if she likes semiauots. I agree the trigger pull might cause her issues.
Look at 22WMR or a 327 Magnum Ruger LCR line.
You must have read this month's rifleman. None the less I agree. The Sig 238 and 239 are rock solid carry guns.
Saltwater60
20×102mm Vulcan
I did, but have heard this before.
Different Drummer
.44 mag
X2 on the Taurus. Owning Walther, Berreta and Dan Wesson products I was hesitant about buying the 905. However, I wanted to try 9mm in a Revolver so I went ahead and purchased one in stainless. No complaints whatsoever.
li02liberty
9mm
So was I. But someone on another forum I am on was selling it at a really good price not to say no to. I was very surprised at how it shot and how the trigger is on it. I will defently consider another one in the future.
For the best bang for the buck I would vote a S&W 442 for a couple of reasons. First, they can be had for around $400, reasonable. Second, if pulling the trigger is difficult, you can change the springs, Wolff springs have a kit; installed by a gunsmith, probably $50 total. Third, easy to hide and light, a good on body carry gun or good in a purse in a clip on IWB holster clipped inside the purse (although I would rather not see this option because the purse is the object of the thief). Fourth, fairly easily operated with one hand (no slide to pull back to load). Fifth, when loaded with one of many "personal defense" loads, such as a Federal .38 SPL HydroShock Low Recoil, it can be a very capable combination. Not to mention the newer low recoil training loads like Winchester Train and Defend. Sixth, in the unlikely event that she doesn't actually like the gun, J Frames Smiths really hold their value for resale - they are one of the longest running platforms on the market.
A black 442 or it's sister, the aluminum colored 642 (both are aircraft grade aluminum frames) are a very good choice. When I ran a gun store in Florida we sold five or six every week to females, as well as five or six more to other segments of the market. Very few ever got traded back in.
SW 442 and 642 for good prices at GrabAGun.com I just grabbed one and waiting on it.
Smith and Wesson 442 Matte Black .38 SPL 1.8725-inch 5Rd
Smith and Wesson 442 Performance Center Pro Series Matte Black .38SPL 1.875-inch 5Rd
Smith and Wesson 642 Stainless Centennial .38 SPL 1.875-inch 5Rd
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Doc8404
.450/400 Nitro Ex
Tell me about it. I tortured myself and my wife for weeks. Just ordered it on Sunday night and am waiting......semi patiently. Ended up with the SW442 pro, I decided to get it because I found out I can use the moon-clips If I want and if not I can load them with a speed strip or loader with no issue. It also has the stainless steel cylinder and barrel in lieu of the carbon steel (smiths website does say the cylinder is carbon steel still, I have read many forum posts that stated they called SW costumer service and was told it is indeed stainless and the website is not updated, not sure how true any of this is lol).
Now do decide on some holsters. @Doc8404 do you use the Uncle Mikes #3 or #4?
Doc8404
.450/400 Nitro Ex
3
And Galco ankle glove
And Galco ankle glove
I will probably end up with each of those then. I have looked up various ankle rigs and everyone seems to point back to the Galco after trying less expensive brands.
Doc8404
.450/400 Nitro Ex
Buy once cry once
meketrefe
.450/400 Nitro Ex
What about a bobcat? The modern 32 ACP from acp is as effective as the 380 with less recoil.
No need to rack anything if you don't want.
No need to rack anything if you don't want.
Magnus
6.5 Creedmoor
Definitely get her a snub nose. My grandmother carried one all her life. She used it a few times in self defense, always carried it appendix no holster.
ECU Pirates
.308 Win
The xde is supposed to be much easier to rack. If that won't work any snub from ruger or smith should be fine if her trigger finger is strong enough.
By the way, if buying a S&W j frame, don't get caught up in the hype with a Ladysmith. None of these are really made for women, if you think about it. They don't come with reduced trigger pulls, just the standard action ( which once again can be remedied by either Wolff or Wilson Combat spring kits $9.00). Also the pretty grips are made from smooth wood. Two things wrong here; rubber is more forgiving of recoil. The second is that women are more likely to use hand lotions - in a defensive encounter (with a little adrenaline dump) hands tend to sweat, and mixed with the aforementioned lotion can cause the gun to slip in the hand. So instead of paying the extra $100 -150 on a Ladysmith, buy the spring kit ($9),maybe step up to a larger Hogue rubber grip ($20), and buy good, low recoil defensive ammo ($25) and practice ammo.
Tinman
.308 Win
Ruger LCR. My wife and sister in law love theirs. Light and a smooth trigger.