Poll Best Handgun for Elderly New Shooter

[WSS01]

I would add some specs to it. Alloy or SS frame for felt recoil, 4" or longer barrel, again recoil. And rubber armored or some soft grip. The G10 grips are great but bite for stability. More things to consider.

 

[Gawernator]

The VP9A1 is also a great option. Similar great ergos and easy to rack and she can put the smallest grip panels if she has small hands all around

 

[NewbieDoo]

Beretta PX4. The rotating barrel really cuts down on felt recoil.

DA/SA? I'll let her try one of my hammer-fireds, but I expect she'll be partial to the consistency of strikers. I'm also conscious of a frame safety.

If you are sticking with 9. All those listed are an excellent options. Something to consider, I have heard FN's 9 lineup is very good.

A geriatric female is a viable .380 scenario too without knowing many personal specifics.

I'll have to look into FN. Similar reliability/low maintenance?

 

[RustVendor]

Having taken quite a few female new shooters to the range I have yet to find one that didn't prefer a full size 9mm simply because the recoil is softer. Most if not all of these guns listed have options to make the grip smaller, unless a persons hands are truly abnormally tiny there shouldn't be any issue with any of these full size pistols for a woman.

 

[momin]

I agree with the PDP. However: first gun, older woman, maybe some hand weakness or arthritis… I’d go with the sig 365-380. Larger than most 380s. Very smooth shooting. Easy to rack. Optic ready

 

[chiroken007]

3rd vote for p365 .380. Luxe

 

[NewbieDoo]

Some of those guns are big, far bigger than a regular sized woman can handle comfortably. And unless your certain this chick digs getting knocked around, don't start her off with a 9mm. 22's are fun and the least intimidating caliber. .32 and .380 are also sensible for a petite shooter. Don't get a gun that's too small, as that will tend to kick harder. Too big of a gun is hard to hold steady. I don't have a P365 in .380, but something in that ballpark seems sensible.

I really like the idea of a 22 for early fundamental training, but as something she can rely on for home defense (which I should have said earlier, that will be the main function), 22 is a bit lacking.

 

[MattB]

DA/SA? I'll let her try one of my hammer-fireds, but I expect she'll be partial to the consistency of strikers. I'm also conscious of a frame safety.


I'll have to look into FN. Similar reliability/low maintenance?

I’d suggest a PX4 Type C if you can find one. One trigger pull kind of like an HK LEM. I have one in .40 and really like it. FN makes a good product too but I don’t think any of them are on the unconstitutional “roster.”

 

[NeilDown]

If you're not decided on 9mm, I'd recommend the Girsan MC14T which is in .380.
Tip up barrel, so no slide racking needed.
It's double action on first shot, so maybe less intimidating for new gun owner.

 

[El_Guapo]

The P238 is not a bad option especially with 7 round pinky magazines. Alot easier than most polymers and has a safety.

 

[irongunner]

I'll have to look into FN. Similar reliability/low maintenance?

I have only heard great things about FN and their 9s. I'd be willing to bet FN's 9s have exceptional reliability and a low maintenance requirement. Unfortunately, I don't have actual experience with them yet. *Manifesting sugar momma*

I have the FNX in 45 and feels and shoots amazing for me. I am interested to see what FN could do with 9s based on my experience with the FNX.

 

[NewbieDoo]

A few of the recommendations are for micros. I updated the post to show the purpose is for home defense. Compact/Full Size grips will be far easier to control, with no need to consider concealability.

 

[irongunner]

I’d suggest a PX4 Type C if you can find one. One trigger pull kind of like an HK LEM. I have one in .40 and really like it. FN makes a good product too but I don’t think any of them are on the unconstitutional “roster.”

Too interested to help after too many drinks. Mr. Matt is correct. FN is roster F'ed

 

[32383]

I cant imaging many older women racking slides and filling magazines for long.
Without knowing the individual I would prescribe a Smith & Wesson Model 31-1 revolver in .32 S&W Long chambering. Here's just a random one on GB:

Ammo takes a bit of looking but decent SD loads are out there and a couple boxes would probably set her for life.
Easy to load and check if its loaded, double action pull prevents UD in stressful situations, easily cocked if desired, easy to show safe by just opening the cylinder. No feeding issues, no safeties, no magazines to get lost or wear out. Lots of grip options too. Did I mention I like revolvers?

 

[NewbieDoo]

I’d suggest a PX4 Type C if you can find one. One trigger pull kind of like an HK LEM. I have one in .40 and really like it. FN makes a good product too but I don’t think any of them are on the unconstitutional “roster.”

Too interested to help after too many drinks. Mr. Matt is correct. FN is roster F'ed

All good guys...Roster is not a concern. Taking all recs.

 

[El_Guapo]

A few of the recommendations are for micros. I updated the post to show the purpose is for home defense. Compact/Full Size grips will be far easier to control, with no need to consider concealability.

In that case the M&P shield EZ is the way to go.

 

[RustVendor]

All good guys...Roster is not a concern. Taking all recs.

M&p HD steel frame (not aluminum) then.

 

[NewbieDoo]

In that case the M&P shield EZ is the way to go.

Hmm...heard of the Shield EZ and the Equalizer. Didn't know if they were hype or legitimately different. In practice, the PDP-F had a shorter trigger reach, but didn't seem noticeably different from the Compact in terms of racking.

 

[Gawernator]

All good guys...Roster is not a concern. Taking all recs.

Well if roster is no concern... lol https://waltherarms.com/defense/pdp/pdp-steel-frame-match-full-size-5-in

 

[Gawernator]

Hmm...heard of the Shield EZ and the Equalizer. Didn't know if they were hype or legitimately different. In practice, the PDP-F had a shorter trigger reach, but didn't seem noticeably different from the Compact in terms of racking.

I don't think modern firearms will really get much easier to rack than that just due to physics