Question Good gun for carpal tunnel or hand pains

[G421W]

If you can find a M1 Carbine in good shape ,that would be a good choice. Size and recoil suited for all. .30 carbine ammo hits pretty hard.

In a handgun a .38 special loaded with quality full wadcutter target ammo would be my choice. A S&W K frame six shot revolver with 3 or 4 inch barrel.

Better would be one of each

 

[Atomic Soldier]

A 30 carbine out of an m1 carbine hits harder at 100 yards then a 357 mag at the muzzle. It doesn't have much recoil or loud report compared to an ar and is a lot less intimidating. Plenty of dead Germans and japs can attest to it's effectiveness and medal of honor recipient Audie Murphy as well. Incorrect data listed in years old reloading manuals led to a reputation that it is underpowered. Across the house, you would be hard pressed to call it undergunned compared to an ar. Usgi over any commercial reproductions. If you love 5.56, mini 14 post 580 serial. Both are very light, handy and more then adequate. Start off with a 10/22 if you like, work up to one of these next.

 

[Jeffro_510]

A P320 practically shoots by itself

 

[.dC0m]

There has been a few mentions for the Ruger PCC; while I am a huge fan of the platform, it is heavy (even with an aftermarket Magpul Backpacker polymer stock). You may want to check if your wife/girlfriend is comfortable with a heavy PCC before committing.

My wife has slight carpal tunnel from years of deskwork. She shoots my Ruger PCC, but is not the biggest fan of its weight (despite all of my modifications). At the end of the day, she mainly shoots my G43x or even my G19.3 - even if its only for 3 - 4 mags before she has to rest.

 

[APeter001]

Forget 22lr and think 22WMR.
S&W 648 for a revolver or Walther WMP
Hit plenty hard, good capacity, low recoil.
A heavy 357 revolver shooting 38 is the next one up.

 

[GoldensRule]

A P320 practically shoots by itself

You have been awarded the "funniest comment of the year, so far" badge!

 

[Jeffro_510]

Lol, i have my moments

 

[Mil-Dot]

You should consider a .380 it has less recoil than a 9mm but still has stopping power. Like someone mentioned before a .22 for home defense is horrible choice. They are glorified BBGuns. Zero recoil and cheap to shoot but besides plinking at the range or working on fundamentals for new shooters they are worthless. Mine hasn't been shot in over 20 years.

 

[Wolkenflieger]

Everyone who has recommended a .22 LR pistol is absolutely correct!

To back this up, the .22lr pistol is the most commonly used weapon for assassinations! Assassinations are usually an up close and personal situation, very much like the majority of home defense situations. If an assailant is far enough away where a .22 lr would be ineffective then he probably isn't even in your house and most certainly it's a better option for your family to flee instead of opting for an OK Coral style shoot-out.

In the late 1970's there was a string of mob assassinations, primarily of FBI informants and the victims were all killed with .22LR pistols. Mark Schorr wrote an article about these killing and the Central Intelligence Agency includes this as recommended reading for it's operatives, it is published on the CIA reading room website. Here is a link to an excerpt of the article on the CIA website: https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP88-01315R000300510002-4.pdf

Here is a short quote from that article:



In addition to the above information, the .22 is substantially quieter than a 9mm and, if you have kids in the house, a .22 going off in a defensive situation can be substantially less traumatizing for the kids. Put a suppressor on it (not legal in CA) and it will be no louder than your average staple gun. A suppressed 9mm is still loud as balls.

One more point I'll mention is that all US special forces organizations make available .22 caliber pistols which are used extensively for neutralizing guard dogs and sentries.

Lastly, as to which specific firearm to buy for her, if she's anything like my wife, DO NOT CHOOSE FOR HER! ;-) . Take her to the range, take her to the store, let her feel each weapon in her hand and LET HER CHOOSE the one that feels the most comfortable. Keep in mind, the heavier the weapon the lighter the recoil, also, try and steer her towards the better, more reliable brands. Hope this helps.

PS. I personally believe the Walther P22 / 3.42" is an outstanding weapon at a bargain basement price. Let her try that one on for size. See: https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting...tte-black-tenifer-pistol-101-rounds/p/1411363

I've read about this too but didnt know for sure so I didnt mention it. They're quiet, especially with a suppressor. Great points.

 

[Wolkenflieger]

You should consider a .380 it has less recoil than a 9mm but still has stopping power. Like someone mentioned before a .22 for home defense is horrible choice. They are glorified BBGuns. Zero recoil and cheap to shoot but besides plinking at the range or working on fundamentals for new shooters they are worthless. Mine hasn't been shot in over 20 years.

How would you even know this? Have you been shot by a .22 or do you know anyone who has? In this thread it was discussed how the IDF used .22s as "less than lethal" rounds but they found them to be much more lethal than expected. The .22 has been popular in assassinations too, so not like a BB gun and not worthless.

I know it's not easy to test such things, but history tells us that the .22 can be deadly, and effective if the shooter's carpal tunnel issues prevent them using larger calibers.

 

[Mil-Dot]

How would you even know this? Have you been shot by a .22 or do you know anyone who has? In this thread it was discussed how the IDF used .22s as "less than lethal" rounds but they found them to be much more lethal than expected. The .22 has been popular in assassinations too, so not like a BB gun and not worthless.

I know it's not easy to test such things, but history tells us that the .22 can be deadly, and effective if the shooter's carpal tunnel issues prevent them using larger calibers.

If im trying to stop a threat im not taking a .22 I will choose a .9mm .380 or .40. Idk about less lethal i want stop whoever is attacking me if they die in the process they should not have played the game.

I have had to use my firearm in self defense 2x in the past 12 years sadly. Once with 9mm and once with .380 and i cringe to think if i had nothing but a .22 in either scenario.

.22lr maybe good for headshots (which you dont shoot for first) or if someone wearing a light t-shirt at best. The penetration is just not there if they are wearing layers. Simple ballistics will prove this as I dont make up the science.

However .22 is better than nothing at all so if thats all that will be serviceable I say me sure it is tuned to perfection because i have never seen a .22 pistol that doesnt malfunction pretty much 1x every mag and make sure you know how to use it effectively.

I've read about this too but didnt know for sure so I didnt mention it. They're quiet, especially with a suppressor.

 

[Wolkenflieger]

If im trying to stop a threat im not taking a .22 I will choose a .9mm .380 or .40. Idk about less lethal i want stop whoever is attacking me if they die in the process they should not have played the game.

I have had to use my firearm in self defense 2x in the past 12 years sadly. Once with 9mm and once with .380 and i cringe to think if i had nothing but a .22 in either scenario.

.22lr maybe good for headshots (which you dont shoot for first) or if someone wearing a light t-shirt at best. The penetration is just not there if they are wearing layers. Simple ballistics will prove this as I dont make up the science.

However .22 is better than nothing at all so if thats all that will be serviceable I say me sure it is tuned to perfection because i have never seen a .22 pistol that doesnt malfunction pretty much 1x every mag and make sure you know how to use it effectively.

Sure, I'm not saying the .22 is the best choice, but if one has debilitating grip issues (carpal tunnel) then the .22 may be better than nothing. A lot better, especially if shot-placement is such that layers aren't a factor (head, eyes, throat, etc.). I wouldn't want to get shot anywhere in the face with a .22.

I also put some confidence in the IDF and their reports that the .22 was not 'less-than-lethal' enough to be considered less-than-lethal. Plus, we must consider all of those assassinations where a .22 was the weapon of choice. Granted, I'm sure those weren't body shots through layers of bulky clothing but if the .22 can render someone unalive then it's definitely a defense weapon, even if it's not ideal in all situations.

Others have mentioned that 9mm and other calibers won't even stop a determined adversary who doesn't know he's been shot, so in that case caliber matters much less than shot placement, or stopping someone despite their intent to do harm. If pure stopping power is the goal, then a short-barreled shotgun is probably ideal (for indoors, minimal wall-penetration), with appropriate knock-down ammo.

In a world where carpal tunnel isn't a factor then sure, 9mm is probably ideal...or pick yer poison.

Also and on a different topic, I'd say a .22 is a good way to train yourself out of anticipatory flinching because there's little to no felt recoil. I've noticed this phenomenon when I switch from a .22 to a 9mm.

 

[Jimi Jah]

Practice shooting off hand. Some get pretty good at it, like a switch hitter in baseball.

 

[Wolkenflieger]

Practice shooting off hand. Some get pretty good at it, like a switch hitter in baseball.

I need to try that!

 

[Mil-Dot]

Practice shooting off hand. Some get pretty good at it, like a switch hitter in baseball.

This is a great suggestion for everyone. I always spend at least 25 rounds per session strong hand only, and 25 rounds weak hand only.

Best to be prepared for the absolute worst case scenarios.

 

[DB>)>]

.22lr maybe good for headshots (which you dont shoot for first) or if someone wearing a light t-shirt at best. The penetration is just not there if they are wearing layers. Simple ballistics will prove this as I dont make up the science.

However .22 is better than nothing at all so if thats all that will be serviceable I say me sure it is tuned to perfection because i have never seen a .22 pistol that doesnt malfunction pretty much 1x every mag and make sure you know how to use it effectively.

If you have malfunctions with every magazine, something is wrong... While there ARE some .22 pistols that are best used for malfunction drills, I have a representation of brands and models that are virtually flawless, ripping through mag after mag with solid accuracy and fast follow up shots. Know where to place your shots for maximum effect, regardless of caliber. Know which rounds meet the FBI standards for penetration (some .22lr rounds will). A gun isn't "magic", the skills and discipline of the user determine the results.


AS for reliability...
Sometimes there are "dud" rounds that won't fire no matter how good the firing pin strike is. ANY firearm can fail or otherwise malfunction, they are mechanical devices after all. I bought 2 guns from a guy that had somehow managed to bust both firing pins... fortunately the mfr was great about getting replacements to me, and the install was easy enough! Last range trip a old rifle "Elmer'd" and split the barrel wide open... no one hurt, but the rest of the session was looking at that "bloomin'" barrel.

If a gun is malfunctioning 1x/mag, some gunsmithing, experimenting with ammo, and perhaps more drastic measures (like checking for reviews to see if you got a gun with a bad reputation or a known issue that can be fixed!) are in order. If a mechanical device is not working as expected it should be repairable - if a gun doesn't "go bang" reliably and shoot accurately, get it fixed!

 

[Wolkenflieger]

My .22 runs like a sewing machine...if I keep it cleaned and lubed.

 

[GoldensRule]

My .22 runs like a sewing machine...if I keep it cleaned and lubed.

Which .22 do you use?

 

[sjb323]

How would you even know this? Have you been shot by a .22 or do you know anyone who has? In this thread it was discussed how the IDF used .22s as "less than lethal" rounds but they found them to be much more lethal than expected. The .22 has been popular in assassinations too, so not like a BB gun and not worthless.

I know it's not easy to test such things, but history tells us that the .22 can be deadly, and effective if the shooter's carpal tunnel issues prevent them using larger calibers.

I've probably seen hundreds of shooting victims: live and in person, some living, some already dead. I can tell you for a fact that .22 absolutely can be deadly. I've seen many dead bodies with a .22 caliber bullet lodged in their heads -- most self inflicted. I've also spoken to a dudes with various caliber pistol rounds in parts of their bodies that I didn't even know had been shot until they told me. That said, I would not under any circumstances consider using a .22 for self defense when there are so many better options available. As someone else mentioned, at least go with a .380!

You guys can recite articles from 1979, do backyard ballistics testing into homemade gelatin, and pretend like you can train yourself to take head shots during a violent encounter, but you're only decreasing your odds by choosing what is well known to be a substandard pistol round. My experience is anecdotal at best, but it is based off of actual events that I have witnessed first-hand. I'm actually amazed that this is a topic of discussion! Are we going to debate the merits of carrying on an empty chamber next???

Practice shooting off hand. Some get pretty good at it, like a switch hitter in baseball.

In shooting terms, "off hand" means shooting from a non-supported (standing) position.

 

[Wolkenflieger]

Which .22 do you use?

Accurized Ruger 22/45 with Volquartsen and Tandemkross components. 6" barrel. From Wojtek Weaponry.

Pic below with my SP-01.