Posted on 11/29/2008 2:02:31 PM PST by Chickensoup
I need to purchase handguns for my family. I prefer private sales. I need a plinger like a 22 and something that is protection. The protection would come in two sizes, one that a full grown adult could use, and one that I could use. I have problems with my hands and need something that won't kick so I dont drop the gun. Something that will fit in the Cabelas purse holster. Are ther also between seat car holsters?
There is nothing wrong with a .22 for practice and personal protection. The ammunition is relatively cheap and fairly accurate with which to practice. Get something like the S&R Peacemaker (modeled after the classic 6 guns of the old west) and learn to shoot it accurately. Use the magnum cylinder and load it with soft hollow-points which mushroom on impact. If it doesn’t stop the perp on the first one or two shots, it will distract him enough to give you time to reach for a .38 or .45.
Where would I find a firing range instructor?
Her thumbs do not work. How do you propose that she turn the thumb safety off?
How is she going to work the cylinder release? Remember, her thumbs don’t work.
i dont know about the large grip but I do need little to no recoil. Thirty years ago I was a good shot. But that was in another state in a different time.
There is generally no cost - or very little cost - for these programs. The NRA Foundation's Friends of NRA funds both programs through grants that cover the cost of guns and ammo.
You can also go to nrafoundation.org/friends to see the reps in your state.
9mm is about the least recoil you’re going to get in the major calibers. A revolver will actually have more felt recoil than a polymer framed semiauto pistol.
I think you need something that will “fill” your hand that has low recoil
I belong to a local range that requires NRA membership but they allow visitors as long as they are accompanied and monitored by the member. If you knew someone who belonged to such a range you might be able to accompany them as a guest.Hopefully that someone would be a good instructor. Your physical issues with your hands are problematic. Controlling a pistol requires the use of the thumbs to grip the pistol properly. I would recommend a pistol that produces the absolute lowest recoil, even a .22 is better than nothing and certainly better than something you may not be able to control. Calibers go up from .22 to .25, .32, .38, 9mm, .40, .45 etc. For you the biggest gun you might be successful with would be a 9mm. I read something recently about one of the manufacturers coming out with a .32 magnum also.
You will probably not be able to operate the slide on an auto. My wife can't due to arthritis. You will need a revolver. If money is no object, a LadySmith is a beautiful gun. Avoid single action revolvers however. You have to use your thumbs to cock them. Go double action or hammerless.
plinker = Ruger Mark III
full size = SIG P226 in 9mm
compact size = SIG P239 in 9mm
http://www.nra.org/nralocal.aspx is a good start.
To find an instructor, call local gun shops and ask if they recommend someone.
Ruger Mark II or 22-45 are fine .22 lr pistols. Easy on the wallet, too.
The reality is that a couple or three well placed shots with a .22 will terminate a bad guy very well, too.
No, a .22 isn’t my first choice for personal defense but you’d rather have a .22 that you can use with confidence than a .44 mag that you can’t.
The P232 is a direct blowback weapon and has fairly snappy recoil, worse than a 9mm Browning High Power or a 9mm XD or Glock 26.
I’d also advise trying to find help from the NRA, maybe a shooting range where you can get some training and try out various weapons.
IMHO, a .22 is adequate for most purposes, unless you have a real bull of a man charging you. The average homebreaker is likely to be a coward and reluctant to face any weapon. But it might be best to consult an expert and give various types and sizes a try.
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