Best SHTF firearms solution for the elderly

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  • pbharvey

    Habitual Testifier
    MDS Supporter
    Dec 27, 2012
    30,158
    The 10/22 feels clumsy to me. The safety is not intuitive, the magazine loading isn't smooth and the charging handle is stubby.
     

    Bullfrog

    Ultimate Member
    Oct 8, 2009
    15,156
    Carroll County
    The 10/22 feels clumsy to me. The safety is not intuitive, the magazine loading isn't smooth and the charging handle is stubby.

    Not to mention the bolt hold open.

    Even if you tell them not to use it, you can engage it by accident, and I could picture an older person messing with that for 30 minutes and never getting it disengaged.


    A 10/22 would be a bad choice. Probably better to give them a lever action or pump .22 if you can find one. At least they would know immediately what to do when it doesn't fire.
     

    Blaster229

    God loves you, I don't.
    MDS Supporter
    Sep 14, 2010
    46,409
    Glen Burnie
    FN ps-90 with an extended charging handle and a red dot sight.

    Fully ambi, low recoil, high capacity.
    I think 50 rounds of 5.7x28 should be plenty of firepower.

    My wifey and daughter have these as HD weapons.

    Are they in their 80's? :rolleyes:
     

    Crosseye Dominant

    Ultimate Member
    Sep 1, 2018
    1,012
    Gun stores have plenty of once fired 357 revolvers that well intended but misguided people recommended to a newbie as a great first gun.
     

    Inigoes

    Head'n for the hills
    MDS Supporter
    Dec 21, 2008
    49,365
    SoMD / West PA
    Pretty sure someone in their 80's won't be seeing a shtf scenario.

    SHTF has plenty of meanings.

    I took the OP as if something were to suddenly happen to the octogenarians.

    There have been a few incidents in the news where crack heads thought they were easy marks.
     

    Pale Ryder

    Ultimate Member
    Jan 12, 2009
    6,234
    Millersville
    Glock, most returned firearm. At least at this shop. I like the suggestion of the PCC, Mini14 could work well, even 20 gauge pump. I’m leery of .22 rifle for seniors. FTF, clearing jam, reloading mags with those itty bitty cartridges. No thanks. I would pass the .410 over as also to small for effectiveness.

     

    Worsley

    I apologize for hurting your feelings!
    Jan 5, 2022
    2,792
    Westminster
    SHTF has plenty of meanings.

    I took the OP as if something were to suddenly happen to the octogenarians.

    There have been a few incidents in the news where crack heads thought they were easy marks.

    You took me the right way :)
     

    Seagrave1963

    Still learnin'
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 6, 2011
    10,003
    Eastern Shore
    OP - My Mom is 81 and has a S&W 642 Airweight (38 Special). She got some good training a few years ago and frequently goes to the range (gets a lot of looks!). She choose the 642 because it fit her hand(s) well, is hammerless to fire through purse and has manageable "kick" as she calls it. What ever your parents get, I wish them luck and good training.
     
    Last edited:

    Alan3413

    Ultimate Member
    Mar 4, 2013
    16,924
    AR-15. Effective, low recoil, easy to operate, less over-penetration than slower, heavier rounds.

    My 80 year old mother shoots one just fine.

    This. Or a PCC Maybe pair it with a laser to simplify aiming
     

    Worsley

    I apologize for hurting your feelings!
    Jan 5, 2022
    2,792
    Westminster
    OP - My Mom is 81 and has a S&W 642 Airweight (38 Special). She got some good training a few years ago and frequently goes to the range (gets a lot of looks!). She choose the 642 because it fit her hand(s) we'll, is hammerless to fire through purse and has manageable "kick" as she calls it. What ever your parents get, I wish them luck and good training.

    Thank you for the recommendation. I have an old S&W 38 I’ll have them shoot as well :)
     

    Blaster229

    God loves you, I don't.
    MDS Supporter
    Sep 14, 2010
    46,409
    Glen Burnie
    SHTF has plenty of meanings.

    I took the OP as if something were to suddenly happen to the octogenarians.

    There have been a few incidents in the news where crack heads thought they were easy marks.

    So you mean home defense basically. Not actually out in public running away from zombies.

    If for home defense, any answer not a revolver is the wrong answer.
     

    jeganrocks

    Active Member
    Feb 5, 2012
    249
    Howard County, MD
    Simplicity would be a double-barrel shotgun loaded with mini-shell 12 ga buckshot. No recoil. Really simple for the untrained. If they can handle a pump shotgun, then the mossberg line with the adapter works well also.
     

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