Best SHTF firearms solution for the elderly

[cantstop]

You would get all of the same benefits with a 9mm Ruger PCC for a bit more $ and still very little recoil, and centerfire ammo is more reliable than rimfire regardless of how good the gun is.

I agree with the centerfire ammo argument, but you're talking about a $1k gun vs a $300 gun.

This is a first gun. The 10-22 is one of the easiest shooters you can buy and practice with. It will retain its value and can easily be traded up to an AR-15 if the owners decide they want more firepower.

 

[Bullfrog]

Octogenarians are delicate. They need to stop an intruder. I'd be reluctant to recommend .22. Even fatal shots can take a long time to stop someone. They can do a lot of damage to the folks in a few minutes.

There was a real life event posted here where a young lady fought off a home invader with a .22. I think she emptied a revolver at/into him, but I might be mistaken on that point. After taking multiple shots he died - in the back yard trying to run away.

If he had spent his last breath beating or stabbing the victim instead of running it would have been a very different ending.

 

[Bullfrog]

I agree with the centerfire ammo argument, but you're talking about a $1k gun vs a $300 gun.

This is a first gun. The 10-22 is one of the easiest shooters you can buy and practice with. It will retain its value and can easily be traded up to an AR-15 if the owners decide they want more firepower.

The base model PCC (fixed stock, no mlock handgaurd) is available for about $640, even in today's market.

Also see previous posts about .22 effectiveness.

https://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?p=6536043#post6536043
Who is looking to buy a Ruger PC9?
I was at On Target in Severn, MD today and saw they had 3 for sale. I asked one of the gentlemen that works there the cost and he told me $640.

 

[Jroc]

I would think .357 Recoil and trigger pull could be intimidating/difficult. I’d say a 20g shotgun or .380 pistol as others have recommended.

 

[Huckleberry]

Before you jump to firearms training with the old folks, how is their home security?

Neighborhood - If it has gone to shyte there's not much you can do, nobody wants to live in Fort Apache. Not everybody is friends with a Paul Kersey.

House and Yard - Clear views, No vegetation providing concealment for BGs, Good lighting and security lights, Good Security Doors and Windows

Alarms - Do they have a Dog? A Barking Dog is one of the best deterrents when combined with a decent wireless alarm system that can't be cut, jimmied or hacked with loud sounder and emergency lighting.

Internal security - Interior security doors or gates that create a secure interior envelope. Hinders BGs movement and access if they breach the outer doors and windows.

Now, their safe room. MBR with security door. BGs breach that door now the guns.

As mentioned...... 22LR for quantity over quality effect. As said, what hurt worse 1 - 9/38 JHP or 10 - .22 JHP

Ruger 10/22 Carbine with a 25 rnd Butler Creek; Keltec P17; Browning Auto 22

Want bigger than a .22 then go for a .410 Shotgun, Taurus or SW pistol sending 4-5 .38/357 size pellets, balls or slugs with a nice low recoil.

The old folks don't need to kill their intruders, just deter or drive them off until the Cavalry arrives to clear the house.

 

[John from MD]

My parents and in-laws are getting up there in age and they’ve both indicated that they want to own firearms. Neither have ever owned any but with crime on the rise they feel like easy targets and know they have little choice but to arm themselves to have a chance to survive whatever situation arises. So, they asked me for advise.

My mind immediately jumped to a 357 revolver and lever action rifle combo allowing them to shoot both 38 and 357 ammunition. But before making that recommendation I wanted to know what everyone else is thinking.

My parents are in their late 70s my in-laws in their early 80s with no medical issues.

For someone up in age, who has never owned a firearm, I would only recommend a revolver. Something with a four inch barrel like this Taurus is perfect for them.

https://www.taurususa.com/revolvers/see-all-revolvers?view=category&id=54

I don't recommend a semi auto, even the EZ models because they are a bit more complicated to use.

With a revolver, they just have to keep pulling the trigger even if one round doesn't go off.

 

[Sirex]

"Real men use fists, not guns" , LOL

I would chose a 9mm handgun and AR15 with .22lr conversions for both, for affordable training and possible varmint control. I have nothing against .357/.38, but my concern would be capacity and the ammo being more expensive.

 

[Worsley]

Before you jump to firearms training with the old folks, how is their home security?

Neighborhood - If it has gone to shyte there's not much you can do, nobody wants to live in Fort Apache. Not everybody is friends with a Paul Kersey.

House and Yard - Clear views, No vegetation providing concealment for BGs, Good lighting and security lights, Good Security Doors and Windows

Alarms - Do they have a Dog? A Barking Dog is one of the best deterrents when combined with a decent wireless alarm system that can't be cut, jimmied or hacked with loud sounder and emergency lighting.

Internal security - Interior security doors or gates that create a secure interior envelope. Hinders BGs movement and access if they breach the outer doors and windows.

Now, their safe room. MBR with security door. BGs breach that door now the guns.

As mentioned...... 22LR for quantity over quality effect. As said, what hurt worse 1 - 9/38 JHP or 10 - .22 JHP

Ruger 10/22 Carbine with a 25 rnd Butler Creek; Keltec P17; Browning Auto 22

Want bigger than a .22 then go for a .410 Shotgun, Taurus or SW pistol sending 4-5 .38/357 size pellets, balls or slugs with a nice low recoil.

The old folks don't need to kill their intruders, just deter or drive them off until the Cavalry arrives to clear the house.

Great advice, the live in mostly safe areas but that’s up for debate these days. Home alarm is in place but in-laws could use better physical security. They have dogs, little ones, but at least they bark.

I had not considered 22LR and I am starting to like that theory. Thanks.

 

[geda]

My father is in his 70s, he as dexterity issues. Anything that involves pushing a round into a mag is out. I have him setup with a over under 410/22lr and a H&R 20g depending on the threat. The hammers are getting hard for him to operate, I have been casually looking for a striker fired break barrel.


The right gun for the job is the one you can operate.

 

[pbharvey]

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.

This would be my recommendation, especially if you might inherit the gun when they pass.

 

[Dovk0802]

I think you're on the wrong site. You should try the Brady site.

Seriously, as mentioned there are a lot of factors to consider & many good point have been made. Just to offer another perspective.
For a novice handgun, a revolver is a great choice. And .22's are a great choice for the recoil sensitive. However, when dealing with limited hand strength, rimfire revolvers suffer from heavier mainsprings to get reliable ignition. Consequently, another alternative to look at is the under appreciated .32 S&W Long, particularly loaded with wadcutters. Of course single action is an option, if not a very good one.

The other idea, I'm really liking is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0t6E5keb2Q

 

[Ammo Jon]

Will they hold a flashlight in their other hand and a revolver in the other? Maybe a gun that accepts a weapon mounted light? A 22LR is good for training, realistically let them practice with what they’ll be shooting as to be as familiar as possible with the weapon, recoil, etc. 9mm FMJ is running in the .30s nowadays, 9mm JHP in the .60-.70 range and both are easily accessible.

 

[SCARCQB]

The FN PS-90 is a very simple weapon to use / operate. The addition of a k&m extended charging handle makes charging the weapon easier, especially for people with weaker hands / arms.

Recoil on the 5.7 is very mild. Muzzle blast indoors is also milder compared to a shotgun or rifle. It’s very reliable. Personally , I have yet to experience a malfunction on one.

Reloading is a bit harder for frail hands. But that won’t be needed until you’ve expended 50 rounds. That’s plenty.

A red dot is a must. As the gun comes with rudimentary back up sights. I would suggest a red dot that is constantly on or motion activated.

5.7 hollow point ( varmint grenades) from a 16” barrel is very effective against two legged predators.

This set up is also very well suited for those that typically suck at firearms. Most less than average shooters do really well with this platform.

Only drawback. It’s pricey. Ammo is hard to find. But not impossible to obtain. But, you can’t cut corners on protecting the most vulnerable.

 

[Bisleyfan44]

10/22 hands down. Light, no recoil, plentiful ammo, relatively quiet if fired indoors. Shoot 'em in the face.

5.7, while cool as all get out, is not quiet.
Ruger PCC for 70-80 year olds? Have you held one? They ain't light. Far from it.
Handguns? All require higher levels of dexterity, hand, arm, and/or finger strength. People this age with NO FIREARMS EXPERIENCE, not sure that would work.
YMMV

 

[Biggfoot44]

I already only read page #1 , but my comment is the same :

There is No Universal " Elderly " or " Getting Up There " . Each " Experienced American " is different , and needs to be advised on the basis of their conditions and abilities , * And their Likely Situiation in maybe 5 years *

 

[Bullfrog]

10/22 hands down. Light, no recoil, plentiful ammo, relatively quiet if fired indoors. Shoot 'em in the face.

5.7, while cool as all get out, is not quiet.
Ruger PCC for 70-80 year olds? Have you held one? They ain't light. Far from it.
Handguns? All require higher levels of dexterity, hand, arm, and/or finger strength. People this age with NO FIREARMS EXPERIENCE, not sure that would work.
YMMV

Weight may not be a problem, at all... this is a question that has to be tailored to the individual.

I spent the holidays with my in-laws. My FIL is in his late 70's. He used to build race cars. Sadly, he has trouble turning a screwdriver now. But, he has no problem driving to the feed store, loading multiple bags of feed, tossing them in a wheelbarrow and dragging them to the back yard. For that matter, dragging 20lb propane cannisters and hooking them up.

He would laugh at the 'weight' of a PCC. However, he would probably have trouble loading the mags.


I had him in mind when I replied earlier that the Mini14 might be a good choice.

I can't see him holding an AR grip with one hand, reaching back to the charging handle with the other (flexibility) and pulling it with his fingers. OTOH, picking up a mini, shouldering it, and palming the charging handle would probably be pretty easy. Loading mags would be easier on the fingers than a PCC too.

He'd probably do fine with an 870 too.

90-yo 90-lb grandma would be a different story.

 

[Worsley]

10/22 hands down. Light, no recoil, plentiful ammo, relatively quiet if fired indoors. Shoot 'em in the face.

5.7, while cool as all get out, is not quiet.
Ruger PCC for 70-80 year olds? Have you held one? They ain't light. Far from it.
Handguns? All require higher levels of dexterity, hand, arm, and/or finger strength. People this age with NO FIREARMS EXPERIENCE, not sure that would work.
YMMV

Starting to think/feel the 10/22 and a Mark IV combo may be the way to go

 

[ed bernay]

My father is 76 and has a hard time racking the slide on a semi auto handgun. An older female I guess would have a harder time with it. 12 gauge is too much for him. He can manipulate the charging handle on an AR but under stress I'm not sure he could do it as well.

I would recommend a 38 cal revolver with a 4 inch barrel and a 20 gauge pump action shotgun for him.

 

[Bullfrog]

Starting to think/feel the 10/22 and a Mark IV combo may be the way to go

If you're set on .22lr, I would consider one of the 8 or 10 round .22 revolvers, for that time if when they get that rimfire round that doesn't go bang.

Because this:

With a revolver, they just have to keep pulling the trigger even if one round doesn't go off.

Would be much easier than teaching them malfunction drills.


I don't know about the trigger pull though... it's been years since I fired one. Someone earlier commented they can be stiff.

 

[smokey]

The same answer as the "best gun for someone with lady-parts"... the firearm they choose after training and trying out a bunch. Take them to the range with a bunch of different kinds of guns, have them use and manipulate them all, then let them choose the one they can manipulate the best and make hits with.