Semi-auto handgun for people with arthritis or other ailments

[SamH]

I've seen a few people having problems racking a semi-auto, some had trouble pulling the slide back to clear the weapon.

Some have arthritis as an issue.

So I ask, what semi-auto in .40 or .45 would you recommend for people with arthritis, or any other ailments that weakens the hands ?

 

[Matt_SERE]

I am working on this currently. I was shown the two hand approach.

When you have full use of both hands you don't notice your dominant hand doing most of the work.

Slowly I have benn using both hands in a push-pull method and working my way up in repetitions.

Currently very few repetitions at this point with any of the .45's.

It is not easy depending on the ailment but something to strive for instead of carrying 'just' a wheel gun.

 

[jhrosier]

A semi auto handgun with an external hammer is easier to work if the hammer is manually cocked first.

Jack

 

[Matt_SERE]

A semi auto handgun with an external hammer is easier to work if the hammer is manually cocked first.

Jack

Of course Jack is right on regarding this!

Matt

 

[Mike-Mike]

I have learned that the "right way" is the way that works for the student. It's not always the way that they teach in a Combat Class. I have never had a student hat couldn't operate the handguns and I have had people with serious disabilities.

 

[Knob Creek]

Actually it's easier to not pull back the slide. I instruct to hold the slide and push the gun forward.

 

[OfficerObie59]

Is is Glock? Because Red Jacket has this market covered. Seriously though, they do make a Glock charging handle.

Actually it's easier to not pull back the slide. I instruct to hold the slide and push the gun forward.

Ingenious. Sometimes the simplest things are best.

 

[Mike-Mike]

Actually it's easier to not pull back the slide. I instruct to hold the slide and push the gun forward.

This works well. Sometimes its often as simple as having them cant the firearm 45 deg so they can grab it with their strong fingers. Also sometimes it's easier if they hold it very close to their chest (like opening a ketchup bottle).

 

[Cuz]

I would suggest a revolver rather than a semi-auto. It is far easier to use if you are arthritic.
If you must have a semi-auto, Beretta makes a pretty good sized .380 with a tip-up barrel so they won't have to rack the slide. BUT, if something goes wrong like a jam, they are done. That's why a revolver is better. Chances are that if they need more than 6 shots from a revo they are going to lose the fight anyway. Plus, they are much more likely to limp wrist an auto and cause it to jam on the first couple of shots anyway.

Just my .02 cents, and it probably isn't even worth that much...
-Cuz.

 

[Queen Bee]

Brass stacker makes a low profile glock charging handle , id pick that up

 

[TBalls]

This works well. Sometimes its often as simple as having them cant the firearm 45 deg so they can grab it with their strong fingers. Also sometimes it's easier if they hold it very close to their chest (like opening a ketchup bottle).

I'm a big fan of the ketchup bottle/pickle jar method.

 

[richc]

When I started with firearms 3-4 years ago I struggled with loading mags and pulling back slides and such. A lot of it I've learned is technique.

Now I hardly think about it. It just happens.

Took a newbie to the range yesterday and watched him struggle until I show him what to hold where. Then it was easy.

 

[Coyote33]

How about this?

Return Of The Cougar

 

[wrczx3]

How about a Baretta or Taurus with a tip-up barrel?

 

[TY43215]

I would suggest a revolver rather than a semi-auto. It is far easier to use if you are arthritic.
If you must have a semi-auto, Beretta makes a pretty good sized .380 with a tip-up barrel so they won't have to rack the slide. BUT, if something goes wrong like a jam, they are done. That's why a revolver is better. Chances are that if they need more than 6 shots from a revo they are going to lose the fight anyway. Plus, they are much more likely to limp wrist an auto and cause it to jam on the first couple of shots anyway.

Just my .02 cents, and it probably isn't even worth that much...
-Cuz.

I had to give up revolvers due to my arthritis.

 

[Coyote33]

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