Best Weapon For Parents?

[alleycat]

I recently helped an elderly couple in a similr situation. After trying several things they ended up with a 9mm AR. They both took a class also

 

[potenza]

Why anyone older , who has not used An ,AR allow older folks have one. Who do they expect a Russian platoon of soldiers ?????? And define older!!!! I'm 64 and have plenty of experience with an AR

 

[paliknight]

Sorry in advance if this has already been mentioned. I was actually talking with my neighbor about this last night. She is an older lady and lives at home alone. She bought a Mosberg 590 12ga with an 18" barrel, a bushmaster AR-15, and a Glock 26 9mm for home defense and personal protection....all because "someone told her to buy those". In my opinion, nobody can really tell you what your parents should or shouldn't buy. They have to find out what works for them. Of course I have guns I would recommend, but they are recommendations based on what works for me. You're parents have to be comfortable with whatever firearms they choose and be trained how to use them. If they aren't proficient with what they own, they don't need to have them. A Sig 226 or a G19, both 9mm, might be the best pistol for me, but it may not be for you or your parents. To use my neighbor as an example, she literally didn't know how load her AR-15. She laughed at me when I said, what do you plan to do, throw it at an intruder? She also admitted that she can barely handle the recoil on that 12 ga, even with the 2" bird shot rounds she has; hell, she can barely hold it up straight; it's too heavy for her. As far as the Glock 26, small compact 9mm right? Smaller doesn't always mean better. With the more compact size, you have heavier spring tension. She struggles big time just to rack the slide. I'm working with her to teach her some things, but my main point is they need to find out what works for them.

My suggestion is to:

(1) have them take a class!!
(2) go to a range that will allow them to live fire a bunch of different guns; most ranges offer this for a fee; or if you or other family members or friends have guns, let them shoot those.
(3) once they do find the right fit and purchase a firearm, get MORE training! You don't become a driver just because you owe a car, you have to learn how to drive; same thing with firearms.

If your not proficient with it, you're a liability with it.

I hope this helps. If you want any advice on training options, I know of a few really good folks. Just send me a PM.

God Bless and stay safe!

No need for apologies! I appreciate your response and recommendations!

Why anyone older , who has not used An ,AR allow older folks have one. Who do they expect a Russian platoon of soldiers ?????? And define older!!!! I'm 64 and have plenty of experience with an AR

Sorry, but I didnt understand exactly what youre trying to say.


Thank you everyone for the great responses. I will definitely take them to a range that offers flexibility in weapons testing and see what they feel most comfortable with. I will probably end up getting them one of the recommended revolvers and/or shotgun depending on how things go. Again, thank you all very much.

 

[Skiwagon2]

20 gauge shotgun for the house. 38 colt Agent revolver for carry. 6 shots and light weight.

 

[paliknight]

For revolvers, wouldnt a longer barrel, generally speaking, be better for recoil than the shorter barrels? I noticed most S&W revolvers have very short barrels.

 

[GeauxLSU]

Has anyone mentioned a revolver? Cuz thats what I'd get.

 

[cmshoot]

My Mom's best weapon was a wooden paddle and the ability to cast her disappointment in your behavior.

My Dad made do with a leather belt and a temper.

 

[Radar363]

Definitely take them to a range and shoot every rental gun you can.
They're in their 50/60's? That's not that old, unless they have some limiting health issues I can't imagine they can't become proficient enough with a semi auto handgun to operate it safely.

My Mom's best weapon was a wooden paddle and the ability to cast her disappointment in your behavior.

My Dad made do with a leather belt and a temper.

My parents used a hickory switch, that we had to go get off of the bush...

 

[JWC]

For revolvers, wouldnt a longer barrel, generally speaking, be better for recoil than the shorter barrels? I noticed most S&W revolvers have very short barrels.

You must be looking at the revolvers S&W makes for carry. Like the 442/642 bodyguard, etc. When dealing with older people, one has to make sure that the weight of the revolver is not an issue. A N frame 6" M28 can be quite heavy for some folks. I would not even try a 8 3/8ths barrel at home, unless you just want a club.
I recommended a K frame M10, M15, M64, M67 which are not as heavy an a N frame, but have a 4" barrel, and are considered fine revolvers. But a Charter Arms, EAA, Taurus, Ruger with a 4" barrel will work great as well. Price can be as much of an issue as weight. Just my opinion.

 

[cmshoot]

Definitely take them to a range and shoot every rental gun you can.
They're in their 50/60's? That's not that old, unless they have some limiting health issues I can't imagine they can't become proficient enough with a semi auto handgun to operate it safely.

My parents used a hickory switch, that we had to go get off of the bush...

We did that, but very soon I had culled all the reachable limbs.......