Grandma wants a home defense gun

[Barth]

Merry Christmas friends :)

My dad has a Ruger (I think it's a Speed Six) 4" 357 loaded with 38+P ammo.
Don't think it's been shot in 30 or 40 years.
I suspected some really old ammo was in it.
So a brought over some Federal Micro HST 38 ammo.
While upgrading the ammo I couldn't help but notice the gun was unloaded!
My Dad swore it was loaded :( I told him like that it's just a crappy club.
My mother is 86 years old, maybe 5 foot tall and weights about 100 lbs.
She has little hand strength and feels the Ruger is too heavy to operate.

With all this talk of gifting my Grandson a HK VP9 she has become interested in one too.
I'm taking mine over there to see if she likes it.

I don't own one.
But off the top of my head was thinking maybe a S&W Shield 380 EZ might work for her?
Thought I'd ask the crew for advice on options.
Suggestions, thoughts, ...

Thanks much, Barth

[King Rat]

Personally I would like to try out the New Taurus Home Defender.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af-qyZYYyhw

[kenemoore]

So...my wife's home defense gun, was a 4" Model-10 S&W, with an action job. Plain old wadcutters as ammo. She did not practice, and was therefore not up to speed on clearing malfunctions in an automatic.
But.. the lady that cuts my hair, got one of the .380 EZ's and can rack the slide, and shoot it decent, she could not do that with the little LCP she had before.

If possible, take her to a place that has rentals, and rent one of the EZ's, before you buy.
A Ruger LCR, very light, and nice trigger from the factory, with wad cutters, (not +P), still may be too much recoil.


My Mom is 84, and she has a cheap little .22 Revolver, that she won on a punch board at a service station, back in the Sixties, made in Germany, banned after 1968 (aka Saturday Night Special). Accurate to about 8-10 feet. But, Recoil is very manageable, maybe an LCR in .22LR would be a good option.

[berettabone]

I had a speed six with a trigger job. Smooth as silk and a trigger real close to a Kahr. No malfunctions and easy to load for Grandma..........

[dao]

Barth, we owned an EZ 380 and I think it would be good for your folks. They are extremely easy to rack, large enough to get a good grip on, but light enough for those with diminished strength, and also to soak up some recoil. And of course the 380 is more forgiving in that way too. One caveat though is that you may need to load up the mags for them. They are a bit difficult to fill up. But once done, and inserted into the gun everything becomes much easier, including trigger pull.
The only reason we sold ours is that my wife felt it was too large for concealed carry. She's not a big gal and there are much smaller packages out there for her. She's also a good shot with any gun I've put into her hand, regardless of size or caliber, so we have a couple of smaller guns for her.

[DavidR]

With regard to the EZ 380, it’s possible that the grip safety may give them problems. It takes a high and tight grip to disengage the safety. The Ruger Security 380 is worth checking out.

I own a 380EZ and love it. Have never held or fired a Security 380.

[dao]

That is true, but can be easily mitigated with a strip of leather and some glue, to create a bump on the rear of the safety. Or even to look online for a way to disable it altogether. Lots of shooters pin the grip safety on their competition 1911's so that it doesn't impede hammer fall.

[DavidR]

Unfortunately, the EZ380 can’t be taken down without the grip safety being engaged. Pinned won’t work. There is no way to get around having the safety functional.

I personally have no issues with the grip safety but have read reports of others struggling with it.

[Bawanna]

I wouldn't even consider anything but a revolver with a decent trigger. Most in this situation don't practice or care about the gun except for having it. Easy to check for loads and simple. The trigger generally sucks so some help there would be needed. Racking the slide is always an issue, simple mag changes which generally would never be needed are a challenge. My wife who is very fit for her 68 years can't rack the EZ 9. I was shocked, figured it was the ticket other than being too large for her to carry. She carries a S&W 638. I've tried other options but she so far wants to stick with the Smith. Again the trigger isn't great but with a little adrenaline I guess it works.
At 86 I pray grandma will never need a gun for defense. If she just loves guns like me and then more power to her.

[Barth]

I wouldn't even consider anything but a revolver with a decent trigger. Most in this situation don't practice or care about the gun except for having it. Easy to check for loads and simple. The trigger generally sucks so some help there would be needed. Racking the slide is always an issue, simple mag changes which generally would never be needed are a challenge. My wife who is very fit for her 68 years can't rack the EZ 9. I was shocked, figured it was the ticket other than being too large for her to carry. She carries a S&W 638. I've tried other options but she so far wants to stick with the Smith. Again the trigger isn't great but with a little adrenaline I guess it works.
At 86 I pray grandma will never need a gun for defense. If she just loves guns like me and then more power to her.

Thanks to everyone for their time and input.
Took a variety of handguns over to my parents for Christmas day for my 86 year old mothers review.
I've got two 18 grandchildren myself.
Making my mother a Great Great Grandma.
Very likely they (my parents) will soon live to be Great Great Great Grandparents!
How do you say that anyway - LOL! 3X-great-grandparents?!?

Anyway, watching my mother handle handguns it was immediately
crystal clear to me that Colonel you are absolutely correct.
Don't know the history of the Ruger.
But it's buttery trigger rivals my S&W guns with trigger jobs.
It may be a little heavy.
But with no training or practice a revolver seems like really the only proper option.
Bars on the windows and 911 on speed dial seems like a much better solution to me :)

It's good to have good friends.
Everyone have a Happy and Safe New Years!
Barth

[King Rat]

For someone that age, I do not believe a firearms is the best solution. Especially a small snubby. Don't get me wrong, I love them. In fact, they are my most fun gun to take to the range. But the triggers are usually strong/heavy, short barrel and recoil make them a bad choice for anyone not willing to put the time into learning them. Older age has other things to consider like dementia, which in the hands of someone afflicted with it can be dangerous. Personally, I believe a good Home Security System is much more practical. Included would be a "Panic Button" she can wear around her neck, place by the bed and of course one on the remote arming stations. A alarm system would also protect for fire, MEDICAL etc.

Most break in's happen around 3pm in the afternoon. Walking into a house with someone already inside is a bad situation. Especially if they now have one of YOUR guns.

[berettabone]

For someone that age, I do not believe a firearms is the best solution. Especially a small snubby. Don't get me wrong, I love them. In fact, they are my most fun gun to take to the range. But the triggers are usually strong/heavy, short barrel and recoil make them a bad choice for anyone not willing to put the time into learning them. Older age has other things to consider like dementia, which in the hands of someone afflicted with it can be dangerous. Personally, I believe a good Home Security System is much more practical. Included would be a "Panic Button" she can wear around her neck, place by the bed and of course one on the remote arming stations. A alarm system would also protect for fire, MEDICAL etc. Is this what you're going to do?

Most break in's happen around 3pm in the afternoon. Walking into a house with someone already inside is a bad situation. Especially if they now have one of YOUR guns. Is this what you're going to do??????????

[Barth]

:)
For someone that age, I do not believe a firearms is the best solution. Especially a small snubby. Don't get me wrong, I love them. In fact, they are my most fun gun to take to the range. But the triggers are usually strong/heavy, short barrel and recoil make them a bad choice for anyone not willing to put the time into learning them. Older age has other things to consider like dementia, which in the hands of someone afflicted with it can be dangerous. Personally, I believe a good Home Security System is much more practical. Included would be a "Panic Button" she can wear around her neck, place by the bed and of course one on the remote arming stations. A alarm system would also protect for fire, MEDICAL etc.

Most break in's happen around 3pm in the afternoon. Walking into a house with someone already inside is a bad situation. Especially if they now have one of YOUR guns.

The gun they have is a 4" Stainless Steel Ruger Speed Six 357 Magnum.
It's no snubbie ...

But I'm three steps ahead of you with everything else - LOL!
Already thought of those things before reading your post.
My mother is already starting to deal with what appears to be the onset of dementia.
I'm truly deeply concerned she shouldn't have a firearm at all!
Was just making notes about the "Panic Button" solution moments ago :D

Their house already has barred windows that my mother wanted to remove.
I strongly protested that idea.
Since my name has been added to the deed and I will eventually own their house.
They have agreed to keep the windows barred :)

Thank Goodness I got them to move from Southern Commifornia to Sun City West AZ :cool:

The Parents (The Old Man doesn't look bad for 92 right?)
https://i.imgur.com/7f9mfRl.jpg

[King Rat]

Is this what you're going to do??????????

Not sure what you mean about what I am going to do. I was in the Alarm industry for 3 decades. I have a custom alarm system and have had one for decades, upgraded all the time. I also have lights and Video system. Had a custom system installed at my mothers house a long time a go and NO she will never own a firearm. In my career in the Alarm Industry, I have seen it ALL. I love firearms, own dozens, shoot almost each week. But in reality for Home Protection, I would give up my guns before I would give up my Electronic Security.

[berettabone]

No offense intended towards LE, Firemen, etc., but they always show up after the deed is done........... They both look good for their ages! JMHO......Speed sixes are in demand. Trade for/keep and get them a S&W Model 36. Ton of them out there They weigh less than 20 ozs. in comparison to the speed six which is over 33 ozs. Without anything but a couple spring changes, you can make the trigger like butter. You can take the mainspring down from stock 14# to 9# and the trigger down from 10## to 8#. I did the same thing to my SP101, (bit of polishing) and a baby could pull the trigger. (no babies in the house) 38+p's and they're all set. Small safe with fingerprint I.D. Cable it to anything close to the front door., or to the bed frame. (It's what I do) It's fast, and no key fumbling, combinations to remember, etc.

[berettabone]

Not sure what you mean about what I am going to do. I was in the Alarm industry for 3 decades. I have a custom alarm system and have had one for decades, upgraded all the time. I also have lights and Video system. Had a custom system installed at my mothers house a long time a go and NO she will never own a firearm. In my career in the Alarm Industry, I have seen it ALL. I love firearms, own dozens, shoot almost each week. But in reality for Home Protection, I would give up my guns before I would give up my Electronic Security. That's why I asked. I wouldn't give up my firearms if I had a security team on call 24/7. I installed security systems for years. They're great for alerting but not so good at taking care of the issue...................

[Barth]

I was in the Alarm industry for 3 decades. I have a custom alarm system and have had one for decades, upgraded all the time. I also have lights and Video system. Had a custom system installed at my mothers house a long time a go and NO she will never own a firearm. In my career in the Alarm Industry, I have seen it ALL. I love firearms, own dozens, shoot almost each week. But in reality for Home Protection, I would give up my guns before I would give up my Electronic Security.

I really like the way you're thinking!
They have a front door camera set up (Ring or something like that...)
But a real Electronic Security setup is sounding better and better.

Any suggestions?
Things to get, not get, etcetera...
What equipment, who to monitor, ...
I'm really completely naïve on this topic.
Thanks in advance! :D

Technical Note:
My Dad has zero interest in firearms.
But LOVES Electronic stuff :)

[King Rat]

I really like the way you're thinking!
They have a front door camera set up (Ring or something like that...)
But a real Electronic Security setup is sounding better and better.

Any suggestions?
Things to get, not get, etcetera...
What equipment, who to monitor, ...
I'm really completely naïve on this topic.
Thanks in advance! :D

Technical Note:
My Dad has zero interest in firearms.
But LOVES Electronic stuff :)

When designing a Alarm system, You need to find a experienced "Consultant". They will be the one's with not only experience, but Individual referrals from Police, Fire, and others. I protected a whole lot of Police in my career. A good Consultant will sit down with your Mom and Dad and Yourself if you like and ask a lot of questions. Routine of day to day activities, travel, any special valuables, Guest, parties, Doctor, medications, special needs, firearms, dogs, and on and on. He or she will talk about lighting both inside and out side of the House and Property. If you want video surveillance they will discuss that option as well.Questions about the bars on the window's, can they get out quickly, can the fire dept. get IN. This goes true with some of the modern insulated windows they have now. So are a nightmare to break in even for fire personal.Do they have electric or gas heat, were is the furnace located, the hot water heater. Have you considered a "SAFE ROOM"? Also the layout of the house. Single story, no craw space etc. Distance from different locations. Is house on a corner, bushes. Who else has authority to enter etc. They will ask about where you keep valuable for a reason Example, If they have a party and a guest wanders around, or a home repair man spends time in the home. You can partition off the entire house minus one bedroom (as a example).
There are so many way's to custom design a alarm system, it is almost endless. Yet also simple as well.
The world of Wireless devices have come such a LONG way in advancements of Technology. No a lot of need to do all the insane amount of wiring etc. The fact that your Father is Tech savvy, he most likely will like the advancements made. About to monitory the house from cell phone, turn on and off the system remotely.

My advice is to say away from companies Like ADT. for a Residence. They have "Proprietary" controls and can dictate the Monitoring fee's. If a system is not Proprietary, you can always get a reputable Monitoring station with fee's that are much less.
Each home is different, the People living in one are different needs. You can start small with a basic system if you like and add more sensors later. Budget, etc. are also the Professional Consultant can adjust for.
Just my advice.

PS You Dad and Mom Look TERRIFIC. Dang, you Dad must have some great genes. My Mom is 92 as well and a WORKHORSE. Still extremely Active, will never turn down a dinner or family party. Dad passed away in his middle 40's from complications from Agent Orange. She raised three boys and a daughter that was born when I was 18. (baby of the family)
Good luck, so nice to see you are taking good care of your folks.

TIP OF THE DAY-MOST BURGLARIES TAKE PLACE AT THE FRONT DOOR DURING THE DAY. 2) DON'T BUY A FRENCH DOOR.

[jeepster09]

My choice would be good small Ruger SP101 in 38 special with trigger job. Heavy enough to tame recoil with mild 38's and still light enough to carry. Also easy to load and check readiness. Alarm systems are great to get police there AFTER damage is done so that you can have report for insurance company. Good alarm and SP101 would be way to go.

[Barth]

When designing a Alarm system, You need to find a experienced "Consultant". They will be the one's with not only experience, but Individual referrals from Police, Fire, and others. I protected a whole lot of Police in my career. A good Consultant will sit down with your Mom and Dad and Yourself if you like and ask a lot of questions. Routine of day to day activities, travel, any special valuables, Guest, parties, Doctor, medications, special needs, firearms, dogs, and on and on. He or she will talk about lighting both inside and out side of the House and Property. If you want video surveillance they will discuss that option as well.Questions about the bars on the window's, can they get out quickly, can the fire dept. get IN. This goes true with some of the modern insulated windows they have now. So are a nightmare to break in even for fire personal.Do they have electric or gas heat, were is the furnace located, the hot water heater. Have you considered a "SAFE ROOM"? Also the layout of the house. Single story, no craw space etc. Distance from different locations. Is house on a corner, bushes. Who else has authority to enter etc. They will ask about where you keep valuable for a reason Example, If they have a party and a guest wanders around, or a home repair man spends time in the home. You can partition off the entire house minus one bedroom (as a example).
There are so many way's to custom design a alarm system, it is almost endless. Yet also simple as well.
The world of Wireless devices have come such a LONG way in advancements of Technology. No a lot of need to do all the insane amount of wiring etc. The fact that your Father is Tech savvy, he most likely will like the advancements made. About to monitory the house from cell phone, turn on and off the system remotely.

My advice is to say away from companies Like ADT. for a Residence. They have "Proprietary" controls and can dictate the Monitoring fee's. If a system is not Proprietary, you can always get a reputable Monitoring station with fee's that are much less.
Each home is different, the People living in one are different needs. You can start small with a basic system if you like and add more sensors later. Budget, etc. are also the Professional Consultant can adjust for.
Just my advice.

PS You Dad and Mom Look TERRIFIC. Dang, you Dad must have some great genes. My Mom is 92 as well and a WORKHORSE. Still extremely Active, will never turn down a dinner or family party. Dad passed away in his middle 40's from complications from Agent Orange. She raised three boys and a daughter that was born when I was 18. (baby of the family)
Good luck, so nice to see you are taking good care of your folks.

TIP OF THE DAY-MOST BURGLARIES TAKE PLACE AT THE FRONT DOOR DURING THE DAY. 2) DON'T BUY A FRENCH DOOR.


Thanks so much for your time and detailed response.
Looks like I lucked out getting this kind of expert information from a gun forum - LOL!
Have forwarded the information to my Dad for his review.

Best Answer Award goes to you :D

[Barth]

My choice would be good small Ruger SP101 in 38 special with trigger job. Heavy enough to tame recoil with mild 38's and still light enough to carry. Also easy to load and check readiness. Alarm systems are great to get police there AFTER damage is done so that you can have report for insurance company. Good alarm and SP101 would be way to go.

My parents will never concealed carry.
They already have a Ruger 4" (Speed or Security?) Six 357.
Loaded with Federal HST Micro 38+P ammo.
The trigger is like butter too :)
For home defense I'm coming around to thinking that's the best firearm option.
But have to agree that my mother may well be getting too old to use firearms at all.
My Dad's a different story.

https://photo.weaponsystems.net/image/s-carousel/n-fa_psl_security-six_p05.jpg/--/img/ws/fa_psl_security-six_p05.jpg

[yqtszhj]

This presentation says she needs a shotgun

https://youtu.be/6GJ9V-195Hk?si=9fgyCh1VcLkctSQb

[NeilWise]

I realize this is a pretty old thread by now, but I'll post my opinion nonetheless.


Last Christmas my wife and I decided to get my mom a self defense pistol, we had a long time to choose and settled on a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ .380, as it's a lightweight (weighs in at just 19 ounces and this is important for someone who may have difficulty holding a heavier gun), easy-to-use pistol that's perfect for someone with small hands or limited hand strength. It's also very reliable and has a comfortable grip.

At first she didn't use it, and then we saw her shooting at cans in the field behind our farm ;)