Sunday With Blackthorn - Today We Discuss 'Guns For The Older Shooters'

 Steve Forester is back to opine on the subject of Handguns for Self Defense for older/aging citizens. That will then be followed by a video on a particular caliber from the Lucky Gunner Youtube channel.

 ************

Self Defense Handguns For Older/Aging Citizens

 Berretta Tomcat 30X .32 ACP

First of all, let me say I like the Tomcat. A lot!

However, I can't say I prefer it to the Kel Tec P-32. The P-32 is a LOT of gun for what it is.

www.keltecweapons.com/firearm/pistols/p32/

The best thing I like about the Tomcat is the tip-up bbl. If someone just cannot manipulate the slide, then I would say go to the Tomcat - no questions asked.
However, The Tomcat is thicker. Better for recoil control maybe, but my Tomcat sticks in my pocket on the draw while the P-32 does not.

And, these are ALL definitely pocket guns.

The Beretta model 95 in .25 ACP is another choice for the infirm. Smaller even than the P-32, and in .25 ACP, with even lighter recoil, and featuring the tip-up bbl, this might be the last stop for the elderly who just can't handle anything else.

Of consideration in this category is also the Ruger LCP II in .22LR. It has the EZ Rack slide and the .22LR is the lightest recoiling round. However, it is bigger than all the above which might help with "shoot-ability", but, for some reason, ALL Ruger LCP's I have tend to come out holster and all in the pocket draw.

Of all these "pocket guns": Beretta Tomcat, Beretta 95, Kel Tec P-32, and Ruger LCP .22, I have to say - hands down - the little Kel Tec P-32 comes in first place. Hands down. They are ALL nice little guns and can't go wrong with any of them, but the Kel Tec P-32 is what resides in my pocket today.

Now, I did not address the .38 snub for pocket carry. This has a LOT of advantages for the elderly. Don't have to rack a slide to load and can leave loaded indefinitely with no maintenance and will still function perfectly.

Plus, I love these things!

However, They are substantially larger than any of the above. In the typical pair of jeans, the top of the gun can be seen and could lead to problems if someone standing beside you spots it.

Also, the .38 Special is this small package is a handful. Especially in the air weight models. OK, if shoving the gun in someone's gut and letting go with 5 rounds, but at any kind of distance it is the hardest to manage.

So there you go! Any of these will "fill the bill". It just depends on you and your particular needs.
For me, the little Kel Tec P-32 is the perfect comprise.

That is just me, though.

 

And now, the Lucky Gunner  Video on the pros and cons of the .32 ACP