74+ year old in-laws wanting to get their LTC and new guns

[Scott in Houston]

So, my in-laws bought, at a charity auction, 2 LTC classes. That has been the catalyst for them to actually get a couple of handguns and their license. They both believe in the right but just have never bothered to do anything about it. My mother-in-law actually grew up in Africa and has hunted animals larger than probably anyone reading this has, but hasn't shot anything in 40 years.

My in-laws asked me to help them find the right guns. My MIL, despite her history, is a little anxious over the idea. I've told her, "You don't have to actually carry if you're not comfortable, but going through the process of training, getting a license, and buying a new gun can't hurt anything and at the very worse, she's voting with her $$ for the right to defend yourself.

So... this short story long, leads me to my question. For my mother-in-law, she'll never carry on her person. at best, her purse, which is hard for me to handle as I'm firmly in the camp that you should keep it on your person, but I'm trying to be realistic here.

Suggestions for best gun? My thoughts: A safety is a good thing. At worse, it should be hammerless with a long trigger pull and kept in a very good holster.

My thoughts: S&W 642 in .38 (hammerless)
Sig P238 in .380 (I like the safety and it's easy to shoot for an older person)
Glock 42/43 (Concerned about lack of a safety, but if put in a good holster...)

If she really objects to carrying, but would just want something for the house/car, then I'd go bigger as it's easier to shoot such as a Glock 19 or 17 or Beretta 92FS... which I personally LOVE.

Thanks for your input. I know there are many distinguished members in a similar age range or which spouses who are, so I appreciate all feedback and points to consider.

[SigM4]

Based on age and assumed diminished strength the S&W M&P 380 Shield EZ seems right up her alley. Might give it a look.

[oljames3]

+1 for the Shield EZ. However, I strongly encourage you to take any prospective gun owner to a range that rents guns so they can shoot before they buy. My father, 86, really likes his S&W M&P M2.0 Compact 9mm 4inch. As does my son, 21. My youngest brother likes his Shield 9mm. My wife likes her Walther PPS M2 LE. They each fired several handguns before making their choice.

The handgun must fit the shooters hand in order for the shooter to use the handgun effecrively. Many ranges offer classes for prospective gun owners to help them to make a good choice.

[cmgee67]

+3 for the shield EZ

[Pawpaw]

Take them to a store that has a large selection and let them browse and handle any that interest them, while you answer any questions they have.

Let them make up their own minds. They're old, not helpless.

[KLB]

If she has arthritis in her hands, the S&W revolver you mention may be just the thing. I bought my wife a very nice 9mm, Springfield mod. 2. But she could neither load the magazine nor rack the slide. The S&W revolver was the solution.

[G26ster]

If she has arthritis in her hands, the S&W revolver you mention may be just the thing. I bought my wife a very nice 9mm, Springfield mod. 2. But she could neither load the magazine nor rack the slide. The S&W revolver was the solution.

I have arthritis in my hands and I can barely pull the trigger on a DA hammerless revolver without jerking it off the target because the pull is so heavy. I can knock the snot out of the 10 ring with every semi auto I own and with all my revolvers I can fire SA.

[Liberty]

If you are looking for an easy to carry, reliable easily conceivable DA/SA with hammer and safety. You might look at the Beretta Storm SC.

[PriestTheRunner]

+4 for the shield .380 EZ. Thats what it was designed to do.

And don't get into caliber wars regarding the shield. A .380 they could shoot in a defensive situation is much better than a 9 or 45 they can't..

[Scott in Houston]

Great stuff! Thank you.

And for those making the suggestion of try before you buy, and let them make up their own mind, I full agree. I am not looking to do this for them, but I am going to do my best to guide them, especially my MIL, to the best option. They just do not know the full variety of options available, as neither did I apparently because the Shield EZ was not on my radar.

So, my list of guns to try thus far:

Shield EZ
Beretta Storm SC
S&W M&P M2.0
S&W 642

I love this forum. Thank you all for your input.

[bblhd672]

Based on age and assumed diminished strength the S&W M&P 380 Shield EZ seems right up her alley. Might give it a look.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Great stuff! Thank you.

And for those making the suggestion of try before you buy, and let them make up their own mind, I full agree. I am not looking to do this for them, but I am going to do my best to guide them, especially my MIL, to the best option. They just do not know the full variety of options available, as neither did I apparently because the Shield EZ was not on my radar.

So, my list of guns to try thus far:

Shield EZ
Beretta Storm SC
S&W M&P M2.0
S&W 642

I love this forum. Thank you all for your input.

I live in Friendswood and would be happy to let your wife shoot my S&W 642 before she buys a gun. I don't think she'll like it.

Chas.

[Scott in Houston]

Great stuff! Thank you.

And for those making the suggestion of try before you buy, and let them make up their own mind, I full agree. I am not looking to do this for them, but I am going to do my best to guide them, especially my MIL, to the best option. They just do not know the full variety of options available, as neither did I apparently because the Shield EZ was not on my radar.

So, my list of guns to try thus far:

Shield EZ
Beretta Storm SC
S&W M&P M2.0
S&W 642

I love this forum. Thank you all for your input.

I live in Friendswood and would be happy to let your wife shoot my S&W 642 before she buys a gun. I don't think she'll like it.

Chas.

Yes another reason this forum is so great. Thank you Charles!

As much as I'd love to take you up on that, mainly so I can meet you in person, I'll have to let you know if that will be an option.
I think you're right that she won't like it. The more I'm reading, I'm fairly confident we'll go the Shield EZ route. I have a range here in Katy that will let me rent it along with others.

[mrvmax]

I’d take them somewhere that they can try them, the range in Alvin only charges $10 and you can swap guns as much as you want. I’ve got a G43 they could try out.

[Charles L. Cotton]

I’d take them somewhere that they can try them, the range in Alvin only charges $10 and you can swap guns as much as you want. I’ve got a G43 they could try out.

Alvin is a good drive from Katy, but this is a great price for shooting multiple guns. It would be worth the trip.

Chas.