One of the most common symptoms of shooters who are also senior citizens is poor grip strength. Handgun manufacturers have begun marketing pistols that are easy to rack - a big help to some senior shooters. .380 ACP pistols (like the S&W M&P 380 Shield EZ, Ruger Security 380 Lite Rack, & Walther PK380) from the major manufacturers are all worth trying, and there are some easy-rack 9mm pistols (like the SIG 938 & Walther CCP) available too. There are differences in all of our hands sizes, so it is best to try manipulating a pistol in a gun store before committing to it. If your local range rents the pistol(s) you're considering, then certainly take the opportunity to fire a few targets worth of ammunition with a rental.
Revolvers work well for many seniors in a defensive role too. The most common small revolver is a 5 or 6 shot "snubbie". These are available in all-steel and a mixture of steel & alloy (lightweight) parts, along with a few that also utilize some polymer parts. Light weight makes a revolver easy to carry, but they can be more difficult to shoot. Again trying a rental gun at your local range would help. The most common caliber for defensive revolvers is 38 Special. The more powerful 357 Magnum is also available in some of these revolvers, and you can actually do much of your practicing with 38 Special - just be sure to familiarize yourself with the blast and recoil of a 357 (every time you practice) if that's what you plan to carry. Excellent revolvers are available from S&W, Colt, Ruger, Kimber, Taurus, and other manufacturers.
Note that 9mm, 380, & 38 Special cartridges are available in dozens of configurations with bullet weights from 90 to 158 grains (and more). In general, lighter bullets generate less recoil, making them easier to shoot. Heavier bullets are generally considered to have a greater effect on the target, possibly requiring fewer shots to neutralize them. This is complicated by cartridges designed for different purposes, and in some cases "+P" cartridges. Cartridges marketed as Defense rounds should be adequate for your self-defense needs, but be sure to practice a bit with them, along with some cheaper practice ammunition.
A new cartridge just entering this arena in the 30 Carry (like the S&W Shield EZ 30 Super Carry):
https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/new-for-2022-30-super-carry/
For folks with extremely limited hands, there are smaller and lighter options all the way down to 22 caliber pistols and revolvers (like the Ruger SR22 .22 LR pistol & S&W 351C .22 Magnum revolver). Keep trying until you find something that works.
Regardless of what you choose as a self-defense handgun, you need to get to a range and shoot it several times a year.
Top 5 "Small" Carry Choices for Arthritic Hands:
https://blog.cheaperthandirt.com/top-5-small-carry-choices-arthritic-hands/
6 Best Guns For Women With Arthritis:
https://thewellarmedwoman.com/about-guns/6-best-guns-for-women-with-arthritis/
Revolvers work well for many seniors in a defensive role too. The most common small revolver is a 5 or 6 shot "snubbie". These are available in all-steel and a mixture of steel & alloy (lightweight) parts, along with a few that also utilize some polymer parts. Light weight makes a revolver easy to carry, but they can be more difficult to shoot. Again trying a rental gun at your local range would help. The most common caliber for defensive revolvers is 38 Special. The more powerful 357 Magnum is also available in some of these revolvers, and you can actually do much of your practicing with 38 Special - just be sure to familiarize yourself with the blast and recoil of a 357 (every time you practice) if that's what you plan to carry. Excellent revolvers are available from S&W, Colt, Ruger, Kimber, Taurus, and other manufacturers.
Note that 9mm, 380, & 38 Special cartridges are available in dozens of configurations with bullet weights from 90 to 158 grains (and more). In general, lighter bullets generate less recoil, making them easier to shoot. Heavier bullets are generally considered to have a greater effect on the target, possibly requiring fewer shots to neutralize them. This is complicated by cartridges designed for different purposes, and in some cases "+P" cartridges. Cartridges marketed as Defense rounds should be adequate for your self-defense needs, but be sure to practice a bit with them, along with some cheaper practice ammunition.
A new cartridge just entering this arena in the 30 Carry (like the S&W Shield EZ 30 Super Carry):
https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/new-for-2022-30-super-carry/
For folks with extremely limited hands, there are smaller and lighter options all the way down to 22 caliber pistols and revolvers (like the Ruger SR22 .22 LR pistol & S&W 351C .22 Magnum revolver). Keep trying until you find something that works.
Regardless of what you choose as a self-defense handgun, you need to get to a range and shoot it several times a year.
Top 5 "Small" Carry Choices for Arthritic Hands:
https://blog.cheaperthandirt.com/top-5-small-carry-choices-arthritic-hands/
6 Best Guns For Women With Arthritis:
https://thewellarmedwoman.com/about-guns/6-best-guns-for-women-with-arthritis/
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