Looking to get a gun for my mom?

Question

I'm leaving for Iraq in a few months and I want to get my mom a gun for home protection while i'm gone. My mom is about 5'4 and not exactly very strong so she can't really handle something like a Desert Eagle but is there something that's reasonably easy to handle yet lightweight that I can look up for her? Thanks

I realize I asked this in the military section, but I assumed that the people in this section may have more experience with firearms than anybody answering in the other categories..

Answer 1

Take her to a gun store with a shooting range, they should allow you to rent a gun to get a feel for it.

But I agree with some of the other answers which recommend a shotgun wether its a 20 or 12 guage. If you're worried about going through walls you may want to load the first round a rock salt round (the rest normal shot) that way it will make the nice loud boom but do superficial damage to the walls (better to patch up a wall than patch up a person or animal) the intruder will definitely reconsider their next step. Plus you don't have to have perfect aim with the shotgun. You could also take your mom to a skeet range give her a moving target and get her use to the kick.

If you decide to go with a handgun... they make rat shot rounds for different calilbers, which is like a mini shot gun round. Won't do much damage unless its up close... again I would say load the first round or two with these then maybe some hollow points.

Bought my wife a shotgun and myself a Taurus 9mm. Better to have and never use vs needing it and not having it.

One more thing you may want to consider are the window & door sensors that go off when contact is broken they dont require an alarm system but if you can afford it I'd get it. Also you can get a motion sensor floodlight they cost about $15 and are easy to install.

Answer 2

Regardless of the weapon you choose, FIRST see that your mom attends a gun safety course - and a course on handling and actually firing a pistol/rifle. Also, check to see what your local regulations are as far as gun ownership is concerned. She may need to apply for a permit to have the gun, and the application process takes a few days. There are a background check and a few other things involved in that process. Also, there is a 3-day wait period in most jurisdictions between the time you purchase and the time you take possession of the weapon. A .22 doesn't have a lot of stopping power unless you get "heavy load" shells for it. I'd consult with several local gunsmiths as to the proper weapon and shell load; take your mom along and let her handle a few and see which feels best in her hand; and test it at the gunsmith's target range/room for recoil, etc. A gun with a short barrel is less accurate than a gun with a longer barrel.

Answer 3

I'd recommend a Glock, personally. I don't know if you have other siblings in the house (or pets), but a shotgun blast is uncontrolled. The shell fragmentation can go through a wall, or hit an intruder AND a family member, pet, or neighbor depending on your living situation.

Glock's are pretty lightweight, and easy to clean and manage as a whole. I'd recommend taking her to a shooting range so she can get comfortable with the weapon first.

By the way - Desert Eagle, while powerful, doesn't have the best accuracy. The round is incrediblly powerful too. Shoot it, it goes through the intruder (maybe), goes through the wall, and you don't know where it's going from there.

Answer 4

Number one, be aware that buying a gun for someone else is considered a "straw purchase" and is illegal. They will ask if this gun is for your use. Saying yes could be construed as lying on a government form. Enough of that crap.
Is she familar with firearms? A revolver is simplier to operate for a novice but only holds six shots typically. In that case get her a relatively inexpensive, but good Taurus revolver in .357 magnum. You can load .38 +P ammo in it for less recoil and if it can load .357 if needs be.
If she can handle it maybe an automatic. A double action automatic with a visible hammer. Browning makes a small .380 auto.
Is this for the home or for in town? There is a very small pistol called the Alley Cat in .380 auto. I think it is also made by Taurus. Great for everyday carry.

Answer 5

You might consider a simple single barrel shotgun, 357 is a real wicked caliber in a pistol, the one big thing what ever you do get her make dam sure she can not only use it but feel comfortable with it. (simple rule, never ever point a gun at anyone unless you plan to pull the trigger)

Answer 6

Might consider something like a Beretta Model 86 Cheetah with a Tip-up barrel. The tip-up barrel is designed for those who don't have hand strength to pull the slide...

http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/0600/688.htm

Answer 7

Get her a shotgun... double barrel... .410 or maybe 16-gauge... nothing bigger.

Shotgun's the best thing in the world for home protection in a populated area. You have to just point the thing in the general direction to hit anything. They're loud enough to attract attention. And the shot isn't going to go through the walls into the next house or apartment. A small gauge is easy to handle. And, if she empties both barrels and misses, the thing can't be used as a weapon against her.

Answer 8

It is nice that you are considering getting your mother a gun . My advice to you : is to take your mother with you. Have her handle the pistol. She will decide which fits her hand and is light enough.More advice; is to have her familiarize her self with the pistol. Taking it apart and putting it back together before she even fires it. Then take her to a range and have her fire it. Had my wife take the 45 acp apart and put it together before she fired it. saved a lot of trouble.

Answer 9

Well you will have to see she gets her license / gun permit to have the gun in her possession while you are away.

That means she will have to do the paperwork at the gun store and with the police, you cannot buy one and give it to here.

A .38 should be good enough for self protection, simple and effective to use.

Answer 10

do you want the traveling around in the purse type,
or the stand up and fight for the homestead type??!!

25 auto- purse
10 shot 9mm auto- home
plus a 12 guage backup for under the bed!!!