quote:

Originally posted by Blume9mm:

I really don't understand why there aren't more pistols with tip up barrels and in 9mm and beyond. I ended up giving a female friend one of my revolvers because she could not rack the slide on any semi-auto.

Because 9mm and beyond needs a locking breech (or a gigantic, heavy slide like Hi-Point). Tip-ups are blowback operated.

32 H&R is pretty friendly. Feed it 32 S&W longs at the range to make life even better. Ruger makes a few as does Taurus and S&W.

Another easy and cheap grip strength improver is simply getting a couple of tennis balls, one for each hand, and squeeze them repeatedly while you're watching tv. It won't take long to notice a difference in your grip strength.

Sorry to hear this. If you have not done so already I suggest you visit a hand surgeon (usually shoulder/elbow/wrist docs do this too) at an ortho practice for evaluation which minimally should include X-Ray and then maybe MRI with follow up with physical therapy who would evaluate you for strength, pain, range of motion, etc and then try exercises/stretches for improvement. Just trying various exercises at this point on your own may do more harm than good. Sometimes a cortisone shot can do wonders too and allow you to work on strengthening. I like farmers carry walks, dead hangs, and pinch holding weights isometric exercise for forearm and grip strengthening but that would not typically be fore someone in your condition would start with. At age 72 they have really helped me.

Best of luck to you.

quote:

Originally posted by Blume9mm:
I actually think you need to go larger in the size of the pistol.... if you liked the 320 compact then I would consider trying out a full size one... but then I really don't think you can beat a P226. Those are really tame on recoil in 9mm.

I'm with Blue9mm on this. Go bigger. I think you would be well served by P226.

You might also want to consider Hogue rubber grips. I think they make hard rubber grip panels for several firearms. That might work better than wrap-arounds for larger frame pistols.

I would just recommend staying away from anything that is blowback like the Sig P232 or the Walther PPK/S.

A Beretta 92 or that all steel CZ 9mm might be good options as well.

quote:

Originally posted by Broadside:
You might also want to consider Hogue rubber grips. I think they make hard rubber grip panels for several firearms. That might work better than wrap-arounds for larger frame pistols.

+1 on the Hogue grips, but here's my take:



SIG P238 HD with Hogue rubber grips. It's not a larger-frame pistol, but it has several things in its favor:

• all-steel frame
  
• locked-breech action (not blowback)
  
• mag extension to get all fingers on grip
  
• rubber wrap-around grip that isn't too big on smaller frame

I have one, and it's very soft-shooting, maybe the softest-shooting centerfire pistol that I have, tied with all-steel 1911s in 9mm.

My agency had qualifications this Saturday at an outdoor range. Weather was cloudy, 33-35 deg, a slight breeze. Not ideal, but better than some of our quals where we literally had to shovel the range.

I'm usually a 240+ shooter (out of 250), no matter the weather. Since I had heart surgery less than 2 years ago and I'm on Eliquis, I feel the cold a heck of a lot more these days. Also, with a change in the weather coming, my arthritis was affecting my hands and fingers. Age (74) plays a part in this too. I notice a slight shaking when I grip my coffee cup.

Anyway, I exceeded the minimum of 200 by 20 points. We use Glock 22s with HST ammo. I think it's time for me to consider doing something else!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Broadside:

quote:

Originally posted by Blume9mm:
I actually think you need to go larger in the size of the pistol.... if you liked the 320 compact then I would consider trying out a full size one... but then I really don't think you can beat a P226. Those are really tame on recoil in 9mm.

I'm with Blue9mm on this. Go bigger. I think you would be well served by P226.

You might also want to consider Hogue rubber grips. I think they make hard rubber grip panels for several firearms. That might work better than wrap-arounds for larger frame pistols.

I would just recommend staying away from anything that is blowback like the Sig P232 or the Walther PPK/S.

A Beretta 92 or that all steel CZ 9mm might be good options as well.

I recently picked up a Beretta PX4 in 9mm and am very impressed with how easy this gun is to shoot. I have had 3 carpal and 6 tendon surgeries and live with poor hand strength. But I can rack this easily and the big grip, light weight, low recoil and smooth overall design is a winner for me.

My sympathies are with the OP. I have osteo-arthritis affecting all of my major joints, and have undergone carpal tunnel, cupital tunnel, and multiple shoulder surgeries (one bicep tendon permanently damaged).

About 4 years ago I decided to return to my early days as a young cop, putting away my favorite pistols (1911, Browning HP, Sig P229) and bringing out the old Smith & Wesson Model 64 .38 Special 2" round-butt, still living in the gun safe after more than 40 years service.

Works for me.

quote:

Originally posted by Fredward:
Due to aging and several injuries over the years, I'm losing strength in my hands. The point was driven home recently. While shooting, the recoil hurt so bad I dropped the pistol, a first for me. It was a Sig 320 Compact. I'm adjusting my habits, and will now only use 320's with AXG frames. A number of other guns are no longer working for me, including a couple of fairly rare CZ's. I am having a consult with my doctors and talking to a physical therapist, but my feeling is most of my handguns gotta go. Most of the revolvers are OK-I can play with 38 wadcutters and, in a defensive shooting, manage a few shots. The Berettas are okay, with the possible exception of the Model 84's, 380 in those is brisk. My questions is, excluding the S&W EZ, do you all have any recommends for soft shooting guns? I have a number of 22's, but I'm looking for defensive guns. I carry a 365, but will likely get a metal framed one soon. Thanks for the help.

https://ruger.com/products/security380/models.html

Picked up one of these to to help my FIL get into shooting, come to find out the wife loves it. WAY softer shooting than her LCP MAX, feels more like a .22. You could mag dump the whole thing into a headbox at 15 yerds no problem. Stock sights are good, stock trigger is actually totally fine, and the slide is machined with good areas to grip in addition to being a VERY light racker.

I have arthritis in both hands.
I've been a mechanic for 55 years.
I ordered Alpha-Gripz and after using the extensors and flexor for 2 months I have a definite greater grip strength.
I can rack the slide on my Desert Eagle like it's a S&W carry!
I was considered by the VA to be needing multiple repair surgeries on my hands.
I was at the Clinic for an assessment and they said as long as I do Therapy(I do it with these) I'll put off surgery

I see the hand specialist next month. Meantime, the Beretta 81 works well for me, and 38's (the hornady ones with pink tips) in the 2 inch Chiappa Rhino if I feel I need to move up a bit. Thanks to all!

quote:

Originally posted by john crusher:
I have arthritis in both hands.
I've been a mechanic for 55 years.
I ordered Alpha-Gripz and after using the extensors and flexor for 2 months I have a definite greater grip strength.
I can rack the slide on my Desert Eagle like it's a S&W carry!
I was considered by the VA to be needing multiple repair surgeries on my hands.
I was at the Clinic for an assessment and they said as long as I do Therapy(I do it with these) I'll put off surgery

I was a tech for 45+ years too, Im sure that where my problems came from. Keeping tendons moving is important and exercising helps that. If you have issues with nerve compression (carpal tunnel) know that when nerves cant communicate with muscles the muscles can atrophy and die off and cant be regained.

quote:

Originally posted by odin:
My agency had qualifications this Saturday at an outdoor range. Weather was cloudy, 33-35 deg, a slight breeze. Not ideal, but better than some of our quals where we literally had to shovel the range.

I'm usually a 240+ shooter (out of 250), no matter the weather. Since I had heart surgery less than 2 years ago and I'm on Eliquis, I feel the cold a heck of a lot more these days. Also, with a change in the weather coming, my arthritis was affecting my hands and fingers. Age (74) plays a part in this too. I notice a slight shaking when I grip my coffee cup.

Anyway, I exceeded the minimum of 200 by 20 points. We use Glock 22s with HST ammo. I think it's time for me to consider doing something else!!!!

Odin, did you actually read the nutrition guide they gave you after your heart surgery? If you had you would have seen a note about NOT drinking caffeinated beverages. Specifically if you aren't drinking caffeine free coffee you WILL pay a price for that choice. It's called AFIB and it's not fun at all. In addition you will want to limit Sodium, Saturated Fat, Sugar, and Red Meats (BTW Pork is a Red Meat).

I will also note that Cardiology as a profession is starting to consider Sugar as the primary cause for Heart Disease. It is a very inflammatory compound that is very bad for the Heart. It's also a primary "trigger" for Arthritis. So anyone over 50 really needs to think about this when they are tempted by a candy bar, sugary soda pop, or even a bowl of Fruit Loops or Lucky Charms cereal.

The Beretta PX4 storm has a reputation for being a soft shooter and a bit easier to rack. I am about to look into one for the exact same reasons as the OP. Apparently the rotating barrel design doesn't kick as much as the traditional Browning action.

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Bean:
The Beretta PX4 storm has a reputation for being a soft shooter and a bit easier to rack. I am about to look into one for the exact same reasons as the OP. Apparently the rotating barrel design doesn't kick as much as the traditional Browning action.

The PX4 is a very smooth pistol, and it is a little easier to rack than some other designs...I wouldn't say it's much easier than my 92, though. The nice thing about Berettas is that the levers on the slide can provide a bit more grip to get the slide moving for someone who has trouble exerting compressive force against the sides of the slide. Putting an optic on a handgun can help in this same way, by providing something to hold on to.

I'm not sure I'd say that the recoil of the PX4 is significantly reduced, but the impulse is just a little more linear. There's still some muzzle flip as the slide is pretty bulky and has quite a bit of weight up high. Id recommend the OP try to get his hands on one and manipulate it, as it may work well for him, but don't order sight-unseen thinking it's going to be drastically better than what you already have.

Others have recommended the P238, and I agree that that little gun is remarkably pleasant to shoot for it's size. I don't recall how much force it took to rack the slide on the one I shot, though.

Scooter - Thanks for that info. I see my cardiologist next week and will ask about coffee.... I only drink 1 cup/day, but I really enjoy that cup!!!

I have type II diabetes, so I'm good on the sugary stuff! I'm watching sodium and have red meat once/twice month.

We'll see what bits of advice he has. I wasn't given a nutrition guide that I can remember. However, I have a very hard time with sedation and it could be I was still under the effects!!

quote:

Originally posted by odin:
Scooter - Thanks for that info. I see my cardiologist next week and will ask about coffee.... I only drink 1 cup/day, but I really enjoy that cup!!!

I have type II diabetes, so I'm good on the sugary stuff! I'm watching sodium and have red meat once/twice month.

We'll see what bits of advice he has. I wasn't given a nutrition guide that I can remember. However, I have a very hard time with sedation and it could be I was still under the effects!!

I just saw my Cardiologist and at present the policy is to Maintain. For the past year I've been having issues with AFIB and one of the primary triggers for me is Sugar. Start looking at Nutrition labels and you will find out quickly that there is Sugar in everything. So you have to pick and choose the items that have the least amount of Sugar. As for caffeine, that is another Stimulant that can trigger AFIB. Other things to avoid are Alcohol, so that bit of Scotch or Bourbon after dinner is verbotten.