protection for those unable to use firearms

[uspJ]

hi all

my mother is a real estate agent, she told me that lately she's seen a rise in the number of squatters in some of the home's her agency has listed to sell. i got her a pistol years ago to take with her to work because i didn't like the fact that often she was out showing rural lots and other property where no cell phone coverage was available, and with complete strangers who could be posing as an interested client. i've tagged along with her when i was able and have on more than one occasion found signs of drug use and empty liquor bottles scattered all over a room.

the problem is that over the last few years her health has declined and has left her body in a weakend state. she no longer has the strength in her hands to rack the slide on an automatic, and it takes both hands to pull the trigger on a revolver

i've been thinking about getting her some oc spray to take with her as a replacement to a firearm. i know there are several different types (ie foam, stream, fog) and different brands. any suggestions on which type to use by people who actually have used and or daily carry oc/pepperspray would be greatly appreciated. also any other suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Cosmoline]

What kind of pistol are we talking about? I'm just curious because something like a Walther PP has a very light trigger pull and not much of a slide to rack back.

 

[Eagles6]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,461928,00.html

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Tip-up barrel pistols like the Beretta 87 Cheetah, do not require the slide to be racked.

OC spray is another good option. Whatever she chooses needs to be practiced with. OC foam is easier to practice with in the backyard because it's not as likely to be caught in the wind, swirl around, and hit you in the face.

 

[Boats]

It's too bad this was moved out of the firearms forums because you and your mother owe it to yourselves to check out the new Ruger LCR. The DAO pull on that thing is by far the slickest I have ever handled and I don't imagine it would take anyone two fingers to pull on it. Ruger has rethought the snub nosed revolver.

Another overlooked gun option for folks with bad hands are the Beretta mouse guns, the 21 Bobcat in .22lr or .25ACP, or the 3032 Tomcat in .32ACP. All of these pistols feature a "tip-up barrel," which means that with the push of a lever, which has nowhere near the effort of the slide, the barrel pops up and the ready round can just be put into the chamber and snapped shut rather than retract the slide to charge the weapon. Harsh language works better than nothing, but it really gains potency backed by even one of these little pistols, which if nothing else, guarantee the assailant a trip to the hospital if Mom shoots him.

So, there are three gun options right there. I'd say a stand-off Taser or a really potent OC spray would be distant second choices.

 

[wishin]

^^ +1
The Beretta is a excellent choice for your mom.

 

[Elvishead]

I have reservation's about a Beretta 21A Bobcat esp 22LR. When I bought a brand new one, I had a lot of jams and fail to feed or eject, but it did have very few misfires.

But after about 1000 or so shot's through it, now it works pretty darn well, but only about 95%, maybe a little better but not a 100%. I think it would be a good SD gun if you can get one to be reliable. I found some ammo that does very good in it, and I'm starting to consider using it as a carry gun. I guess it just needed to be broke in.

TBS, I would get the 22lr over the 25acp just because you can shoot it much more for a lot less money and 22's are easier to find.

 

[OcelotZ3]

Run the Beretta with CCI and I bet it runs fine 100% of the time now.

Regarding sprays, how about wasp spray? It shoots a long ways and should disable an attacker (blind him).

 

[DBR]

Get her a Saber Defense Red 2oz stream nozzle OC canister.
http://www.sabrered.com/servlet/StoreFront

She should carry it where she can have her hand on it discretely like in a jacket pocket.

OC can be used way before lethal force and usually works faster than the average non CNS bullet strike.

Actually two units would be a good idea, one of the key chain units and one of the LEO units. Be aware that using one inside a dwelling will clear the space for at least an hour. If you call Saber they will give you the location of a local dealer. Be sure that any permit required in your state is obtained before you buy a unit.

If she ever has to use it she should immediately call the police and report the incident. The first caller is generally considered to be the victim.

Another option would be a Taser but it is not good for multiple assailants.

Firearms require a commitment to training and practice. The other problem with a firearm in her situation is even if she feels threatened it may be a no shoot situation and it is very likely she will be disarmed by the bad guys even if she hits them or she hesitates.

 

[berettashotgun]

Wasp & Hornet spray.
Cheap, squirts a long ways out there, and is a Zillion times better than OC spray for the price.
Comes in two size cans, gang or horde

Revolver - Tarus model 85 is the champ IMHO; and I'm a HUGE Beretta fan

 

[RebelRabbi]

My Mom also has VERY weak hands, she is 68, I got her a Kahr CW 9 with a Crimson Trace Laser. Works great for her. Kahr is now making a small 380 that would be much more portable for your Mom.