Handgun for arthritis

[davrow]

I've gotta agree with TripleR. You obviously like your Blackhawk (I've got Vaqueros), so I would look at getting modifications that could help fit your needs, and keep using the gun you have. .357 is very versatile for loading soft recoil to stout punchers. First step, as TripleR says, extend and raise the hammer (from what I'm hearing).

Good luck.

 

[ch1ch2]

Go with a 1911 model in .45ACP or 9mm. Rack it back to load and with a nice short 3/16" travel, 4 to 5 lb. trigger pull.

My vote also!
I too have arthritis in my hands, though probably not as bad as you.
I have several 1911's. My Para 1445 is the easiest for me to shoot. It is a double stacked magazine, 14 round. Large frame easy to hold. Easy to rack the slide with just 4 fingers and my palm.

 

[bcp]

I used to see 1911's with a square-fronted bump welded on the slide for cocking on a belt, pocket, etc. I didn't find a photo of that, but now real cocking handles are available.

Examples:
slide cocking handles photos



A long discussion here:
Pistol for a One-Handed Shooter? - The Firing Line Forums

Bruce

 

[TheMan419]

I am a glock guy, and on mine the slide release is notoriously hard for lefties (like me). So they have one you can swap out with the factory one. It sticks out a bit further thus giving you the mechanical advantage of leverage. You may consider that with a semi auto or with the hammer on your single action.

 

[TripleR]

I am a glock guy, and on mine the slide release is notoriously hard for lefties (like me). So they have one you can swap out with the factory one. It sticks out a bit further thus giving you the mechanical advantage of leverage. You may consider that with a semi auto or with the hammer on your single action.

Just an observation, but in our training, we were not allowed to use our slide release, we had to reach over with the other hand and grab the slide between the fingers and palm, pull back to release the slide lock. According to them, stress caused degradation of small muscle control making the use of the thumb release ineffective.

 

[Zerk]

Trigger pull is difficult double action, and you are having trouble cocking hammer to get single action. This could be tough.

I prefer revolvers. But maybe a single action semi auto. If you can rack it. Some times you can get items to help grip the slide.

I would go to store and try various guns. Maybe find a revolver you can cock. For me, this is what I would want.

You dont have to pull the hammer back as far on double action revolvers. That may work. Also different hammers my fit better.


An air weight gun, will have more recoil. Which may be an issue.

 

[Zerk]

A different hammer on your blackhawk may work. I like the hammer on my super blackhawk, over my blackhawk. Someday will change it.

 

[MossRoad]

In the OP's case, concerning semi-auto handguns, he's having trouble cocking the hammer with his thumb. But he can operate a slide OK. On a single action, he'd have to operate the slide to cock it. On a double action, in his case, he'd still have to operate the slide to cock it. What would the advantage be between a single action semi-auto and a double action semi-auto for him?

 

[Zerk]

In the OP's case, concerning semi-auto handguns, he's having trouble cocking the hammer with his thumb. But he can operate a slide OK. On a single action, he'd have to operate the slide to cock it. On a double action, in his case, he'd still have to operate the slide to cock it.

He mentioned a blackhawk, single action revolver.

What would the advantage be between a single action semi-auto and a double action semi-auto for him?

A single action would have an easier trigger. He would have to operate the slide. But they do make device to help grab them

 

[CADplans]

I think he ought to keep the cartridge power down,,
and the gun weight low,,
with a single action trigger (after cocking)
SO,, I nominate the Smith & Wesson Model 617 Mountain Gun,,,