Originally Posted By: LoneRanger
Not my first choice, and actually not for me anyhow. My sister, 61, lives in California. She wants to get a handgun for home defense. Her choices are highly restricted thanks to California gun control laws. It has to be an approved handgun legal to transfer in California, which vastly narrows the choices. I know, because she was originally wanting a sub compact semi-auto either in 9mm, .40s&w, or .45acp. The only ones I could determine were legal in CA were certain model codes of Smith & Wesson Shield and Springfield XD-S. Both fine choices of course.
But as it turns out a semi-auto isn't going to be optimal for her due to some arthritis in her hand causing some potential for problems loading mags and racking slides. We have decided to go the revolver route instead.
I am thinking .44 special over .357 magnum at this point based on recoil and on potential for a 357 round to exit her house and pose a danger to neighbors (not brick construction).
Not a huge fan of Charter Arms but they're about the only ones who still make .44 Specials, and the only .44 Special models on the Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale (
http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/ ) in California. Charter Arms Bull Pup 2.5" snub .44 Special to be exact.
What sayeth BITOG gun slingers?
I have two 44 specials, both 5 shot snub nose. I prefer the heavier stainless to the airweight. They are both very easy weapons to shoot with low perceived recoil especially for the stainless.
My first vote goes first to the 44 specials but not airweight. This is for home defense not carry.
My second vote goes to 38 special or 38 special plus P in a medium frame and 4" tube. See what your sister can handle.
The 44 special will stop criminal activity better than the 38 special.
Finding factory 44 special ammo is getting difficult.