5 Best Guns for Senior Citizens in 2025
Just because seniors are aging and may not be in the greatest of health doesn’t mean that they have to be victims. They have the right to defend themselves like anyone else. And we always read about those who do.
When I wrote this, I was a tad apprehensive because I would never wish to denigrate the ability of our seniors or ask them to do something beyond their capability.
But then I thought I was perfect for this task. I am a Former Action Guy (FAG) and a F***in’ Old Guy (FOG), so for us FAG/FOGs, or is it FOG/FAGs—hell, I can’t remember which is right—let’s take a look at some handguns for seniors.
But first …
Basic Considerations on Guns
Is the senior in good shape or poor? By good, can the man or woman still get around okay and have reasonable strength to jack the slide back on an automatic? Not necessarily a Desert Eagle .50, but something smaller or lighter that they’re comfortable with.
Desert Eagle Handgun. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Or do they have arthritic hands that may be uncomfortable holding a pistol with a double-stack magazine? Some seniors are still able to do almost everything very well. They aren’t ready for Selection, but they are still quite capable. Even some of us FAG/FOGs, or FO … err … oh, you know what I mean.
Will the senior want to carry it concealed on their person, in a purse or another type of bag? Weight may play a factor. Or will the weapon stay in the home? They’ll have to decide where to locate it to get to it in a hurry if the situation calls for it.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Next comes the hard part. Granny, Grampy, or Uncle Joe have settled on their most comfortable guns. Now, you have to convince them to get some professional instruction.
They have to learn how to handle the weapon, load it, and what to do if there is any type of misfire. Then, they go through the entire crawl, walk, and run, drawing the pistol, aiming at the target, and firing the weapon. They don’t need to be able to put tight shot groups at 25-yard targets; their eyesight may preclude that.
But seven-meter targets would probably be best and about as far as they’d ever need for home defense. Depending on their physical makeup, more advanced instruction could be added. Shoot, shoot, and shoot more until, just like the rest of us, the weapon becomes an extension of their arm. Along with training, a healthy dose of safety is required learning.
What Guns Make the List
So, let’s take a look at some guns that could make sense.
Ruger SR22
I’m generally not a fan of .22 guns for self-defense due to a lack of stopping power, but I’m in the process of writing another column on that (stay tuned). However, most seniors just wish to get an intruder or a mugger out of their grill, so even a well-placed shot (or three) from a .22 will accomplish that.
Ruger SR22. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
The Ruger is a fine little pistol. It has a polymer frame and two interchangeable rubberized grips with angled serrations, allowing shooters to select a slim or wider palm swell option (no tools required). An inspection port allows for visual confirmation of a loaded or empty chamber.
It comes with two 10-round magazines. The aerospace-grade aluminum slide has serrations on both the front and rear for better grip and slide manipulation.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is another excellent choice for seniors seeking a reliable self-defense gun. It is a compact, lightweight handgun that is easy to conceal, making it ideal for everyday carry. The M&P Shield also has a comfortable grip and minimal recoil, making it easy for seniors to handle and shoot accurately. It too, has an inspection port for checking for a loaded chamber.
It has high viz sights, and the 9mm round, while packing a bit more kick than the .22, is still controllable. Seniors don’t have to shy away from standard calibers strictly because of age. The handgun is thin, so arthritic hands may easily grip it.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 2.0. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Glock 19
The Glock 19 is a popular choice for self-defense for any person, regardless of age. Due to its reliability, ease of use, and manageable recoil, it is a compact and lightweight handgun, making it easy for seniors to handle and carry.
There’s almost nothing that the Glock 19 can’t do. Simple, effective, and easy to use, the rugged G19 has been a favorite of gun owners for years. With more than five generations of the Glock 19 released, you can find the version that fits you best. Most users will recommend either the Gen 4 or Gen 5.
Glock 19 Gen5. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
SIG Sauer P238
The SIG Sauer P238 is a small, lightweight handgun perfect for seniors seeking a discreet self-defense option. It has a comfortable grip and easy-to-use controls, ideal for seniors with arthritis or other hand issues, which would impact their grip on the weapon.
The SIG Sauer P238 also has a smooth, very short, very crisp trigger pull and minimal recoil, making it easy for seniors to shoot accurately.
SIG Sauer P238. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Smith & Wesson Model 10
There are still many of these floating around; perhaps someone in your family has one packed away in a box in the attic. This K-frame .38 Special six-shooter has been around since 1899. It was popular with police departments for years until they all began to move toward semi-automatics.
It may be a bit large for a carry weapon, but the Model 10s were always a sweet-shooting weapon for home defense. That’s probably why S&W made six million of these.
Smith and Wesson Model 10
Walther CCP M2 .380 ACP
The Walther CCP M2 builds on the success of its predecessor by simplifying disassembly, making maintenance easier. Its easy-to-rack slide and soft recoil in .380 ACP are perfect for seniors.
The compact design and ergonomic grip ensure comfort and control, while its reliable performance is worthy of the Walther name. The Walther Softcoil system has a few advantages over traditional recoil-operated pistols. First, the pivoting gas-piston design slows the motion of the slide, which, in turn, reduces felt recoil. Thus, the CCP is one of the softest-shooting handguns on the market.
Image: Creative Commons.
There are plenty of other guns to pick from, depending on the individual end user. Even us FAGs (remember that means Former Action Guys, wait, WHAT!?) can use a little bit lighter weapon now and again.
“Hey, you kids! Get off the LAWN!”
About the Author: Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri is a 19FortyFive National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing for 19FortyFive, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications
