As we age, our self-defense needs evolve, and CCW options must adapt to those changes. Although we can defer the effects of natural aging with diet, exercise, and preventative healthcare, it is impossible to stave off Father Time forever. Getting older often results in increased vulnerability, as seniors have to contend with reduced strength, slower reflexes, and reduced mobility. Being armed is an effective way to even the odds against a younger, faster, and stronger adversary, but physical limitations resulting from getting older make it crucial to select the right handgun, holster, and adopt carry technique suited to the realities of aging.
The financial and legal risks associated with carrying a firearm can also change with age, increasing the importance of having quality Self-Defense Liability Protection in place. Empty nesters, retirees, and seniors may own significant assets in the form of their home, property, valuables, savings, inheritances, and other forms of value. What’s more, you don’t have to be rich to tempt an unscrupulous lawyer from bringing a spurious civil lawsuit threatening your financial independence and wiping out anything you might want to hand down to future generations.
In this article, we explore the best CCW options for older shooters and explain why a Second Call Defense membership is essential for protecting your freedom and financial health.
Handgun Size and Weight
Older shooters who conceal carry have a wide selection of firearms to choose from. However, size and weight are going to matter to compensate for reduced strength.
Full-Size Handguns
Full-sized handguns, especially in 9mm or more powerful calibers, are great home defense guns. However, they are too heavy and bulky for concealed carry for most people, let alone an older shooter experiencing reduced strength. Because of their size and weight, full-sized handguns are generally not optimal for older shooters to conceal carry outside the home.
Compact and Subcompact Handguns
Compact handguns balance features like capacity, size, weight, and concealability. Subcompacts are smaller and lighter than compact handguns and are purpose built for concealed carry.
Either is a good option for older shooters although subcompacts may be more comfortable given their small size and light weight. There is a wide variety of calibers available in compact handguns, but subcompact is generally going to be 9mm and smaller. A subcompact in 9mm is likely going to have noticeable felt recoil due to the small size and weight. A subcompact in .380 ACP may be a better fit, but still somewhat snappy for older hands.
Micro and Pocket Pistols
Micro handguns and pocket pistols are additional CCW options for older shooters. Micro size pistols will have a barrel length less than 3.0 inches and very light weight. While 9mm micro handguns are available, older shooters may prefer a micro pistol in .380 ACP or even .32 ACP. Micro pistols may be ideal options for older shooters given their small size and light weight although they compromise power and capacity.
Too much of a good thing, however, can be problematic. “Micro Nines,” or very small subcompact pistols may be too small for older shooters suffering from reduced flexibility and fine motor skills to grip steadily and securely.
Caliber Choices for Older Shooters
For older individuals just starting to carry or those looking to downsize due to age-related changes, there are various caliber options to consider. Also, be sure to check out our blog on most popular calibers for concealed carry here.
9mm
9mm offers solid stopping power, is widely available in many firearm choices and different bullet types and loads. However, smaller 9mm handgun frames can feel “snappy” to even seasoned handgun shooters. Depending on the model, capacity may be reduced given the size of the 9mm cartridge.
.380 ACP
Although often criticized for its power, .380 ACP is an effective caliber for self-defense with good shot placement and generally produces less recoil than 9mm handguns. However, the .380 ACP in a subcompact or even micro size handguns is going to have felt recoil more akin to a full size 9mm. Older shooters should consider this if considering a .380 ACP.
.38 Special
Limited to only revolvers, handguns chambered in .38 Special will have limited capacity (5 – 7 rounds). It has sufficient stopping power but reloading quickly requires a lot of practice. Revolvers also tend to be heavier and bulkier than compact or subcompact semi-automatics. Recoil is manageable but still may more than older shooters want.
.32 ACP
.32 ACP is on the lower end of the power spectrum but also has low recoil and can be found in micro and pocket pistols. Capacity is often compromised given the small size and weight. This may help older shooters who want a smaller handgun but are confident in their shooting skills at close range.
.22 Long Rifle
The .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR), commonly used in both rifles and handguns, is the most widely owned caliber in the U.S. In handguns, it offers very low recoil, but its stopping power is limited, requiring precise shot placement. That said, we do not believe any attacker would want to be hit with any bullet, even a .22 LR. Handguns chambered in .22 LR come in various sizes, including compact, subcompact, micro, and pocket pistols. Its low recoil, high availability, and affordably priced ammunition make it an appealing CCW option for older shooters, but practice for effective shot placement is important.
Holster and Carry Techniques
Outside the Waistband (OWB)
OWB holsters are a great option for older shooters as they are more comfortable and generally, provide easier access to your handgun. However, to keep the firearm concealed, it may require a cover garment such as a jacket or long shirt.
Inside the Waistband (IWB)
IWB holsters are popular for concealability, however, they may cause discomfort for many older shooters who may suffer from chronic back or hip pain. Additionally, drawing from an IWB holster requires more flexibility and dexterity than an OWB holster, which may be a challenge for some.
Belly Bands and Shoulder Holsters
Shoulder holsters and belly bands may be a good option for older shooters that have back or hip issues and may be more comfortable. A shoulder holster will also require an additional article of clothing to conceal it. Belly band holsters also may help older shooters that have back problems although belly bands are not as easy to access as OWB or shoulder holsters.
Suggested CCW Pistol Options for Older Shooters
It is impossible to cover all the potential conceal carry pistol options for older shooters, but you can use this list of recommended guns as a starting point:
Glock G43X. Glock is well-known for its reliable, striker fire, safe action pistols without a manual safety, which are great options for Seniors. The G43X, for example, combines a compact-size grip length, a built-in beaver tail and a subcompact-slim slide for a comfortably balanced, versatile grip. It has a 10-round capacity and can fill the roles of both a carry gun and home defense pistol.
Sig Sauer P365. The P365 was first introduced in 2021 and today Sig Sauer offers no less than 15 different variants of this reliable, striker fire pistol at different price points. Capacity ranges from 10-17 rounds, depending on the version. Recoil from the 9mm round is snappy, like any lightweight “wonder nine,” so Sig offers the P365-380 chambered in the softer shooting .380 ACP. Grip too small (or large)? No problem, the P365’s fire control unit (FCU) is the serialized part and modular, meaning you can simply buy a relatively inexpensive grip module from Sig and swap it out.
Ruger LCP. LCP stands for “Light Compact Pistol.” The Ruger LCP is chambered only in .380 Auto with a 6+1 capacity (6 in the magazine, one in the chamber), giving it an edge over revolvers, provided you have the grip strength and dexterity to pull the slide back.
Ruger Security 380. The RS380 may be a better option for seniors with its “Lite Rack™” system, that includes refined slide serrations, cocking ears, and a lighter recoil spring to make it easier to manipulate the slide. The RS380, slightly larger than the LCP, also accepts 10 and 15-round magazines, giving it an edge over smaller pistols.
Smith & Wesson Shield EZ Series. The Shield EZ is Smith & Wesson’s competitor to the Ruger Security 380. Chambered in 9mm, 380 Auto, and 30 Super Carry, the EZ offers reduced recoil spring power and other options to make slide manipulation easy, has a grip safety, and capacity of 8+10, depending on the caliber.
Smith & Wesson Equalizer Series. More compact than the Shield EZ series, the Equalizer Series of pistols is designed specifically for people with weak grips making it very easy to rack the slide. If there is a downside, it only comes in 9mm, so expect some snappy recoil.
This is not an exhaustive list, and new options are being introduced frequently into this hot market segment. However, we hope it gives you a place to begin your search.
Other Considerations
Carrying a firearm for self-defense requires constant training and practice. As we age, reflexes slow, dexterity is reduced and even our cognitive thought process slow. It is critical for older shooters to practice drawing and re-holstering their unloaded firearm. Practice from different situations such as sitting, standing, even in a vehicle. Understand your limitations as you age. It is also very important to know the laws and regulations with regards to concealed carry in your area. Seniors are often targeted by predators but if you carry a firearm for protection, you need to do so within the confines of the law.
The Importance of Self-Defense Liability Legal Protection for Older Shooters
What you don’t know can incarcerate you. Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with serious legal and financial risks. After a defensive shooting, even when justified, you may face criminal charges or a civil lawsuit. Older shooters may not have the financial flexibility to handle lengthy legal battles or expensive defense costs.
This is where Self-Defense Liability Legal Protection becomes vital. Second Call Defense offers comprehensive legal protection for concealed carriers. Second Call Defense members are covered on everything from legal defense fees to civil liability and expert witness costs. For older shooters, having Self-Defense Liability Legal Protection ensures peace of mind, knowing that if they are forced to use their firearm in self-defense, they will not face financial ruin wiping out their retirement savings, forcing them from their homes, and sapping potential inheritances.
Ask yourself these questions, and if the answer is “no” to any of them, chances are you need Self-Defense Liability Legal Protection:
- Do you have an attorney on retainer skilled in defending against criminal charges?
- Do you have an unlimited budget to pay out-of-pocket for your legal defense bills?
- Do you have at least $100,000 in cash to pay a bail bondsman that you can afford not to get back?
- Do you have ready access to professional psychological counseling for post-incident treatment?
- Do you have legal protection against civil damages that could force you to sell your home, cars, guns, and other assets to pay a judgment?
READ MORE: When It’s Too Late to Buy Self-Defense Liability Protection
Join Second Call Defense Today
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Conclusion
As an older shooter, selecting the right firearm, holster, and carry method is crucial for comfort, safety, and effectiveness. Managing recoil, choosing a lightweight yet powerful handgun, and practicing your draw technique can make all the difference in a defensive situation. Also consider purchasing Self-Defense Liability Protection (sometimes known as CCW “insurance”), like Second Call Defense, is an essential part of being a responsible concealed carrier, especially for those who may face increased legal scrutiny. Make informed choices, practice regularly, and carry confidently
*Second Call Defense is not insurance and does not sell or promote insurance products. Second Call Defense is a membership organization that provides its members access to the “Second Amendment Support Foundation, Inc.,” which provides the means necessary to protect Second Call Defense members from the legal aftermath of exercising their right to self-defense. For an overview of the differences between Second Call Defense Member Benefits and traditional insurance, click here.
