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Senior citizens are considered by many criminals to be easy targets as many senior citizens are not able to move as quickly as they once could. As a senior citizen, you’ll want to avoid a situation in which you are defenseless in the face of an attacker. Concealed carry, for these very reasons, is on the rise among the elderly. By arming themselves, senior citizens will likely have a better opportunity to defend themselves if attacked.
According to recent statistics published by the US Census Bureau, there are over 50 million people aged 65 and over as of November 2016. This is more than the combined population of 25 US states. This number is so large that if all US senior citizens held hands, they would wrap around the world twice. Seriously. It is projected that the number of senior citizens in the US will reach 83 million by 2050. Naturally, as one becomes older, his or her ability to run away, avoid hazards, and defend his or herself diminishes. Senior citizens don’t want to allow themselves to become victims and it’s this thinking that has triggered their decision to arm themselves for self-defense. If you are looking to learn how to concealed carry for the elderly, this article is for you. Read on, friend.
COMMON PROBLEMS RELATED WITH CONCEALED CARRY FOR THE ELDERLY
As we get older, wear and tear can have a huge impact on our physical abilities. Many senior citizens start to experience arthritis and other ailments. They also suffer from physical issues such as fatigue, stiffness, diminished range of movement, decreased hand strength, decreased manual dexterity, and weight gain or loss, to name just a few. This can make concealed carry for the elderly tricky.
Whether or not to allow senior citizens to carry weapons has been a hotly debated issue. Some senior citizens suffer from cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Others suffer from mental health issues like depression and psychosis and this understandably complicates the issue. These health problems can make gun ownership more dangerous. Confusion, the inability to identify family and friends, and diminished mental capacity also contribute to the argument that elderly concealed carry is a challenge. These are just a few of the things you should consider when concealed carrying as a senior citizen or allowing an elderly family member to do so.
Diminished Flexibility
This is one of the major concerns for people who want to know how to concealed carry for the elderly. When your movement is limited, it can be hard to draw, aim, and even load rounds into your firearm. Diminished flexibility may be due to pre-existing injuries or conditions or simple wear and tear on joints and tendons. Without proper flexibility, correctly operating a firearm is difficult.
Instinctive Firing from the Hip
For senior citizens, it can sometimes be painful or even impossible to raise a concealed carry pistol to eye level. However, they can train for instinctive firing. This should only be attempted by those who are clearly practiced. This method is used for shooting in close quarters when it is not possible to shoot with a sight or use proper marksmanship techniques.
Reduced Reaction Time
Reduced reaction time with regards to concealed carrying for the elderly is honestly not that big of an issue. Speed might mean the difference between life and death, true, but the most important thing is hitting your target. It’s better to react slowly to a threat than not at all. Don’t worry so much about speed and just focus on putting yourself in the right position and situation to be able to successfully defend yourself.
Carry and Mobility Impairment
As mentioned above, carrying a pistol can be a problem if you are severely limited in your range of movement. Elderly concealed carry becomes even more tricky for those who are in mobility scooters and walkers. Carefully consider your situation and how you will safely and securely carry. Consider holster options and ease of access when drawing before you attempt a concealed carry in public.
CHOOSING A CONCEALED CARRY FIREARM FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
Just because the senior citizen is suffering conditions like arthritis, dementia, poor vision, and limited movement does not mean they cannot carry firearms anymore. There exist varieties of guns that senior citizens can operate and shoot when faced with a threat. Here are some factors to consider when in the market for a concealed carry weapon for the elderly:
Ease of Trigger Pull
If you are an elderly person suffering from arthritis, pain, or loss of strength in the hands, racking the slide of a semi-automatic can be problematic or even unlikely. Consider a revolver instead. There are guns on the market that offer triggers that don’t require much finger strength. You can even have a gunsmith customize the trigger of your gun so that you can more easily operate your firearm.
Grip Strength
When learning how to concealed carry for the elderly, make sure that the gun you choose does not put any strain on you when raising it. Likewise, it should allow you to shoot comfortably. When you are not comfortable with your gun, you are less likely to use it for practice and if you are out of practice you should not be shooting your gun outside of the range. Be aware of the overall weight of your gun when loaded. There are many polymer-framed guns that are lightweight and these could be a good option. Consider a rubber grip, which will offer more comfort and grip when shooting several rounds.
Recoil
When choosing a firearm for concealed carrying for the elderly, take note of its recoil. The gun should offer manageable, quick, and accurate follow-up shots. When it comes to the caliber, pick one that you can shoot repeatedly without experiencing any pain.
Ease of Operation
When it comes to elderly concealed carry, operating a slide may be an issue for some users. For that reason a revolver might be a better option than a self-loading pistol. Note that double-action revolvers will not need to be cocked like single-action revolvers and are therefore a good option to consider. Revolver mechanics are relatively simple and these guns have a good reputation for not malfunctioning.
Accuracy
Using iron sights could prove problematic. Focusing on both the front and rear sights as well as a distant target will be difficult for anyone whose eyesight might be degenerating. Consider guns that are compatible with laser sights. These sights have lasers that line up with the bullet’s trajectory and can be helpful with aim and bullet placement. You can also consider high-visibility sights.
BEST GUNS FOR CONCEALED CARRY BY A SENIOR CITIZEN
As a senior citizen, you will notice a decrease in the speed and accuracy with which you are able to operate your firearm. Your hand strength may not be the same as it once was. So it goes. With this in mind, here are 5 of the best handguns for elderly concealed carry:
Glock 26 – This handgun offers an ergonomic grip that is perfect for weaker grips. Its dual recoil spring will reduce recoil and it is very easy to use.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield – This is a lightweight pistol with a single stack and spacious grip surface. It is simple to operate and easily concealable due to its single stack design.
Sig Sauer P250 – This pistol is considered to have the best and smoothest double-action trigger. There is no external safety and the recoil control is also easy to manage.
Ruger LCR .38 Special – This revolver is lighter than most stainless steel revolvers. Its friction-reducing design can help soften recoil and this handgun is also notable for its accuracy.
Beretta Bobcat 21A – A good option for those suffering from weakened hand strength. It shoots like a .22 long rifle and there is hardly any recoil. Features a good grip surface despite its small size.
TIPS FOR ELDERLY SELF-DEFENSE
Elderly people often become victims of violent attacks because they are perceived as easy targets. There is no reason to put yourself in that category. Concealed carrying for the elderly can be a powerful tool in your self-defense arsenal but there are many other things to consider and keep in mind. Using a firearm is always supposed to be your very last option. Remember, it is better to stay away from trouble than to confront it. Let’s look at some tips on staying safe.
Avoid Being a Target
To keep yourself from being targeted, you’ll need to stay aware of your surroundings. When you know what’s going on around you, people notice, and you’ll likely ward off an attack before it even begins. Keep an eye out and let threats know that you are no easy prey. Situational awareness always plays a part in concealed carrying for the elderly.
Don’t Be Overly Trusting
Senior citizens are often more trusting than their younger counterparts and this makes them more prone to becoming victims. There is nothing wrong with believing in the good in people but you should always be cautious about it. Never trust a stranger or give out unnecessary personal information. Additionally, never allow anyone you do not know to take you to another location. When considering how to concealed carry for the elderly, keep in mind that your goal is to never find yourself in a bad spot and, hopefully, you’ll never have to fire your weapon.
Alternative Weapons
Without the fighting hands of your younger days you’ll need to consider other options if you find yourself in a confrontation. Obviously, if you are executing an elderly concealed carry you’ll have your weapon, but what if you are unable to reach it or your firearm is in a bag or purse that is not currently on your body? Here are some common everyday objects that you can use as self-defense weapons when your gun is not an option:
Purse – While your purse may be the first thing that your attacker tries to grab, it can also be a valuable weapon for self-defense. Just give it your best swing and crack them on the side of the head. Purses may not pack enough force to knock someone out but they can sure stun them.
Cane – Your cane is a valuable ally. It can help you walk and you can swing it just like a club. Canes are possible to use for both offense and defense.
Keys – Keys can be used as a knife to slice or puncture a would-be attacker. Practice walking with your fist wrapped around your keys and one key sticking out between your knuckles. This is one of the most effective ways to wield your keys as a self-defense weapon.
Non-lethal weapons are also a great idea for daily carrying. Here are some popular non-lethal self-defense weapons:
Pocket Knife – We often use our pocket knives as utility tools but they can be used for self-defense as well. If you intend to use a pocket knife as a self-defense weapon, make sure to hold it with a firm grip and to aim for the outside of the rib cage or inner thighs.
Pepper Spray – Pepper spray is something to consider when talking about concealed carrying for the elderly. A small canister of pepper spray can be taken anywhere and fits easily into your pocket or handbag. One spray to an attacker’s face will have them gasping for air and stunned. Pepper spray can cause difficulty breathing, and burning of the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. These effects last for up to 45 minutes so you’ll have plenty of time to escape.
Stun Gun – These are non-lethal weapons that can produce a high voltage shock when activated. You can use a stun gun to temporarily disable your attacker and give yourself time to escape. Generally, you can carry them in plain sight. However, stun guns may not be legal in your state so do check your state laws before purchasing.
Physically, your old age may put you at a disadvantage when confronting an attacker. But learning how to concealed carry for the elderly may help you level the playing field and fend off a potential attacker. Do you have any tips for concealed carrying for the elderly? If so, please share in the comments!
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How to Concealed Carry for the Elderly: Concealed Carry for Senior Citizens
The GMW Concealed Carry Gun Pack. Now available now on Amazon.com.
BUY NOW
BUY NOW
Senior citizens are considered by many criminals to be easy targets as many senior citizens are not able to move as quickly as they once could. As a senior citizen, you’ll want to avoid a situation in which you are defenseless in the face of an attacker. Concealed carry, for these very reasons, is on the rise among the elderly. By arming themselves, senior citizens will likely have a better opportunity to defend themselves if attacked.
According to recent statistics published by the US Census Bureau, there are over 50 million people aged 65 and over as of November 2016. This is more than the combined population of 25 US states. This number is so large that if all US senior citizens held hands, they would wrap around the world twice. Seriously. It is projected that the number of senior citizens in the US will reach 83 million by 2050. Naturally, as one becomes older, his or her ability to run away, avoid hazards, and defend his or herself diminishes. Senior citizens don’t want to allow themselves to become victims and it’s this thinking that has triggered their decision to arm themselves for self-defense. If you are looking to learn how to concealed carry for the elderly, this article is for you. Read on, friend.
COMMON PROBLEMS RELATED WITH CONCEALED CARRY FOR THE ELDERLY
As we get older, wear and tear can have a huge impact on our physical abilities. Many senior citizens start to experience arthritis and other ailments. They also suffer from physical issues such as fatigue, stiffness, diminished range of movement, decreased hand strength, decreased manual dexterity, and weight gain or loss, to name just a few. This can make concealed carry for the elderly tricky.
Whether or not to allow senior citizens to carry weapons has been a hotly debated issue. Some senior citizens suffer from cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Others suffer from mental health issues like depression and psychosis and this understandably complicates the issue. These health problems can make gun ownership more dangerous. Confusion, the inability to identify family and friends, and diminished mental capacity also contribute to the argument that elderly concealed carry is a challenge. These are just a few of the things you should consider when concealed carrying as a senior citizen or allowing an elderly family member to do so.
Diminished Flexibility
This is one of the major concerns for people who want to know how to concealed carry for the elderly. When your movement is limited, it can be hard to draw, aim, and even load rounds into your firearm. Diminished flexibility may be due to pre-existing injuries or conditions or simple wear and tear on joints and tendons. Without proper flexibility, correctly operating a firearm is difficult.
Instinctive Firing from the Hip
For senior citizens, it can sometimes be painful or even impossible to raise a concealed carry pistol to eye level. However, they can train for instinctive firing. This should only be attempted by those who are clearly practiced. This method is used for shooting in close quarters when it is not possible to shoot with a sight or use proper marksmanship techniques.
Reduced Reaction Time
Reduced reaction time with regards to concealed carrying for the elderly is honestly not that big of an issue. Speed might mean the difference between life and death, true, but the most important thing is hitting your target. It’s better to react slowly to a threat than not at all. Don’t worry so much about speed and just focus on putting yourself in the right position and situation to be able to successfully defend yourself.
Carry and Mobility Impairment
As mentioned above, carrying a pistol can be a problem if you are severely limited in your range of movement. Elderly concealed carry becomes even more tricky for those who are in mobility scooters and walkers. Carefully consider your situation and how you will safely and securely carry. Consider holster options and ease of access when drawing before you attempt a concealed carry in public.
CHOOSING A CONCEALED CARRY FIREARM FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
Just because the senior citizen is suffering conditions like arthritis, dementia, poor vision, and limited movement does not mean they cannot carry firearms anymore. There exist varieties of guns that senior citizens can operate and shoot when faced with a threat. Here are some factors to consider when in the market for a concealed carry weapon for the elderly:
Ease of Trigger Pull
If you are an elderly person suffering from arthritis, pain, or loss of strength in the hands, racking the slide of a semi-automatic can be problematic or even unlikely. Consider a revolver instead. There are guns on the market that offer triggers that don’t require much finger strength. You can even have a gunsmith customize the trigger of your gun so that you can more easily operate your firearm.
Grip Strength
When learning how to concealed carry for the elderly, make sure that the gun you choose does not put any strain on you when raising it. Likewise, it should allow you to shoot comfortably. When you are not comfortable with your gun, you are less likely to use it for practice and if you are out of practice you should not be shooting your gun outside of the range. Be aware of the overall weight of your gun when loaded. There are many polymer-framed guns that are lightweight and these could be a good option. Consider a rubber grip, which will offer more comfort and grip when shooting several rounds.
Recoil
When choosing a firearm for concealed carrying for the elderly, take note of its recoil. The gun should offer manageable, quick, and accurate follow-up shots. When it comes to the caliber, pick one that you can shoot repeatedly without experiencing any pain.
Ease of Operation
When it comes to elderly concealed carry, operating a slide may be an issue for some users. For that reason a revolver might be a better option than a self-loading pistol. Note that double-action revolvers will not need to be cocked like single-action revolvers and are therefore a good option to consider. Revolver mechanics are relatively simple and these guns have a good reputation for not malfunctioning.
Accuracy
Using iron sights could prove problematic. Focusing on both the front and rear sights as well as a distant target will be difficult for anyone whose eyesight might be degenerating. Consider guns that are compatible with laser sights. These sights have lasers that line up with the bullet’s trajectory and can be helpful with aim and bullet placement. You can also consider high-visibility sights.
BEST GUNS FOR CONCEALED CARRY BY A SENIOR CITIZEN
As a senior citizen, you will notice a decrease in the speed and accuracy with which you are able to operate your firearm. Your hand strength may not be the same as it once was. So it goes. With this in mind, here are 5 of the best handguns for elderly concealed carry:
Glock 26 – This handgun offers an ergonomic grip that is perfect for weaker grips. Its dual recoil spring will reduce recoil and it is very easy to use.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield – This is a lightweight pistol with a single stack and spacious grip surface. It is simple to operate and easily concealable due to its single stack design.
Sig Sauer P250 – This pistol is considered to have the best and smoothest double-action trigger. There is no external safety and the recoil control is also easy to manage.
Ruger LCR .38 Special – This revolver is lighter than most stainless steel revolvers. Its friction-reducing design can help soften recoil and this handgun is also notable for its accuracy.
Beretta Bobcat 21A – A good option for those suffering from weakened hand strength. It shoots like a .22 long rifle and there is hardly any recoil. Features a good grip surface despite its small size.
TIPS FOR ELDERLY SELF-DEFENSE
Elderly people often become victims of violent attacks because they are perceived as easy targets. There is no reason to put yourself in that category. Concealed carrying for the elderly can be a powerful tool in your self-defense arsenal but there are many other things to consider and keep in mind. Using a firearm is always supposed to be your very last option. Remember, it is better to stay away from trouble than to confront it. Let’s look at some tips on staying safe.
Avoid Being a Target
To keep yourself from being targeted, you’ll need to stay aware of your surroundings. When you know what’s going on around you, people notice, and you’ll likely ward off an attack before it even begins. Keep an eye out and let threats know that you are no easy prey. Situational awareness always plays a part in concealed carrying for the elderly.
Don’t Be Overly Trusting
Senior citizens are often more trusting than their younger counterparts and this makes them more prone to becoming victims. There is nothing wrong with believing in the good in people but you should always be cautious about it. Never trust a stranger or give out unnecessary personal information. Additionally, never allow anyone you do not know to take you to another location. When considering how to concealed carry for the elderly, keep in mind that your goal is to never find yourself in a bad spot and, hopefully, you’ll never have to fire your weapon.
Alternative Weapons
Without the fighting hands of your younger days you’ll need to consider other options if you find yourself in a confrontation. Obviously, if you are executing an elderly concealed carry you’ll have your weapon, but what if you are unable to reach it or your firearm is in a bag or purse that is not currently on your body? Here are some common everyday objects that you can use as self-defense weapons when your gun is not an option:
Non-lethal weapons are also a great idea for daily carrying. Here are some popular non-lethal self-defense weapons:
Physically, your old age may put you at a disadvantage when confronting an attacker. But learning how to concealed carry for the elderly may help you level the playing field and fend off a potential attacker. Do you have any tips for concealed carrying for the elderly? If so, please share in the comments!