.22lr practice revolver search for my Father-in-law...

A recent trip out to see the inlaws (50th wedding anniversary for them!) had cause for him, myself, and a friend of mine to hit up a local range there. Post-liver transplant last year and complications related to said have resulted in him being less than proficient in handing and shooting his chosen self defense weapon (I believe it was a S&W Model 649 Bodyguard.) His hands suffered muscular atrophy from the aforementioned complications and while he's regaining muscle mass and tone, it's taking time, and he wants to get more confident with his handling. I'd like to help him find a .22lr chambered revolver that's similar enough that he can practice with without killing his hands. At first I considered a 617, but they're massively heavy (44oz for the 617 vs 22oz for the 649, all numbers from S&W's site.)

I present the above to the Everyone* and await your replies. :D

(* name the TV show that references for some eCoolCredit.)

Check out Ruger's website and pull up the double action .22's with polymer frames. I had a 2 inch version that was accurate and fun to shoot.

S&W 43c or 317. Why not go with a light jframe ?

Be aware that rimfire revolvers often have heavier trigger pulls than the equivalent centerfire models. That might be an issue if hand strength is a problem.

If you know someone you trust who handloads, making up some very light loads for his 649 might be a good option.

Does he have good snap caps to practice handling and dry-fire?

Check out Ruger and S&W catalogues. I think S&W still make a J .22 and there are the Ruger SP and LCR.

Or like Peterb says, some light .38s will let him shoot his familiar revolver. Midrange wadcutters, "cowboy loads," or even lighter handloads.
How about primer powered wax, plastic, or rubber bullets? Or a laser target rig that will reward dryfire.

Don't overlook the .32 caliber revolvers. I have a 432PD that gets a lot of .32 S&W long rounds. Same size as the .38 J-frames but with a 6 round capacity.

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A couple of years ago I broke both wrists. First the right, then the left six months later.

I did a lot of dry practice, and also used these:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/21...iber-box-of-50

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/31...eter-box-of-50

Hope that helps, and good luck to him.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by willie

Check out Ruger's website and pull up the double action .22's with polymer frames.

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I would advise against that for someone with hand issues. The trigger pull is quite heavy and while the recoil is minimal, the trigger pull will quickly cause fatigue and/or pain.

OP, I bet if you put a Hogue "Tamer" grip on his current revolver and shoot .38 wadcutters, it won't fatigue him as much and he'll also have a set up he can use for defense if it comes to that.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/11...dyguard-rubber

snap caps are definitely on the list of things to bring him next time i'm there.

I like that 317... for me :D

I've seen several people here and elsewhere recommend light loads or wadcutters. Neither he nor I are reloaders. Any recommendations for soft shooting loads? My experience with .38spl ammo is limited. I know Freedom Munitions make a 125gr load that shoots pretty light (makes my 686 feel like my 617) but still has some decent kick in my 442, so that might not be light enough. I have a case of it still so I guess I could bring some next time i'm visiting.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SeriousStudent

A couple of years ago I broke both wrists. First the right, then the left six months later.

I did a lot of dry practice, and also used these:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/21...iber-box-of-50

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/31...eter-box-of-50

Hope that helps, and good luck to him.

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... I think I want those for me! :D
how loud are they? think I could get away with making a short range in my 36' shed?

These are the Federal target wadcutters. Remington makes a similar load.
https://www.federalpremium.com/ammun...-handgun/gm38a

I've used them in a 442 with LG-305 lasergrips and didn't think the recoil was bad.

Muzzle energy is roughly 25% less than a standard 158 grain .38 Special load.

I just checked the Freedom site and saw that they have a similar load -- 148gr at 750 fps. Less expensive than the Federal or Remington. Might be worth a try.

The Pachmayr Compac grips are another option for comfort, but they're not small.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/10...t-rubber-black