XD 9 for Senior Citizen - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

GW45NUT · 07-05-2007, 08:06 PM

This is the first time I am visiting this part of the XD Forum. I have posted numerous times on XD45.

Let me get right to the point. I am considering getting my Dad (82) the XD 9 in a four inch service model. He has had a 357 for years, but now lacks the strength to handle the recoil and trigger pull of his 357. I believe standard velocity 9MM hollow points would be a good choice to equip him with and perhaps some lighter loads will enable him to have some more range trips for shooting fun! I would happily maintain his weapon and would provide routine cleaning and maintenance for him, I only want him to be able to knock off a BG if one were to come knocking on him.

Please share your thoughts about this and do give recommendations for lighter recoiling practice rounds. Dad is a WWII Veteran who served proudly on a fleet carrier in the Pacific. He is one of the reasons we are all still here today! Matter of fact, lots of his shipmates paid the ultimate price.

I am in unfamiliar waters here because most of my experience is with the 45. Any advice is appreciated.

Popa75 · 07-05-2007, 08:14 PM

In my opinion the winchester white box 115gr fmj has a very manageable recoil and is inexpensive at walmart. I know this is the XD form so please dont get upset with me. Have you considered an all steel pistol for him I own an XD-9 4 inch and a CZ 75 and the CZ has a lighter and smooter recoil, just a thought hope i dident upset anyone.
Brian

GW45NUT · 07-05-2007, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Popa75

In my opinion the winchester white box 115gr fmj has a very manageable recoil and is inexpensive at walmart. I know this is the XD form so please dont get upset with me. Have you considered an all steel pistol for him I own an XD-9 4 inch and a CZ 75 and the CZ has a lighter and smooter recoil, just a thought hope i dident upset anyone.
Brian

Thank you for your input, yes we have thought of a steel pistol. It may be too heavy for him to comfortably handle. I do agree that the CZ line is a good choice in most circumstances.

Springer Guy · 07-05-2007, 09:00 PM

I am a senior and love both my 1911 .45 and also my XD 9 service. Very manageable, but I'm only 68.

Bud33 · 07-05-2007, 09:57 PM

I'm not sure that the age has a lot to do with it. Physical condition is of more concern to me. Take him to a range where you can rent some of the guns you are considering and let him try them ...
I just got a XD9SC and have no trouble handling it. I am 74 but have been shooting regularly and work out in a gym 3 times a week....

standerson · 07-05-2007, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud33

I'm not sure that the age has a lot to do with it. Physical condition is of more concern to me. Take him to a range where you can rent some of the guns you are considering and let him try them ...
I just got a XD9SC and have no trouble handling it. I am 74 but have been shooting regularly and work out in a gym 3 times a week....

Excellent idea on the renting part.

petey1 · 07-06-2007, 01:27 AM

Hand strength was an issue with my Mom too...she's 64 and has arthritis. She had very little problem with the recoil, but she did have difficulty racking the slide to chamber a round. Just something else to consider. Good luck.

Plants4u · 07-06-2007, 02:14 AM

My dad who's 79 and in generally good health has much difficulty locking the slide on his new XD9 but not as much trouble racking it. No problem with him handling the recoil though. I do think think in retrospect he would've been better off with a revlover because of this. Hopefully with some break in and some practice from him it will get better.

rgeliske · 07-06-2007, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petey1

Hand strength was an issue with my Mom too...she's 64 and has arthritis. She had very little problem with the recoil, but she did have difficulty racking the slide to chamber a round. Just something else to consider. Good luck.

That is the only thing I can see as possible being a problem. Many seniors has problems with their hands if that is not an issue with your father a 9mm will be fine.

rljensen · 07-06-2007, 07:11 AM

I'm almost 67 with an XD9 Tactical. I love it. Very easy to handle, almost no recoil. 2 issues:
Yes it is hard to lock the #$$^ slide. I have no trouble chambering round.
I wear bifocals... It's hard to focus on the front sight. The sight dots help, but I added one in middle of lower part of back sight to get side to side alignment easier.
The suggestions to rent gun is what you should do. Have him try it a couple of times. The $10-$20 you spend is worth it not to make mistake. If the range is a gun store, you might even get try and buy deal.
Good luck,
Rich

07-05-2007, 08:06 PM	#1
GW45NUT XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 223	XD 9 for Senior Citizen This is the first time I am visiting this part of the XD Forum. I have posted numerous times on XD45. Let me get right to the point. I am considering getting my Dad (82) the XD 9 in a four inch service model. He has had a 357 for years, but now lacks the strength to handle the recoil and trigger pull of his 357. I believe standard velocity 9MM hollow points would be a good choice to equip him with and perhaps some lighter loads will enable him to have some more range trips for shooting fun! I would happily maintain his weapon and would provide routine cleaning and maintenance for him, I only want him to be able to knock off a BG if one were to come knocking on him. Please share your thoughts about this and do give recommendations for lighter recoiling practice rounds. Dad is a WWII Veteran who served proudly on a fleet carrier in the Pacific. He is one of the reasons we are all still here today! Matter of fact, lots of his shipmates paid the ultimate price. I am in unfamiliar waters here because most of my experience is with the 45. Any advice is appreciated.

07-05-2007, 09:57 PM	#5
Bud33 XDTalk Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Central Fl Posts: 43	I'm not sure that the age has a lot to do with it. Physical condition is of more concern to me. Take him to a range where you can rent some of the guns you are considering and let him try them ... I just got a XD9SC and have no trouble handling it. I am 74 but have been shooting regularly and work out in a gym 3 times a week.... __________________ Bud "The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us."

07-06-2007, 07:11 AM	#10
rljensen XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 16	XD9 for Senior I'm almost 67 with an XD9 Tactical. I love it. Very easy to handle, almost no recoil. 2 issues: Yes it is hard to lock the #$$^ slide. I have no trouble chambering round. I wear bifocals... It's hard to focus on the front sight. The sight dots help, but I added one in middle of lower part of back sight to get side to side alignment easier. The suggestions to rent gun is what you should do. Have him try it a couple of times. The $10-$20 you spend is worth it not to make mistake. If the range is a gun store, you might even get try and buy deal. Good luck, Rich

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07-05-2007, 08:14 PM	#2
Popa75 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 480	In my opinion the winchester white box 115gr fmj has a very manageable recoil and is inexpensive at walmart. I know this is the XD form so please dont get upset with me. Have you considered an all steel pistol for him I own an XD-9 4 inch and a CZ 75 and the CZ has a lighter and smooter recoil, just a thought hope i dident upset anyone. Brian

07-05-2007, 09:00 PM	#4
Springer Guy XDTalk Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: High Point, NC Posts: 74	I am a senior and love both my 1911 .45 and also my XD 9 service. Very manageable, but I'm only 68.

07-06-2007, 01:27 AM	#7
petey1 XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 677	Hand strength was an issue with my Mom too...she's 64 and has arthritis. She had very little problem with the recoil, but she did have difficulty racking the slide to chamber a round. Just something else to consider. Good luck.

07-06-2007, 02:14 AM	#8
Plants4u XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Puyallup,WA. Posts: 9	My dad who's 79 and in generally good health has much difficulty locking the slide on his new XD9 but not as much trouble racking it. No problem with him handling the recoil though. I do think think in retrospect he would've been better off with a revlover because of this. Hopefully with some break in and some practice from him it will get better.