For elderly people with reduced hand strength that might make it difficult or impossible to work the slide on a semi-auto or use a double action revolver, a single action Ruger Blackhawk or an Italian clone of a Peacemaker with .38 Special instead of full house .357 ammo might be a good choice. The Ruger in particular is as rugged as a bank vault and very reliable - - - - -the only downside is the slow reloading. Even a SA .22 revolver would beat being completely defenseless. Pick a fairly long barrel for better accuracy if concealed carry won't be an issue.
Jerry
