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August 12, 2026

The Guns That Make Shooting Easier as You Get Older

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Photo: As shooters get older, lighter firearms, manageable recoil, easy-to-operate controls, and improved sights can make a big difference on the range.

Let's be honest, getting older comes with a few changes. Maybe your eyesight isn't quite what it used to be. Maybe your hands aren't as strong, or that rifle you once carried all day suddenly feels a lot heavier. That doesn't mean it's time to put your firearms away. It may simply mean it's time to choose equipment that works with you instead of against you.

Fun Fact: Red dot sights have become increasingly popular with older shooters because the aiming point can be easier to see and focus on than traditional front and rear sights.

Start With Comfort, Not Caliber

The old idea that a bigger cartridge automatically means a better firearm doesn't hold up for every shooter.

For many older shooters, weight, recoil, grip size, and ease of operation can matter more than raw power. A lightweight .22 LR can be an excellent choice for recreational shooting and practice, while modern 9mm handguns offer a balance of manageable recoil and broad ammunition availability.

The Ruger Mark IV is a modern continuation of the company's classic .22 pistol line. Its one-button takedown and easy-to-grasp bolt ears are particularly useful features for shooters who don't want a complicated maintenance routine.
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Don't Overlook Shotguns and Rifles

Shotguns and rifles can offer advantages that are sometimes overlooked when discussing older shooters.

A 20-gauge shotgun can provide a lighter alternative to many 12-gauge setups, although individual fit and recoil sensitivity matter more than the gauge stamped on the barrel.

For rifle shooting, the Ruger 10/22 remains a terrific .22 LR option for target shooting and small-game applications. For centerfire shooting, a lightweight, properly fitted rifle in a moderate cartridge can be much more comfortable than carrying a heavy magnum.

And there's no reason to dismiss modern sporting rifles simply because they look different from traditional hunting rifles. Adjustable stocks and optics can make it easier to establish a comfortable shooting position.

The Best Upgrade May Be Your Sights

One of the biggest changes with age can be eyesight.

That's where modern optics can make a dramatic difference. A quality red dot or appropriately selected scope may be easier to use than traditional iron sights, particularly when the shooter has difficulty focusing on the front sight.

But don't overlook the basics. A firearm should fit your hands, controls should be manageable, and the shooter should be able to operate it safely and confidently.

The best firearm for an older shooter isn't necessarily the lightest, smallest, or most powerful. It's the one that the shooter can handle safely, comfortably, and consistently.

Getting older doesn't mean you stop being a shooter. It means you get smarter about what works for you.

And honestly, that's not a bad trade.

Until next time, stay locked and loaded.
- Randy, Locked N Loaded

Please add randy@gophercentral.com to your address book or visit here.


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