TexasCHLforum.com

As long as we're throwing out suggestions, I might as well mention a S&W M&P15-22. Stop laughing!

I realize a .22LR is not the greatest self defense round, but the platform is very easy to use, very light weight, no recoil, and has 25 round magazines. I think I even also have a 30 rounder that I found somewhere. Staring down the barrel just about anyone would be hard pressed to determine whether it was a .22 or .223 AR being pointed at them. It can also have an optic mounted if desired. Several rounds can be let loose down range and still have more to spare without changing mags.

The Annoyed Man wrote: ↑Thu Aug 09, 2018 6:45 pm Out of curiosity, is there anything out there in .410 that is semiautomatic? I’m asking because that might be even easier for someone who is weak and infirm.

Actually, there are.
https://www.trimports.com/product/xt3-t ... semi-auto/
It's a little above the $500 desired price point, but is probably pretty light and has 5 round mags.

XT3 Tactical .410 Semi Auto
$639.00