how old will be too old to shoot? no more trips to range

I'm 71 and I generally go to my indoor range about once every two weeks. I would go more often but I am really busy with other things that keep me from shooting. My eyesight and hand steadiness are not what they used to be, but I can still do OK. When I can't put a few rounds into a 6-inch circle at 5 yards then I will know its time to give away my handguns, but I'm not there yet!
 
Therea a bunch of older guys at the range I go to. All 60+. One guy is in his 80s and was shooting blackpowder the other day. Most of the older guy I see are shooting 22s or some variation (17hmr, 22mag, ect). Even my dad who is 62 still goes though he only shoots 223 and 22lr.
 
The first thing that goes with age is being able to ignore recoil.
And clear vision.
And running.
Other than that, as long as ya' keep in reasonably good shape, shooting is one of the activities that's pretty much age neutral.
Just don't wait too long to get in good enough shape to do it, if you're not already.
 
I think the first thing to go is short term memory.
Then you start repeating yourself.
Then your short term memory goes.
 
My dad was 87 the last time I took him to the range. He decided it was his last time due to his congestive heart failure and resulting problems of physical stamina, and because he feared lack of concentration would cause a safety issue. (He has minor memory issues, but he was mainly referring to the fact that his breathing is so bad that it distracts him.) He had made the same decision about working in his work shop a little earlier, and I respected his decision with appreciation for the fact that he was cognizant of his own limitations.

He is still here, but doing poorly and hardly gets out of the house. My main point, although I took a circuitous route to it, is that he quit shooting because he had a specific limitation, not because of a number on a calendar.
 
There is a fellow at our club who is 9 years older than I am (I'm 65) and has given up across-the-course Highpower but still shoots Match Rifle mid range and long range.

I really like shooting opposite him. Watching him hammer the X ring, and occasionally pull one out into the 10 ring, (and maybe, maybe sometimes the 9 ring) inspires me to shoot better.

At some point I realized that while I'm shooting at the 10 ring, he is shooting at the X ring - and it literally brings my scores up to see his performance.
 
I am 65 and one month old. I am going to retire May 1'st of next year. I Plan on spending at least a day a week at the range ( a week day while others are working).

I started riding bicycles in a serious way about 5 years ago. It's the first exersize that I have enjoyed enough to stay with it. The last 5 years I have grown younger each year. My plan is; by the time I am in my 80's I'll be to young to shoot without supervision.;)
 
over 80

Started shooting again after many years. Even helping out as "range officer".
Nice people there. Wish I could afford more ammo. Now 82 yrs.

"live like there's no tomorrow"
 
I'd say we have more guys 60+, and several in the 70-90 range that still go to the range. Heck, we had two older retired guys shoot the MEGA stage match last weekend.

If you can be safe, it is all good. I have seen several guys slow down in their 60s and move from action sports to straight line sports, but they are still shooting. One reason I choose shooting over auto-racing is that I am sure I can enjoy it for the rest of my life.
 
Voight is 62 and Miculek is 60, just FYI, and they are still WINNING in multiple action shooting disciplines.
 
Dad will be 85 in December we went shooting last night, He's struggling agains father time as his ability deteriorates, but he refuses to give up.
A couple weeks ago we were shooting clays and his left arm was giving him fits he didn't have the strength in it toward the end of the round, on the last station he broke 2 out of the 4 targets with one hand and some shear determination. It both broke my heart and made it leap at the same time.

On a side note with fathers day sunday, yesterday we sighted in his new AR15 I built for him ( it weighs 5 lbs 3 oz) I just didn't tell him it's his fathers day present and took it home and cleaned it up for sunday.
 
I'm pushing 75 and a damn long ways from quitting my at least once a week trip to the range. See quite a few in my age group when I go. Hands ain't as steady but the eyesight is good as ever and the enjoyment factor is as good as ever too.
 
As my eyesight degenerates ... the targets just get bigger or closer to me.
My biggest hurdle is arthritis in my right hip and nerve damage in my left leg ... other than that ... I'm good to go!
 
Nine work days remaining as of Monday. Just in from my wife this morning, "Are you going to be able to save enough of your *allowance* to go shooting as often you want and golf?" Guessing the later will be the one taking back seat?
 
Quote: I would estimate I will quit going to the range when I die.

Actually, I was thinking about still going after.
Click to expand...

That's when I'll finally be able to get to the range. There'll be time enough at last (and I will probably break my only shooting glasses)
 
Well, better get off the couch and get to the gym, so as to be able to continue to shoot standing up.
Wish I could hire this part out. :o
 
Me,,, I will never shop shooting.
There's a 2000 yard range with every gun ever built with unlimited ammo in heaven waiting.;)
 
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