No where left to go, not much left to do except to just do it

David,

I read your post carefully and I don't think you want to give up anything. I think your post was a plea for some viable alternatives. I think you have much on your plate and the postings of members have given you something to think about so you can continue to shoot.

I hope you listen to them and don't throw in the towel just yet.

Let us know how it works out for you.
 
This reminds me that I should just start learning to shoot left handed because it might become useful. I was actually starting to lose a little enthusiasm at the range because of the slow fire limitations and pretty much feeling like I'd got as good as I would with a pistol. This will be a new fun challenge.
 
I am bumping my own thread because I feel like I need to update what is going on with shooting. I have been shooting left handed, that has been a challenge. Mostly .22, I did find a real nice S&W model 41 about a month ago, it seems that not shooting as much does not diminish the need to purchase a new pistol every so often. Unfortunately the grips on the 41 are not conducive to left handed shooting. but that thing is amazingly accurate!

I fairly quickly got back to the accuracy I had before, but my left hand is just not as strong, so my shooting sessions are much shorter, and I do not bring a variety of pistols, usually just a couple. I am shooting my .38s now, my Ruger GP100 and S&W model 10 with real light wadcutter reloads that are nice and accurate without much recoil. I am also much slower shooting left handed. shooting DA is at times an exercise in frustration, especially with the GP100, which has a horribly heavy DA trigger pull.

I do not foresee getting back to shooting the big boomers, the .41 and .44 for some time to come, but that is alright. My next step is to get with a physical therapist to work on left hand strength and dexterity. but I am getting there.

Thanks to all who gave me encouragement to keep at it, that is probably all I really needed.

David
 
get snap caps and practice pulling the trigger while you're watching tv. This will build muscle and muscle memory.
 
Good for you man. Never quit. Quitters never win, winners never quit.

Thanks for the update. Having gone through PT for an injury I can say that some of the stuff they have you do will make you scratch your head say "seriously? you think that's gonna help?" But it does.
Keep at it.
 
David--
Thank you for posting back with an update. A number of us are experiencing similar degradation in or limbs, and finding ways to deal with it. I am trying to do more left-hand shooting, as a) it is a weak point for me and b) my right wrist hurts pretty much 24/7. Aleve only goes so far.

If you are still able to operate your press, there is hope for you. I still swing the handle on my 550, although not as frequently, and not for as long as I used to.
 
I'm 62 and have in the past decade, pretty severe pain in both wrists and thumbs. I basically gave up shooting for about 4 or 5 years, and reduced other activities to near nothing.

Without surgery or pain pills, the pain is almost totally gone. I occasionally shoot pistols, mainly .22, some .38 & 9mm, but pretty much stay away from my magnums or the .45. I've been following this regime for the past year+ without aggravating the pain, so before you totally give up, give yourself a rest for a year or so and see how you feel.
 
Glad to here your still shooting! I'm getting up in age (late 50's) and things are starting to hurt all the time, so my tie is coming. Till then I am going to kayak, shoot rifles and hand guns as much as possible and any thing else I can think of.
 
I knew a basketball player in middle school who put his right arm in a sling for a month or two to improve his left arm/hand coordination and strength. He didn't make it to the NBA, but it did seem to improve his ball handling.

When I started to learn to shoot off hand I used a patch on my right eye. Two eyes is better, but it was only way I could get myself to use my left eye and when I when I tried to shoot cross I had issues. Not just at the range, but also some in private. I am not sure it worked all that well, but in combination with the other things I tried I did improve some. If you are now using your right arm for everything else, I think it is fair to assume your left eyes are the source of your frustration.

The .45 ACP certainly has a great reputation, but it isn't the only game in town. Snub noses aren't the only revolvers made. Get a Nagant 1895 and use it to work on your grip! The recoil is impressively mild.
 
Glad to hear you are hanging in there.

I'm 64 and am learning I don't have a much younger body any more :(
It's hard to admit/deal with getting older and issues related to that, especially at a time when you can afford to do the things you always wanted. Vision and stamina limit my shooting and much more these days.

As for left handed, you can do it, it takes perseverance. Compared to having attained a DDS degree, switching hands should be but another different much easier challenge.

I'm a lefty, and a woodworker. Believe me, the tool industry doesn't cater to lefties. I've had to learn to use right handed woodworking tools, it's frustrating at times but I've managed and do quite well. I can't run the computer mouse left handed to save my life or catch a ball left handed, but can do both exceptionally well right handed and have better fine motor skills in some areas right handed.

Good luck on your new challenge!


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