any amputees shooting?

[archeratlrg]

This past December I became an amputee due to medical mistakes. Right arm taken 5 inches below elbow and 60% of muscles
were removed from my left forearm with all tendons and nerves severed. Left hand is now a lifeless pancake. I still want to continue my shooting and hunting. Anyone else going through this? I will be seeing prosthetics at end of March. I also suffered spinal cord damage which has limited my ability to walk. I was already a disabled vet, but this?...it really sucks. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I'm sorry to hear this. I shoot with some good shooters confined to wheelchairs and more with hand issues to boot. I'm afraid every case is different and I can't tell ya what you can or can't do, but if you feel like ya can, that's encouraging and I hope you'll pursue it as far as you can. It's a great sport than can be done by most people that want to do it. Hang in there and keep shooting!

 

[Will Henry]

Sounds like you have a tough row to hoe, and I wish I had some answers for you. All I can say is, you have to ascertain what you have left, as opposed to what you have lost, and figure out what you will need to let you enjoy shooting again. My brother works for Stepping Stones, an advocacy group for people with disabilities. I know there are resources available to fit many needs. I have no doubt that it is possible for you to enjoy shooting again. I just don't know what that looks like for sure. Family and friends will play a large part.
For now, concentrate on recovering any function you can. Best of Luck. WH

 

[rlporter507]

Phil scholl was a handicap shooting coach and he rigged up a device to fire a 22 rifle with an air tube. Also had a joy stick to move the rifle x and y.

 

[Kevin1990]

Sorry for all your troubles. I've seen a bunch of videos of people shooting with arm amputations with a quick Google search, there was also a guy on YouTube who had some severe deformities doing 22lr reviews and shooting.

Pardon the crude medical lingo here but
I imagine once you get a prosthetic with an attachment of some kind you'll be able to load through a port, manipulate the bolt, and pull the trigger. I used to work with a fella who had both arms amputated a little below the elbow and he'd show me videos of him deadlifting very heavy at the gym. He could also do tasks that required fine motor skills such as eat and drink with relative ease. I'll say a prayer for you, and you got this, it'll all work out!

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

All I can say is hang in there and give it hell. I think shooting is great goal. Keep after it!

 

[Fairchaser]

I have a friend who just lost two fingers on his right hand in a machine shop accident. He’s wondering how best to overcome this to be able to shoot/hunt. I’m interested in following this thread to see what others have done. Should he switch hands and shoot lefty or try and use his third finger?
I realize you have more to overcome and I’ll pray for you that God will show you the way.

 

[GetReal]

I am sorry to hear this friend. Your troubles make mine seem really small and remind me to stop complaining.

I would encourage you to do whatever it takes to keep shooting because at least for me that would be a true comfort and moments of relief from the daily hardships

I don't have any recommendations just I hope words of encouragement and admiration

 

[Hal]

Arch
Check the internet for groups that offer support like WARRIORS ON THE WATER and I’m sure there are other that aid in setting up hunting and other outdoor trips. The groups offer support and they know what you’re going through . They would know of any help and offer backup.
Looking forward to your hunting pictures.
Hal

 

[D-4297]

My Son ; A former Electronics specialist with the Teams ; became a Firefighter after leaving the Service , and had a "On the job accident" a few years later , losing his right arm just above the elbow . He had been a Semi-pro , and Indoor Football player and had been on teams that won National Championships , and wasn't about to give up on himself , or his activities .
He also turned to Power Lifting ; as a disabled athlete , and just a couple years ago , won the Worlds Strongest Disabled Athlete . He now has a room full of Trophies , Medals and Plaques , but He didn't quit ! The toll it has taken on his body has been brutal , and he has now turned to throwing the Shot Put , with the goal of making the Para-Olympic Team to compete in the Games in L.A. ! I wouldn't be the one to bet against him making it .
The point of all this is a message to the OP ! Find a way ! Don't give up , and make what you want to happen , happen . You will find people along the way to help if you make the effort on your part .

 

[Bill Norris]

So far I still have all my limbs and digits but wondering how with all the crap I have done. Only broken bone I've had was a middle toe and that hurt. I can't even imagine what it would be like to be handicapped and I certainly feel for anyone going thru that. I have seen several people overcome some disadvantages though with lots of work and might. Keep seeking whatever it is you want to accomplish and never quit.

 

[waverly]

Around 1998 I started shooting 1K Benchrest at Hawks Ridge Gun Club in Ferguson NC. There was fellow by the name of Kevin that had lost an arm and had a prosthetic arm. He lived in the Charlotte NC area. He shot light gun, and heavy gun and he did his fair share of winning. He stopped shooting around 2005 or so. I lost track of him, but there is hope for you. He shot and won his fair share of relays. I never wanted him on my relay.
Keep your chin up. Do a little research and I’m sure you’ll find something that works for you in the future.
Best of luck, Waverly

 

[jkl]

Matt Schwarzkopf that oversees operations at the shooting ranges in AZ
Runs the SWN with Mid, Michelle, Nancy.

He has both lower legs that are prosthetics and a mis formed arm.
Hunt, fishes, shoots FTR, sling and air rifle.
Doesn't slow Matt down.

John

 

[Steve Donlon]

My nephew is into building robotics and with what they can do nowdays, I think you and guys like him will be able to figure someway to make it happen. Sounds like you have the determination, so hang in there. We are with you.

 

[Shifty6br]

Your a tough s.o.b sir, as hard as they come....I admire your resilience.

I wish you the best.

 

[Heavy Metal 1]

These foks might be of some help....I don't know, I just found the website.
https://disabledoutdoorsmen.com/

If you can get together with an Occupational Therapist they might be able to help you figure out a brace or splint for your left hand to optimize its functional use in the shooting sports. Additionally they can help you figure out a shooting mechanism if they are creative enough. I am a long retired OT so I know they can be of value. Long ago there was a magazine called Disabled Outdoors and in it one time was an article about a paralyzed fellow that had a rifle mounted on springs on his wheelchair with a cable ran to the trigger and the cable was actuated by a bicycle brake handle lever that he was able to press on. Your situation will require a great deal of lateral thinking, but with creativity many seemingly hopeless situations can be adapted and overcome. Your situation will of course need someone to work with you directly as this isn't a situation that can be solved from afar, as over the internet.

 

[Taylorbok]

This dudes a big ELR shooter with no Arms at all.

ELR Shooter Aaron Miesse Makes 3-Mile Shot with No Arms

Aaron Miesse is an impressive shooter with numerous excellent hits on his competitive resume. Now he's managed a 3-mile shot, and all of this with no arms.

www.thefirearmblog.com

Jorge Ortiz places super well every year at NF ELR match,
He got blown up in Afghanistan, his nick name is no legs, for obvious reasons.

Ortiz Wins Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge with Berger 220 Grain LRHT Bullet

Congratulations to Jorge Ortiz, winner of the 5th Annual Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge! Jorge was running new Berger 30 caliber 220 Grain Long Range Hybrid Target™ bullets through his Accuracy International ASR platform chambered in 300 Norma Magnum for the impressive win. What’s inspiring...

bergerbullets.com