I want to start shooting again.

[Paula Marie Hamilton]

I have a blood clotting disease that requires me to take large doses of blood thinners. Basically to keep me from clotting to death they have to make me a free bleeder. I used to love to shoot trap, but last time I shot after 3 positions my shoulder started to get sore so I quit, by the next day I couldn't stand it, went to the doc. I bleed into the joint, very painful. I want to compete with my son in modern military and have a Diamond Back AR in 223. I love it, but after 2, 3, or 10 mags ( I loose count when it's fun), I get that twinge in my shoulder. Those of you who are on blood thinners how do you practice and compete without having the bruises/bleeds. I know someone on here has had to be on blood thinners.

I'm competitive to a fought. I would like to practice as often as I can get ammo, if for no other reason than to beat my son, maybe a few of the guys wouldn't hurt my ego either. I'm thinking a jacket, but don't want to plunk down the $$ unless some of you gentleman have been down this path before. The AR isn't nearly as bad as my 12ga shotgun, but I'm going to need a good bit of practice. My mag changes are sloppy, my target acquisition is slow, and I'm just not comfortable yet. Those things will get better with more practice. Any suggestions?

 

[mmcu]

A PAST recoil pad, or insert, might be just what you're looking for.

 

[Terry]

A PAST recoil pad, or insert, might be just what you're looking for.

I found this very effective.

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

Even though 223 recoil is light, in this case a suppressor or muzzle brake can cut the recoil even more. This could be in addition to the pad mentioned above.

 

[acloco]

Swap to a semi auto shotgun.

Recently purchased a new to the market Beretta A300 Ultima and cannot be happier about the lack of recoil (they have MANY models, but the A300 Ultima line is different than the rest).

It is a 7.5 lb gun, but is a gas gun with the spring in the stock. ALSO has their "kickoff" system in the butt - two springs to help soak up recoil as well.

You could also use a shooting jacket or insert for your shoulder as well.

Can also buy 1145 fps rounds as well.

 

[Bojo]

OP if all else fails and you still want to shoot either go 22rf league or pistol.

 

[Hino895]

Plus one for the Beretta A300.
best shotgun I own and the only one I shoot.

 

[ballisticxlr]

Past recoil pad really helps, reduce projectile/shot weight, reduce velocity, use semi-autos, go to smaller chamberings and abbreviate your shooting sessions so they end well before you accumulate more damage. You can't beat physics, you just have to work with it. You also have to be honest with yourself about what your body is and is not going to allow you to do and sometimes the answer to that sucks hard. You can't change or improve a lot of medical situations so many times you just have to work within the limitations your body sets. It's not an answer you probably want but it's true.

I can't do a whole PRS match or a whole metallic silhouette match anymore because my back just won't take it and I really don't want to need spinal surgery or a wheelchair. So, I'm pretty well relegated to prone shooting now and I have had to accept that limitation. I'll still stand for the odd stage here and there but I won't ever be in any contention for a title in shooting sports where the rules require standing up ever again. I put my quarter in that particular juke box by doing evil stuff to my body like using it as a forklift for a lot too long and now I get to listen to the song all the way through.

 

[john 800]

I dont know much about your medical situation, or the type of competition you are in, but as far as recoil reduction, Weight on the rifle is your friend ar 15s are pretty light, if you can somehow add weight to the rear of the rifle that may help without making it feel heavier. Good luck

 

[Darryll]

Something else that you might consider is an adjustable gas block. You can turn down the amount of gas that cycles the bolt to a minimum so there's low recoil. It has to be adjusted when you change brands of ammo or handloads and different bullet weights. It sounds like a lot of work but once you get it dialed in your all set to go.
Darryll

 

[1911mag]

Blood thinners have been my life line since 2018 after multiple clots in my lungs. I too have rare blood issues and 2019 was my comeback year. I shoot FTR and F Open. I have not had issues with bruising or bleeding as you described. I shoot anything from .223 to 7Shehane I would start with questions to your hematologist. My advice
best of luck getting back to shooting

 

[LAH]

P.A.S.T will probably do the trick.

 

[PigButtons]

In addition to the adjustable gas block mentioned above, look into a full auto spring and buffer. They are heavier and designed to slow the bolt on it's way backwards. This gives the effect of a softer shot cycle.

On the shotgun side of things, 28 gauge is an option looking into if you have the skills to make it work, or 410 if you are budget conscious.

 

[Twicepop]

What about a Mercury recoil reducer that is often used in heavy recoiling rifles? Could something like this be fitted into the recess on an A2 style buttstock? If so it would add weight plus reduce recoil.

 

[CharlieNC]

Maybe give 22lr a try. It's the most challenging I've attempted to shoot accurately.

 

[DirtySteve]

If the AR-15 has an Fixed stock you can use a Pachma Declerator pad that just slips on the butt. I use on when shooting my 45-70 in matches.

I don’t take blood thinners but one of these helps really tame the felt recoil. In am AR it should take it all out.

 

[Rick H.]

For shotgun stuff you can install a Gra-coil recoil reducer in the stock. This with a PAST pad or regular shooting vest will help a lot. You can even get reoil reducing inserts for many shooting coats and/or vests. As has been said, in an AR-15 extra weight can make a real difference in recoil. I have a 4 pound lead weight that slides into the stock on my service rifles. It's real purpose is to avoid the shakes in certain positions, but it really helps tame down recoil too.

I have recently gone into .22 RF benchrest shooting and recoil is next to nothing with these rifles. It can be an expensive alternative to other forms of shooting, but I find it much more challenging than centerfire sports. If someone says .22 RF benchrest shooting is easy they are as crazy as a loon, or they have never REALLY participated in it. If 25 and 50 yards doesn't challenge you enough you can always go out even further...much further if you want. The most difficult physical aspect of benchrest shooting is getting everything to the shooting table!! Good luck....

Rick H.

 

[skeeljc]

If you want to get back into Trap get an automatic (Beretta) and have a G-Squared Shockmaster recoil reducer installed. The G-Squared uses compressed air to spread the recoil impulse out and reduce the peak G force. I have shot all the recoil reducers and the G-Squared is the softest there is. They are pricey so be prepaired to spend the price of a Beretta auto for the device installation.

 

[Lesloan]

Even though 223 recoil is light, in this case a suppressor or muzzle brake can cut the recoil even more. This could be in addition to the pad mentioned above.

I know a muzzle brake will reduce recoil (at the expense of making more noise), but I've never heard that a suppressor will affect recoil. Is that true?

 

[SVT_Tactical]

I helped an older gentleman with the same issue.... we added weight to his A2 buttstock in the form of glued in shot. made the balance really off but he only shot from a bench and it became very manageable with little to know felt recoil after that.