JUST TRY AND SHOULDER THIS

[krunchnik]

So I guess I am looking for some answers as to a dilemna-I recently have been seeing a ortho specialist for left shoulder pain-only to find via an MRI that I have a couple of tears and a frozen shoulder too boot{adhesive capsulitis}I tried to go shooting the other day[key word tried]but the pain was pretty nasty.I am told that my shoulder is never going to be normal due to the several problems combination.I am toying with the idea of selling my large caliber firearms starting at larger than 9mm.Has anyone in our vast forum data base ever been thrust into this type of decision.Rifle shooting is darn near impossible-can't hold my arm up without lots of pain.I would appreciate any opinions from the brain trust-what say yee.

[Grunt67]

 For the rifle, a shooting stick might work in some cases. Pistol, maybe just scale back like you said.

 Sorry to hear about your problems. Hope it gets better, at least to where you can enjoy what you like to do.

[Monkeyman2500]

I might also get a second opinion too. The best ortho doctor/surgeon I've delt with is Dr. Burton Elrod. He was at Elite Sports Medicine last I saw him. He is also the doctor for the Titans. I've had a couple surgeries and came back really well. Went one time to one of the top guys at Vandy ortho because I worked for them. He gave me the bleakest outlook possible and basically told me my elbow was toast. Went back to Elrod he just went in and cleaned it out no problem.

[krunchnik]

Thanks guys-I guess I am in this stage where I really don't know what to do-2 doctors and physical therapist is all saying the same thing-very long recuperation time and at 57 years old doesn't help either.Dr says I am a candidate for surgery but shoulder will never be the same-too much damage.And of coarse $$$$$$$ always helps-this stuff gets expensive and in a short period of time.

[A.J. Holst]

If surgery will reduce or eliminate the pain and one year of rehab will get you better than now and not zillions out of pocket, check it out. Wife had rotate cuff surgery 2 years ago, slow and initially excruciating pain and discomfort. 2 years later pain is mostly gone and better range of motion.

Can't speak to rifles, but I would shoot through all my handgun calibers, you might have a big bore or three that shoot softer than some of your nines. Edited July 12, 2015 by Gotthegoods

[TNWNGR]

I'd get the shoulder repair surgery and downsize the rifle calibers to 22 center fires and a .243 for rifles. As to the handguns the simplest solutions are reduced power hand loads or learning to shoot with your weak hand. I'd also do a lot of my pistol shooting from a fixed rest to reduce fatigue.

[leroy]

I'll join the chorus of finding a real good (...with empasis on real good...) ortho doctor to take a look at your shoulder... I had rotator cuff surgery several years ago and it fixed my problems... i have good range of motion and strength in my arm and shoulder... I'm a 68 year old geezer...

 

leroy

[Dolomite_supafly]

After my accident most calibers would hurt me to shoot. I sold everything heavier than a 308 and put muzzle brakes on most everything else. This reduced the impact significantly and helps me shoot longer.

As far as holding it up I would suggest shooting sticks. I carry a set worne everywhere I go in the form of crutches. I have shot off of them quite a bit to practice and they do help me with accuracy.

[EssOne]

Go for the solution that will give you the most pain free senior years and don't look back. My solution would be to keep the guns I'd like to take out and pet once in a while and then take up fishing. I've had to give up all of my recoiling shoulder guns, including my beloved Browning Citori XS Skeet shotgun, as well as most of my pistols,  and it isn't the end of the world. Being old AND in pain is a real bitch to be avoided like the plague. I'm 72.

[Caster]

Try a 223 bolt action. Most blow back 9mms will recoil more than a good 223 bolt action.

[Dolomite_supafly]

And shooting from a bench helps a lot.

[DWARREN123]

Go for the pain reduction. I have some bad disc in my neck and they are starting to wear me down, hurts my left shoulder and arm.

[peejman]

I'd also get a few more opinions from doctors and see a physical therapist or two.  I've got shoulder problems as well and have to be careful doing various things.  Shoulder surgery is no joke.  From what I've heard from several people who've had different types of it... they all say it hurts like hell and takes a minimum of a year to get better.  Put it off until you can't stand it anymore.  But after that year of recovery, it's much better and is worth it. 

[krunchnik]

Thanks fellas for all the input-I have a few decisions to make and I appreciate the input from everyone :up:

[Sam1]

I'd get the shoulder repair surgery and downsize the rifle calibers to 22 center fires and a .243 for rifles. As to the handguns the simplest solutions are reduced power hand loads or learning to shoot with your weak hand. I'd also do a lot of my pistol shooting from a fixed rest to reduce fatigue.

 

 

^ I'm with this guy, you don't need to sell your stuff, just start using reduced power loads when target shooting.  If it is still bad after trying some of them, you may consider going to .380/.22, but I think you'd be surprised how much recoil you can dial out of a round.

[Caster]

Recoil is in the gun itself as much as the load a lot of times. Might be time for some fresh toys and be done with some old ones??

I have a .45 colt Blackhawk that's pretty heavy, only the supercharger nitromethane loads have any real recoil. I can load some 255g cast bullets of anemic charges of Nitro 100 or Titegroup and recoil is LESS than many compact .380's I've shot. ...but then again, weight becomes the enemy of that injured joint so you're kind of at a standoff.

[NoBanStan]

2nd opinion for sure man. This is also a good opportunity to strengthen your weak side shooting. Tough, but not impossible.