Handgun shooters as we age.
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- Scott Tschirhart
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Handgun shooters as we age.
Guys, I used to pound out thousands of rounds of .45 ACP and .44 Magnum. Some of my favorite guns are chambered in these rounds. I shot so much .500 Linebaugh that I hurt myself back in the day.
These days, I am feeling the effects of all of those rounds. I still enjoy shooting a .45, but I tend to limit my shooting to 50 rounds per outing. If I shoot over 100 I tend to feel it the next day with sore hands and wrists.
So, I have been shooting a lot more .38 Special recently and I really enjoy that, particularly with a 6 inch Smith Model 66.
I don't know if I am suffering from arthritis or just too much pounding. Anybody else feeling this?
These days, I am feeling the effects of all of those rounds. I still enjoy shooting a .45, but I tend to limit my shooting to 50 rounds per outing. If I shoot over 100 I tend to feel it the next day with sore hands and wrists.
So, I have been shooting a lot more .38 Special recently and I really enjoy that, particularly with a 6 inch Smith Model 66.
I don't know if I am suffering from arthritis or just too much pounding. Anybody else feeling this?
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
Yes....
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
Sadly, yes.
A few months back I dug out my old .45 Ruger that Linebaugh rebuilt for me. I had not shot it since before we moved to Africa in 2010! I took 25 rounds of my standard load ... 300 gr. cast bullet at 1100 fps. I brought 20 rounds home! That hurt my hands!! I used to shoot hundreds of those. "Back in the Day" they did not seem to recoil that much.
These days I really enjoy shooting the Model 10 S&W that I rebuilt. 160 gr. cast bullet over 3 gr. of Bullseye. Breaking clay pigeons ... shooting paper .. whatever. Fun stuff.
And the Single Six .22 rimfire!
My heavy loads these days are the .41 Magnum with a 210 gr. bullet and the .44 Special.
I am happy just to be able to shoot!
A few months back I dug out my old .45 Ruger that Linebaugh rebuilt for me. I had not shot it since before we moved to Africa in 2010! I took 25 rounds of my standard load ... 300 gr. cast bullet at 1100 fps. I brought 20 rounds home! That hurt my hands!! I used to shoot hundreds of those. "Back in the Day" they did not seem to recoil that much.
These days I really enjoy shooting the Model 10 S&W that I rebuilt. 160 gr. cast bullet over 3 gr. of Bullseye. Breaking clay pigeons ... shooting paper .. whatever. Fun stuff.
And the Single Six .22 rimfire!
My heavy loads these days are the .41 Magnum with a 210 gr. bullet and the .44 Special.
I am happy just to be able to shoot!
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
WAYYYY back then about 40 or so years ago most of my shooting was 22LR and 38spl with a fair amount of 357s thrown in with 45acp, 40s&w, 9x19 and 380acp added on over the years, so I didn't get hammered all that much! So I'm still doing pretty good these days. BTW, I'm 66 and shoot both riffle and handgun. I can still generally hit what I'm pointing at.
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
i can relate. when i was commercial fishing i had a grip like a vice. literally. and arm strength that i fondly remember, but can't replicate. so, in part, this is why i have a 50Beo pistol as the Alaska Bear Woods PDW . . . two hand hold, quick pointing, laser sight, etc., just to have a fighting chance.
a 3 inch 12ga buckshot load from my boat gun with birdshead grip just about disassembled my hand. which appears to be disintigrating as i approach lift off
i can shoot the AR50 using a cheek weld on the buffer tube with no adverse repercussions, and wonderful percussions. it's a win-win so far
a 3 inch 12ga buckshot load from my boat gun with birdshead grip just about disassembled my hand. which appears to be disintigrating as i approach lift off
i can shoot the AR50 using a cheek weld on the buffer tube with no adverse repercussions, and wonderful percussions. it's a win-win so far
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
Yup. The older I get, the less fun it is to take a pounding.
Of any kind.
I do still enjoy 45ACP.
And 357 on the lighter side is ok.
Of any kind.
I do still enjoy 45ACP.
And 357 on the lighter side is ok.
"Oh bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round.
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
Age weakens humans. It just happens.
I have a long barrel Ruger Super Blackhawk with a scope. It is pretty comfortable even with heavy loads. Only thing is that it weighs enough that a shooting rest really helps it anymore. Holding it is not as much fun as it used to be. When I want to make tiny little groups, it is great.
My .357 is a GP 100 with a 6 inch barrel. It is heavy enough that recoil is pretty mild. My son is a bit recoil sensitive. He likes my GP 100.
I have a long barrel Ruger Super Blackhawk with a scope. It is pretty comfortable even with heavy loads. Only thing is that it weighs enough that a shooting rest really helps it anymore. Holding it is not as much fun as it used to be. When I want to make tiny little groups, it is great.
My .357 is a GP 100 with a 6 inch barrel. It is heavy enough that recoil is pretty mild. My son is a bit recoil sensitive. He likes my GP 100.
D. Brian Casady
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
I don't know what's the matter with you fellas. After 5-6 shots I just get younger, taller, broader shouldered and better looking.
Seriously...
I have beaten my hands up pretty good over the years and and starting to notice some stiffness in my fingers during cold damp weather. A little decline in manual dexterity has, for me at least, made precision shooting at distance--say, 6" plates at 50 yards--more difficult. I have noticed using handguns with full size grips helps a lot. An old no-rail, beater Glock 22 and a 7 1/2" Uberti 44 Mag with an 1860 grip get used more than anything else. I can do 3-4 cylinders of 240/1425 from the Uberti w/o discomfort.
I stay tuned up on those and figure they'll handle anything I'll need a handgun for.
Seriously...
I have beaten my hands up pretty good over the years and and starting to notice some stiffness in my fingers during cold damp weather. A little decline in manual dexterity has, for me at least, made precision shooting at distance--say, 6" plates at 50 yards--more difficult. I have noticed using handguns with full size grips helps a lot. An old no-rail, beater Glock 22 and a 7 1/2" Uberti 44 Mag with an 1860 grip get used more than anything else. I can do 3-4 cylinders of 240/1425 from the Uberti w/o discomfort.
I stay tuned up on those and figure they'll handle anything I'll need a handgun for.
People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
The grip style and size makes a lot of difference.
My Glock Model 22 is a second Generation model. I did get an aftermarket fully supported barrel for the .357 Sig. That is fun to shoot. Using the 165 grain rounds in the .40 barrel is real mild. The .40 may be a weakened and compromise round, but it still is very accurate for me. Some do not like it because it is certainly not nearly as powerful as the 10mm. You don't always need to throw your target to the ground and stomp it to the size and consistency of rice krispies that have been sitting in milk for 3 to 4 hours.
My Glock Model 22 is a second Generation model. I did get an aftermarket fully supported barrel for the .357 Sig. That is fun to shoot. Using the 165 grain rounds in the .40 barrel is real mild. The .40 may be a weakened and compromise round, but it still is very accurate for me. Some do not like it because it is certainly not nearly as powerful as the 10mm. You don't always need to throw your target to the ground and stomp it to the size and consistency of rice krispies that have been sitting in milk for 3 to 4 hours.
D. Brian Casady
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
-
- Advanced Levergunner
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
I am in the same situation. In a few weeks, I will be 75 and I do not think my situation will get any better.
Thinking back though, about the mid 1990's I first noticed shooting issues in my hands after I had carpal tunnel surgery in both wrists. I just did not seem to have the same strength/grip as before. Several years ago, I switched to Trail Boss in several of revolvers for less stress on the revolver, the hands, and wrists.
Hogue grips are on all my Smiths and they do help a great deal.
Thinking back though, about the mid 1990's I first noticed shooting issues in my hands after I had carpal tunnel surgery in both wrists. I just did not seem to have the same strength/grip as before. Several years ago, I switched to Trail Boss in several of revolvers for less stress on the revolver, the hands, and wrists.
Hogue grips are on all my Smiths and they do help a great deal.
Last edited by Ray Newman on Tue Feb 23, 2021 11:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
I find that I enjoy downloaded fodder much more now than before. 44's and 45's with Universal and a heavy cast bullet does just fine. Likely all I will need from here on out. My 454 has become a heavy launch platform for the aforementioned 45 loads. I had a wrist bone removed last year and a implant placed to atone for heavy duty stuff in my youth. With the cost of ammo, reloading helps the bottom line and my arthritic meat hooks. MK
I know not what the future holds, but I know who holds the future!
- ollogger
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
After hanging unto a chain saw 5&6 days a week for 23 years I do have problems with my hands
last summer i got a 454 casull Ruger Alaskan, great gun! with its weight & giant grip it fits me better
than any other hand gun i own, with 11 gr, of unique & a 300 gr. cast bullet i can shoot up a 50 box
with out any pain, 357 & other hand guns i shoot mild loads other wise it turns into agony for a day or two
the worst of it is i have 20-20 vision at 10 feet & not that good at arms length
ollogger
last summer i got a 454 casull Ruger Alaskan, great gun! with its weight & giant grip it fits me better
than any other hand gun i own, with 11 gr, of unique & a 300 gr. cast bullet i can shoot up a 50 box
with out any pain, 357 & other hand guns i shoot mild loads other wise it turns into agony for a day or two
the worst of it is i have 20-20 vision at 10 feet & not that good at arms length
ollogger
- Scott Tschirhart
- Advanced Levergunner
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
I have one of those Uberti .44 mags with the 1860 grip frame myself. One of the more comfortable revolvers I own. But I confess that I shoot it mostly with a 250-255 gr Keith over 7.5 gr Unique in .44 Special cases. I have no problems with that gun.
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
The 40S&W is nothing more than the 38/40 (40/38?) in semi-auto form. And it was no slouch, either. Killed a lot of people in its day, in both Colt 1873 SAA and Winchester 73! HTH BTW, I've got a 2nd Gen Glock 23!piller wrote: ↑Tue Feb 23, 2021 1:43 pm The grip style and size makes a lot of difference.
My Glock Model 22 is a second Generation model. I did get an aftermarket fully supported barrel for the .357 Sig. That is fun to shoot. Using the 165 grain rounds in the .40 barrel is real mild. The .40 may be a weakened and compromise round, but it still is very accurate for me. Some do not like it because it is certainly not nearly as powerful as the 10mm. You don't always need to throw your target to the ground and stomp it to the size and consistency of rice krispies that have been sitting in milk for 3 to 4 hours.
- gamekeeper
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
Well that's one problem I don't have...darn anti gunners and politicians stopped me from experiencing any age related discomfort... but I do admit that Slugs and a single barrel 12 gauge are not as much fun these days..
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- Sixgun
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
It's testosterone.......when we are young, everything has to be the most powerful whether it's guns, automobiles, motorcycles, boats..etc............we do this even though we know in the back of our minds that the power is seldom needed.......what we are doing is showing the next guy how strong we are and if need be, what's waiting for them if they so intrude in our lives or we are possibly putting out the untalked about macho projection ..."I'm better and stronger than you".....it's in our DNA.
Same way with high cap mags.....IF. (IF...IF) there was no fear of our fellow man or the real facts of what other people/governments can do to you we would all be content with 5 round mags.
As we age, we let go of that testosterone either through aging or using your head and tend to settle down. With age comes wisdom and the realization our days are numbered so why beat yourself up.
When I was 20-30 ALL of my ammo was loaded to the max, even pushing the limits on guns you should not be pushing upon.
I used to get all of my 45-70 brass which I used for a mess of different dash numbered calibers..... ......many thousands.... from this rich guy who was in love with any REVOLVER that used the 45-70........all R-P..........I ran into this guy a few years back and he had to quit shooting handguns all together..........screwed up his arms bad....he had medical terms but those things fly over my head.-----006
Same way with high cap mags.....IF. (IF...IF) there was no fear of our fellow man or the real facts of what other people/governments can do to you we would all be content with 5 round mags.
As we age, we let go of that testosterone either through aging or using your head and tend to settle down. With age comes wisdom and the realization our days are numbered so why beat yourself up.
When I was 20-30 ALL of my ammo was loaded to the max, even pushing the limits on guns you should not be pushing upon.
I used to get all of my 45-70 brass which I used for a mess of different dash numbered calibers..... ......many thousands.... from this rich guy who was in love with any REVOLVER that used the 45-70........all R-P..........I ran into this guy a few years back and he had to quit shooting handguns all together..........screwed up his arms bad....he had medical terms but those things fly over my head.-----006
- marlinman93
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
I've had a 85% disability in my right wrist, and nursing it since 1971. They told me I'd need to have it fused back in '75, but I keep fooling them, and still haven't. Get's extremely sore when I'm turning wrenches, and almost useless after I'm hammering nails for a day.
So I don't load anything hot, and I've sold any magnum caliber handguns I owned. I still load and shoot .45 colt, .45 ACP, and .38 Special, but all loaded down. My others in .32-20, .32 Long S&W and .22RF are no issue. I love the .45 Colt, and the .45 ACP, but even with mild loads I don't shoot hundreds at a sitting.
So I don't load anything hot, and I've sold any magnum caliber handguns I owned. I still load and shoot .45 colt, .45 ACP, and .38 Special, but all loaded down. My others in .32-20, .32 Long S&W and .22RF are no issue. I love the .45 Colt, and the .45 ACP, but even with mild loads I don't shoot hundreds at a sitting.
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
I recall you posting pics of that gun and I really liked it.Scott Tschirhart wrote: ↑Tue Feb 23, 2021 2:40 pmI have one of those Uberti .44 mags with the 1860 grip frame myself. One of the more comfortable revolvers I own. But I confess that I shoot it mostly with a 250-255 gr Keith over 7.5 gr Unique in .44 Special cases. I have no problems with that gun.
I have some 205 grain RNFPs and they're super nice over 7.0 grains of W231. I should have ordered 240-265 SWCs (sights are regulated for 240s) and will rectify that soon. A good full weight SWC at 1100 fps or so is easy to shoot and does about everything well.
People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
I routinely refer to the 40 S&W as the "38-40 Rimless Short".1894cfan wrote: ↑Tue Feb 23, 2021 2:56 pmThe 40S&W is nothing more than the 38/40 (40/38?) in semi-auto form. And it was no slouch, either. Killed a lot of people in its day, in both Colt 1873 SAA and Winchester 73! HTH BTW, I've got a 2nd Gen Glock 23!piller wrote: ↑Tue Feb 23, 2021 1:43 pm The grip style and size makes a lot of difference.
My Glock Model 22 is a second Generation model. I did get an aftermarket fully supported barrel for the .357 Sig. That is fun to shoot. Using the 165 grain rounds in the .40 barrel is real mild. The .40 may be a weakened and compromise round, but it still is very accurate for me. Some do not like it because it is certainly not nearly as powerful as the 10mm. You don't always need to throw your target to the ground and stomp it to the size and consistency of rice krispies that have been sitting in milk for 3 to 4 hours.
People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
I surprised My self a few weeks ago and took the Pedersoli 86/71 45-70 out and shot fifteen rounds offhand. 300 grn at 1900fps. A heavy Rifle. Had a ball shooting 1/2" holes thru some steel . haven't shot it since My eye surgery 7 years ago . Felt pretty good. everything handgun seems to be a big surprise , I don't re-member the recoil being so big.
As we age everything changes but in our mind it's no big deal... It's All Good......... Just stay Upright..................................................... .
As we age everything changes but in our mind it's no big deal... It's All Good......... Just stay Upright..................................................... .
- Scott Tschirhart
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
I was out on Sunday shooting on the ranch. I was playing with a 6 inch K frame with moderate .38 loads and enjoying hitting 8 inch plates at 50 yards. I just cannot do that with a .44 mag these days.
- AJMD429
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
Heck, even when I was a kid I didn’t like recoil all that much. My first center fire handgun was a Super Blackhawk, but that was heavy enough that with it the 44 Mag wasn’t unpleasant.
Now that I’m older I still shoot it but I like my Bisley-gripped one better.
What I really dislike is shooting tiny 380’s and 9mm’s; the recoil is terrible and for all that discomfort and noise I’d rather at least do some damage downrange...
One exception is the SIG 938 9mm; at least with the extended magazine that adds a finger to the grip, it is one sweet-shooting sub-compact, and EASY to shoot accurately.
Favorite handgun overall just for shooting though just might be my 33-20 S&W 10, which is SO mild with vintage loads.
Now that I’m older I still shoot it but I like my Bisley-gripped one better.
What I really dislike is shooting tiny 380’s and 9mm’s; the recoil is terrible and for all that discomfort and noise I’d rather at least do some damage downrange...
One exception is the SIG 938 9mm; at least with the extended magazine that adds a finger to the grip, it is one sweet-shooting sub-compact, and EASY to shoot accurately.
Favorite handgun overall just for shooting though just might be my 33-20 S&W 10, which is SO mild with vintage loads.
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
Younger, I quickly set aside magnum this or that. The slap and blast wasn’t worth it. My Model 12 firing light, target WC loads is my only handgun today. The 357 is now a fine rifle round, not a revolver round. My next rifle will likely use 44-40. My “heavy” rifle is a 30-40, but I’ll likely develop a reduced load for it.
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
Funny thing is that most close range interpersonal crisis situations can be handled with the .38 Special or smaller. Sure the more powerful calibers work, but handguns are not really powerful enough to stop most determined assailants with only one shot. Using something that kicks like a Missouri Mule just makes the second and third shots that much slower. Being a bit arthritic makes things worse for the defender.
D. Brian Casady
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
- Buck Elliott
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
Well, 25-30-35 years ago, when I was in my orime, I used to shoot my .454, just for fun. 300 to 325 grain cast bullets, @1700 fps. It was quick, slick, clean and accurate, and I seldom fired more than 25 or 30 rou ds per session. There really wasn't any need to.
Eventually, I backed off to heavy .45 Colt loads in an original Ruger Vaquero, and finally, to heavy .45 Colt in one of my Beretta/Uberti Stampedes. .
I'm now 78 1/3 years old, and am no longer 6' tall at 210, like I was in the 80s & 90s .. I'm down to 5'10" and 180#, but years of bucking hay, saddling and packing horses, and custom leather smiting have left me with strong hands, even as the rest of me dwindles.
I no longer go for the long shots, because I can't see that far any more.
In all, I reckon I've been there and done that.
I've played with friend John Linebaugh's .500s and .475s, and even met the S&W .500 and .460. Again, 20 to 30 rounds per session will tell me everything I need to know, without undue punishment. .
Years ago, I lived in a little 2-room cabin, which came complete with a mouse problem. I also had a very nice little Colt .22 "Buntline" (7 1/2"), with which I got very good at sniping tiny rodents with .22 cb caps. When "rat patrol" got boring, I turned to sniping toward the multitude of knots on the cabin's log walls and putlins.. It's a wonderful way to practice trigger control...
Eventually, I backed off to heavy .45 Colt loads in an original Ruger Vaquero, and finally, to heavy .45 Colt in one of my Beretta/Uberti Stampedes. .
I'm now 78 1/3 years old, and am no longer 6' tall at 210, like I was in the 80s & 90s .. I'm down to 5'10" and 180#, but years of bucking hay, saddling and packing horses, and custom leather smiting have left me with strong hands, even as the rest of me dwindles.
I no longer go for the long shots, because I can't see that far any more.
In all, I reckon I've been there and done that.
I've played with friend John Linebaugh's .500s and .475s, and even met the S&W .500 and .460. Again, 20 to 30 rounds per session will tell me everything I need to know, without undue punishment. .
Years ago, I lived in a little 2-room cabin, which came complete with a mouse problem. I also had a very nice little Colt .22 "Buntline" (7 1/2"), with which I got very good at sniping tiny rodents with .22 cb caps. When "rat patrol" got boring, I turned to sniping toward the multitude of knots on the cabin's log walls and putlins.. It's a wonderful way to practice trigger control...
Regards
Buck
Life has a way of making the foreseeable that which never happens, and the unforeseeable, that which your life becomes...
Buck
Life has a way of making the foreseeable that which never happens, and the unforeseeable, that which your life becomes...
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
SO FAR IT HAS NOT BOTHERED ME.....GOOD GRIPS HELP ON THE 45 44 AND 357!
LETS GO SHOOT'N BOYS
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
I think Buck's mention of hand strength is significant to this issue. I've been an avid guitar player 40+ years, and use fence wire size strings compared to most. At 58 yo I have real good hand strength. My Ruger Hunter in .44mag weighs 52 oz, is amazingly accurate, and I can shoot it with one hand no problem. I've always enjoyed handgun recoil, makes me feel like I'm getting something done. Bad rifle recoil is another issue, never enjoyed that, and was at the doctor with a bad shoulder yesterday. Most of my shooting is with 45acp and 10mm, was on a 10mm romance for years and have come back to the 45acp.
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
I know recoil takes its toll on all of us. Yes, more as we age. Last year in speaking with Ronnie Wells, of RW Grip Frames. looking into changing the angle of a Bisley grip frame 4 degrees, basically halfway between its current angle and a Super Black Hawk grip frame. It absolutely changes the FELT recoil, by balancing out the push back and barrel lift or felt snap, it FEELS so much lighter, or even on firing.
For a test I took a pair of 6” barreled Bisley Blackhawks, converted to 500 Linebaugh. I installed the Bearskinner Bisley Brass grip frame on one ( Brass looks very cool on SS too) and got to shooting. Once the snow stops, I will make a few short videos showing the way the revolver jumps, comparing both guns being fired from a sand bag rest, with a grid in the back ground to show real lift and push against.
The felt recoil shooting 525 grain and 450 grain 500 Linebaughs is NOTICEABLY less with that 4 degree angle change. 20 rounds with a standard Bisley grip is fun, but tiring. 20 rounds with the Bearskinner grip frame, no issues, I did 20 more. It makes that much of a difference!
Subtle differences, the 4 degree angle, plus it lifts the angle of the rear of the grip frame slightly, the front and rear of the bottom of the frame are both slightly radiused. The trigger guard is ever so slightly opened up to the front and bottom. The slight duck tail on the original Bisley, has also been removed, to a straight back. I really like the bottom angle as I almost always shoot one handed, on sighting at longer ranges, I put my off hand under the grip frame, palm up. That little rear lift keeps the frame from digging or snagging my off hand. Unless you have two guns side by side, comparing them, you may not notice any difference, but you will FEEL the difference. Look at the websight. Lots of options. I helped design the Bearskinner to my shooting of big boomers, and snappy hard hitting rounds. Time to build two more gun conversions.
For a test I took a pair of 6” barreled Bisley Blackhawks, converted to 500 Linebaugh. I installed the Bearskinner Bisley Brass grip frame on one ( Brass looks very cool on SS too) and got to shooting. Once the snow stops, I will make a few short videos showing the way the revolver jumps, comparing both guns being fired from a sand bag rest, with a grid in the back ground to show real lift and push against.
The felt recoil shooting 525 grain and 450 grain 500 Linebaughs is NOTICEABLY less with that 4 degree angle change. 20 rounds with a standard Bisley grip is fun, but tiring. 20 rounds with the Bearskinner grip frame, no issues, I did 20 more. It makes that much of a difference!
Subtle differences, the 4 degree angle, plus it lifts the angle of the rear of the grip frame slightly, the front and rear of the bottom of the frame are both slightly radiused. The trigger guard is ever so slightly opened up to the front and bottom. The slight duck tail on the original Bisley, has also been removed, to a straight back. I really like the bottom angle as I almost always shoot one handed, on sighting at longer ranges, I put my off hand under the grip frame, palm up. That little rear lift keeps the frame from digging or snagging my off hand. Unless you have two guns side by side, comparing them, you may not notice any difference, but you will FEEL the difference. Look at the websight. Lots of options. I helped design the Bearskinner to my shooting of big boomers, and snappy hard hitting rounds. Time to build two more gun conversions.
Last edited by Bearskinner on Wed Mar 03, 2021 9:48 am, edited 2 times in total.
“YOU CAN’T SHOOT A BIG ONE IF YOU SHOOT A LITTlE ONE FIRST”
- Scott Tschirhart
- Advanced Levergunner
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
I think you are onto something about small changes in angles. When we were in Arkansas last year, I shot a Ruger GP100 in .44 Special. The factory wood grip felt good in the hand, until I pulled the trigger. After 2 5 shot cylinders of Skeeter loads, I was done. It hurt.
But in a SAA frame or an N frame, I can shoot that load a bunch with no ill effects.
But in a SAA frame or an N frame, I can shoot that load a bunch with no ill effects.
- AJMD429
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
Doctors for Sensible Gun Laws
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
The older we get, the more we respect the lowly 22LR !
I was out this past Week end with my Ruger SS 4 3/4" and my vintage Hi-Standard R-106 six inch double nine, Revolvers.
Both are very accurate, love to shoot Golf balls and spent plastic 12 G shells. Digger Rats are a bonus.
I was out this past Week end with my Ruger SS 4 3/4" and my vintage Hi-Standard R-106 six inch double nine, Revolvers.
Both are very accurate, love to shoot Golf balls and spent plastic 12 G shells. Digger Rats are a bonus.
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SASS# 51223
Arizona Cowboy Shooter's Assoc.
Cowtown Cowboy Shooter's Assoc.
Uberti 73/44-40 carbine, Rossi 92/44-40,
Marlin 94CB/44 24" Limited, Winchester 94/30-30
Arizona Cowboy Shooter's Assoc.
Cowtown Cowboy Shooter's Assoc.
Uberti 73/44-40 carbine, Rossi 92/44-40,
Marlin 94CB/44 24" Limited, Winchester 94/30-30
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
I started thinking about geezer guns about 15 or so years ago. I thought a Smith K-32 might be good fun and cheap and easy to shoot. They used to be difficult to sell, nobody wanted a 32. Until they did. The collectors discovered the K-32s a bit before I decided I wanted one for future use.
Saw a bit on the castboolits forum, a guy shot 70k rounds of 38 wadcutters through a model 27. Hmm, good goal, and probably really soft shooting. I then also sort of remembered 38 Short Colts, they are pretty mild shooting in 38s and 357s. 125 gr cast at around 700 fps. I got a bit of brass and have shot a few, but may get more brass and get more serious about it. They make really nice carbine loads also. 9mm dies work OK for loading the Short Colts also, so it wasnt hard to get started on them besides brass.
Single actions of any sort are milder to shoot in a given chambering than Smith DA guns. Im holding out for carrying/shooting the Ruger 45 when other stuff gets more painful. Im still ok shooting K frame Smiths in 38 and occasional 357s, but none of the hotter stuff is as much fun as it used to be.
Saw a bit on the castboolits forum, a guy shot 70k rounds of 38 wadcutters through a model 27. Hmm, good goal, and probably really soft shooting. I then also sort of remembered 38 Short Colts, they are pretty mild shooting in 38s and 357s. 125 gr cast at around 700 fps. I got a bit of brass and have shot a few, but may get more brass and get more serious about it. They make really nice carbine loads also. 9mm dies work OK for loading the Short Colts also, so it wasnt hard to get started on them besides brass.
Single actions of any sort are milder to shoot in a given chambering than Smith DA guns. Im holding out for carrying/shooting the Ruger 45 when other stuff gets more painful. Im still ok shooting K frame Smiths in 38 and occasional 357s, but none of the hotter stuff is as much fun as it used to be.
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." -Theodore Roosevelt-
Isnt it amazing how many people post without reading the thread?
Isnt it amazing how many people post without reading the thread?
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
The angle and shape of the grip does affect the way your hand and wrist are pushed. When it happens that all the bones line up, the push from the recoil is spread out over a larger area. When it is concentrated in a smaller area or it causes more twist, the smaller area of concentration causes pain. When it fits you well, you know it.
D. Brian Casady
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
The 44 Mags are slowly leaving me . I’m trying to get down to a couple 45’s perhaps a 10 a 357 a 38 and a couple 22’s . I’ve not noticed the discomfort in my hands from shooting handguns as much as I notice it in my neck and shoulder after shooting 2-4 rounds of skeet/trap . The shoulder discomfort isn’t the normal recoil bruise thing but rather the shoulder joint etc . I go out on Tuesday evenings to the club for informal skeet and usually the first two rounds I do like I always did , then in a third and perhaps fourth round it goes down hill and get tired . I truely HATE this getting older thing but as my dearly departed mother would say “it beats the alternative “ !
Parkers , Mannlicher Schoenauer’s , 6.5mm's and my family in the Philippines !
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
I've never liked the basic New Model Blackhawk/'old' Vaquero grip frame, but these are a big improvement for me. YMMVpiller wrote: ↑Mon Mar 01, 2021 10:02 pm The angle and shape of the grip does affect the way your hand and wrist are pushed. When it happens that all the bones line up, the push from the recoil is spread out over a larger area. When it is concentrated in a smaller area or it causes more twist, the smaller area of concentration causes pain. When it fits you well, you know it.
https://www.thesixgunjournal.net/texas- ... ver-grips/
People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
it's interesting to see the variety of grips and grip frames. i use finger groove pachmyer or similar grips on my heavier recoil guns because i lock my wrist and let the recoil elevate from the elbow. i found that for hunting i did much better with that, but that was when i had a grip that could do that. i've seen lots of video of revolvers rotating in the hand, or rotating the wrist, or both. i've always resisted that. not that i recommend it, it just makes the grips look different to me.
the defining recoil feature of my SBH 44 with 10 inch barrel was that it mostly recoiled straight back into the palm of my hand. i controlled the muzzle rise and it facilitated thumbing the hammer with the weak side thumb for a follow up as the barrel lined up on the next animal...
too much coffee and not enough protein this morning
the defining recoil feature of my SBH 44 with 10 inch barrel was that it mostly recoiled straight back into the palm of my hand. i controlled the muzzle rise and it facilitated thumbing the hammer with the weak side thumb for a follow up as the barrel lined up on the next animal...
too much coffee and not enough protein this morning
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
I've been shooting the Star BM 9mm lately. It fits the hand nicely, is all steel construction and has enough weight it sits in your grip with authority, like it should be there. The weight makes shooting the 9mm rapid fire pretty controllable. And it does not use much powder. I can get around 1600 reloads from a pound of bullseye or 700X, which makes it pretty economical to shoot. And the 9mm doesn't recoil enough to bother my hands. It's a fun little gun and round.
No hammer bite!
No hammer bite!
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
like JimT, my 9mm is on a 1911 flavor. Recoil doesn't bother me with that. I am to the point where I much prefer a 44 spcl to a 44 mag. Still OK with a 45 acp with my 67yr old hands but I can tell a difference in how my hands feel after shooting a heavier recoiling pistol. Used to be fun, now, not so much.
Good friend of mine and shooting buddy for over 45 years has gone to light 38 special and 32 LC loads as his hands hurt from anything heavier.
We both have SBH's and put thousands of rounds thru them in our younger days. His sits in a closet and mine sees seldom sees the light of day at the range unless stoked with 44 special loads.
Good friend of mine and shooting buddy for over 45 years has gone to light 38 special and 32 LC loads as his hands hurt from anything heavier.
We both have SBH's and put thousands of rounds thru them in our younger days. His sits in a closet and mine sees seldom sees the light of day at the range unless stoked with 44 special loads.
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
I still have an old Ruger P85 9mm. Heavy and solid. Recoil with it is pretty mild. It was my first centerfire handgun, and has had quite a few rounds through it. I can put 100 rounds through it and never notice any discomfort afterward. 100 rounds through my .480 Ruger Super Redhawk and my hand is sore the next day.
D. Brian Casady
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
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- Levergunner 3.0
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
100 rounds of anything hurts me terribly...not so much in the wrist or elbow, but lots lower down on my torso, near the back pocket!
This is plagiarized from someone else, but I love it!
I was born a gun owner.
It wasn't a choice.
I didn't become one later in life.
I was born this way.
I was born a gun owner.
It wasn't a choice.
I didn't become one later in life.
I was born this way.
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
During these times of short supply of primers and powder and bullets, I have been shooting smaller calibers and lighter loads. While not helping conserve primers, the powder and lead do go further than when shooting the larger calibers.
IF my math is correct ......
9mm 115 gr. bullets -Number of Shots Per Pound of Powder
Bullseye - 4.2 gr. ....................1666
700X ----- 4.0 gr. ...................1750
231 ------ 4.5 gr. ................... 1555
Unique --- 5.6 gr. ...................1250
.38 Special 160 gr. bullets
Bullseye - 3.0 gr. ................... 2333
700X ------3.2 gr. ................... 2187
231 -------3.8 gr. ................... 1842
Unique ----4.0 gr. ................... 1750
115 gr. bullets cast 60 to the pound.
160 gr. bullets cast 43 to the pound.
IF my math is correct ......
9mm 115 gr. bullets -Number of Shots Per Pound of Powder
Bullseye - 4.2 gr. ....................1666
700X ----- 4.0 gr. ...................1750
231 ------ 4.5 gr. ................... 1555
Unique --- 5.6 gr. ...................1250
.38 Special 160 gr. bullets
Bullseye - 3.0 gr. ................... 2333
700X ------3.2 gr. ................... 2187
231 -------3.8 gr. ................... 1842
Unique ----4.0 gr. ................... 1750
115 gr. bullets cast 60 to the pound.
160 gr. bullets cast 43 to the pound.
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
I'm running 5.0 grains of 231 in my 180 grain 40 reloads and a pound of powder makes a bunch of them.
People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.
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- Levergunner 3.0
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
So that's what you wanted the 9mm dies for! Well good. I didn't realize they were for you.
Those are nice little 9s. I read an article where some Middle East soldier's tank ran out of gas, and all of his companions were killed. He used his Star to kill 11 of the enemy.
Cat
Those are nice little 9s. I read an article where some Middle East soldier's tank ran out of gas, and all of his companions were killed. He used his Star to kill 11 of the enemy.
Cat
- Old Savage
- Posting leader...
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
After trying many calibers up to the 44 May 30+ years ago I decided a 230-250 gr bullet, sometimes 200 gr. at about 750-800 fps was what I liked best and what made sense in a handgun. Shot 300-1200 of those a week for a year or so.
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
Yessir. And again I do thank you. It is a pleasant shooting gun and you have helped me to enjoy it!Catshooter wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 1:58 am So that's what you wanted the 9mm dies for! Well good. I didn't realize they were for you.
Those are nice little 9s. I read an article where some Middle East soldier's tank ran out of gas, and all of his companions were killed. He used his Star to kill 11 of the enemy.
Cat
- Scott Tschirhart
- Advanced Levergunner
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
I’m shooting up the last of my .38 Special Unique loads and reloading the empty cases with 231. For economy and because 231 burns cleaner. It wipes right off, but this gun gets really smoked up with Unique.
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- Levergunner 3.0
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
They are nice little shooters. Had one, sold it to a friend.
No thanks are needed for those dies. I've had hours of very enjoyable reading from the work you've put out.
Cat
No thanks are needed for those dies. I've had hours of very enjoyable reading from the work you've put out.
Cat
- Griff
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Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
Nothing unusual Scott. After 50 years of shooting handguns, I will tell you I haven't found anything the reverses the process!
Griff,
SASS/CMSA #93
NRA Patron
GUSA #93
There is a fine line between hobby & obsession!
AND... I'm over it!!
No I ain't ready, but let's do it anyway!
SASS/CMSA #93
NRA Patron
GUSA #93
There is a fine line between hobby & obsession!
AND... I'm over it!!
No I ain't ready, but let's do it anyway!
- Scott Tschirhart
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 4077
- Joined: Fri Oct 16, 2020 2:56 pm
- Location: San Antonio, Texas
Re: Handgun shooters as we age.
You know what's funny Griff? I shoot standard cartriges better than I ever have. Particularly .38 Special. The hard kickers seem to be harder on me these days, but it has not affected my ability to shoot.