GTA
All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Air Gun Gate => Topic started by: north country gal on July 12, 2018, 09:20:41 PM
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I had a near fatal bike injury, early in June, that broke a bone in my neck. Have been in a neck brace, ever since, and have been on a severe lifting restriction during my recovery. Pleased to report that my recovery is progressing, normally, and will make full recovery in another couple weeks. I'm at near full strength, now, but it was tough going early on. I did check with the doctor, by the way, on the shooting and got an okay as long as I didn't put much strain on the neck.
The reason I mention this is that when I was finally in shape enough to shoot airguns, some of my air guns I could operate, safely, with my disability, and some I could not. Thought it might prove useful to those who have a similar disability or strength issues or know someone who wants to shoot with similar disabilities, especially spinal issues or strength issues.
On the springers, with my break barrel springers, I could not operate any break barrel that required a whack to break open. Just produced too much pain in the neck. My HW30S was doable because it was so easy to open and it has been my mainstay shooter. Even my HW50S, though, was out, because it required a snap to open. On the other hand, my HW35E with its vintage latch opening, has been easy to open and because it cocks so smoothly, I could shoot it for extended periods by bracing it on the bench and using two hands to cock it. Never figured that vintage lock setup would actually come in useful, but then I never figured to be in a neck brace, either.
On my under levers, the push button opening on the HWs has been a real godsend. No problem opening them, but still not quite strong enough to finish cocking them, just yet. Still better than the snap open system on the TX 200, though. No go on that under lever.
Low power single stroke pneumatics no problem.
Sadly, my classic pumpers are still waiting to get shot, this summer. Really miss shooting them. Even pumping to four pumps is still too much.
I did rediscover my PCPs during this recovery, though, and really appreciate them, but filling has been scuba tank, only. I think going PCP for anyone with physical limitations is the way to go, assuming they fill with tanks, not pumps. I'm not about to disappear to the dark side, but I will no longer let my PCPs collect dust, either. My PCPs have really, really kept me shooting at the longer distances I like to shoot. That power without a lot of physical effort to operate them has been great.
As for the actual shooting, a neck brace is tough when shooting at the bench, especially with iron sights, since they sit so low the gun. Too much craning of the neck to get down on the stock. Scopes or red dots are much better. Also, shooting from a standing position is more manageable than shooting from the bench, assuming the gun is light enough.
Hope no one ever has to go though one of these recoveries, but have learned a lot about what is doable with an injury and what is not. You might want to keep it for future reference or share it with someone who might not be able to operate at full strength.
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Wow...Joanie. I am so very sorry this happened to you. I hope and pray that your recovery is swift and you become fully & completely restored to your original condition.
My Very Best Wishes to You - Tom
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Joanie, I’m so sorry about your accident...but, very glad you will have a full recovery! Your insight will be beneficial to many here on the boards.
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Hope you have a speedy, full recovery!
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Wow Joanie! That is pretty scary stuff!
Having been a practicing RN for the past 34+ years, I can honestly say that having a cervical fracture or injury, which requires surgical repair and the subsequent limitations is one of the few things that I REALLY don't want to have to deal with, from the side of the patient.
It sounds like you're doing well, and compensating- excellent for you!
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Joanie
When you shoot standing, you might try canting the rifle.
This allows you to keep your head upright, rather than hunched over the stock.
BUT, this really practical only for target shooting at ONE distance.
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I know what you are going through, I live with pain everyday and have learned to adapt to the situation. Sorry to hear that, it's so frustrating at times. Just have to take it one day at a time. In a way the air guns have been my physical therapy for my hands, arms, and shoulders. Some of my break barrels I have to put across my lap and push down on the barrel to break it, slapping them just sends pain all the way from my hands to my shoulders. Once I break them, I stand the gun up with the butt resting on the chair between my legs and let the gun lightly rest against my chest and take both hands to pull the barrel down. I am able to cock the Hatsan 135 .30. The cocking force for that gun is 50lbs. I can shoot it about 25 times before the body parts start to fail. Good luck and take care.
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Hey Joanie,
Your absence over the past couple months has been noticed. Glad to hear that you're up and about. I just got released from a 14 day stay in the hospital.
One day at a time, eh? We're glad that you're back among us. Just be cool, it'll come back to you.
I appreciate and learn from your knowledgeable input.
Best,
Greg
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NCG,
glad to read that you will have a full recovery.
go slow and easy. glad you will be able to continue enjoying your AG's.
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Mrs. Joanie,
I wish you a speedy recovery!
Taso
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Wow! I'm overwhelmed with all these wonderful get well wishes, I truly am. Thank you, all.
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I am sorry about your accident and wish you a plenty recover.
The airgun shooting is being a great motivation, congratulations. Please, don't be too hard with yourself about those consistent high grade accuracy results you are used to have; based in your (always) systematic approach, I am sure they will comeback. ;)
Marcos
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Glad to see you back on the forum and sorry to hear why you have been absent for so long. Feel better, I know from personal experience that long term healing is sheer torture for anyone that is physically active by nature.
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Joanie,
Best wishes on a speedy full recovery!
Glad you have the gumption to try to overcome this adversity, it is inspirational !
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Get a piece of pcv pipe that will fit over your barrel or cocking lever for more leverage.. Keep up the fight.. I spent 4 years in a wheelchair and several surgeries later I can walk but not well.. Just keep up with therapy..
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Best wish's on a complete recovery Joanie, by what you're saying things are going well!
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Joanie, hope you have a full & speedy recovery. 8)
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Joanie,
Best wishes on a full and speedy recovery ... Welcome Back !!
Cheers,
Smoketown
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Joanie- welcome back. I was wondering what happened as you had not posted for a while. Sorry to hear about the accident, but I'm happy to hear you're getting back into the groove. Take it slow- an extra ounce or two of patience and listening to your body will go a long ways to ensuring your future will will be more pain- and trouble-free. FWIW, the CZ634 also has a locking mechanism, and I never really thought about how much easier that made things until your post.
And Greg- glad you're back from your stay at the "clean-room vacation center" (what my wife calls the hospital ever since her heart attack).
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Again, thank you everyone. What a great community we air gun shooters have!
Never though about the pipe trick, cosmic. Great tip.
Yes, I expect to be cleared by the doc to start riding, again, in a couple of weeks, so all is going well. Was even able to handle the Blue HW97K, today, for some steel shooting out at 35 yards. Of all our piston guns, the Blue HW97K is our most consistent and least fussy springer off a rest. Too heavy for offhand work, even when I'm at full strength, but I have other springers for that work. Old Blue really smacks that steel, though. Lots of fun.
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Be well Joanie!
I've followed a lot of your posts and appreciate your knowledge/skills w/the springers a bunch of us love to own & shoot..
Best wishes for a complete/quick recovery.
gary
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Thank you, Gary
One of the things I should have also added to my list of shooting with a disability, is using a proper hold. My standard hold with all our springers has always been a light artillery hold with minimal pressure of the butt of the stock on the shoulder. Without such a hold, shooting a springer would not have been possible with my injury. Hope one ever has to discover this the the way I just did, but it is good to know just in case.
Hope to try some of my pumpers, soon. Not going to push it, though.
Finally, let me also say that airgun shooting has been such a blessing while I recover. Just being able to step out in the yard for a few shots, early on, has been a real lift to my spirits. I come out of this injury loving my air gun shooting all the more.
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Every day is a gift! Glad to hear your getting better.
Was your accident on a motor cycle, or pedal bike? Not to start a "this happened to me" hijack here, but I crashed my vintage 1972 Kawasaki 2 stroke 750cc H2 Triple back in the eighties. My tire fell into a big crack merging onto the expressway, and down I went. I guess the worst thing was breaking my collar bone, but it healed with a big bump right where I place the buttstock.
It sounds like the HW30 will be your best friend for a while, and those darn PCP's. (I'd actually like a PCP but all the extras are just a little too much).
I look forward to reading your posts again, and wish you the best.
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Glad your getting better Joanie I can relate I became permanently disabled in 2006 due to a bad fall at work, got knocked off a ladder it took 35 surgery's to put me back together. My biggest problem is both wrist are fused and both thumbs have cadaver joints in them and dont work very well. Right shoulder is toast cant lift my arm above my head, left elbow is all metal both ankles also fused.To many others to list. Had to quit Bow Hunting that was my passion. So I tried Cowboy action shooting that didnt work to much shooting on my wrists. Then 4 years ago I bought a Marauder and that changed my life.I had no idea how addictive the PCP where going to be.I now have over 20 PCP but still enjoy shooting my spring guns all but one are break barrels there easier for me to load I have an HW 97 with that big loading port its the only under lever I can load with my fused wrist. I truly dont no what I would do with out my air guns and all you out there on GTA Iv learned so much from you all. I hope this dosnt come across as poor me because I get up every morning and thank the Lord for what I can do and I bet you do the same.Any way keep shooting and Ill do the same.
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Dang Jim! Sounds like you’ve been through the wringer. Keep on stroking buddy. 👍🏻
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My accident was a near fatal mountain bike accident that threw me off the bike. Landed by slamming my head against a boulder hard enough to crack a bone in my neck. If I hadn't been wearing a good helmet, that would have been the end of old me. Totaled the helmet, but it did its job. Believe me, I know how very lucky I am.
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Thank God you were wearing that helmet Joanie.
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Joanie, way back almost 40 years ago, I smashed several lumbar vertebrae after overcooking a corner. Oak tree waiting as I slid along.
Once reinforced with stainless rods and a spinal fusion, I was left with the last half day after getting back to work. With my trusty old sidelever Sig-Hammerli 401, I would mellow out in my back yard and plink. The painkillers I took after getting home and the shooting were great therapy. Local sparrows did not think so i suspect.
Thank God that old .177 side cocker did not take much effort and it was all upper body at that. Shooting while healing for me and maybe you is good for the soul.
I would stick with PCP with your neck healing. Avoids stress you may not notice at first cocking a springer. Careful with any pain meds, I got to look forward to the Percodan a bit too much after gimping through half a day on my feet.
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Im sorry to hear about your accident NCC, hope you will recover quickly and get back to your old you, and glad to hear you can use some of your german springers for recreation! Get well and thank god for helmets!
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My accident was a near fatal mountain bike accident that threw me off the bike. Landed by slamming my head against a boulder hard enough to crack a bone in my neck. If I hadn't been wearing a good helmet, that would have been the end of old me. Totaled the helmet, but it did its job. Believe me, I know how very lucky I am.
Yep, helmets do work, I tried to plow through pine tree with a dirt bike. What I didn't know until 20 years later and an MRI that I had broken my neck in 2 places. During massage therapy my therapist asked when did destroy my left rotator cuff that is when I realized the motorcycle wreck was the culprit. I hit the tree so hard that I knocked my shoes off and was unconscious for 30 min. I woke up and walked it off and was out of class for a week, never went to a doctor for it. I am like you Joanie, grateful to be telling this story. Get well and take care.
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I am so sorry to hear about your injury & wish you a speedy recovery. I had neck surgery years ago & my recovery went well. I was inactive for quite awhile & had to learn to be careful & take it easy . I am very satisfied with my recovery.
Take it easy & don't rush into ANYTHING !!
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Sorry to hear this happened Joanie, but great to see you back. Heal up soon!
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Sorry to hear of your accident Joanie. Having had numerous injuries as a result of my activities I can completely relate. Take it slow and easy.
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Please excuse me, but I almost smiled when you said mountain biking. The Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine, near to where I live in Wisconsin has some great trails, and I go almost everyday. My wife and I are going this morning before it gets too humid in fact. I just got a Trek top fuel 8 and really like the full suspension. Scratches and bruises are pretty normal, but a bad crash into a rock or tree is not good. Best of Luck, and hope you recover quickly.
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Thanks, again, everyone. Two weeks to go with the brace and then back to my riding which is a big, big part of my lifestyle. I will continue to ride the trails, but I am retiring from the dangerous sections and challenge stuff. Been there, done that. Love the challenge, but too old for another one of these spills. Been down my share of times, but this one was a sign to retire and reduce the risks and ride safer. No one to blame on this one but myself. Randy, I'm familiar with Kettle. Up here I now ride on trails I built myself on our property, but used to ride Mud Lake, a lot, which is a short ride from where I live.
Did manage 4 pumps on one of the vintage Sheridans by resting it in my lap. No stress on the neck, but arms got tired pretty quick. Finished the shooting session with a PCP, again. Really, really appreciate the ease of use of PCPs after something like this.
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When I had a stroke a while back, I had a Baikal MP61, and was able to make it work for me and I actually think that it was a part of my therapy. My stroke was on my non-dominant side and having retired from the Army as an EMT emergency room worker I knew you had to start therapy ASAP. I'd sit in the yard for as long as I was able and work my right arm and hand to encourage the most range of motion that I could muster. I'm now virtually at 100% because of my thinking that way. I might not be able to convince my neurologist I was healed by shooting an air rifle but, as many hours as I spent pulling that side-lever, and redeveloping my fine motor skills by putting the pellets into that little magazine, I'm convinced that it was the best thing ever to get my range of motion back in a minimal amount of time.
Doc
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I absolutely used air gunning as a means to recover from my shoulder surgery but, it's torn loose again. Funny how you find other ways of doing things.
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Thanks, again, everyone. Two weeks to go with the brace and then back to my riding which is a big, big part of my lifestyle. I will continue to ride the trails, but I am retiring from the dangerous sections and challenge stuff. Been there, done that. Love the challenge, but too old for another one of these spills. Been down my share of times, but this one was a sign to retire and reduce the risks and ride safer. No one to blame on this one but myself. Randy, I'm familiar with Kettle. Up here I now ride on trails I built myself on our property, but used to ride Mud Lake, a lot, which is a short ride from where I live.
Did manage 4 pumps on one of the vintage Sheridans by resting it in my lap. No stress on the neck, but arms got tired pretty quick. Finished the shooting session with a PCP, again. Really, really appreciate the ease of use of PCPs after something like this.
I've never had an injury as severe as yours but looking back over the past 3/4 of a century there were several times when it just wasn't my time to check out. There comes a time to start smelling the roses.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.