Operating air guns with a disability

[north country gal]

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.

[A.K.A. Tommy Boy]

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   

[ranchibi]

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.

[ShawninIL]

Hope you have a speedy, full recovery!

[lizzie]

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!

[ac12]

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. 

[maraudinglizard]

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.

[Oldgringo]

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

[Gertrude]

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.

[Taso1000]

Mrs. Joanie,

I wish you a speedy recovery!

Taso

[north country gal]

Wow! I'm overwhelmed with all these wonderful get well wishes, I truly am. Thank you, all.

[mpbby]

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

[Sfttailrdr46]

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.

[Unk]

   Joanie,

Best wishes on a speedy full recovery!

Glad you have the gumption to try to overcome this adversity, it is inspirational !

[cosmic]

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..

[Wayne52]

Best wish's on a complete recovery Joanie, by what you're saying things are going well!

[Habanero69er]

Joanie, hope you have a full & speedy recovery.   

[Smoketown]

Joanie,


Best wishes on a full and speedy recovery ... Welcome Back !!


Cheers,
Smoketown

[anti-squirrel]

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).

[north country gal]

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.