Shooting from a wheelchair

[sm]

I have spent some time of late in a wheelchair. Recent CHL student in a wheelchair needed some assistance with shooting , carrying ideas, and the related matters. So I used his back up chair and he and I worked on this.

Student has to be careful if he leans too far forward, as due to his lack of control --cannot get back upright. Student has approx 15% loss of dexterity in weak hand, Strong hand, his right, is 100% , he is right eye dominant.

Student had gotten lax about using chest and lap restraints--keeps them snug now. We obtained some small mirrors to allow student to better monitor his "SIX". Small OC and mini compressed air horn stay inside small pockets of chair(next to person).

Guns: Semi-
Student before accident shot 1911 style and BHP more than revos--I could relate to this. Mag disconnect 'no longer works' on BHP, actually the 1911 was easier for him to shoot, the 4" he has is ideal for his CCW. Interesting thing is, though weak hand has dimished dexterity, this 1911 platform works very well. Shooting , reloading is a bit different as I learned when I simulated his situation.

Revos:
Using a mod 64 2' with speedloaders student admittedly needs to shoot revos more but this will prove to be a great CCW, whether primary or BUG. Model 19 with .357 had too much recoil for student to manage at this time, with .38's no problem. I percieve it to more of shooting semis more than revos to be more of a problem than MOA. Speedloaders gave him fits. Whereas using the 1911 he was much better--I attribute this to having shot 1911's so much and being more familiar.

Shotguns: Now I've spent a lot of time with shotguns, he really hadn't, from a wheelchair-things are different. Since one cannot "move the body" one has to rely on the arms. I learned real fast how my ususal swing was affected. We used a 1100 20 ga. My decison based solely on MOA less restricted in a chair, recoil--remember he cannot go forward and is snugged in--range of motion is limited. We did not remove sides of chair(s) because in real life sides wil be in place. Using target loads we worked on form, then field loads ( more recoil) then buckshot and slugs. I believe for HD this will be a good platform, especially after he builds up his arms and we find a shorter tube.

He hated the shoulder rig and chest restraints hindered use. He is very safety minded and felt uncomfortable with crossdraw--didn't want to sweep anything. He had holsters and felt better using OWB strong side for 1911-his chair design(battery operated) is good for this. I using his backup chair (manual) had to be "scooted" to the left to allow me to draw--but it works.

I did hollow a book for off person carry for the revo, can't carry on campus,didn't want to chance leaving in backpack(hangs back of chair anyway) and allows in hand to and fro vehicle and handy while driving. secures the whole thing in lockbox when in vehicle.

I learned a lot, we worked on some good situational awareness, and he is commited to practice, cold, windy, and sprinkled outdoors on time--he wanted to continue. Being in a wheelchair he was an easy target he thought, he feels now he is better prepared.

I have the utmost respect for this fellow and his commitment to adapting. I was humbled and gained gratitude and thankfulness for being healthy.

 

[Waitone]

Gutsy student.

Good on you.

Does the NRA have anything to offer. I would think they would be falling all over themselves in helping to the handicap. Think about it. Shooting is one of the few competitions where the physically handicapped can go nose to nose with the fortunate.

I'll do some googles on shooting organizations and the handicapped.

Keep us posted.

edit to post URL's
http://www.disabledsg.co.uk/
www.nrahq.org/compete/disabled.asp
www.gunweek.com/archives/2001/disabled0420.html
www.foresight-cfs.org.uk/platform/plat.html
www.defenseability.com/
www.nscd.org/
www.spinalinjuryhelp.com/sciinthenews.htm
www.targetshooting.ca/paralympic_eligible.htm
www.gunsaregood.com/disabled.htm
www.medrehabnetwork.com/Sports/Sport_Associations/ sport_associations.html

NRA is prominently displayed.
Brits seem to be out front

 

[Chipperman]

Interesting. Thanks for the post.
Does he have a manual or electric chair? That obviously would affect mobility if he has a gun in one hand.

 

[sm]

Battery operated chair.

I used the manual chair to better get a feel of needs--that and I flunked battery chair 101. Oh I tried to manipulate on uneven non paved shooting range--he justs sits there about to bust a gut laughing...

Thanks I forwarded links. He has obviously had other priorities than shooting- but had to renew his CCW - he had no problem doing so. As typical of such persons, he is independent, adaptive,and resourceful. Like most of us dislikes asking for help,but most appreciative of considerations. He will finish up school this semester, and perhaps be able to get more into shooting as he once did, upon graduation.

I suspect he will take up residence out of State before long due to job/family opportunities. He informs me that he will get involved with other persons whom want to shoot. I surprised him by wanting to actually be limited in a chair ,as he was ,to better understand and help. He figures he can use his experience to do the same.

To answer another question--yes he can use both hands--as stated in original post his weak hand is limited to approx 10 % loss of dexterity--I bet a dollar all of it returns. He has that good of and attitude he will improve.

 

[JoeHatley]

re1973,

For carry, have him try his chair pack. If he get s one with multiple pockets, pick a zippered pocket for what ever he uses.

I've been able to cary a full size 1911 for over 20 years in mine. I currently use a 2 pocket under the seat model by Advantage Bag Co. A Google search will find the web site. BTW: these guys understand folks who carry and explained to me their bags worked great for it, without being prompted.

Not sure of his level of injury (mine is T4 complete) but if he can learn to get by without the restraints he'll be miles ahead. Have him scoot his butt forward an slouch to maintain balance.

He may want to concentrate on shooting handguns one handed. Week hand on knee to maintain balance.

Feel free to have him contact me via e-mail. I don't have all the answers, but I've been shootin' from a chair for 23 years, and have learned a few things.

Best...

Joe

 

[dfariswheel]

The NRA offers a card to handicapped shooters that allows them to use whatever aids are necessary to compete in NRA-sanctioned matches.

In the 60's I was hot and heavy in NRA Small Bore rifle, and the NRA gave me a card that allowed me to use a "Table or wheelchair's armrest's", for competition.

Often, a wheelchair table, suitably modified to be sturdier and more stable works well for rifle, and Weaver-style pistol.

For Defense, the strong side carry must be evaluated very carefully.
Usually wheelchair users won't be able to get to the gun without shifting weight, and this isn't good in a real situation. This is like sitting in a car with the gun between you and the car door. You have real trouble getting to the gun without leaning over, away from the door.

I've settled on one form, or another of "cross draw" system, either a horizontal shoulder holster, fanny pack, or cross draw hip holster. Another option I've seen others use is a front of the seat bag. These attach to the chair underneath and just in front of the seat. This can be fairly quickly accessed by reaching between the legs, and into the bag.

The fanny pack is an excellent carry system, since it not only holds the gun in whatever position needed, it also holds your wallet. (Put your wallet and keys into your front pocket, then without moving your butt off the seat, try to get them out).

The best fanny pack is one that can be ripped open without having to pull downward. Remember, in a sitting position, the bag isn't going to hang down like an apron, it's going to be laying flat on your lap

If physically possible, this is the one case where an ankle holster actually can be workable, if very loose-legged pants are worn.

For defense training, I've found that you're going to be limited to a Texas-style "air at your back" defense. In other words, you are NOT going to be able to quickly retreat, or seek cover. Therefore, train for a "stand your ground and shoot it out" strategy.

In other words, you will have to make absolutely sure you make each shot count, and the opponent does NOT get up again. The "shoot until they give up or go down" technique is a non-starter. You have to keep shooting until their no possible threat AT ALL.
This also means carrying extra ammo, over and beyond the usual one magazine or speed loader.

 

[KP95DAO]

Some years ago a co-worker came to the institutional pistol club match in a wheel chair. He shot the courses from the chair with another person pushing him. He actually did quite well. Of course he is a good shooter anyway.

 

[sm]

I appreciate all replies and have passed on the info.
He usually shot informally, hunted, small game, waterfowl and doves. He has always been aware of surroundings and took precautions, been a CCW'er for a while.

He was not receptive to fanny packs, hiding in chair...etc. We proposed these, but he countered the concerns that though he is snugged in chair if someone or multilple perps knocked him and chair over, he wanted weapon(s) on his person. In the event [his viewpoint] BG's grabbing for fanny pack or any attached hiding places , his gun used against him. I "mocked attacked him" and we actually wrestled ( placed him in chair on floor sideways) . His strength is not there yet, but he is working on it.

He is serious about taking care of himself. Asked not to be 'public' yet...likes his privacy. I/we think he is making strides to get life back in order. He attends school in a diffferent city, and has confirmed he will be leaving --just finishing up some studies and will be through with school before end of semester, (spl consideration) and leave state. He'll return in May to attend graduation.

We mentioned a forum for matters such as this, I learned a lot , and have worked with others with particular needs. I appreciate everyone's input...I sent him THR's best, invited him to join...but privacy, school, and getting back in the loop so to speak keeps him busy.

thanks.