Shooting while injured/handicapped

[icebones]

I've Always heard: Train like you fight.

Last night I tore some ligiments and got a nice swollen ankle after jumping down from a 40ft tractor/trailer loaded with bombs, and landing directly on a cargo strap on the ground.

So here goes, after hobbiling out of the ER at 3 in the morning last night on cruches, I maganed to wiggle into my car in a dark parking garage a thought donned on me... What if I had to defend myself in this condition? I cant put any weight on my right foot, need cruches to move, so how would I fire a weapon?

I know most normal citizens will go out of their way to help an injured person on cruches, in a cast, wheel chair or the like, but what about the less than respectible? Muggers, thieves, car hijackers and the like? A hungry lion or wolf will always go for the sick and injured. From a seated position or even laying in a bed I can draw and fire my G30 fast and accurate, but what about standing with cruches?

Of all the thousands of rounds we fire for practice we fire in good health, but does anyone else ever consider shooting while injured?

I know next chance I get I will hobble over to the local range and see just how effectively I can draw, aim and fire with cruches.

Just some food for thought. And something new to consider the next time you practice with your CC weapon. Dig that old pair of cruches out of the closet, and bring em to the range with you, or simulate a cast on your weak arm, or stand on one leg like you would with an sprained ankle. But above all be safe my friends.

 

[wgaynor]

I recently had another knee surgery that left me on crutches for quite some time. During that period, I took my ccw class, went to the range a bit, and had a great time reloading (alot of time on my hands). The biggest problem wasn't balance (a person on crutches quickly learns to adapt), but stamina. The shooting position is very much modified when on crutches and feels unusual. Muscle fatigue quickly plays a role, but it was good training.

 

[icebones]

Indeed my friend, I work out 5 times a week, and I get winded on cruches just going from my appartment to my vehicle. Which is about 30 yards away, and my workout plan usually includes at least a 1.5mile run. Ill head to the range tomorrow if time permits.

 

[M2 Carbine]

Of all the thousands of rounds we fire for practice we fire in good health, but does anyone else ever consider shooting while injured?

Yes.
For instance I practice shooting weak hand/weak eye a good bit, switch eyes and hands while shooting, etc.

 

[gun guy]

Shooting while injured just isn't worth it. There is a nice little hole in my leg where I was stuck by an NVA with his bayonet. I got mad, told everyone to go home and come back next week. If you are hurt, get a bandaid, go home, the range will always be there next week.

 

[skyraider]

I am handicaped, had a stroke that affected my right side (right handed). I can shoot using two hands but practice using one hand both left and right, no problem hitting target no matter how I shoot but practice,practice, and more practice shooting with each hand and both hands.

 

[wishin]

I've read about people that train shooting in various non-traditional positions. In your case, I suggest you practice dropping on your butt, drawing while falling and lie on your back, arms extended between your legs bent at the knee. Be prepared for everyone at the range to be rolling over laughing.

P.S. make sure the range will accomodate a high trajectory shot to the backstop.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I've read about people that train shooting in various non-traditional positions.....................Be prepared for everyone at the range to be rolling over laughing.

I tell new shooters,
"You can lay in the grass and shoot, you can sit in a lawn chair eating a hamburger and shoot, you can even bend over and shoot through your legs and as long as you maintain the proper sight picture and use proper trigger control you will hit your target"

A couple weeks ago for the heck of it, at 10 yards I bent over and shot through my legs.


Now that is one shooting demonstration that no one will ever see me do.

 

[icebones]

Nice groups for such an unconventional shooting position, I was planning on having a buddy go to the range with me and loading only one round at a time, just in case i loose my balance and fall he can catch me and I wont flail around with a loaded weapon in my hands.

 

[oldbear]

Sir, I respect your dedication, but it may be a good idea to stay away from the range for couple of weeks, get used to the sticks then give it a try. Remember if you have need to defend yourself during the time you are using crutches adrenalin probably will kick in and you will be able to move just fine for 30 or so seconds.

P.s. thanks for your service to our country.

 

[icebones]

Nah im used to the sticks, not the first time I have used cruches, and it probly wont be the last. Injuries like this come with the job. I appreciate it, but Im no hero, just doing my job.

 

[Barbara]

If you're disabled, by all means, practice as you are. But don't exacerbate an injury.

 

[M2 Carbine]

If you're disabled, by all means, practice as you are. But don't exacerbate an injury.

I agree.

In 1995 I tore a tendon from the bone in my shoulder. Constant 24 hour pain for over three months.
I continued shooting using every method that would work.

A couple years ago I had a knee operation. I used crutches about two days, I hated them. So I managed to get around and shoot while using a cane.

Shoot whenever you can. It's good therapy.

 

[Flash!]

during my time off recouping from knee replacement surgery, I was able to go shooting at least twice a week...... I had to learn to shoot more from sitting positions than anything else....

 

[ghoster]

5 weeks out of rotator cuff surgery I took my ccw class and shot one handed - lefty and did just fine. had to hold longer on aim and fire but grouping wasn't bad for weak side only.

 

[Steve 48]

I had both rotator cuffs done in 2 years but always shot with the other hand. Got pretty good with either hand. I would not recommend a rotator cuff surgery to shoot better.

 

[Dulvarian]

I had some major back surgery back in March. I'm just now at a point where I can shoot more than a few rounds without major pain following after.

However, while I spent 2 months in my recliner, I moved a .45 to the end table next to me. And when no one was around, I did some practice drawing from an unfamiliar place. I also practiced with my left hand, because my right arm (and shoulder, and chest) still isn't back to 100% six months later.

On an entertaining note, the gap in the front on my back brace made an awesome place for concealed carry. And with the big metal bar in the front, I could have even passed through a metal detector carrying. Lol. No one can really make you take off a back brace just because they feel like it.

And yeah, I felt like a walking bullseye wearing that thing. Carrying while I was in the clamshell was a pretty big relief, as I was very conscious of the fact that a) I looked like a target and b) any attempt at having to defend myself could have had some serious, long term bad stuff.

 

[kayak-man]

About two years ago, I broke my leg. Spent a few months on crutches, and a bit longer limping. I was constantly concerned about SD. I felt like I was waving a flag that said "mug me." Most of the time I was going to school (it was a great way to start senior year) so I couldn't carry my CRKT folder.

My plan at the time was to just grab the guy and fall over, thinking that on the ground, I would still be disadvantaged, but at least balance wouldn't matter. Since you can carry, I would imagine that it would be possible to lean on one crutch and shoot with your other hand. Good luck at the range.

 

[smince]

A few years a go, I had to wear a brace on my right wrist for several weeks. I started practicing and carrying left-hand only.

After I got better, I kept it up. No big deal.

 

[jaysouth]

I have suffered several temporary injuries or maladies that limited my movement/sight in some way. I am a better shooter for figuring how to overcome each.

A VN vet that I know is confined to a wheel chair. His CCW method is to wedge a K frame .38 between his thights and lay a towel over it. He can shoot targets through that towel as well as most of us can off sandbags.

Hint...if you practice this, do it outside and have someone standing by with a fire extinguisher.