Thinking outside of the Box : Hand-Guns I

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Preface:
I am going to be polite, still blunt, I will keep in mind sensitivites of everyone, including kids.

We have a lot of threads on Which guns for "____"

Many threads get heated in regard to Revolvers vs Semi, Caliber Wars, which gun for teaching a new shooter, or If you don't shoot the gun Team So & So shoots, or Agency Such & Such shoots- you are an idiot.

Might as well toss in brand bashing and brand loyalty.

I was reminded of something today off forum, something I have assisted with, and something I believe in very strongly.

Do me a favor : take a look at your weak side arm and pretend your arm is missing just below the elbow.

I am going to let that sink in for a bit.

Might as well toss in I have worked with kids born with this physical limitation, I have worked with folks due to accidents that have this limitation. Some were normal civilians, some were Vets, some were LEOs, meaning some had no prior training, and some had.

Yes I know we have some on this board with physical limitations - or a family member does. I do apologize, then again you folks have a better attitude, and better can share, and better understand passing forward.

I have watched the faces, and had the little kid, keeping a straight face, holding back a tear "Mister, can you teach me to shoot - please?"

I believe in :

Never learn with a crutch That prosthesis may not be with you, or may may be "lost" in a fight for your life.

Bring the work to you - do not go to the work. Applicable to writing, using a computer, working on something, ...etc., get comfortable and where you have control.

Part II to follow.

Steve

 

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Part II

Still looking at the weak side arm missing below the elbow?

Revolvers do not seem so Obsolete now do they?
How about the Tip up Beretta's in .25 ACP, .32ACP or .380?
Maybe that SA only Revolver has some use after all?

One never knows the where or when of next encounter -CRSam

Folks I have dealt with have GREAT Attitudes, especially the ones born with Physical limitations - they accepted these limitations early. These are the ones that best relate to and share with others that went thru accidents in dealing with Acceptance and once this is done, maintaining acceptance, yes bad days are going to happen, it is called being human.

Students learn 4 Rules of Safety, they also learn to load, unload, and this includes loading speed-loaders without a "loading block" [crutch] and semi auto magazines without a "loading block or vise" [crutch].

Yes they will use these "tools" - they can always fall back to not using "tools" because they learned, practiced and keep practicing without "crutches".

Physical Limitation folks teach the instructor 1) a LOT , 2) how to teach the student themself, 3) how to teach others with Physcial Limitations.

For those that do not know - I invented Team Walrus to use in some works I do. Team Walrus can shoot anything as they learned correct basic fundamentals and often use plain vanilla guns.

I invented them to poke fun at wannabe's and to give respect to trainers such as Pat Rogers, Awerbuck, Cain, Ayoob, Givens...etc.

Limited physcial folks learn from Team Walrus

Part III to follow

 

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Part III

Improvise - Adapt - Overcome

It is said when a person loses a sense, other senses are heightened.

Personal Observations reveal to me when a personal has lost a part of themselves - heightened senses of awareness, improvisation, adaptation, mindset, willingness, attitude , self reliance, and for lack of a better word Grit make up for what lost.

Physical Limited (PL) folks not only train their brain, also bodies to better adapt.

No tool is ever better than the user of the tool.

I am known to share repetitions of mounting gun TO face using correct basic fundamentals, in shotgun instructing.

Hand Gun shooters benefit from safe dry practice including not using a hand gun at all. PL folks work out to better themselves in doing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

Take a wooden dowel (broom handle) and hold out shoulder height, and parallel to body. Simply "roll" this. Yes you feel fingers, hands, wrists, forearms...all the way to upper arms, shoulders neck and back.

Now add a piece of cord, floor to shoulder height length, repeat above. Go slow, and do not overdo, idea is to build up muscle and dexterity. Focus on wrapping the cord - a mind picture trick to take mind off the discomfort. [Yes some muscles will make themselves known].

Transition to adding a bit of weight, start with a 1/2 pound, and work up. Just take a plastic 20oz soda bottle, add a bit of water. As you progress, add more water/weight. Some Folks work up and use a 2 liter bottle full of water.

"But the PLs can't...".

Wrong! Can't died a long time ago for these folks - one advantage PLs have over healthy folks. Remember, they have heightened areas because of a loss. Healthy folks never seem to "get this".

Just stick one end of dowel into something the right height and repeat.

I am reminded of a neighbor when the power was out due to a storm, knocked on my door- naturally the electric can-opener would not work in opening a can of tuna fish.

I tossed a manual one [yes one of them antique things] - she had never used one. I let my guest without a lower arm, and not wearing a prosthesis show how to use a manual can opener. Alleviated the whining and carry-on due to being "inconvienced: by weather for sure. I think we hurt the neighbor's brain - never seen thinking outside the box. before.

I am going to say it again – learning to shoot a Revolver DA only will make anyone a better shooter no matter if they choose, and do transition to another platform. Twenty-Two rim-fire by the way.

In sharing with a student we are supposed to lead by example we are going to practice Four rules of safety. Students need to feel safe, feel we that are around them are in fact safe. I personally ask permission to put hand on their body, then in fact let it be known I will be near to see me, so they do not have to look for me. I inform if I do put hands on body it is a safety concern, or assisting if a difficulty arises.

This is especially true with a PL person. My experience has been -even with kids – they will set the gun down, muzzle downrange, and then turn around. Something healthy shooters often do not do.

PLs better seem to understand safety for them, and others, part of gaining from loss. I cannot recall a student ever turning around with a gun in hand and not knowing where the muzzle is – never!

A note on Revolvers; I grew up with Smith and Wesson revolvers. Thumb latch (cylinder release) goes toward cylinder.
Colt revolvers pull away from cylinder. The story goes if one were to compare the two designs “Policeman injured could hook the latch on his duty boots, push gun down (away) and open cylinder”.

One can do the same with a S&W, again Manual of Arms is part of Gun Fit in my book. Student/ Shooter must use what THEY can manipulate best, and train the mind and body accordingly. One reason I also believe in staying with same platforms, and redundancy- especially important for PLs.

Show the student how a gun works. Really best if a variety of guns are available for them to try and even better say for instance on a Model 10, have different stocks / Model 10s with Stocks. Make darn sure- the cylinder can be opened by a PL – and the Speed-loader is really easy to use.

Other revolvers such as Ruger, and Taurus are fine. I just have more experience with , and add had access to S&W. For instance J frame .22 with various stocks, 4 Model 18s with different stocks, then six Model 10s with different stocks…my personal preference on teaching a new shooter, especially a PL.

Another friend – with some Bulls-Eye experience from years ago – did Colts the same way. Started with .22 then transitioned to 38spl.

Bulls-Eye shooters can share a LOT, with a PL. Find one that also shot in the Military, and you have some great pointers on shooting one handed.

I will state again – a J frame is not the best gun to learn on. It does fit smaller hands better, so find a .22 in J frame size, and longer barreled for more heft , balance and sight radius.

K frame .22 is the better choice if hands allow…changing stocks most often will.
Applicable to Colt, Ruger, Taurus…etc.

Now go to a Medium frame .38spl. First off: spent casings or dummies only to get accustomed to correct basics with safety. I do the” two steps forward, one step back” method. Meaning I myself let the student see me go back to prior steps, each step of the way.

Repetition becomes habit – habit becomes faith

I often let the student only shoot one at a time, work up to two…three…full cylinder, even with a .22 revolver. I mean this is a lot of sensory to take in.

In .38spl I often start with primer only casings. Though the revolver is similar, it is different. If nothing else the brain says “whoa, them cartridges are bigger!”
Remember I want the student to know I will keep them safe. I want them to get the feel and sound of the 38 spl working and going bang.

Speer Plastic Training Bullets: http://www.speer-bullets.com/default.asp?s1=3&s2=8

I like to use these next, less perceived recoil ( none) and one can actually shoot a plastic bullet. Student is still focusing on correct basics, safety, trigger, sights…everything and this is where I usually hear “these are so Cute! Everyone agrees on the Fun Factor.

PLs can put these together, boys can they! Really fast with smiles, grins, and you can feel the self esteem! Just poke out the primer [block of wood with screw / nail] insert new primer, plastic bullet reusable – and repeat. I usually get volunteered to find bullets and PLs make up more plastic training bullets.

Now really soft target loads.

Shot placement is critical – especially for PLs. Fast follow up shots are needed and if the person is not able to use really heavy loads yet, don’t. Practice will allow them to work up to a comfortable level for THEM.

What we are after- reliable shot placement, shooting POA/POI for That student with THAT gun. We care not one whit if the loading is one a Police station uses or not. We often do the Scientific Shoot Dirt / Mud Test. PLs are less apt to get wrapped around the axle on what everyone else is doing.


I will get into Semi- Autos next .

 

[Euclidean]

sm:

This sounds like the real gun culture at work here, the one that teaches people to help themselves. Hat's off to ya.

I'm curious though to hear what works out and what doesn't. I have briefly known a one handed shooter with a similar condition: he had just a short stump below his left elbow. He used to hold magazines in his armpit and load them with his hand. I don't know if that would be viable here or not.

He was mostly a cowboy style guy too; he had a very interesting shooting stance he assumed when using a lever action rifle. And thing is, it never looked unnatural or awkward, because he had practiced it that way for years.

 

[1911Tuner]

Points

I've been around more than a few people who are "handicapped" and have been surprised at how little their physical limitations really limit them. It boils down to: "How badly do you want to do it?"

Kudos, Steve. Keep on keepin' on!

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello, sm, and thank you for a thread that truly does take The High Road.

Best.

 

[sm]

Part IV - Semi-Autos

Semi-Autos

Still looking at the weak side without the arm below the elbow?

Semi-Autos present another set of challenges.
Challenges, not problems, not difficulties, challenges. There is a huge difference.

Safety is paramount to any shooter, especially one physically limited. All guns are always loaded, it is easier to check a revolver, easier to open a cylinder and physically see and feel cartridges.

Gun Fit – again to me this includes the ability of a shooter to manipulate all controls safely

Again I start with a .22 semi-auto and will transition to a center fire semi-auto later.

Challenges:

Not many guns that mirror a center fire, in gun fit, in appearance, location of controls, action type, and sight “appearance” manual of arms etcetera. Again as with any student sensory overload can occur quite fast.

Bone stock and simple is always best. Break it down to the most simple.

The old Standard Ruger MKI and MKII pistols I have used a lot. I want stay with this particular gun for a moment. Remember I was brought up before a lot of variations of this gun were even available, and a lot of the guns today were not even thought of yet.

If you have one of these, go get it, and use rules of Safe Dry Practice as you read this.

New shooters tire out, they do not need a heavy bull barreled .22 semi-auto to learn on, the correct basic fundamentals, of safety, and all that encompasses learning to shoot safely – including self esteem and fun – need not be hampered by tiring out.

Fatigue leads to bad form, leads to pulling a shot, leads to flinching etc. Sharing with a PL means it is especially important the student does not get turned off, low self esteem, or start ingraining bad habits.

The grip size and angle of the Standard Model fits most hands, be they young or old, strong or weak affording fingers of various lengths to reach the trigger.

Look at the “bolt ears” easy to rack that slide with two hands, hold the image of the bolt ears in your mind – if you have one set out, look at them, keeping in mind you do not have a weak side arm below the elbow.

Now look at the magazine release, Europeans call it a “heel release”. Applying Dry Fire Safety Rules - listen up. Do this with one-handed.

Remember keep the finger off trigger until actually going to shoot.
No ammo, just think as you do this one- handed.


Muzzle downrange, flip the gun 180*, shove a magazine in, use knees to hold “bolt ears, push gun away from you thus charging the chamber, reach “over” to snick safey lever “safe, now grab grip, flip back to shooting grip – good to go. All you have to do is snick off safe.

Ruger MKI does not have a last shot bolt hold open feature, the MKII does. Remember we NEVER use a crutch, and one reason I personally hate loading indicators. Complacency will get you or someone else hurt or dead.

Let us now say we have shot 3 rounds and need to make this Ruger safe; Applies to the MKI not having a bolt hold open feature.

Finger is off trigger, Snick safety to “on” (safe), flip that gun 180* muzzle downrange, the heel release affords easy release and something to hold onto to yank it up and out, ‘bolt ears” again in knees and get into the habit of “three is free”.

Rack three times,[ ‘bolt ears in knees and push gun away] never assume the extraction is actually going to remove a ctg from a chamber – never!

MKI, keep action open and LOOK, with only one hand you cannot poke a little finger in there to FEEL.

This is where I ask the PL if I may have their assistance; and borrow their pinky finger to FEEL for a ctg;, and if safe -poke a ear plug, pencil, pen, stick – something in the open breech.

Led by example, you are NO better than your student when it comes to safety. Instill this safety by doing, asking for assistance. I personally do not like the chamber flags , especially for kids, new students and especially PLs.- and eldery may also have arthritic flare ups.

I have two good hands and after a lot of firing, that plastic on a .22 chamber can get “plasticized” gritty and hard to remove. I want the “breech safety plug “ as easy and large as possible, not only for me, for everyone around me. I want it very visible.

MKII: Repeat above.

Now if their hands will allow them to safety reach the bolt hold open feature, or they can snick it on with using knees – practice this. At this point we are not going to use prosthesis; we are not going to learn the simplest basics by using a “crutch” remember?


Now the student can use their pinky finger to FEEL and SEE if there is a ctg in chamber.

I make sure the PL student sees ME do this, and I will learn from a PL student any tricks that may assist me in doing this. Me being me, I ask for verification the MKII is safe, and will stick something into the breech

Remember if for any reason they cannot do this on a MKII, we can always fall back to the most simple and treat like a MKI. WE have 4 rules for a reason, and keeping finger off trigger, muzzle downrange – and if only me and them - setting that gun down, muzzle downrange and then the student will simply ask “I need assistance” , I need to verify, anything. Always encourage and compliment using Safety Rules. WE have 4 Rules for a reason, hand off a gun, pointed safely downrange.

These Ruger MKI and MKIIs in Standard form have worked very well for PLs. No adjustable sights, just find the ammo the gun shoots best with. In my locale the Winchester X22LR always feeds, extracts and across the board give good to great accuracy. The PowerPoint [hollow point] version replicates this. The other ammo is the CCI Mini Mag, Stingers are NOT recommended for this gun (unless something changed I am not aware of).

Those fixed sights can be used to rack slide, the breech has enough “bite” to catch onto as well- including not limited to sole of shoe, post on shooting bench, wheelchair…etc.

I personally like to make this fun, reactive spinner targets allow a student to see a hit- applies to PLs as well. I start with bigger spinners and it does not take long for students to focus on the smaller ones. Aim small – miss small, really gets the self esteem up.

I’m still a juvenile delinquent , so tin cans getting knocked off are fun, eggs are good, and ping pong ball were invented to shoot in my opinion, Table Tennis was invented to rationalize the durn things for indoor use where one cannot shoot safely

Most know I use Ping Pong balls to teach shotgunning as per Brister.

I figure if a PLs can hit a ping pong ball every shot, even though only a .22 rim-fire, out to the longest distance in a house plus 3 yards,…Rule One again, have a gun, have something while in safe place in house, while waiting for the police to arrive called on direct line to police station.

Now I will address other .22 guns , because I believe if at all possible , start with a .22 semi-auto then transition to a center fire.

Steve

 

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Part V

Semi-Auto
Continued.

Do me a favor while you read this part; get a sock, a tube style is preferred, and put your weak side arm into it.

Notice you do not have good use of a hand, and take note where you arm stops, and the tube sock represents what is missing.

Continue doing what you normally would in reading, and using a computer…just now you will be more “physically limited “in doing so.

I chose the Ruger’s in MKI and MKII in Standard Model to illustrate “thinking out the box”, as most folks are familiar with this platform.

These .22 semi-autos also have single action triggers; I am very biased in regard to single action triggers on semi-autos – especially for the first shot., follow up shots are quicker and more able to be accurate.

Remember whom we are dealing with- physically limited folks.

High Standard made many fine .22 semi autos; one such fine gun for teaching PLs was the Duramatic. These plain vanilla field /plinking guns are still available from time to time on the used Market. This gun does not have a heavy barrel, sports a ergonomic grip angle and shape of plastic, and one feature most obvious, and appreciated – that big old thumbscrew in front of frame, allowing for the super easy takedown of this gun.

Browning Buckmark’s of the more simple plain vanilla models work great! Buckmark’s always seem to have the best triggers out the box of any .22 semi- auto- these get even better!

Beretta makes a, medium frame .22 semi- auto as well.

Beretta Minx (.22 short) and Beretta 21A in .22 long rifle offer something of importance.
Just like a J frame is not the best gun to learn on , these tip up Berettas do serve to show, and give practice to manual of arms of using a tip-up barreled gun.

Remember again, we are taking baby steps, keeping safety in mind always, and working with folks that need to know and practice safe for them.

When we shoot a Beretta 21A, it is not so much the accuracy I focus on at first; it is the manual of arms. One does not have to rack this gun to charge the chamber, one does not have to rack a slide to make safe. All you do is tip up the barrel and real easy to make safe, and to see what condition the gun is in.

Reminder, I am a big believer in using a .22 as near as can to assist in transitioning to a center fire.

Tip up Beretta’s in 32 and .380 works the same way as the Beretta 21A. The Rule of 96s [weight of gun to payload] means these semi-autos are heavier to lessen felt recoil of the ctg. The .380 is a bigger gun than many 380s, and a real tack driver by design – assisted by less perceived recoil due to its weight and size. The 32 is a also a bigger gun than some popular models folks speak of.

Still fumbling and reaching out and knocking over stuff with that tube sock on weak side arm?

Still thinking about that high dollar fancy can opener in the kitchen and how in the heck would you open a can of tuna-fish with a manual one? *grin*

Humm maybe just maybe one can benefit from having something different than everyone else? Maybe it does not matter what Agency So and So or the Video game, or the Movie or Special Military unit uses?

Transitioning from a .22 to a similar / same platform is very important in my thinking. These Correct Basic Fundamentals are that important- in my book.

Here is the ace in the hole:

Bone Stock Government Model of 1911.

This pistol was designed as a combat weapon; it has proven itself, and continues to.
The very well thought out design of this combat weapon makes it an ideal training tool for a new shooter, including the Physically Limited

In my experiences with semi-auto center fire handguns there are two guns that between the two, fit anyone- Government Model of 1911 and Browning High Power.

This here “antiquated 1911 design”…

Need to rack this gun – shove the front of the gun against anything and the slide is racked.

I do not want a full length guide rod I do not have a choice on many platforms, on the 1911 I do, so by golly I am going to use this feature, not only for ME, because a BG may indeed shoot me in either arm, hand, whatever and I want the ability to get the gun running, or stay running to stay in the fight, and survive.

Our PL student, can put flip this gun 180*, slap in a magazine, flip it back over , shove against anything and good to go.

Drop a magazine, have one upright between knees, get it started, slam down onto leg to seat, shove and shoot.

Drop mag, shove against anything, “three is free” , snick slide hold open while against anything, put against chest, and poke a finger in it, and look inside to feel and see gun is empty.

Got a bone stock 1911 as JMB designed it? Try it one handed.- since you have that tube sock on weak side to replicate being a PL.

The .22 conversions kits finally came out that allowed one to use the exact same gun in .22, and 45ACP.

Normally I suggest a person for the monies these conversion kits costs- get two guns. Back in the day a .22 revolver could be had that matched pretty close to the medium frame revolver.

Practice is practice and in my opinion a lot of practice should be spent on safety, and administrative matters, especially true with new shooters, and the PLs.

The aforementioned single action .22 semi- autos such as the MKII , Buckmark and Duramatic allow for this, and transition to a center fire 1911, Browning High Power, or other center fire handguns – single action.

The Beretta’s with tip ups allow for practice of manual of arms – even though the .22 guns are smaller, MOAs the same for the .32 ACP and .380. Double action/ Single action can be practice with 21A. These 21As are more accurate than many realize, students, even PLs get that competitive spirit going, really focus on correct basics of trigger and all. I start out stating I am not so much concerned with accuracy as I am safety, using controls to make safe and all the administrative drills. It often happens with the .22 ammo being so affordable, the fun factor kicks and in…fun is a good tool. Self esteem rises.
Hand them the center fire tip up and you will be totally surprised how well a PL can shoot!

1911 does this, very well.

I use primer only cases one at a time. In the old days we made primer only fired wax bullets – folks get to hit and poke holes in paper.

I suggest a student put hand on mine to feel the “push” of a .45ACP round. I will hold the gun and let them pull the trigger. I want them to feel safe and have an idea what to expect.

We might not of had a conversion to use in .22, then again anytime going bang, seeing the gun cycle is important for the student to experience.

New shooters often comment how the slide coming back at them is distracting, the revolver does not distract so much with the hammer.
For sure a concealed hammer revolver will not.

Up front – I never warmed up to .40cal. I did not like the platforms and I was set in my choices for too long before it came out. Healthy students always remarked about the .40cal sharp recoil.

I am not going to suggest a PL to learn on – transition to a .40 cal. I have another bias, .40 in a BHP is wrong to me.

Nine millimeter! Well besides the proven history of BHPs all over the world using it, and who knows what else the 9mm has been fired from…

Nine millimeter is affordable, less perceived recoil and if a PL wants to shoot to practice, only thing less expensive is .22 ammo. Understand, these folks may not have anyone to reload for them, those that do reload, rarely reload 9mm. Remember a lot of folks I dealt with were on a budget, and had various circumstances that many never even concern themselves when making bash or trash statements.

I dare you to talk down to a lady that had hands put where they should not be on her person, had her blouse ripped open, cut, beaten, bruised , that fought literally tooth and nail, escaped, ran half naked for help, bleeding all over the place she is an idiot for using a 9mm.

I double dog dare you to tell this lady that when she recovered, enough, weak arm in a sling, and she bought a 3913, Used Police trade in, worn blue, internally pristine ; she is a real idiot for buying that gun…

If she does not slap you and kick you in the gonads, I will.

That lady ran that gun with arm in a cast and in sling. Can you run your gun chosen from NetNinja Gun Inc?

So she used 9mm Blazer ammo a lot, she was at least out shooting, and not typing about shooting.

Okay you take the tube sock off weak side now. Good Grief Charlie Brown, did you make all that mess by yourself one- handed? Humm, just whom is the physically limited I wonder?

I want to address some other areas next.

Notice: A lot more has been shared in regard to semi-autos than revolvers.
There is a reason revolvers took less to share about, and why they are not obsolete.

Steve

 

[sm]

Part VI

Time to Review.

Student and person sharing have to communicate both ways in regard to Safety. Improvise-Adapt-Overcome is used by student and person(s) sharing - this includes the person sharing using a tube sock to replicate a lower arm missing, sitting in a wheelchair, using a bungie cord to hold a leg up...anything to better understand Safety for the PL.

PL folks are ALWAYS respected, just as one should always respect any student, no matter gender, age, or physical, mental abilities. [just because they cannot do quantum physics does not mean they cannot learn, I only made it College Algebra]

Gun fit to shooter. I do not care if you get sick of hearing this - it is that important.
Includes, not limited to, what fits the shooter hand(s) to safely reach all controls, ability to make safe, do administrative drill, load, unload, platform [revolver or semi] weight of gun, payload of gun [ Rule of 96s] , and then as best can transition from a .22 to a centerfire.
Obvious is the ease of the revolver and how well this platform affords many advantages.

Start slow, keep correct basics and fundamentals a priority along with safety- and having fun to boost self esteem.

Spent cases primer only, primer only Speer Plastic Training bullets and even primer fired wax bullets allow a student to better understand the workings of a gun when moving up from .22 rim-fire.

Reactive targets are great! No pressure of measuring groups, and besides as we say in skeet/ clay games "if it breaks - its broke".

Repeat after me "how may I assist you?" Respect the student and even though you have asked permission to put hands on them, are in sight so they do not have to look for you, being respectful of person and personal space is
what your are supposed to do.

Even if you have to step up and in to assist without having time to ask - previously showing respect is understood and remembered. Student and person sharing have an "Understanding".

I have have PLs step up and touch me, move my body to assist me in replicating something to better assist then. I have also had my fall broken from tumbling out of a wheelchair shooting a shotgun. I have been helped up after much persistence - I tumbled but good out of one. I was determined to figure out something for person in a wheelchair wanting to shoot shotguns.

Now to move more forward.

 

[sm]

Part VII

Moving forward.

Good Grief! Would you please put down the tack hammer trying to open that can of tuna fish one-handed!

Some of you folks just are determined to make things too difficult. Others are too busy trying to keep up with the “Jone’s” or reinvent the “Jone’s” Others are determined to build themselves up by tearing down others.

There is nothing wrong with new and improved, nothing wrong with collections

“I am whole and am not physically limited, what do I care about all this stuff?” I hear from the back row.

Right this moment you are interested or would be not be reading. You may someday get carpal tunnel, get a ganglion cyst, be in a car wreck and lose a body part, end up in a cast, get arthritis, get your shooting hand caught in a car door…

Only absolute I know of: if something takes life – one day it will die.

Physically Limited folks understand how fragile life can be, they seem to better appreciate life, simple and what really matters. When one dies, all that is left is what is left behind. That person teaching them do for themselves, nice lady that held a kid’s day out at a range, or her country property. How about grandpa teaching a grandkid to fish, dad teaching a kid to tie a shoelace…

This forum has run off some of the best persons whom can share so much about so many things. Known trainers that instruct not only military also law enforcement. Some of these also author books, submit articles to SWAT and other informative magazines such as Concealed Carry.

Known gunsmiths, authors of other firearm genre, historians…the list continues. Personally – I do not appreciate folks breathing MY air to run off folks like these and other members with serious questions and needs.

It would really be bad if YOU needed information from someone here on this forum – and the persons most qualified to share were run off by others

Let me get this tuna can opened, one-handed, with a manual can opener so you folks will focus on some upcoming points.

Not that can opener with the butterfly thingie you have to twist!

That older style one, yeah the one you said “eww, this old thing grandparents always had a bunch of”.

Break it down to the simplest level.

The Can Open you are now are looking at looks like a P-38 sort of like the can opener on that Case camp knife, or Swiss Army knife.

One handed, stick this in a corner of a kitchen drawer; use body to friction drawer tight so it will not close. Shove that point into can, notch in that flat of can opener fits onto rim of can as you rock up and down the sharp pointy end of opener. Rotate can as need, and the thin cutting you used, fits under lid that always goes into can.

Humm…not so antiquated, old fashioned, or “old fogies” now is it?
One cannot take for granted they will have electricity and foil containers of tuna fish -or other pull tabbed foods.

Snag a oil can spout, [yeah oil came in cans ]clean it and have it handy when you get your hand in a cast and you are looking at a big can of V8 juice- use the oil can spout to punch a small hole first, then opposite from hole poke it and pour your juice using the spout.

Think out of the box, oil spout don’t know, don’t care if punching Motor oil, V8, Grape or Dehydrated Water. *smirk*.

See what happens when raised with crutches? You fall down if crutches are removed.

Up to this point one should have picked up on something(s) that have been repeated so many times on this board, ranges, and who knows where else.

1. Try before you buy.
PLs especially try out not only firearms, any and everything they use. Yes they listen to others to get information and idea; ultimately they try for FIT to them what works for THEM.

2. PLs know how to do Research, and ask questions. They do searches from which they learn how to ask pertinent questions and how to best get information. Again there is a strong self- reliance nature to PLs folks.

3. It matters not what anyone says, does, or uses, tools must fit user, including firearms.

4. Keep it simple. Simple is good, less is more, and quality trumps quantity
Redundancy is a good thing for any tool, including firearms. Anything can and will break, and often at the worst time – having multiple back-ups that operate the same – is wise.

5. No tool is ever better that user of said tool.
It is the archer not the arrow. Better if one can shoot safely a .22, a .32, .38spl or 9mm and afford quick accurate hits.

6. One cannot buy skill and targets. Can’t buy it- gotta earn it.
These PLs know all too well about earning the abilities to do. Activities of Daily Living [ADLs]

6. To keep it give it away.

7. What comes around – goes around.
You do something for a new student, especially a PL and perhaps someday if you find yourself in a limited situation, you will remember what that PL taught you back when. Maybe, no guarantees in life someone will be there for you.


There is more to responsible firearm ownership than firearms

 

[P-35/53]

I once posted on another gun board how after a n injury to my left hand I was carrying a revolver not a semi - auto . I posted how I felt safer with the revolver's manual of arms and not being able to check the auto and othjer manual of arms type things. Another poster claimed that proper training included things like racking the slide one handed on your belt or clamping your knees on the gun and racking the slide . I had been taught about these things but reserved them for emegencies during a gun fight n ot administrative things. For anyone with disability or injury to one hand a revolver is much easier to use.

 

[Freddymac]

You bring up a lot of good points.

My mother has arthritis and cannot rack the slide of most autos, and the long heavy DA pull of a revolver is not a good option either. But she loves her .380 Beretta with the tip up barrel. It lives in her purse and is always with her. Just because she is a small woman with arthritis does not mean that she cannot protect herself.

 

[10-Ring]

Nice Best thread I've read in a very long time!

 

[sm]

Part VIII

I am no big deal, never was, never will be – I know this better than anyone.

All I can share are my experiences, strengths and hopes.

My role – well perhaps it was defined for me as I was attracted to what I refer to as Mentors & Elders. These folks spoke of “dimensions” – basically, one goes through life changes. Perhaps I have reasons as to why I prefer to do what I do, in the capacity I feel comfortable in doing.

I do my sharing and then suggest folks get better instructions. My role is to do what I can to assist in getting folks what they want, or need.

It makes no difference to me how a person chooses to shoot. What I try to do is find a simple basic something for them, and stay with that one idea. Sensory overload is not good for a new shooter, especially a PL.

I am right handed.
Personally, I grew up doing what is called Weaver. I do not get wrapped around the axle as to how “perfect” and “textbook” I do the Weaver or any “variations of the “Weaver”


Mr. Tom Given’s Book : Fighting Smarter [http://www.rangemaster.com/] (now on CD ) shows a step by step of pretty much what I do. While strong hand gets a firm hold on firearm, weak hand is coming up to abdomen,…etc, that step by step is easy for a PL to understand.

Improvise – Adapt- Overcome.

They can in my experience replicate that with or without prosthesis.

I can do Isosceles if need. Note the word “need” I want to be flexible.
PLs also can “push out” onto target, depends on the student.

When I shoot weak handed,

I cant the gun slightly as I am right eye dominant.

Some PLs have to cant as well, they lost the dominant side, and having to adapt to shoot cross eye dominant. Maybe they have an eye missing – going to bust some other arguments that waste bandwidth around here.

I see no need to get wrapped around the axle and bash and trash these methods - go on and on because you are so hard headed and if you do not shoot a certain method you are an idiot.

Err…I am sure your Ultimate Gun - NetNinja Close Minded Special Model XYZ is going to run if shot back over your head , one handed, port up, port down ….oh, you didn’t check that feature, I am sorry.

Folks I assist with check out guns like this, , and the PLs cannot afford limp-wristing…then again a revolver really does not care, and nor is it so dependent on ammo…

PLs are going to have to adapt for them what works for them. I am open minded to get a basic something for them, they can be learn - I am going for safe basic fundamentals.

Now anyone they attend as I suggest such as Given’s , Ayoob, Awerbuck, Cain…anyone- is better qualified than I to further instruct. The student shows up with correct basics and safety. They can share various other trials and errors I may have shared. The student has a gun that fits, and has practiced with. Again, I have no problem and invite these others more learned than I to share and even fuss at me.

My role was to get them started, and then ship off. I do best can, I make mistakes.

Students, healthy or whole – arrive at various places with instructors with a willing attitude, the ability to listen, ask questions. Never has the student been talked down to, these folks may other methods, preferences, still there is a understanding – especially with PLs, about how important communication and respect is.

We used to have more input about this kind of thing, folks quit posting, Go spend money for a class, and if you want to argue in person – let us know how it goes.​

 

[sm]

Part IX

This is where I shut up - after I share some important points.

--Folks should have guns that allow them to share with new shooters. So instead of selling off for instance a Classic revolver in 32 Cal, to get a newfangled something - keep it.

Go read username Wil Terry and about the 32 , there are others among us here on THR and TFL, you can learn from if you will. 32 in a K frame [Kit Gun] is one heck of a trail gun! One heck of centerfire for new shooters / PL shooters to transition to from a .22 revolver, or start from get go. There are other offerings in 32, one I miss is the J frame, great shooter for CCW.
Other mfg have offerings as well - be they old or new makes.

--Everyone should have a medium frame dedicated .38spl revolver. You never know if are going to get hurt, have a misfortune, or a family member will. Four inch for Home, Snubby for CCW, and 3" are the bees knees.

--Give Back.
Turn off the TV, Get off the Internet, instead of buying some curbfeeler or fuzzy dice for something...

That poor old used Police Trade in, That old plain vanilla .22 semi, brick of .22 ammo, set of kid's Eyes and Ears, Extra set of Adult Eyes and Ears - buy these to have and to give away to a student in need - especially a PL.

Reload? Do up a bunch of primer only for a person to learn on. Donate some primers and Speer Plastic Training Bullets.

Got a $5 bill in the way, get a box of Blazer ammo in 9mm for someone.

Cannot do much, broke college student? Volunteer to be a range buddy or asisst at the range.

You have a closet full of gun cleaning junk, and thinking about buying more? Don't, not yet. Find out what a PL can use, needs. Got a gun club around, see what the new shooters could use. I am partial to ladies in need, especially the ones with kids. Good grief, a carton of BBs for a kid to shoot with an adult while mom gets lessons - just do it and then look me in the eye and tell me with a straight face you hated it. You will lying through your teeth.

--Thinking about ordering a book, get an extra.

--Got holster drawer? See if someone needs something.

--Use the search function.

--Go to these sites for information on guns and ladies perspectives for starters

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/

http://www.corneredcat.com/

Now I am not the only one that has assited with folks with Physical Limitations. I invite these to share.

This Entire Thread is Dedicated To a Special Young Lady I have never met.

Extended to others with Physical Limits.

I am grateful for folks such as yourselves that have shared and continue to share in order to teach me.

Regards,

Steve

 

[ugaarguy]

WOW

Steve, WOW, incredible thread. Thanks for sharing the info and experience. You are truly a great person devoting so much of your life to helping your fellow man - God Bless You.