Another age milestone reached-shooting related

[smle-man]

I took my M1 rifle to the range today for the first time in about a year. Temperature was in the mid 40s with a fair breeze blowing directly face on.

Between my recent rotator cuff surgery, advancing degenerative arthritis, Lupus, and Rheumatoid arthritis, I found it just about impossible to load the rifle one handed as I always had done before. The cold sure didn't help. I ended up having to use two hands to shove the clip in far enough for it to lock. How embarrassing.

I'll be 65 in 2.5 months and once again never thought I'd be to the point where I can't do something physical. I never thought I wouldn't be able to load an M1 rifle. This may have been its last outing. At least I got in the X ring at 100 yds with LC 69 ball which is an accomplishment in itself! I was also able to hit steel at 200 and scare it at 550 yards.

On the good side, shooting my heavy barrel AR-15 was no problem for me. Does that mean I can get a doctor's note to be excused from oncoming AR bans and restrictions due to age and infirmity ?

[damon1272]

[smle-man]

I'm so old, I saw it first run at the movie theater!

[71MUSTY]

I'm so old, I saw it first run at the movie theater!

Yeah, me too, perhaps some low resistance exercises for your arm??

I know I hate exercise too.

[JohnnyMtn]

[BigPimping]

I just developed adhesive capsulitis in my right shoulder. They tell me it's going to go away, but I don't know how it's going to affect my shooting of long arms in the future.

[smle-man]

Yeah, me too, perhaps some low resistance exercises for your arm??

I know I hate exercise too.

Yes, I'm doing them now. I'm lazy but force myself to do them.

I guess age requires adjustments. I started wearing a shoulder magnum recoil thingie that is a nuisance but it is helping ease the discomfort on the shoulder surgery from .30 recoil.

My next outing will be with the FAL. The M1A was ok to handle so hopefully the FAL will be.

[BrassCase]

Logan's Run is a fairly new movie, didn't it come out in the late 70's?

[smle-man]

Logan's Run is a fairly new movie, didn't it come out in the late 70's?

Anything from the 70s seems new to me!

[AregularGuy]

I just developed adhesive capsulitis in my right shoulder. They tell me it's going to go away, but I don't know how it's going to affect my shooting of long arms in the future.

Adhesive capsulitis should resolve, eventually. It can take up to a year to a year and a half. While painful in the beginning, the pain should subside and the shoulder just stiff. Then eventually stiffness resolves. Keep after it with consistent stretching and your shooting should not suffer in the long run.

Yes, I'm doing them now. I'm lazy but force myself to do them.

I guess age requires adjustments. I started wearing a shoulder magnum recoil thingie that is a nuisance but it is helping ease the discomfort on the shoulder surgery from .30 recoil.

My next outing will be with the FAL. The M1A was ok to handle so hopefully the FAL will be.

I would expect the Lupus and RA to have the most effect on your hands and hand strength. Exercise can help but think "joint preservation" and do not downplay any flare ups - these can destroy your joints if not managed. There are a lot of new meds out there, "biologics" that may help control flare ups. a general, light conditioning routine, walking, flexibility and stretching regimen can help. Best of luck OP.