Handguns and Upper Body Strength?

[thatryan]

Greetings all,

New here, looking to purchase a handgun and am doing research first. I had not shot anything in probably 20 years, since deer hunting as a kid, had a .357 magnum, (with .38 special rounds though) back then.

To be honest I have a type of muscular dystrophy that really causes me to not have much upper body strength. I am wondering what are some thoughts on that? Is it required to be strong in the arms to fire a weapon properly and safely?

I actually went to a range and rented a Glock 17 9mm yesterday, first time shooting in a while, and only fired maybe 30 rounds my arms were sore and exhausted. Hands got a bit sweaty too, nerves I am sure had an impact on that. Also took a few casings to the top of my head, which after reading I learned can be a symptom of "limp wrist" which makes sense as I don't think I was holding anything properly.

Anyways, really just looking for some input and chatter on thoughts from those of you who fire regularly.

Thank you for your time!

[whipkiller]

I know that when I haven't shot in awhile I start out less relaxed than if I've been shooting regularly. Unnecessary muscle tension = fatigue.

I think upper body strength helps, but proper technique (and being able to relax) is more important.

[fighterpilot562]

Try a .22 and go from there. Also you need to learn to properly shoot a handgun. You can go to training for that, youtube can also help.

[DVSmith]

Try a .22 and go from there. Also you need to learn to properly shoot a handgun. You can go to training for that, youtube can also help.

This is a good piece of advice. Don't try to deal with fatigue and fundamentals at the same time. Get the fundamentals back in place and then shoot larger calibers as you feel up to it.

If you have a doctor or physical therapist, talk to them about exercises. I did that with a torn rotator cuff that was causing me pain while shooting and the exercises that were prescribed really helped.

[CenterX]

Some guns are better balanced than others.

Wear a hat when shooting a semi-auto, limp wrist or not some semi-autos eject that way. - back into the shooter or up to the ceiling and down on the shooter.

I suggest a revolver with a grip that feels right for your hands, and a ported/compensated barrel. The porting will reduce the muzzle flip and increase comfort. If shooting at night you will have some blinding effect from the flash. If you tag the BG then the first shot is good enough - your vision will return to normal in a while. I've had 80lb women shoot a 6" ported 44mag with good results. Ported 357 in 4" are available, but you got to look around. Ask an FFL on here for help.

What part of California you hail from?

Best of luck to you.

[Untamed1972]

I think upper body strength and fatigue are more of an issue during training/practice then they would be during a self-defense incident (assuming you have good fundamentals already) because in an SD situation you're prolly only shooting for a few seconds or even just a couple of shots and you're adeneline will be pumping.

Where repeated movement, or holding the gun up in a shooting position during practice over a longer period of time brings about fatigue and eye strain. I've heard it recommended before that you should only practice as long as you can maintain your good fundamentals. Even for dry practice at home it's recommended to only go for 10-15min at a time.

[thatryan]

Oh excellent advice, thank you all.

It did not even occur to me to start with a .22 to get the "basics" down, that is a very good point.

@CenterX I am in Bay Area, you around here?

[whipkiller]

Oh excellent advice, thank you all.

It did not even occur to me to start with a .22 to get the "basics" down, that is a very good point.

@CenterX I am in Bay Area, you around here?

That's very good advice, and the upside is that no matter how good you get you don't outgrow it.

A .22 (or three) is still loads of fun for very little ammo cost.

[sammy]

I am sorry to hear about your disability. New shooters find it exhausting most of the time. Shooting is unnatural, loud flash bang+flinch and stress. A .22 is probably the way to go. If you would like help learning the basics look me up. I am at USI most weekends and will be there this weekend too. PM me if interested, Sammy

[tyrist]

There were some small females when I was in training who struggled to pull a double action trigger on a beretta 92fs. You might have some trouble however there are tons of mechanical devices you could use to assist you.

[jemrey81]

Not sure what the funding is like, but if I wanted a light-weight gun with low recoil and is really accurate, I would buy the FN57 (five seven).... But like others have stated, a .22 is great any day and ammo is always available at great prices

[thatryan]

I am at USI most weekends and will be there this weekend too. PM me if interested, Sammy

Wow, I just googled USI Concord and I live nearly up the road, off Port Chicago, never even knew it was there! Sweet, I would love to take you up on that, would be great to go over things with someone knowledgable.

I went to Centermass in Vacaville the other day to rent a gun, does not look like USI does that, so will probably have to wait until I buy one.

Thank you for the offer.

[voiceofreason]

I'd recommend avoiding porting on a defensive gun for numerous reasons. Far more likely to hurt you than the little bit of muzzle flip reduction.

+1 on training

avoid semis that are susceptible to limp wristing