Pain after shooting

[fatelk]

The last few times I've gone shooting I've had some lingering soreness in my shooting hand for a couple days. I don't recall having experienced this before. I don't shoot a lot, and very little big magnums.

The last time out was maybe 30 rounds of .45 Colt, half a box of .45 acp, a partial box of 9mm and 9mm Mak. I'm starting to wonder if I'm falling apart in my old age, and I'm still on the younger side of middle-aged. Anyone else have this trouble?

[country gent]

Have you done alot of reptitive hand work in your carreer? Alot of assembly, hand work ( fitting filing scraping), typing or computer work? Are you having any numbness in your hand? It may be the start of corpral tunnel in the wrists.

[Beagle333]

Not yet. I'm 51 and can shoot pretty much all I want, pain free. I hope I don't start getting sensitive just yet, I'm still on the waiting list for a Ruger .480 SBH! :coffeecom

[tazman]

I only get that pain after an afternoon of 44 mag loads. I have had this problem for a couple of decades. 357 mag or under and I'm fine. 44mag or heavy 45 colt and I'm sore.
I would claim arthritis except it was happening before I got it.
I guess I just can't take the high recoil.

[Leadmelter]

Ditto one carpal tunnel. The other problem could be related to your cervical spine when you extended your arm(s) to shoot.
Find a good neurologist to check you out. Or try using a shooting glove, or change grips.
Leadmelter

[GSM]

Soreness happens. As mentioned in the other posts, if you push a mouse or work with your hands, it might be something else contributing.

If you end up with a physical twitch or tremor in the fingers after a session, it might be time to move on to 38's and 22's.


38's and 22's (before the the hoarding) are fun and I can write somewhat legibly after a session.

[warf73]

IF it’s not the dreaded carpal tunnel, you can strengthen your hand and forearm with hand squeezers they come in different resistances. This is the kind I'm talking about http://www.amazon.com/Strengthener-Adjustable-Exerciser--Resistance-Range/dp/B00R5OL3HS/ref=sr_1_4?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1442647765&sr=1-4 it's ajustable from 22lbs to 88lbs, BUT if it's carpal tunnel all this exercise will do is make it worse.

[smokeywolf]

That's called arthritis, and if you're not sore the day after shooting, you're either on the near side of 50 or didn't shoot much.

Shattered a batch of carpel bones in my youth. When I was 50 years old the orthopedic surgeon told me that with the amount of arthritis, my wrist looked like it belonged to a 70 year old.

I'm 60 now; that means my wrist is over 80.

[Teddy (punchie)]

IF it’s not the dreaded carpal tunnel, you can strengthen your hand and forearm with hand squeezers they come in different resistances. This is the kind I'm talking about http://www.amazon.com/Strengthener-Adjustable-Exerciser--Resistance-Range/dp/B00R5OL3HS/ref=sr_1_4?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1442647765&sr=1-4 it's ajustable from 22lbs to 88lbs, BUT if it's carpal tunnel all this exercise will do is make it worse.

Not sure but I'm thinking the same way. Ever here of anyone that milked cows have carpel? I'm not talking about a dairy farmer, I found that they don't hand milk cows very well. They let the machine do it. Every farm girl, guy that I know that milked cows by hand by gallons, not a gallon here or there, like two, three or more cows a day have not found any that have had carpel.

[randyrat]

See a doctor if you can afford it.. There is a lot to be said about Carpel and the doctors make so dang much off it, I doubt there will ever be a cure for it except surgery. It could be the start of Carpel TS. OR it could be the start of Arthritis. Either one don't stop what you are doing, won't help either problem.
Warm up a bit before shooting, stretch, wear a shooting glove, you'll be a better shot and more comfortable.

[13Echo]

You might follow my little brother's, the orthopoedic surgeon, advice, "Does it hurt when you do that? Then don't do that."

Jerry Liles

[opos]

I'm 78 and have learned I can't shoot near as much as I could before (in one session)...Not only the hands and wrists but my back and legs get tired....I've taken to "mixing" things up...I'll shoot a bit of handgun "offhand" and then sit and shoot off a rest for a while..then maybe shoot a little round of some fairly tame rifle....Main thing with me is when I get tired..time to take a break or stop and go do something else..but in no hurry these days so it doesn't matter.

I was loading yesterday...45acp..I load slow and simple with a single stage and I weigh charges...took most of the morning to do 100 rounds...and I was tired at the end...If I shoot that 100 rounds in 2 sessions at the range it will be fine with me...no hurry.

[EMC45]

I have CTS in my wrists, but just try to keep them stretched and flexible. The VA wanted to cut on me, but I said no. I get tennis elbow in both elbows and that is painful. My right elbow got it real bad a few years back after an extended session with my 7.5 .44 mag SBH and 429-421s over 18gr of 2400. I was gearing up for a possible handgun deer hunt and it took its toll. The left elbow normally gets it from raking or weedeating.

[Silver Jack Hammer]

My hand hurts when I take my new alloy Commander .45 shooting. I had to go to a lighter 1911 for duty carry after 30 years on the job as a peace office my beloved steel Series 70 was too much weight on my back. I had a nice 5" alloy .45, then after a little "dust up" in town my alloy 1911 5" bbl. had to go into evidence. I got an alloy Commander. This one hurts my hand after a short shooting session. I just ordered a Smith & Wesson Model 14 .38 6" for paper punching.

[ole 5 hole group]

I'm older than the OP but younger than opos by a couple years - having said that, just get use to the discomfort, as it comes to everyone at some point in their life. I think you are just one of the unlucky ones. My shooting discomfort started about 10 months ago and there will be no let-up unless I quite shooting the heavies - that day will come I'm sure.

I've had friends who experienced discomfort with hot 44 mag loads and even 45 ACP commercial hardball loads, after shooting off and on for only 5 to 10 years - they were in their early 40's and most just quite shooting except for the occasional outing with 38 Special wadcutters or the 22lr. I felt sorry for them, as they lost an enjoyable activity with a lot of friends. I would suggest you shoot a handgun that doesn't cause you much, if any, discomfort and keep your shooting activities active & enjoyable.

[Blackwater]

One other possibility that hasn't been mentioned is a bone spur in your wrists or some joint in the hand. I have a friend who used to think a .243 kicked. Found out years later he had a bone spur in his shoulder. Got it fixed, and it's much better, but he still doesn't like recoil. It seems he got rather too well conditioned before the surgery, but it's awfully good that the pain's gone now. Not as likely as some of the above possibilities, but not out of the question, either. FWIW?

[Wally]

I used to have that problem. I started using dumbbells and would/am doing 225 a day,each arm...I now use 23 lbs curling with my elbows on a rest. Probably best to start up with less weigh then work your way up. It worked wonders. No more sore wrists; apparently it tones ones writs & arms. Before using the weights I thought for sure that I had carpal tunnel syndrome... Figure it'll take a few weeks to be effective. I was in my mid 50's when this started to be a problem--I am now 65.

[fatelk]

I do have a doctor appointment this week, annual physical but I'm going to ask about this too. It's really more of a lingering soreness or bruising of the palm below the thumb down maybe to the wrist. I have some minor arthritis in my thumb from a very old injury. I'm hoping it's something that can be improved with some exercises or something. I'm too young to feel this old. Sometimes I think I'm a bit too hypochondriac.

Speaking of that, I didn't even know what "hypochondriac" meant until a few years ago, when a friend suggested I might be one. Not knowing what it was, I was immediately concerned, borderline panicked. "Is that a disease?" I asked, "Could I really have it? Is it fatal?!?" :)

[Walla2]

Try a padded bicycle glove. Very similar to a shooting glove but only about $13.00. Solved my similar problem. Protects the nerves in the hand.

[tazman]

Try a padded bicycle glove. Very similar to a shooting glove but only about $13.00. Solved my similar problem. Protects the nerves in the hand.

Excellent idea. I ride bikes and didn't even think of that.[smilie=b:

[fatelk]

Yes, I definitely will try a glove next time I go to the range. Thanks!

[fatelk]

Well I did a little searching and researching as maybe I should have done before starting this thread, and find a lot more of much the same as you all are telling me. Looks like it's a pretty common thing.

I have to wonder if I haven't caused some damage over the years to my wrist and hand by shooting full-power .44 Mag loads. I don't shoot a lot of them- a couple hundred rounds a year perhaps- but that adds up to a lot over a quarter century. How do you all that shoot competition with big guns deal with it? From all I read it seems the recoil impact can cause noticeable joint and nerve damage over the years. I sure don't want that.

The worst recoiling handguns I ever shot were 1. a S&W 329 (2 rounds), and 2. a Ruger .480 (6 rounds). Both of those guns like to have broke my hand. I honestly have no interest in ever seeing either one ever again. If you can shoot either one of those without regretting it at least a little, you are an iron man a lot tougher than I, and you have my respect!

I even shot a .500 S&W that wasn't near as bad, because of the weight of course.

[Blackwater]

Fatelk, are you shooting a S&W? If so, those definitely transmit recoil in a more straight back manner, thus making for more impact on the wrist. In comparison, a Ruger SA kind'a "rolls" as they say in the hand, and transmits more of a glancing type blow. Many don't like the SA's because they require a very consistent and firm grip to really get good and consistent accuracy with, whereas the S&W's seem less picky in comparison about how they're gripped. If you're shooting a S&W, you might want to at least try a SA, like a Ruger SB. I once sold all my centerfire handguns and got a 6" S&W with the intent of making that my one CF handgun. This turned out not to be one of my better ideas, because with full loads, it hurt my wrist. Don't know if it was a bone spur, or what, but it wasn't pleasant to shoot more than a cylinder full of full loads, so I pooched my lips out, sold it, went back to the Ruger, and never looked back. I can and have shot 300-350 rds. in a single day of full loads in my Ruger, and it doesn't hurt even after that many rounds.

Don't know if this might be useful or not, but if you have a friend with a Ruger or other good SA, you might want to give it a try. Shooting is always full of surprises, and SOME of them are even GOOD ones every now and then.

[fatelk]

For revolvers I have mostly S&Ws, but what I was shooting last time when I really noticed it was an old Uberti single action '75 in .45 Colt.

I've shot Rugers, but never owned a Ruger revolver. I got it into my mind decades ago that S&W was the way to go so that's what I've always had. At this point in my life (family obligations, finances) I'm done buying or selling anything for the foreseeable future. Definitely the buying part, hopefully won't need to sell anything anytime soon.

[W.R.Buchanan]

FE: Smith Revolvers are definitely harder on your hands than a Ruger Bisley. The 329 with Magnum loads are even worse as the gun only weighs 26 oz as opposed to 50 oz for my SBH Bisley. They are great guns with reduced .44 Special loads and are light enough to carry everywhere, but with heavy loads they are brutal. I was lucky enough to shoot one before I was going to buy it. I made it thru a whole cylinder full and then decided NOT!.

The Ruger Bisley grip is the best out there for dealing with heavy recoil as it spreads the impulse out over a larger surface area in the heel of your hand. Smiths hit you in the web of the hand and there simply isn't as much meat there to cushion the blow.

The heaviest recoiling Revolvers out there are made by this guy. Note they are made out of Ruger SBH Bisleys. www.customsixguns.com Just watch the video on the home page,,, it will pretty much tell the story.

Randy

[gnostic]

I had to stop shooting 300gr bullets out of my 44 magnum revolvers, because they left my fingers numb for weeks...

[ole 5 hole group]

Like I said in a previous post - you are just one of the unlucky ones - some shooters just have the muscle structure that is not conducive to continuous heavy recoil - doesn't matter if it's a handgun or an air-hammer. Just find your sweet-spot and stay in the game.

[9.3X62AL]

This problem is by no means a new development. Even a hand-cannon fanatic like Elmer Keith advised against over-exposure to magnum handgun recoil, and wrote of limiting himself to 500 rounds per year of his favored 44 Magnum loading. We should note that "his" load--a #429421 clipping along at 1200 FPS ("1200 FPS is all you need") is not a high-order combination when compared to some of the wrist-wrenchers being run currently. If a tough old hombre like Mr. Keith advises moderation in recoil exposure, such a warning might be worth following. Some of us--self included--grow too soon old and too late smart.

[Walkingwolf]

I would suggest a visit to a doctor. Then based on his recommendation you may have to adjust your shooting. Personally I do not have the problem, but then I do very little shooting with top end loads. Just enough to be accustomed to the difference, the rest of my shooting is with mild loads. I shoot daily with no problems. Occasionally when working up SD loads I push the limit, but still no pain, guessing that is because the joints have not been stressed on a continual basis.

[cajun shooter]

Being that you are on this site, I can guess that you both cast and reload your own ammo. I would suggest two things that I 've used on former students of mine. I was a Police Firearms Instructor from the FBI Firearms Instructor class and a certified armorer for S&W, Ruger, Sig, Glock, Ithaca and Remington.
The posting by Blackwater was correct in saying that a SA revolver is much more friendly in recoil than the DA style revolvers. There is more to it than just this though. During my training years the very first thing that new recruits were taught were the firearm nomenclature and then the proper grip. You would be surprised at how many people said they were handgun shooters and when asked to demonstrate the position that they used, almost everyone of them used an improper grip.
I had one person just a few years ago at a cowboy shooting match ask me what he was doing wrong and when I went to correct his grip, he went to pieces telling me that he had been shooting for 40 years and knew how to hold a gun. I just walked away rather than argue. Remember that the use of constructive criticism is a positive thing and not a belittling of you.
When shooting a DA revolver, the proper grip starts with the web of the hand should be at the very top of the back strap. Most shooters hold the revolver in a lower position to where you can see the upper part of the top strap. The single action should be held firm but not so tight that it will not be allowed to rotate in an upward movement of the barrel when fired. The recoil on the SA is more of a gentle push than the hard to the rear recoil felt with revolvers of the DA design.
A good reduced load that I shot for years in all of my 44 mag, 41 mag, 45 Colt, 44wcf was a 200 gr. bullet loaded over 8 gr. of Unique . It's very accurate and fun to shoot.
Try the grip position out if you are not using it along with some reduced loads and get a few more years in.
Remember we adjust, adapt and overcome. Take care David

[9.3X62AL]

COMPLETE agreement with what Cajun Shooter posted just above. That little protrusion at the top of the top strap is called a "recoil hump", and is intended to be a rest point for the thumb/forefinger web. The critical element of this positioning comes into play most notably in double-action firing, and the recoil hump provides a firm and certain foundation for the index finger's trigger stroke initiation and completion.

[Geezer in NH]

It's called arthritis. Join the crowed it started for me at 35 years old. Debilitated me to retire from my job as a FF/investigator. Hands first neck back hips knees and feet by 49.

Many drugs treatments did not help turns out it was NOT rheumatoid but osteo.

Celebrex has been best at first 400mg a day now 200 in the morning. Keep up shooting and fine hand works if you stop it will get worse.

I am now 63 and can move and do some fine handwork but will ache for a few days. My diabetes has done much worse to me including eye problems. I am glad to live now for this as 50 years ago I would be blind first then dead.

My diabetes is inherited and was uncontrolled for a minimum of 7 years by my former incompetent family physician. My NEW dr. has me under control with an A1C of 6.00. Retinal specialist has my right eye at a constant 20/25 since drug and laser therapy. My left is also 20/25 with some drug and laser and is in progress. Not bad per them but I was 20/15 before.

Always question your DR's opinion IMHO.

For S&G shoot more 38 spl target loads paper does not need much energy.

[Green Monster]

Are you stretching or trying to use the muscles prior to shooting? Im not as "experienced" (old) as many of you guys but if i intend on shooting i try and keep the muscles in good fit shape. If you go from lifting a tv remote one day to 44mag the next you might be a little tender after. Just try small things you can include in you daily routine. Stairs-small 5-10lb weights in the am- stretching daily can help too

[bedbugbilly]

I've had carpal tunnel surgery probably close to 30 or so years ago. If it is carpal tunnel syndrome, you'll know it as it will get worse over time. I worked with my hands - lots of repetitive work handling lumber, tools, etc. I've also had around 8 "trigger finger releases" - this is where you finger bend and then "lock" in that position. In my case, my diabetes was a contributing factor. Today's surgery for carpel tunnel is much different than it was many years ago and the recovery time is way less. Regardless . . . get it checked out if you can.

I've never had a problem after I had the surgery for CT. I'm older o I do get aches and pains - especially after a lot of shooting and I even notice it after using my loading presses for several hours. Goes with the territory I guess. As mentioned, a good pair of shooting gloves may help, especially on the hotter cartridges. Good luck to yu . . . no fun when the aches and pains get in the way of having fun!

[fatelk]

Well the Dr. wasn't too concerned, said my minor aches and pains were pretty normal as the old body passes that 4-0 mile marker, and not necessarily indicative of anything like arthritis, CTS, etc.. He didn't see or hear anything that made him suspicious, but said he'd add it to the blood work just to make sure. Even my funky thumb joint isn't necessarily arthritic, it just acts a little weird because it got crushed as a kid.

I'm a little relieved that my worry appears misplaced. As to the hand pain, clearly somethings different but at this point it's pretty minor and barely noticeable. I'll try some hand exercises and gloves, limit the full-power .44 magnums (as much as I love my model 29s), and not stress about scary stuff without reason.

As an aside, we know a little about arthritis here. My 9yo son has had severe arthritis affecting many joints and an eye since he was three. The medication controls it well, but it's some heavy duty expensive meds.

[Bill*B]

I had to give up on a .480 Alaskan - it's the only pistol I ever owned that stripped the skin right off the web of my hand. Even after changing grips, and wearing a bicycle glove, it was too much for me. A dozen shots and I'd have a dandy bruise. Ah, the indignity of advancing age! Nowadays, if I need more than a Sig P220 can give, I'll reach for a rifle.

[tazman]

I had to give up on a .480 Alaskan - it's the only pistol I ever owned that stripped the skin right off the web of my hand. Even after changing grips, and wearing a bicycle glove, it was too much for me. A dozen shots and I'd have a dandy bruise. Ah, the indignity of advancing age! Nowadays, if I need more than a Sig P220 can give, I'll reach for a rifle.

I hear that. I had my lesson given to me by a RBH in 44 mag. I ended up giving away the last 30 rounds in the box because I couldn't bring myself to shoot them. It took me 2 weeks to heal up from the first 20 rounds.

[44man]

I am near 78 and still love the .500 JRH above all. 440 gr at 1350 fps.
"Roll" has done a lot of damage to shooters. You must hold any gun tight. Let it raise your arms instead of pounding you. A handgun is like holding a 12 GA away from your shoulder. Keep it tight. Your body should roll, not the gun.
Look at the steel shooters, veins bulge with an ACP. Going to a Bisley will not help either. Might be the worst for a big caliber, puts it all in you instead or raising your arms.

[Char-Gar]

That's called arthritis, and if you're not sore the day after shooting, you're either on the near side of 50 or didn't shoot much.

Shattered a batch of carpel bones in my youth. When I was 50 years old the orthopedic surgeon told me that with the amount of arthritis, my wrist looked like it belonged to a 70 year old.

I'm 60 now; that means my wrist is over 80.

That is the absolute truth. Shooting heavy recoiling handgun will do a number or your hand, which will turn to arthritis sooner or later. If you have don't other "insults" to you hand, it will be sooner.

The OP is in the place that most of us get to as we get older. It will get to the point that even holding a coffee cup can be challenging. I no longer shoot heavy recoil handguns, and wish I had quite much sooner than I did.

The OP is getting a warning now, whether he takes it as such remains to be seen. Inflammation of the joints (arthritis), does tend to have genetic connection, that is why some folks have trouble and others do not. Actual deterioration of the bone surfaces of the joints comes later and one that happens, there is no going back. A word to the wise.

[44man]

Genetics is important. But so is mindset. I REFUSE to give in.
But look at very young children with cancer. What went wrong? Some smoke and live to be over 100 while others die at 30.
I eat only real butter and lots of fat. Tons of sour cream too. Bacon means 1/2# to start. Beef without fat is dull.
All my friends with problems are always in the hospital or at the doctors and take a ton of pills that will kill them. You are a money pit. Once they cut you are lost.
i would rather have an Indian medicine man then a quack-quack.

[tazman]

44man---
Obviously you have been blessed with excellent health over the years. I hope it continues for you. I have friends and neighbors who have not been so lucky. I have a neighbor who smokes like a chimney and drinks like a fish. He is as healthy as it is possible for 70 year old man to be. His wife(64 years old) recently died of lung cancer. She got it from second hand smoke.
Everyone is different and has different capabilities. I have also been lucky in the health department. As I get older I can see the capabilities I once had going slowly away.
Part of the luck is to follow the rule of"if it hurts, don't do that" at least to excess.
Since I can't shoot high recoiling handguns enough to properly learn the correct control, I won't shoot them at all. I shoot the ones that don't hurt on my end but still will kill on the other.

[fatelk]

When you're young you're invincible, you're going to live forever and taking care of your body so you can walk when you're 70 isn't typically high in your mind.

I had my big scare nearly a decade ago, with the big "C". Now I much more open to heeding warnings. I'm not going to sell my .44 mags and shoot only .22s (just like I'm not going to trade in my truck for a golf cart), but they will likely be seeing much more limited and careful use.

[44man]

yes, we lose a lot with age. However doctors lose money if you have health, they will find something to feed you pills for.
Cancer and a heart attack needs them for sure but if you go in for a splinter and they tell you you need BP medicine or you eat too much fat and need another pill. Just refuse them.
I needed allergy shots but that is different, it just makes your immune system come on line. The shots are made from pollen not some medicine. People take Clariton, etc. It is a mask, not a cure.
I have been retired from the airline for many, many years. I have not been sick a single day since I got away from the germs. Planes are a cesspool of the earth.

[Blackwater]

Fatelk, that "much more limited use" is what was once called "good judgment." Why not keep your hand in and stay well practiced by just using a lighter bullet and faster powder, and finding a good, accurate lighter load. We don't HAVE to shoot full loads ALL the time. And funny thing is, the lighter loads do an awful good job of killing whatever I've found to shoot at, too. A buddy once put a 245 gr. Keith bullet from a 4" 624 S&W clean through a nice buck from stem to stern with 7.5 gr. Unique in his .44 Special, and has taken literal semi truck loads of game with the .45 LC. Loads in .44 that emulate that level of power will do the same thing, and without all the pain, too. They're mainly just not as good at longer ranges, but inside 100, they'll do fine, and actually make it a little easier to place them well, which is the main thing with a handgun, of course.

Those lighter loads let many of us old timers keep our hand in with our favorite old big guns, and keep us out'a trouble, and like Snuffy Smiff said, "Out's jail!" Like John Wayne said in "The Shootist" when told he wouldn't pull the trigger on the Shriff, "What'd stop me? Fear of dying?" Once we get past that lil' detail, we find ourselves free in many ways we couldn't have been back when we were younger. Funny how that works, ain't it? And we may be gettin' older, but if those lighter loads don't quite stop an aggressor, we're still at least strong enough and tough enough to pull a trigger SEVERAL times without getting worn out! HAR! Funny how all that works, ain't it?

[fatelk]

I totally understand your logic there, and I will shoot some lighter loads on occasion, but I have no interest in hunting and have other guns I'd use it I ever needed to defend myself. I have guns mostly because they interest me, and I shoot just for fun.

I also have other guns to shoot, smaller calibers and such. Sometimes I just like to shoot the .44 the way it's supposed to be shot, just because. On the other hand, I have a family to raise and finances are tight, so I might just drop my gun club membership, get rid of a bunch of guns and gear, and focus on more important things for a few years. I've been thinking about this for a while now and am seriously thinking that maybe this is what I should do.

[44man]

I totally understand your logic there, and I will shoot some lighter loads on occasion, but I have no interest in hunting and have other guns I'd use it I ever needed to defend myself. I have guns mostly because they interest me, and I shoot just for fun.

I also have other guns to shoot, smaller calibers and such. Sometimes I just like to shoot the .44 the way it's supposed to be shot, just because. On the other hand, I have a family to raise and finances are tight, so I might just drop my gun club membership, get rid of a bunch of guns and gear, and focus on more important things for a few years. I've been thinking about this for a while now and am seriously thinking that maybe this is what I should do.
Don't do that! Blackwater makes a good point. I live on SS and had to sell too much to get things for hunting since paper means little to me.
Stay with us and keep shooting. Family and life comes first and I understand. Maybe you should hunt to help feed your family for a year, when if you sell a gun, you might feed for a few days.
Please stay!