Recoil Charts

I have had a few people with disabilities ask me about recoil and how I handle it. I thought it would be a good idea to post a couple of recoil charts so that you could match the right rifle or shotgun load to your ability and adapted setup.

Fortunately the brace I have absorbs a great deal of the recoil from a shotgun or rifle. I receive no impact on my shoulder at all. The front of the weapon does rise up with a shot because I'm unable to hold the weapon. When I shoot my crossbow there is no recoil at all.

The shotguns that I use I limit to two and three-quarter inch shells. I do not shoot 3 inch or 3 1/2 inch magnum loads.  I prefer a .243 rifle or .223, but I do shoot a .270 occasionally. For target shooting I still enjoy the air rifle and the 22 LR.

It's up to every hunter to ensure a quick and clean kill. Able bodied individuals or a para may have the ability to hold a rifle or shotgun, better than myself. Being a c4/c5 quad my weapon sits in a brace. My preferred method of hunting is my crossbow. But when I rifle hunt I do it mostly with a .243 and I have been very fortunate that I have not lost a deer with that rifle.

A well-placed shot will bring down a deer every time and a marginal shot may lead to a lost deer no matter what caliber or broadhead you are using. I posted the chart so that everyone has the right information to make a decision on their own. If you want to use a larger caliber I think that's great, if you prefer something a little lighter that's great too. The important thing is we shoot within our abilities, we owe it to the game we pursue to ensure a ethical clean kill. Shoot straight and good luck in all you do.

Recoil By Caliber

Recoil by Recoil Energy

Air Pistol 2012 Paralympic's

Eric Hollen Set to Compete in Air Pistol to Begin Paralympic Games : The Outdoor Wire

Good luck Eric Hollen and TEAM USA , as you compete for gold in this years Olympics ! I have two friends who won gold at the veterans games in air rifle this year in Pittsburgh Pa. It seems these wounded warriors can still put some lead on target down range.

DPMS AR-15 5.56

With the recent shootings I am sure there will be new calls to ban "assault" rifles like this AR-15.  It's my opinion that this rifle is just like any other weapon, its an object....

The rifle is not the problem, it's the person behind the weapon we need to be aware of....  Increase funding for mental health services and counseling.  Try to identify the people at risk for this type of behavior and provide increased security.

If your state has a concealed carry law, get the proper training, spend the time at the range and get the license to protect your family and those around you.

Range Cards

I always want to be the best marksman that I can be, we owe it to the game animals we pursue. It takes a lot of practice to become a proficient shooter and it also takes having the right information.

Shooting is a science. Using a range card will not make you the next Carlos Hathcock but it will improve your shooting. Create a range card for each rifle you shoot and that specific round of ammunition.

This year when you are at the rifle range sighting in your rile, use your laser rangefinder in conjunction with your range card. Then when you get to the deer stand use the laser rangefinder again and compare the data. When the time comes to make that shot on your trophy animal, you should have all the data you need to make the shot.

Here is a excellent example of a range card in use.

WPA Wounded Warrior shoot

I thought I would post my index card targets in case you are not familiar with a Ham and Bacon shoot.  These are from the www.wpawoundedwarrior.org  shoot this past Sunday. 

I came close on target number one (closest to the X) but only put 3 bb's in the circle for shoot number two (most bb's in the circle).  I didn't win any ham or bacon but had so much fun supporting a great cause.  Not to bad shooting for 30 yards either...

Spotting Scope

BARSKA® Colorado Waterproof Spotting Scope

• Variable zoom magnification
• Fold-down eyecups
• O-ring-sealed construction and nitrogen purged
• Rubber-armored body
• 20 - 60 x 60mm

The Colorado merges rugged durability with fully coated optics for bright, crisp images and high-definition color contrast at higher powers compared to other scopes in this price range. Lock on to your subject then zoom in for greater detail using the variable zoom magnification. Fold-down eyecups ensure adequate eye relief. Scope features O-ring-sealed construction and is nitrogen purged for waterproof, fogproof integrity. Rubber-armored body and attached lens cover adds protection. Smooth-focusing knob for microadjustments. Includes panhead tripod and soft carry case. Manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty.

 

I picked up this spotting scope on sale and love it.  It looks great and provides a clear view of the targets down range.  Fairbank Rod and Gun Club has a 200 yard rifle range.  I can't wait to try it out there.

Target Shooting

Here is Jenny Addis from Wisconsin sending some lead down range.  She has not tried hunting yet but said shooting was one of the best experiences she has had in a wheelchair.  Jenny also enjoys shooting a crossbow.

With the right equipment we can all enjoy the shooting sports.  Having a disability does not mean we can not be on target !  Way to go Jenny, keep shooting straight.

The Camo is Finished

Adam finished the camo spray paint on the mossberg.  He remounted the scope so its all ready to sight in one day next week.  This gun mount works great for my crossbow but not for the recoil of the gun.

I'm in the process of getting a new gun mount, its at the fabricator now.  I took the top half off a Caldwell lead sled solo and the fabricator locally is making me a post to secure it to my power wheelchair.

Ratchet Straps

When duct tape is just not what your looking for..... I bring out the camo Ratchet Straps.

I now use two ratchet straps on my shotgun when using my adapted brace.  One to hold down the rear stock and another around the butt plate to eliminate recoil.  I add a plastic wire tie to the barrel and my shotgun doesn't move much when I shoot. 

My accuracy has gone up 200 %.  I will post some pictures of it all soon

Ham and Bacon Shoot

I went to the Western Pa Wounded Warriors shoot yesterday at California Hill gun club and as always had a great time.

It takes me much longer to get set up for the shot than everyone else and it seems like minutes are ticking by as I aim and adjust.  This group never rushes me and they always make me feel welcome, Thanks so much!

I didn't win any of the shoots but I did well and had a " Blast "

Western Pa Wounded Warriors

Western Pa Wounded Warriors are doing another Ham n Bacon shoot in April, come out and show your support !  Visit California Hill Gun Club for directions

Paper Turkey Target

I insert this picture into a MS Word document then change the size to 8.5 x 10.0 and send it to my printer.  It makes patterning my mossberg so much easier.  What do you do to prepare or get ready for spring gobbler season?

Over the next few weeks I will take you through my process.  I love to be in the woods in spring !

Caldwell Deadshot Fieldpod

I just ordered this gun mount and can't wait to see if it meets the needs of disabled hunters.  Because it is main stream and marketed to the able bodied community, it is 1 / 4 the price of adapted shooting equipment.  Stay tuned for a review of the Caldwell Deadshot Fieldpod

Wild Jaeger

Look at the joy these two working Labs have in the field with the Wild Jaeger Team.  Great shooting boys

W PA Wounded Warrior Shoot

If you would like to volunteer or donate to the W PA WOUNDED WARRIORS just head over to their website.  They are a great group of men and women who are doing great things for people with disabilities in South Western Pennsylvania

Western Pa Wounded Warrior Shoot

Ham and Bacon Shoot

California Hill Gun Club

Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012
Sign Ups begin at Noon. Shoot starts 1 PM
Closest to X and most B's in O
12 gauge only

Truglo Gobble Stopper Xtreme Choke Tube

I just installed the Truglo Gobble Stopper Xtreme Choke Tube on my Mossberg 535 shotgun.  I will be shooting it at the wounded warrior HAM and BACON shoot this weekend.  I hope the choke tightens up my pattern for spring gobbler this year.  The next thing I need to get on my shotgun is my scope, but that will have to wait.

Spot On Ballistic Software

Are you wondering how your rifle or shotgun shoots at certain distances, wind conditions etc. ?  Check out the free software from nikon  SPOT ON

Ham and Bacon Shoot

Visit California Hill Gun Club website for directions

Full Choke Mossberg 535

I thought I would ask the question,  which shotgun choke do you all like to use for turkeys ?

I will be shooting a Mossberg 535, 12 gauge, using 3 inch turkey loads  from federal, and I plan on using the full choke that came with the shotgun.

It holds a very nice pattern at 40 yards , I can't really justify spending $40 on a XX turkey choke...

 What's your experiences with  the full choke ?