Should I learn to shoot right handed or change the caliber...

[ECU Pirates]

I'm a south paw and my left wrist and forearm were about destroyed years ago. I have plates, pins, screws ect in it. I'm still in my 30's but my arm is getting worse every year. I was at the range a few weeks ago shooting a model 29 (want to use it for deer or hogs ect.). I can't get through more than a couple of cylinders without my arm really hurting. It feels like the hardware is rattling. It's sore for days. I shot a few right handed with no pain at all. I won't hunt unless I practice with a gun quite a bit. My question is since my arm will only get worse and worse should I learn to shoot right handed or pick up something like a 10mm 1911 or glock 41? Hot 10mm does not bother me at all. Just the big boomers. I know the 10mm is not even close to a .44 mag but placement trumps power. Anyone learned to shoot with the other hand?

 

[kev74]

Being able to shoot with either hand is a good skill to have whether or not you decide to get a new gun.

But sure, get a new gun too!

 

[Marine Cpl]

A caliber change is a lot easier than a hand change. 10mm has taken large game numerous times. Even bear.

 

[GOPerfect]

I am a righty, a couple years ago, I decided that I needed to learn to shoot left handed. Took a lot of time, but after much practice, I have become pretty good.

 

[Marine Cpl]

Whether you change hands or not, a recoil spring is better for follow up shots than a big bore revolver.

 

[ECU Pirates]

Being able to shoot with either hand is a good skill to have whether or not you decide to get a new gun.

But sure, get a new gun too!

I practice with weak hand only all the time. Just shot the fbi qualification course (it's stupid easy). I don't really try the big boomers weak hand for the most part.

 

[ECU Pirates]

I am a righty, a couple years ago, I decided that I needed to learn to shoot left handed. Took a lot of time, but after much practice, I have become pretty good.

As good or pretty good?

 

[GOPerfect]

As good or pretty good?

Not as good. With a pistol, left handed, I can hold my own. Everytime I go shooting, I switch it up. I am getting better.

No bragging, just discussing, I am a very good shot, right handed, with my left, I beat many of my friends and shooting partners as they use their dominant hand.

Again, I just keep practicing.

 

[Robin]

ECU, I am left handed for everything except batting a baseball, and something I absolutely detest, Golfing. I switched to shooting pistols to right handed, I'm glad I did. I just did it and never looked back. The adjustment was nothing. Good luck!!
Robin

 

[ECU Pirates]

ECU, I am left handed for everything except batting a baseball, and something I absolutely detest, Golfing. I switched to shooting pistols to right handed, I'm glad I did. I just did it and never looked back. The adjustment was nothing. Good luck!!
Robin

My dad taught me sports right handed. I golf, throw play hockey right handed. Maybe it won't be that tough to change. My bank account won't like it with the .44 mag practice..

 

[togmaster]

If you make the switch do it now. You say you're in your 30's so you still have a lot of good years ahead of you to practice.

 

[Celt]

How about both. Get yourself a good semi-automatic in 9 mm as The Recoil is not that bad. But why not try shooting left-handed. I actually do it quite often just for the heck of it, and at one point my right wrist was pretty messed up from an old injury so I just use that time to practice more left-handed shooting.

 

[ECU Pirates]

How about both. Get yourself a good semi-automatic in 9 mm as The Recoil is not that bad. But why not try shooting left-handed. I actually do it quite often just for the heck of it, and at one point my right wrist was pretty messed up from an old injury so I just use that time to practice more left-handed shooting.

I shoot left handed all the time! ha I practice weak side only with my right hand. 9mm and .45. I might try it using both hands and get a 10mm anyway. Because, why not....

 

[Eddie Gunks]

If it hurts don’t do it.

You could also run a pistol that has a brace on it.

Might as well just shoot right-handed.

I injured my right elbow one year and I ran all my competitions left-handed. He’s actually pretty good. I was even commenting to a teammate one time that I would be able to do it much faster right-handed, when I guy overheard that he said what? You’re not left-handed? He couldn’t believe it.

And the best part, I’m missing my left index finger.

 

[ECU Pirates]

If it hurts don’t do it.

You could also run a pistol that has a brace on it.

Might as well just shoot right-handed.

I injured my right elbow one year and I ran all my competitions left-handed. He’s actually pretty good. I was even commenting to a teammate one time that I would be able to do it much faster right-handed, when I guy overheard that he said what? You’re not left-handed? He couldn’t believe it.

And the best part, I’m missing my left index finger.

Yeah I'm sure it's not doing me any good to have pain a week after shooting. I won't even ask about the finger! I'm sure you get it enough.

 

[Bananabandit]

Yeah I'm sure it's not doing me any good to have pain a week after shooting. I won't even ask about the finger! I'm sure you get it enough.

He pissed me off so I bit it!

Id say try shooting right handed. Ive tried lefty shooting as Im a righty. Not great but its doable. Feels weird but do it more and it becomes natural. Same with writing. Im ok at best with lefty writing but I can do it.

 

[SmallGameAddict]

One question, are you left or right eye dominant? Shooting is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable. I wouldn't want to be in pain for days. I'd learn to shoot right handed, or shoot a lesser caliber.

 

[Saltwater60]

I agree get a brace, switch hands, or hell just get a riffle. If it hurts don’t keep doing it not worth risking further damage.

 

[SomeSoldier]

I can shoot accurately with both hands and it's a great skill to have. I would say learn to use both hands. It's very helpful is clearing hallways and rooms.

 

[pmcjuryny]

Just stop being weird and use your right hand for everything like god intended.

 

[Criticalt]

Nothing wrong with 10mm for hunting.

 

[wizrd]

Stop shooting left handed, at least with the .44 mag. -- You've had a lot of trauma on that side - you may be overcompensating with a too-tight grip. A .44 mag. with a potent load can actually cause stress fractures to the hand / wrist when held in a 'death-grip', just saying.

 

[ECU Pirates]

Stop shooting left handed, at least with the .44 mag. -- You've had a lot of trauma on that side - you may be overcompensating with a too-tight grip. A .44 mag. with a potent load can actually cause stress fractures to the hand / wrist when held in a 'death-grip', just saying.

Yeah the more it's given me problems the more I have been fighting the recoil and not rolling with it so to speak. Oh well there are worse things than having a bit of a bum arm!

 

[ECU Pirates]

I think we have a winner! 45oz of 10mm....

1911 TRP™ 10mm - Springfield Armory

 

[Marine Cpl]

Just get a Glock and be done with it! You don't need no freaking safeties!

 

[ECU Pirates]

Just get a Glock and be done with it! You don't need no freaking safeties!

I'm not all that impressed with the 20. Sure it's reliable and accurate enough (not super accurate though) it's just not for me as a hunting gun. I shoot 1911's better and for hunting that matters! The 20 is a damn brick grip.

 

[Robin]

I think we have a winner! 45oz of 10mm....

1911 TRP™ 10mm - Springfield Armory

That one fall in the category of, "sure don't need, sure would like"!
Robin

 

[ECU Pirates]

That one fall in the category of, "sure don't need, sure would like"!
Robin

Ambi safety already installed Robin. That makes it a need! I have to justify it somehow...

 

[Day444]

Yup, learn to shoot right handed. Pain at this point in your life is never a good sign. Go to a re-hab Dr. and find out what you can do to at least minimize the pain. Stop shooting loads that cause further pain.
I have the opposite problem, I have nerve damage in my left thumb. I can shoot a .380 fine much more than that and my grip suffers.

 

[ECU Pirates]

Yup, learn to shoot right handed. Pain at this point in your life is never a good sign. Go to a re-hab Dr. and find out what you can do to at least minimize the pain. Stop shooting loads that cause further pain.
I have the opposite problem, I have nerve damage in my left thumb. I can shoot a .380 fine much more than that and my grip suffers.

They mentioned for surgery, removing things ect. No thanks! I will just shoot lesser recoiling calibers!