I started shooting, training and competing seriously in the late 90s. My peak was around 2010, I was practicing around twice a week, shooting IDPA and carbine matches twice a month and made IDPA Master. I was a "carry a gun (G-19) everyday and everywhere" guy. I've shot left handed all my life and would usually switch to shooting right handed for a month or so each year to keep my support hand shooting strong.
I've had Reumatiod Arthritis since 94 but have managed it pretty well with an assortment of RA specific drugs. Aside from taping my wrists for support, I had no issues shooting heavy 45 Colt and 10mm pistol loads and 7mm Mag and 45-70 rifle loads.
In 2013 my time commitments at work became greater and I stopped shooting matches and was practicing only once every 3 months. I still carried a G-19 everywhere I legaly could and usualy had a LCP in a pocket for backup.
In 2020, I found that I could not shoot the LCP with it's short trigger due to left trigger finger joint degeneration. I switched to using a J-frame for backup.
By 2021, I could no longer shoot the G-19 and J-frame left handed because of further trigger finger issues, I also had Rotator Cuff and Arthritis issues with my left shoulder, I could not draw from my IWB holster or shoot rifles left handed. Physical Therapy over a few months improved the shoulder but the left trigger finger was never going to be flexible enough for pistol work. I can use it for longer reach 4lbs rifle triggers.
After the shoulder PT improvement, my SOP was to carry the J-frame in the left front pocket but transfer to the right to shoot. The G-19 was the same, my left hand fingers were too weak for manipulations like racking the slide and efficent reloads but my right finger was the only one that worked on the trigger.
With in the last 2 months, my RA meds are working so well that I am able to draw and holster with my right hand so I am starting to carry the G-19 on my right side. I feel like I'm back at the beginning, trying to learn how to handle a gun from the holster. My right shoulder has arthritis issues so I'm not going to try any fast holster work.
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Changes I've made to compensate:
1. I lowered the power factor on my 9mm reloads back in 2019, I was still shooting a higher round count and wanted to ease the strain on my wrists.
old 124 gr. FM 1100fps
new 124 gr. FM 990fps
2. Made some Powder puff 38SP loads for J-frame practice, light as hell but smokes and very dirty.
old 125gr FMJ +P 1009fps
new 158gr LSWC 615fps
3. Light 300 gr ammo using Trail Boss for 45-70, shoots like a pistol caliber rifle.
300gr 1273fps
4. Lower the round count at each practice session.
5. Lower the weight off of my ARs. I love my suppressor and 1-8 LVPO but I've got to get them lighter to be able to manipulate them easier.
Gringop