Caliber Downloads

[Captain Barrett]

Folks,

About 20 months ago, I suffered a VERY severe hand injury. I was at a client's home trying to remove a vanity countertop, when I broke the entire counter in two with my strength. One portion of the counter lacerated the base of my right thumb VERY deeply. (The docs told me the force of that laceration would have torn through most any type of glove I might have had on...) After the doctor got me sewn back up and the wound has healed, I still suffer pain like a throbbing on occasion. I once had a friend give me a "high five" hand slap and it felt like my hand was on fire...

My question is now this: while I doubt I can handle full power loads any more, what (if any) is the the minimum velocity required to compete, whichever caliber it may be? My manual dexterity is okay so far, but I have not tried to draw a sidearm or to manipulate a lever gun or a bolt action...

Please assist me...

[River City John]

In NCOWS, minimum velocity for any arm is 600 fps, or manufacturer's published data.
RCJ

[Drydock]

GAF currently has no minimum velocity requirements,  though such requirements are under discussion and may be implemented should need be.   Our desire for longer ranges, target dispersion, and the use of knockdowns can mean underpowered ammo may place one at a disadvantage. 

HOWSUMEVER, any allowance for a physical limitation will be granted at the request of the competitor, and indeed such a request is welcomed.  With your evident condition, any SAFE handgun download you deem necessary will be happily allowed,  though as a precaution it seems 600 fps sets a good margin for safety.

You might consider the use of a suitable weapon/caliber combination to reduce recoil.  The Colt 41 frame using a .38 LC has virtualy no recoil at milspec loadings.  The Webley 38 is another.  A DA revolver might work better for you than a thumb cocker. It might be easier using the palm of your hand to work a bolt, never touching it with your fingers or thumb. Or to keep the thumb off the stock if working a lever.  Just speculaton on my part not knowing exactly how your hand is affected. 

But please feel welcome to do whatever you think is needed, for you to enjoy your/our game!

[Adirondack Jack]

Psst!  Use light bullets.  I run 125 grainers in .45s.  Even at say 650 fps they are like a big ole .22.

[Pitspitr]

What Drydock said. I might add that the shape of the grip makes quite a difference too. My Schofield with 200 gr. bullets doesn't even rock up in my hand and while I'm not normally recoil sensisitive with a hand gun, my 1911 really seems to "bite" my hand.

Join us at a muster and I'll bet that you'll have all sorts of offers to let you expiriment with different grip shapes and loads.

What you are describing is probably due to nerve damage (I have had some of those kinds of injuries too) it will get somewhat better with time, though it will probably never go away completely. You may want to consider learning to shooting with the other hand if your pain is sevre enough. (it can be done safely)