08-05-2011, 12:20 PM
Don't give up hope Stan! One thing about the AR charging handle is that it is two sided. You can make a string to loop around your neck or hold in your teeth and then use your head to pull back on the handle. Or conversely, hold your head still and push the rifle away from you to extend the handle.
If your rifle functions well you only have to do it once during a shooting session.
There isn't much room below the charging handle for a string, but a wire loop might work, or some kind of forked "fingers" to go over the end of the handle.
Another good way is to shoot with a buddy who will do those little things for you when you need a hand.
That's tough for independent old SOB's like us, but you'd be surprised how many guys will be willing to help out.
You could also use it as a teaching opportunity. Find a young kid who wants to learn to shoot and be their coach. In return the kid can help out with stuff like that. We have to pass on the skills to the next generation.
Since I only have one arm, I have to learn to adapt and overcome all kinds of stuff like that. It's overwhelming at first, but after awhile it's second nature.
To load an automatic pistol, I have to stand sideways a the range and put the grip of the pistol on my hip to pull the slide back while keeping it pointed downrange.
About the only thing I haven't figured how to do is to get those damn headphones on one handed. I used ear plugs for years, but the noise canceling ear protectors are great at the range.
Trust me, everyone at the range will be willing to help if you need it. The hard part is asking.
Figure out a technique and practice at home. Then when you get to the range you won't get so frustrated.
With a bolt gun I can open the bolt same as an AR, by putting the butt on a hip from a table or against my chest prone.
If I can do it with one arm, you can do it with two weak arms!
Rick
If your rifle functions well you only have to do it once during a shooting session.
There isn't much room below the charging handle for a string, but a wire loop might work, or some kind of forked "fingers" to go over the end of the handle.
Another good way is to shoot with a buddy who will do those little things for you when you need a hand.
That's tough for independent old SOB's like us, but you'd be surprised how many guys will be willing to help out.
You could also use it as a teaching opportunity. Find a young kid who wants to learn to shoot and be their coach. In return the kid can help out with stuff like that. We have to pass on the skills to the next generation.
Since I only have one arm, I have to learn to adapt and overcome all kinds of stuff like that. It's overwhelming at first, but after awhile it's second nature.
To load an automatic pistol, I have to stand sideways a the range and put the grip of the pistol on my hip to pull the slide back while keeping it pointed downrange.
About the only thing I haven't figured how to do is to get those damn headphones on one handed. I used ear plugs for years, but the noise canceling ear protectors are great at the range.
Trust me, everyone at the range will be willing to help if you need it. The hard part is asking.
Figure out a technique and practice at home. Then when you get to the range you won't get so frustrated.
With a bolt gun I can open the bolt same as an AR, by putting the butt on a hip from a table or against my chest prone.
If I can do it with one arm, you can do it with two weak arms!
Rick