Anyone ever learned to switch sides in rifle shooting after many years? (say 60 or so). I'm a lefty, have always shot left handed. Couple years ago I had an ICD (cardio implant) and the surgeon said no more rifle shooting. Today I called the doctor and asked him if shooting a .22 rifle might be ok. (The MP15-22 has caught my fancy.) He said no rifle butt by the "hardware." (left chest.) He further said that I can shoot all the handguns I want, (which I do) and can shoot "a shotgun from the hip if I want", but not even a .22 on the left shoulder. Said I could learn to shoot right handed... anyone ever done this? Any luck? Thanks.

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... ed ...

Can't help on the learning to switch... but.... it would seem that a rifle with a collapsable stock and near zero recoil would be a great way to begin.


If you wanted to cheat.... since the 15-22 has a collapsable stock there would be loads of room for padding, gel, foam...whatever... between the stock and your shoulder. Recoil pad vests like skeet shooters use combined with an extra gel pad? And maybe a foregrip too? Seems like it would be easy enough to isolate your shoulder and keep your doc and the IDC happy.

In any event, I hope you find the right solution.

I don't think I'd cheat. I'm right eyed and had eye surgery in that eye about 5 years ago. This was right before deer season and my eye was covered with a patch. Being stubborn, I began to practice lefthanded with a Marlin .30-30. The transition wasn't bad and I managed to get my deer. Try shooting from your right shoulder. After some practice you will be able to hit and have fun. It won't seem so strange after a while.

Good luck

Charlie

Sure --- What's the worst that could happen? -Oh yeah!
Buy a used / cheap .22 and try it righty. Go from there.

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In dog years I'm dead.

Hi Ed, and welcome to the forum.

I wish I could answer your question. Darned if I know the answer though. Don't be discouraged though, and try a web search on this.

I hope you enjoy your stay here.

Ed, yes it can be done. Ask around at some of the ranges in your area if they know an instructor that can help out with a cross dominant eye problem. It sounds as if your situation is near the same as someone who is cross eye dominant, only your situation has nothing to do with your eyes. One of the guy's I hunt ducks with is a lefty. He can't hit the broad side of a barn with a SG shooting left handed because he is cross eye dominant. He took some shooting lessons from an instructor years ago and now is deadly shooting a SG right handed.

Hope this helps,

Class III

Sure you can. People learn to shoot 'weak handed' with handguns all the time. Why couldn't you do the same with a rifle? It may be a while before its natural (and maybe it never totally will be) and you may not be your absolute best but I believe a person can do pretty much anything if sufficently determined.

Hi, Lynn - Thanks for the encouragement. Don't plan on giving up - if I find a deal on the MP. Thanks also for the welcome but been here about 5 years. Avid Smith shooter.

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... ed ...

Right - Don't think I want to second guess the cardio guy. But, good suggestion on the inexpensive rifle. In fact my son has one kicking around his house. Where we do most of our plinking. That'll be a good way to see how it goes.

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... ed ...

Oops. I should start reading the 'join date' notice.

I Think you are smart not to second guess your cardiologist. That would be a really bad idea.

You may find you shoot better right handed because you have to learn it. Years ago when I first entered the Army I shot my initial qualifications left handed (I'm a righty). I figured I could shoot fine right handed so decided to not waste the training time shooting my familiar way. Happy to say I qualified expert.

After that I alternated my qualifications every six months shooting opposite every other time. A good skill to have.

There is no recoil from the M&P 15-22. Your heart is darn near center of your chest. Shooting right or left really shouldn't matter a bit with this caliber.

-- Chuck

Are you left or right eye dominant? If your right eye dominant or cross eye dominant (either eye can be dominant), it's really not that big of a deal. You will have some new fine motor skills to learn in your new weapon hand, but it's really not that hard to pick up.

If your strongly left eye dominant, then it could be a challenging prospect, especially if you like to shoot both eyes open.

Hi chuck,

I agree that recoil from a .22 is negligible and I also agree as to the heart's location. However, having been thru the implant I'm inclined to listen to the cardio surgeon. But thanks for the reply.

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... ed ...