It has finally happened to me

[panamajack310]

After shooting my whole life, Marine Corps and 30 years as a cop Arthritis is grabbing hold of me pretty good. I took my wife and daughter shooting the other day. I got a new S&W shield that I was going to use as a carry gun. Unfortunately I can barely rack the slide and can not get the slide back far enough to lock the slide to the rear. I never thought it would happen to me but it has happened. So looks like I will be switching back to revolvers for full time CCW and probably need a smaller caliber to carry because larger calibers are starting to hurt.

Anyone out there with the same problem? What have you done? What are you carrying ?

 

[Papa32129]

You should look at the S&W EZ.
I guess the name takes because the slide is not so sprung.
I’m looking at this pistol in the near future.
My thumb “saddle joint” is already arthritic and I’m only 55.

Papa

 

[22hipower]

You might also try the tip up barrel Berettas; Tomcat in 32acp and the Cheetah in 380. I'd go for the S&W 340PD or 360PD; the 340PD is about the only thing I carry these days.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[panamajack310]

You know I thought of that but I just can’t bring myself to do it…I would rather carry a revolver again. I have a ton of them in every frame size so why not go back to what I started with…lol

 

[ImDrRich]

I like your idea of switching to a revolver, despite the loss of double the rounds.

Two years ago I had "trigger finger" in 4 fingers of my left hand requiring surgery. My doctor told me to eventually expect it in my right hand, and from what I can tell I'll have the surgery in about January of 2025. I'm already thinking about the effects on my shooting hand as I'm right handed.

Lately I've been carrying my S&W Model 49 in preparation of the 4-6 months of recovery.

It sucks getting old(er).

 

[panamajack310]

You might also try the tip up barrel Berettas; Tomcat in 32acp and the Cheetah in 380. I'd go for the S&W 340PD or 360PD; the 340PD is about the only thing I carry these days.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I have 60, 642 x2, 640 j frames,

I also have a tomcat, 84, 85.
I pocket carry the tomcat and a S&W .380 bodyguard. The 84,85 is too big to carry. I’m just going back to carrying a revolver full time.

 

[ImDrRich]

I have 60, 642 x2, 640 j frames,

I also have a tomcat, 84, 85.
I pocket carry the tomcat and a S&W .380 bodyguard. The 84,85 is too big to carry. I’m just going back to carrying a revolver full time.

All excellent choices.

 

[Papa32129]

Thanks for adding those opinions,
Looks like I am going to be in that buying market soon.

Papa

 

[ladder13]

Nothing wrong with going back to a revolver. Best wishes for your health going forward.

 

[haywood]

I haven’t carried my Shield since last winter but, I had to put this gripper wing thing on it to rack the slide.

 

[Buford57]

I don't regret growing older. I know too many better men who didn't make it this far. I can still.manipulate the Shield but stay with a revolver because it s second nature.

 

[max503]

My S&W Model 34 shoots best with Stingers. I'll use it when I can no longer rack a slide or tolerate recoil.

 

[Dump1567]

I try to work on my grip strength as I get older. Eye sights my other issue. Even wearing glasses, the front sight isn't in focus. And I picked-up a new shotgun with a ghost ring rear. I couldn't even see the rear sight while looking through it. Luckily, red dots work for me.

 

[AJ]

After shooting my whole life, Marine Corps and 30 years as a cop Arthritis is grabbing hold of me pretty good. I took my wife and daughter shooting the other day. I got a new S&W shield that I was going to use as a carry gun. Unfortunately I can barely rack the slide and can not get the slide back far enough to lock the slide to the rear. I never thought it would happen to me but it has happened. So looks like I will be switching back to revolvers for full time CCW and probably need a smaller caliber to carry because larger calibers are starting to hurt.

Anyone out there with the same problem? What have you done? What are you carrying ?

You have joined the Arthritis Club!! Welcome! Been a shooter all my life, was a Combat Pistol Instructor in the Corps, shot IPSC and for quite a few years fired 50K rounds a year. Was pretty fair with a piece, now I am paying for it. Still shoot every week but tend to not shoot any magnums!

 

[rover1992]

I swear by a 642 or a 36 (keeping it classic).

 

[1sailor]

Well, growing old is better than the alternative.

 

[Gary Hogstrom]

Get yourself a rack assist device. There are several different products on the market. I too have a Shield and was about ready to give up on it, but decided to try the assist , and for about $20 the gun is now useable. I have 3 friends who were in the same boat and all a rack assist after seeing mine.
I thought S&W made a difficult product right off the bat. Since they came out with the EZ, apparently they realized the problem and addressed it.

 

[JMD999]

i did the same, 642 with target wadcutters, low recoil and they go deep.
3 seasons a year more than one.

 

[otis24]

Yes. At some point I will get a S&W EZ9 or find a reliable 9mm revolver. Perhaps an SP101. I had a S&W 940 but it would lock up after a couple cylinders full.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Anyone out there with the same problem? What have you done? What are you carrying ?

Kimber K6xs .38 Special two inch. I carry OWB and it really disappears weight wise.