Older Guys and Concealed Carry

[Highhawk1948]

Be 68 next Monday. Catarac surgery on both eyes along with lenses has allowed me to see the sights again. I carry a .45colt single action 90 percent of the time. Everyday I unload it and practice drawing out of the IWB holster ,two hand grip, cock and fire. I also practice one handed. This gives my arthritic hands exercise too. I shoot at least once a month. I either go to a range or set up gallon jugs of water in a pasture at various distances and fire away. On Sunday's I carry my colt 1911. I take it to the range with me and fire at lest 4 magazines thru it.

 

[Smoke]

I'm 50 YO, I carry every time I walk out the door that hasn't changed. The biggest change is that I'm much less concerned about carrying a "cool" gun than I am about carrying a replaceable gun.

There's no way I'd risk carrying a Colt's Python when I can get the job done just as well with a 300 dollar used beater GLOCK 19

 

[Donn]

66, so I guess I qualify as an older guy. Get to the range at least once a week, so grip, sight picture and muscle memory stay in place. Arthritis in my right shoulder rules out off-hand shooting with anything full size and/or all steel. I have a hard time picking up the front sight on some of my inventory. Black target, black sights. Working within my parameters, I'm happy to say I'm as good as I ever was when it comes to accuracy.
I have modified my carry. These days, if I'm going about normal business, I opt for less weight and more comfort. That means either a Shield & 1 spare mag, or my homely little Model 49 snubby and a couple speed strips.

 

[johnnyflake]

I'll be 75 this coming July 4th. When I was back in the Mid-West, 15 years ago, I mostly carried a S&W 66 .357. After moving West to Nevada, I started carrying a Colt Pony .380 in my right front pocket. About 5 years ago, I switched to a Sig P238 .380 and carry it 24/7, pocket carry. When I choose to open carry, it's my Springfield 4" 1911 Commander .45acp. To be honest, it's a little heavy at about 36oz leaded, especially when the temp is 100% Plus outside. I am just switching over to my new Charter Arms Pitbull, 5 shot, .45acp 2 1/2" Revolver. It's about 23oz loaded. BTW, when I choose to open carry, I still have my Sig in my right from pocket. That is with me all of the time!

I shoot at least once a month, and for speed, I practice "Point Shooting". I can easily put all my rounds, into center mass, out to 20 feet, with whichever gun I am carrying!

 

[dwpmusic]

I have enjoyed reading these posts. I was 69 last September and heading toward 70 if the Lord sees fit. Hard to believe but still a reality. Health is good as far as I know. At most of our ages that can change quickly. I don't post a lot but enjoy reading and being a part of the forum and being among gun enthusiasts. I vary my EDC from a Ruger LCP .380 to a Ruger LC9 9mm. I'm pretty good although I don't get to the range as much as I'd like. Do my own reloading, pistol calibers only. I feel safer carrying and I do everyday but I also think, as do others, that personal situational awareness is very important. God sustain and protect our 2nd amendment rights and God bless the USA.

 

[Pointblank2U]

I think about 90% of the problem is with the eyes. That is fixable. I had cataracts removed last year and new lenses put in. This was done with a cold laser and was quick and painless. I now can see and read without glasses. The other 10% is probably due to arthritis. Shooting gloves for range time can help with that. If your hands are really bad you may have to give up big bore revolvers. The polymer 9mm's don't beat you up at all.

 

[dogngun]

Getting old can be tough, but at least we are still around to complain about it.
Keep going!

 

[Patman1951]

I'm in the 65 age group and to me the biggest difference has been twofold, my eyesight and reflexes. Even with glasses it is difficult to get the two sights and target clearly in focus, pick two. I choose to see the sights and leave the target somewhat fuzzy. I have noticed and the clock doesn't lie that my reflexes are not quite what they were when I was 40 years younger. You just have to adapt and I try to practice more often to try to keep my skills as sharp as possible. You just don't ever give up, you have to find out what works and maximize that skill.
I just went through the required training for a concealed carry permit;was the second oldest in the class and shot the highest score. The oldest person shot the second highest score. Adapt, don't ever, ever give up!!