Unique Situation

[Ralffers]

Hey Everyone,

I have been on this board for a little over a month, and if you've read any of my threads, you know I have OCD when it comes to caring for and maintaining my gun – what you don't know, as I have been very careful not to reveal it is that I have Cerebral Palsy.  I did not mention it until now because, although I couldn't really care less about having a disability, it seems that it's a big problem in many areas for society.  Two examples of where it interferes the most is in the realm of employment and romantic relationships.  Suffice it to say that attitudinal barriers are much, much more limiting than the actual physical disabilities themselves.  People seem to clump all disabilities in one, insofar as, if there is anything "wrong" with you and it is outwardly apparent, then it automatically means you're paralyzed, mentally disabled, and your other "gun" doesn't work...  Anyway, I digress.  The reason I didn't mention being disabled is because I want the focus of my being part of this community to be on my shooting skills, and not the fact that I am a disabled shooter.  I also don't want to hear any talk about how disabled people shouldn't own and/or carry firearms.  Obviously, if I thought I was a danger to myself or others, I would not own a gun or carry it (in the future, once I have a CCW/CCL, of course).  To be honest, I'm not entirely sure why I am revealing my disability now...  What I do know is that disabled people are more of target, and if one's disability does not prevent them from safely handling a firearm, that person by all means should be legally armed at all times, with the exception of having to be in a gun-free zone.

All that being said, the level of Cerebral Palsy does not affect my body very much.  It manly affects my sense of balance and legs to a small/small-moderate degree.  I use both a wheelchair and forearm crutches, and the only reason I need the chair is when having to cover very, very long distances (think miles), or when having to have the use of both hands to carry something.  I also use my chair at the range for obvious reasons, as it allows me to shoot with both hands.  The chair isn't so much of a problem when it comes to conceal carry.  As you can see from the pictures, I have a wheelchair adapter mount, to which a Blackhawk CQC holster that fits my M&P40 is attached, and with it I bought the slip-over cover that makes it look like a utility pouch.  However, I don't like to use my wheelchair when I don't have to because it makes me look much more disabled than I actually am.  As I have already said, it gives the perception that I am paralyzed and bound to my chair, which of course I am not and walk quite a bit.  Just to give you some sort of an idea of how functional my legs are, know that I drive a car without any kind of special equipment or adaptations (unless you consider an automatic transmission an adaptation).  Anyhow, I prefer to walk when I can, but walking with forearm crutches (picture attached [that's not me in the picture though]) presents unique challenges when it comes to drawing and firing a gun (which I obviously hope never happens).  I'm left-handed (as if being disabled wasn't enough, lol), and the only solution I have come to is to use a left-handed inside the waistband holster in a cross-draw position, having to first drop my crutches, fall to the floor [in a controlled manner] (I have falling down to a science) and then draw my weapon.  I'd like to hear other people's suggestions though.  Note: A fannypack holster is out the door!  I have enough problems getting dates...

Thanks!

 

[murphydog]

Thanks for sharing your story. How about a left-sided pocket holster? It would limit the size of gun that would fit and may require you to buy different clothing (cargo shorts and pants work well), but it seems it would be the least complicated solution.

 

[John R]

First welcome to the forum, and congratulations on over coming your disability, enjoy whatever kind of life you have.
We're all only here on a temporary basis anyway.

 

[federali]

Welcome Aboard from Long Island, NY

Your candor is refreshing. To my eyes and way of thinking, you don't have a disability.

 

[cgt4570]

In the old days (pre-NGCA of '34), a cane gun would have been the ticket. I would venture a guess that the average 'bad guy' would never expect someone with physical challenges to be armed. Stereotypes are what they are and I'm sure that the less rounded a person is (street trash types, etc.), the more such stereotypes prevail. That may give you an advantage that more able-bodied individuals won't have. That being said, as was mentioned in a post above, your only option may be to balance that advantage with a smaller pocket gun. .32 or .380 used to be the only choice but now there are 9's nearly as small. I choose to carry a .45 DoubleTap (two-shot superposed DA hammerless that's as thin a cell phone) when I'm in situations where anything bigger would 'print' or show. Those are the options I explore if I were you. With practice, I can imagine someone drawing from a pocket without even dropping your crutch off your forearm. If having to shoot, it would be like shooting from the hip, BUT studies show that most defensive shoots take place at handshaking range anyway. Just some ramblings...

 

[JDBoardman]

I think your proposed solution is probably the most workable... if you are assaulted, you most likely will go down from the assault, (as, quite frankly, will most of us) so having "practiced" that response puts you far ahead of the average.

 

[scooter123]

Question, can you maintain your balance with just one crutch? If so my suggestion would be to drop the left crutch and shoot with your left hand only.

 

[Ralffers]

Question, can you maintain your balance with just one crutch? If so my suggestion would be to drop the left crutch and shoot with your left hand only.

I can balance myself easily with one crutch (leaning against a wall with one finger is enough [if I don't have a crutch]), but I can't move very well with one crutch. I also wonder how badly (if at all) I would miss shooting with one hand due to the recoil. Then again, recoil shouldn't matter if firing from the hip, as cgt4570 said.

 

[Adk.IBO]

I purchased a Kangaroo Carry Standard II holster from Kangaroocarry.com in July and have worn it literally every day from early morning well into every evening and find it extremely comfortable even when working in my trade as an electrician. I carry an all stainless 640 38spl. I wear button down shirts with a t shirt under them 4 seasons (short and long sleeve) which contributes to how well it works for me. The holster wears between the two and cuts down on laundering (of the holster). If your crutches were under you armpits I'd say it was a no go, but attached to your wrists you'd never know your gun was there and neither would anyone else. Holstering and unholstering every day gets you quite comfortable and efficient with the process. Sitting, like in the "chair" or in a car doesn't hinder anything either. I suggest you check out the videos on their site for the draw stroke and make sure it would work for you. I can't wear anything most days on my waist because of the use of my tool belt. No affiliation, just satisfied with the design. It took a bit of fiddling with to get it adjusted right. I just bought a Colt Defender 45acp, which will take the j frames spot once I have enough rounds through it. I looked at many options and only wish I had jumped on this sooner, and I do understand it's not for everyone.

Stay safe, John

 

[scooter123]

You've been using forearm crutches to get around probably since puberty. As a result I expect that your arm and wrist strength is probably greater than 90% of the general population. Don't sell yourself short, I am quite certain that you can handle the recoil of an M&P 40 with ease shooting with just one hand. Don't sell yourself short. Start practicing with one hand and do it from a "tripod" stance and not your wheelchair.

The second issue is your mobility from that tripod position. My feeling is that while you may not have as much mobility as a "normal" person it's still far superior than what your mobility would be if you "drop to the ground" as you initially planned to do. That's a question that you can answer best and I would suggest that you do some simple experimenting.

Finally, you need to keep in mind that the Disabled can sometimes fall into the same "disability think" as the people who view the disabled as inferior. It's a consequence of you continually being on the receiving end of that erroneous thinking. Yeah, you have some limitations. However, you've spent a lifetime learning how to compensate and in some areas you may have superior abilities in comparison to a "normal". So, don't let your impairments box you in and start trying new things that seem a bit of a "stretch". Because I expect you'll find you are capable of more than what you think you can do right now.

 

[huang]

Dude I am still learning too so I don't have a suggestion, but I love your candor and style. May God bless and keep you!!!!

Huang

 

[Ralffers]

Thanks for sharing your story. How about a left-sided pocket holster? It would limit the size of gun that would fit and may require you to buy different clothing (cargo shorts and pants work well), but it seems it would be the least complicated solution.

Thanks for the suggestion! It'll be good for when I add compact guns to my collection, and one that I will certainly implement!

 

[Ralffers]

First welcome to the forum, and congratulations on over coming your disability, enjoy whatever kind of life you have.
We're all only here on a temporary basis anyway.

Thank you for the welcome, John.

I do enjoy my life, just as much as you do; I just assume that people didn't make neither assumptions and presumptions about others. I never saw my disability as a problem, however, as I got older I saw how much it was a problem for others. If I was paralyzed from the neck down or something, we would be having a different discussion and I would feel very different, but as it stands, I am completely functional and normal as far as I am concerned. The caveat is that I have to do some things a little differently, and the fact that said caveat bothers most people is both astounding and disheartening.

 

[John R]

I can balance myself easily with one crutch (leaning against a wall with one finger is enough [if I don't have a crutch]), but I can't move very well with one crutch. I also wonder how badly (if at all) I would miss shooting with one hand due to the recoil. Then again, recoil shouldn't matter if firing from the hip, as cgt4570 said.

It will happen so fast, and you'll fall back to the way you've practiced
you'll never notice the recoil.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Ralffers, my wife's sister has CP and her husband of 30 years has it too. They have to make a few concessions with mobility but from the trail of dust they leave you'd never know. They are rarely home as they are out doing what the handicapable do.

They don't speak much about their disability, nor do we as we no longer see it. They are just Uncle Genie and Aunt Shay.

And if I have to hear about their sex life one more time, I'm gonna take a Roy Rogers wood burning kit and cauterize my ears.

Bless you brother for your attitude.

 

[Ralffers]

You've been using forearm crutches to get around probably since puberty. As a result I expect that your arm and wrist strength is probably greater than 90% of the general population. Don't sell yourself short, I am quite certain that you can handle the recoil of an M&P 40 with ease shooting with just one hand. Don't sell yourself short. Start practicing with one hand and do it from a "tripod" stance and not your wheelchair.

The second issue is your mobility from that tripod position. My feeling is that while you may not have as much mobility as a "normal" person it's still far superior than what your mobility would be if you "drop to the ground" as you initially planned to do. That's a question that you can answer best and I would suggest that you do some simple experimenting.

Finally, you need to keep in mind that the Disabled can sometimes fall into the same "disability think" as the people who view the disabled as inferior. It's a consequence of you continually being on the receiving end of that erroneous thinking. Yeah, you have some limitations. However, you've spent a lifetime learning how to compensate and in some areas you may have superior abilities in comparison to a "normal". So, don't let your impairments box you in and start trying new things that seem a bit of a "stretch". Because I expect you'll find you are capable of more than what you think you can do right now.

Thank you for the thoughtful post, Scooter, I appreciate it. You are right that my upper body and wrist is stronger than most people's, but recoil is still somewhat of an issue. Not one that can't be overcome, but it'll take some time. I only say that because when i went to the range the first time a little over a month ago and fired with one hand (towards the end) it was the only time where my rounds did not land in the black.

You're right too that it's not easy to not internalize stereotypes, but I do my best not too. Of course, it doesn't help that I study communication at the graduate level, which only makes more hyperaware of human behavior and interaction, but I try my best not to, and think for the most part that I repel it and let it roll off my back quite well. But it is worth mentioning that any level of self-consciousness that my disability has caused only occurred upon my getting older and not when I was a kid, oblivious to how the world works.

 

[Ralffers]

And if I have to hear about their sex life one more time, I'm gonna take a Roy Rogers wood burning kit and cauterize my ears.

I'm dying from laughter over here!!!

 

[CO_Kid]

If you're worried about missing the off hand only shots, equip your carry gun with a laser sight.

I applaud you for not letting your condition define you. I was recently baptized into the world of special needs with my infant daughter, who has cystic fibrosis. Before that, I really didn't have much contact with anyone with disabilities. It takes a lot of work to be strong through it.

 

[Ralffers]

If you're worried about missing the off hand only shots, equip your carry gun with a laser sight.

I applaud you for not letting your condition define you. I was recently baptized into the world of special needs with my infant daughter, who has cystic fibrosis. Before that, I really didn't have much contact with anyone with disabilities. It takes a lot of work to be strong through it.

I would like to put a laser on my gun(s), but unfortunately I live in Chicago, where politicians seem to think that lasers are more dangerous than the guns they're put on. Fortunately, I'm planning to move as soon as I'm done with my Master's this upcoming year – and most likely to Colorado.

Most people don't have a lot of contact with the disabled; the bigger problem though is that any knowledge [the majority of] the general public does have with disability is through media – which both under-reprepresents and misrepresents those with disabilities. Of the two, misrepresentation is perhaps the worst, because media paints disability in stereotypical and erroneous ways, but under-representation does not help either. 20% of the United States population is disabled, yet, think of all the television and film you watch and try to think of how often you see a disabled character. To add insult to injury, able-bodied actors play disabled characters, regardless of the fact that there are plenty of talented and capable disabled actors. Communication, and in part media communication being my academic discipline, I've done the research. There are 600 characters on television at any given time, and if memory serves me correct, of that only 6 are played by actual disabled actors.

I'm really sorry to hear about your daughter! I did some quick reading on Cystic Fibrosis. It's terrible, but try to take comfort in the fact that treatments have gotten tremendously better and life expectancy has improved significantly. Hopefully, by the time your daughter grows up the disease will be curable. I wish you and your family all the best! May God bless you and keep you.

 

[Ralffers]

I purchased a Kangaroo Carry Standard II holster from Kangaroocarry.com in July and have worn it literally every day from early morning well into every evening and find it extremely comfortable even when working in my trade as an electrician. I carry an all stainless 640 38spl. I wear button down shirts with a t shirt under them 4 seasons (short and long sleeve) which contributes to how well it works for me. The holster wears between the two and cuts down on laundering (of the holster). If your crutches were under you armpits I'd say it was a no go, but attached to your wrists you'd never know your gun was there and neither would anyone else. Holstering and unholstering every day gets you quite comfortable and efficient with the process. Sitting, like in the "chair" or in a car doesn't hinder anything either. I suggest you check out the videos on their site for the draw stroke and make sure it would work for you. I can't wear anything most days on my waist because of the use of my tool belt. No affiliation, just satisfied with the design. It took a bit of fiddling with to get it adjusted right. I just bought a Colt Defender 45acp, which will take the j frames spot once I have enough rounds through it. I looked at many options and only wish I had jumped on this sooner, and I do understand it's not for everyone.

Stay safe, John

I really, really like what I see in these Kangaroo Carry Holsters and am definitely getting one! Most likely Air Marshall 3. Thanks for showing me this!