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!

 

[scooter123]

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. 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.

It's quite common for a FIRST TIME SHOOTER to miss "the Black" on their first time shooting, whether shooting with one hand or two. It's also quite common for new shooters to overcome this by PRACTICING. You need to remember that in addition to having some physical limitations you are also a NEW SHOOTER. So, don't rule out a technique just because it's a bit more difficult, just spend more time practicing until you master it.

 

[Adk.IBO]

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!

Austin, the owner at KC is really good about answering e-mails quickly. He can tell you what holster will work with what gun and is just a pleasure to do business with. I am glad to have helped!

Stay safe, John

 

[Biggfoot44]

Everyone should be prepared for the possability of fighting from the ground , with a firearm or otherwise. But it's not a great Plan A .

As you relate that you are good for standing with one hand free , shooting one hand only would be a better plan A . Yes , (fill in blank) two handed stance is "better" , but one handed can be plenty good enough , and even has some positive points in its own right.

You're a NEW Shooter, there is an inherent learning curve. Since you will be striving for one handed skills on purpose, do 2/3 to 3/4 of your practice with one hand vs two hand. And don't neglect the right hand only either.

No specifc advise on holsters, just whatever is comfortable and works for you.

The holster related question for you , can you use a high ride belt holster ( or whatever holster ) from the wheelchair ? As a general principle on your person is always better than off body carry. Since you relate you are frequently in & out of chair , you would have to deal with issues of having your gun attached to chair while you are bopping around on foot. You would be without the gun yourself , while worrying about the security of the unattended pistol.

 

[Ralffers]

Hey everyone,

It has been forever and a day since I've been on these forums; my apologies!

I see that I have some people to reply to in this thread, and will do that later today. I really appreciate all of the input?

I talked to Austin over at K.C., and he unfortunately advised me that his holsters would not work for me (I really like [and wanted] the Air Marshall 3). Reason being, my right shoulder dips when I walk, and being that I'm left-handed, the weight of a firearm on the right side of my body would only make the holster's shoulder strap more likely to fall constantly.

Austin was nice enough to call me, and in talking with him he suggested that I get a belly band holster, more specifically, from Crossbreed. I couldn't find it though (maybe it was discontinued?) and all other ones I found do not fit full-sized firearms.

So, all that being said, since i'm either in a seated position most of the day (in my wheelchair), or walking with crutches, I ordered two appendix carry holsters: one for my Sig Sauer P320 full-size – from Crossbreed (it might prove difficult to carry, I admit, but I like full-size pistols) and the other for H&K VP9 from Bravo Concealment (the D.O.S. holster). I'll still use the current setup on my wheelchair with the Blackhawk CQC holster for my M&P40.

The question is, is it safe to carry a striker-fired pistol in the appendix position? Foolishly, I didn't give it much thought before placing my orders. Just figured "Well, these holsters exist for striker-fired guns, so people must [safely] use them..."

Cheers!

 

[wheelgunguy]

When it comes to holsters we all have to figure out what is best for us individually. This is regardless of physical stature. Quite often it's a matter of trial and error and we may end up with a box full of holsters that just didn't work out. Try the ones on the way and see how they work for you.

One thing I did want to comment on was tactics. Tactics are all about getting or increasing an advantage or decreasing a disadvantage. You had mentioned there may be a time when you are using your crutches and would have to fall to the ground to draw. If you found yourself in that position I would consider pleading with the BG on the way down. Maybe something like "Please don't hurt me!" in a desperate and panicked way. He may feel that he has such an upper hand in the situation that thinking you might come out firing may just be the last thing on his mind. The element of surprise is wonderful thing when defending one's self. Keep in mind the reach of his kick when your drawing and preparing to fire also.

Good luck in finding the set up that works best for you.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Hi Ralffers:

A few thoughts regarding your situation:

1. Are you familiar with a Seecamp semiautomatic? I believe they are the smallest semiauto pistol currently in production. They are designed to be a close range, self defense piece - there are no sights on this pistol. I have one in .32ACP, and they also make one in .380ACP, but I doubt I'd want to shoot that one. You could carry one of these in a Ken Null shoulder holster and forget it was there - until you need it. As small as it is, I don't think weapon retention will be much of an issue if you are under attack. The Seecamp is a quality piece. Except for the polymer grips, the entire piece is made from stainless steel. They are pricey, and they are a niche gun. But, they are so small and handy you really don't have any excuse to walk around unarmed.

2. Have you thought about a chest holster? When I was in the Army I really liked using a tanker's holster. This was actually more of a chest, than a shoulder holster, and could give your arms more room for using your crutches, or your wheelchair. I know of holster makers who also make them for hunters - I have one for my scoped 6.0" barreled Model 686, and it works well. You would have to use some type of cover garment unless you are in an area that allows open carry.

3. I would recommend you consider carrying a revolver over a semiauto as a revolver doesn't care about weak or odd grips, or angles, etc. If you want to use a semiauto, have you considered a H&K P7? They are no longer in production, but can be found fairly easily on the used market. They are very reliable, very accurate, and not a whole lot of people know how to make them ready for firing (they have a front squeeze cocker - think of the grip safety on a 1911 - only on the frontstrap of the piece.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[AGoyette]

For a belly band type of holster, try 3 speed brand. The husband finds them comfortable. As to appendix carrying a striker fired gun.. I do, and I am not alone.