Disabled Shooting: Practical Shooting from a Wheelchair

1ABNDT

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If you know someone that's on the fence and needs some inspiration. :)


https ://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/09/03/practical-shooting-from-a-wheelchair/

https://youtu.be/gWK8M-wqnaM


Unfortunately a disability can prevent you from doing what you love most. If you’re one of our readers it is likely that that hobby is either hunting or shooting in some form or another, or even self-defense.

Luckily there are solutions for people in wheelchairs to compete in target shooting. Of course there’s the Paralympic Games but that may not be for everyone. You may not win, but you can participate in local matches and have fun like your fellow competitors. (The same can be said for everyone!)

NRA Adaptive Shooting described it pretty well:

Participation in even brief episodes of moderate activity, such as target shooting, improves stamina and strength while also promoting well-being

In the picture above you can see a competitor in a wheelchair taking aim at two targets. In this case the white paper are targets and the brown is a no-shoot penalty target to avoid.

For instance, the IPSC Rule book gives the Range Master and the Range Officers some options to offer disabled shooters:

5.2.9 Competitors deemed by the Range Master to be permanently and significantly disabled may be given special dispensation in relation to the type and/or placement of their holster and allied equipment, and the Range Master will remain the final authority in respect of the safety and suitability of using such equipment at IPSC matches.

8.3.9 A competitor with a severe hearing disability may, subject to prior approval of the Range Master, be entitled to have the foregoing verbal Range Communications supplemented by visual and/or physical signals. 8.3.9.1 The recommended physical signals are taps on the competitor’s weak side shoulder using a countdown protocol, namely 3 taps for “Are You Ready?”, 2 taps for “Standby” and 1 tap to coincide with the Start Signal.

10.2.10 Special penalty: A competitor unable to fully execute any part of a course of fire due to incapacity or injury may, prior to making his attempt at the course of fire, request that the Range Master apply a penalty in lieu of the stated course requirement.

10.2.10.1 If the request is approved by the Range Master, he must state, in advance of the competitor attempting the course of fire, the extent of the special penalty, ranging from 1% to 20% of the competitor’s points “as shot”, to be deducted.

10.2.10.2 Alternatively, the Range Master may waive application of any penalties in respect of a competitor who, due to having a significant physical disability, is unable to comply with the stated course requirement.

(Source (pdf))

For instance, there may be places within the shooting area that a person in a wheelchair cannot go. So the competitor may be allowed to shoot the targets from another spot (safety angles and other safety factors allowing).

I’ve also seen senior people who recently had a surgery walk through and past obstacles, with a 10% penalty. However it can be hard for the Range Master to judge how much of a penalty is fair, so that a disabled person doesn’t get a tremendous stage win due to the wrong calculations.

Here’s an example: Dr. D. Light Wheelchair Shooter IPSC Israel League. Notice how the shooter holsters the gun while moving. This can of course be tricky if you’re shooting a rifle, but there are solutions. for instance the Range Officer can help you carry the rifle in a safe manner and direction.



In the United Kingdom there are also a few competitions for disabled, like the adaptive competition (part of the Imperial Meeting) specific for recovering service and ex-service personnel.

Any competition where suitable arrangements can be made for the shooter based on the nature of their disability is a positive.
 
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I shoot on a regular basis with a gentleman that has lost the use of his left arm. He shoots production and our range masters have all agreed to let him shoot with a modified rig. A good RM makes all the difference in making sure the fun is kept in the sport.

Thanks for sharing this.
 
I too am a 1 armed Gunner, and I am working my way up too my Black badge course. It's awesome that both IPSC and IDPA have provisions for handicapped competitors, when I spoke with John Evers he was very supportive and said he would work with me when I was ready. Truly awesome not to be left out.

My pleasure on the share. :)
 
I too am a 1 armed Gunner, and I am working my way up too my Black badge course. It's awesome that both IPSC and IDPA have provisions for handicapped competitors, when I spoke with John Evers he was very supportive and said he would work with me when I was ready. Truly awesome not to be left out.

My pleasure on the share. :)

Power to you my friend! Keep at it!:cheers:
 
I too am a 1 armed Gunner, and I am working my way up too my Black badge course. It's awesome that both IPSC and IDPA have provisions for handicapped competitors, when I spoke with John Evers he was very supportive and said he would work with me when I was ready. Truly awesome not to be left out.

My pleasure on the share. :)

I thought you might be with the 1 arm bandit moniker. (correct me if I am wrong)

But don't wait, hop into it. You'll never look back. 1 arm, 1 leg, old, young etc... it doesn't matter. Dynamic shooting is on an entirely different level than target shooting at the range from a static line. Going fast or slow, the challenges presented are a blast. If IDPA in Ontario doesn't require a BB (it doesn't in B.C), go try it out.

Also, 3 gun, tactical rifle, shotgun work etc... is all possible with 1 arm. Don't limit yourself.
 
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I would not have come this far without the help and generosity of the FA community as a whole and I have a big group that I am indebted to for life. From my CFSC/CRFSC instructors for being patient and compassionate in there instruction and unbiased position (there was no leeway given) they made sure that I was capable in handling all FA's, to the range Target Sports Canada that took the time to make sure we were both comfortable with my FA handling skills as to not endanger anyone, Ty (Igor)To the many dealers (Al Flaherty's, Solelys) that sold me FA's without conjecture. I am truly humbled and honoured to represent such an awesome community and will do my very best to represent in the most honourable way. Ty everyone. :)
 
I thought you might be with the 1 arm bandit moniker. (correct me if I am wrong)

But don't wait, hop into it. You'll never look back. 1 arm, 1 leg, old, young etc... it doesn't matter. Dynamic shooting is on an entirely different level than target shooting at the range from a static line. Going fast or slow, the challenges presented are a blast. If IDPA in Ontario doesn't require a BB (it doesn't in B.C), go try it out.

Also, 3 gun, tactical rifle, shotgun work etc... is all possible with 1 arm. Don't limit yourself.


You are correct, 1ABNDT. I have all the necessary FA's for 3 gun and pulling the trigger is easy, I am focusing on learning the aspects of all three FA's from function, disassembly, cleaning, maintenance, lots of dry fire practice, sight picture practice, it all new to me as of Jan this year. So I am taking my time not to inundate myself with too much at once, I'll get there with practice, perseverance, and support from the FA community without doubt. Ty for your support as well. GBUA :)
 
I shoot on a regular basis with a gentleman that has lost the use of his left arm. He shoots production and our range masters have all agreed to let him shoot with a modified rig. A good RM makes all the difference in making sure the fun is kept in the sport.

Thanks for sharing this.

Acturall Nick it is in the rules that he can shoot with a modify rig. 5.2.9 Competitors deemed by the Range Master to be permanently and significantly disabled may be given special
dispensation in relation to the type and/or placement of their holster and allied equipment, and the Range
Master will remain the final authority in respect of the safety and suitability of using such equipment at IPSC
matches.
 
I have shoot IPSC competitions with a fellow in a wheelchair and fellow with a hook for a hand and a brace on his leg. As well we shoot regularly with a fellow with a disabled armed. All good!
 
We shoot with a local guy who shoots everything from IDPA to 3 Gun and he is fantastic to watch, his lost his left arm in an accident, but the technique he has developed is amazing to watch. He just became an IDPA SO and ran his first squad last Sunday, and ran it well. If the will is there, anything is possible,, congrats on keeping the fun alive OP, much respect!
 
For instance, the IPSC Rule book gives the Range Master and the Range Officers some options to offer disabled shooters:

5.2.9 Competitors deemed by the Range Master to be permanently and significantly disabled may be given special dispensation in relation to the type and/or placement of their holster and allied equipment, and the Range Master will remain the final authority in respect of the safety and suitability of using such equipment at IPSC matches.

8.3.9 A competitor with a severe hearing disability may, subject to prior approval of the Range Master, be entitled to have the foregoing verbal Range Communications supplemented by visual and/or physical signals. 8.3.9.1 The recommended physical signals are taps on the competitor’s weak side shoulder using a countdown protocol, namely 3 taps for “Are You Ready?”, 2 taps for “Standby” and 1 tap to coincide with the Start Signal.

10.2.10 Special penalty: A competitor unable to fully execute any part of a course of fire due to incapacity or injury may, prior to making his attempt at the course of fire, request that the Range Master apply a penalty in lieu of the stated course requirement.

10.2.10.1 If the request is approved by the Range Master, he must state, in advance of the competitor attempting the course of fire, the extent of the special penalty, ranging from 1% to 20% of the competitor’s points “as shot”, to be deducted.

10.2.10.2 Alternatively, the Range Master may waive application of any penalties in respect of a competitor who, due to having a significant physical disability, is unable to comply with the stated course requirement.


Don't forget:

8.6.1.1 Competitors confined to wheelchairs or similar devices may be given special dispensation by the Range Master in respect of mobility assistance. However, the provisions of Rule 10.2.10 may still apply, at the Range Master’s discretion.
 
Most range masters dont know or want to know how to deal with a person with mobility issues. They are more than willing to give a penalty to make it equal for an able bodied person but not the other way around. This is based on my limited experience.
 
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