Trap shooting side effects

So, two separate incidents of neuro-muscular trauma after simply firing shotguns. I'm not so sure the first one was true whiplash- because I've never heard of such a thing- so perhaps they were both neural, or the first had unsuspected neural components. If we've learned one thing about concussive brain trauma these days, it's that it's cumulative and NOT something to be messed with. I would be checking with a doctor to ask for an assessment, and shooting a heck of a lot less in the meantime.
 
So, two separate incidents of neuro-muscular trauma after simply firing shotguns. I'm not so sure the first one was true whiplash- because I've never heard of such a thing- so perhaps they were both neural, or the first had unsuspected neural components. If we've learned one thing about concussive brain trauma these days, it's that it's cumulative and NOT something to be messed with. I would be checking with a doctor to ask for an assessment, and shooting a heck of a lot less in the meantime.

Agree…Im no medical expert, but whiplash is a neck injury generally caused by a sudden forward movement of the upper body. Recoil is the exact opposite…..
 
Does the smell of the burnt powder cause a bit of headache???

I find when shooting a bout of surplus on the vz(sadly back in the day)and sks, I get a bit of headache.

Depending on the brand of shells I shoot, some times I'll get the same with 12ga when shooting trap...
 
Is it normal to feel a little dazed after shooting clay pigeons? Just wondering if it's only me who experiences this.

I think either I am sensitive to the recoil or to my father's gun going off next to me (or both).

Only shot 25 cartidges of target load 2 3/4inch.

Depends on a number of factors. I'd shoot 25 rounds out of my Wingmaster and it would kick the crap out of me (punch me in the cheek) in no time. On the other hand, 250 rounds out of my Citori or BT99 is an effortless breeze, with only my arms getting tired.
 
Do you grind your teeth while shooting in anticipation of the recoil? Grinding your teeth matches with a not so well fitted gun can cause the vibration to rattle thru your jaw into you ears and eyes.
 
Do you grind your teeth while shooting in anticipation of the recoil? Grinding your teeth matches with a not so well fitted gun can cause the vibration to rattle thru your jaw into you ears and eyes.

This is what I was getting at with my joke/jab that fell flat...
Loosen up.
Try not to tense up.
I chew gum to prevent myself clenching my jaw.
Relax your body.
 
Depends on a number of factors. I'd shoot 25 rounds out of my Wingmaster and it would kick the crap out of me (punch me in the cheek) in no time. On the other hand, 250 rounds out of my Citori or BT99 is an effortless breeze, with only my arms getting tired.

…and the difference is largely due to the relative weight of each gun. Hunting models can be made lighter to facilitate carrying them all day because you only fire a shot occasionally. Similarly, many hunters don’t wear hearing protection in the field because they need to hear their game and because the occasional loud shot in a wide open area isn’t particularity hard on hearing.

I, myself, don’t wear hearing protection in the field. But, I wouldn’t dream of not wearing hearing protection at the range. With nearby buildings bouncing sound back at you and the sheer number of shots fired, you’d have hearing issues in short order.

By the same token, I would not use a field gun at the range. They’re too light and the recoil beats the crap out of you. Same goes the other way - I wouldn’t use my competition gun in the field. It’s too heavy and my arms would be sore carrying it all day.

Try borrowing a dedicated competition gun from someone at the club and see if it makes a difference.

If there’s any chance you’ve sustained a head injury in the past 3 months, see your doctor as step 1.
 
So, two separate incidents of neuro-muscular trauma after simply firing shotguns. I'm not so sure the first one was true whiplash- because I've never heard of such a thing- so perhaps they were both neural, or the first had unsuspected neural components. If we've learned one thing about concussive brain trauma these days, it's that it's cumulative and NOT something to be messed with. I would be checking with a doctor to ask for an assessment, and shooting a heck of a lot less in the meantime.

I did see a doctor the first time I had issue after I fired 3.5" shells. She diagnosed it as whiplash and sent me home with tynenol. She doesn't believe there was a concussion.

I think I will get better soon, already feeling better. Once I get a family doctor I can tell them about it.

For now I am avoiding the gun and I'll be more careful in general. Only shoot 2-3 times with my other guns. I'm not a big range guy anyway.

The Remington Express is cast neutral. For many folks, like myself, they give a noticeable cheek slap. I have trouble shooting a box of target shells through one. Oh - The hockey puck recoil pad doesnt help.

It's good to know it's not only me... I think I need to change the recoil pad before I ever touch it again.

I had a maverick 88 before this Remington. I never had a problem with that gun and I've shot 40-50 times in one sitting.
 
I did see a doctor the first time I had issue after I fired 3.5" shells. She diagnosed it as whiplash and sent me home with tynenol. She doesn't believe there was a concussion.

I think I will get better soon, already feeling better. Once I get a family doctor I can tell them about it.

For now I am avoiding the gun and I'll be more careful in general. Only shoot 2-3 times with my other guns. I'm not a big range guy anyway.



It's good to know it's not only me... I think I need to change the recoil pad before I ever touch it again.

I had a maverick 88 before this Remington. I never had a problem with that gun and I've shot 40-50 times in one sitting.

Your experience has nothing to do with recoil pads it has to do with gun fit. The Mav 88 fit you and the 870 express does not. Getting hurt is a result of improper gun fit. However 3.5" shells even through a gun that fits can be very hard hitting on the shooter. I won't even shoot them out of a semi unless it weighs 10+ lbs. I shot a first generation Browning Gold 10 for over a decade and never got beat up. I tried a Gold 10 Light(newer synthetic model w/alloy receiver) and never touched one again. That 1lb + lighter weight difference and no absorption synthetic stock was brutal in the recoil department compared to my first gen wood stocked steel receiver model.
 
Your experience has nothing to do with recoil pads it has to do with gun fit. The Mav 88 fit you and the 870 express does not. Getting hurt is a result of improper gun fit. However 3.5" shells even through a gun that fits can be very hard hitting on the shooter. I won't even shoot them out of a semi unless it weighs 10+ lbs. I shot a first generation Browning Gold 10 for over a decade and never got beat up. I tried a Gold 10 Light(newer synthetic model w/alloy receiver) and never touched one again. That 1lb + lighter weight difference and no absorption synthetic stock was brutal in the recoil department compared to my first gen wood stocked steel receiver model.

Boy do I ever love shooting my Gold 10 Light!!!
 
Was in a Traffic accident several years ago(rear ended by a texter) and suffered whiplash concussion. Went to see a Dr. at a sports clinic who specialized in concussions Hockey/football was her main focus but after several tests she identified that yes there was cognizant issues. She recommended NO firearms for the next 90 days or until there was a significant positive changes .After 4 weeks she gave me the ok as it appeared that the testing results showed that I had almost normal responses. Couple things I have learned , you do not have to be just hit in the head to suffer a concussion as there are body concussions where the hit is so severe that it scrambles everything to and from your vitals. Second I never had an issue previously with shooting magnum (10g ,375 magnum) but now cannot tolerate it. Leftovers from the accident who knows ,also have now my dominant eye shift which never had before ,but that could the age factor at any rate there has been a significant changes in my shooting approach RD
 
I bring saline eye drops with my shooting gear. After an hour of powder residue and gas my eyes get glazed and I feel like I'm foggy, but its just dry eyes.
 
Was in a Traffic accident several years ago(rear ended by a texter) and suffered whiplash concussion. Went to see a Dr. at a sports clinic who specialized in concussions Hockey/football was her main focus but after several tests she identified that yes there was cognizant issues. She recommended NO firearms for the next 90 days or until there was a significant positive changes .After 4 weeks she gave me the ok as it appeared that the testing results showed that I had almost normal responses. Couple things I have learned , you do not have to be just hit in the head to suffer a concussion as there are body concussions where the hit is so severe that it scrambles everything to and from your vitals. Second I never had an issue previously with shooting magnum (10g ,375 magnum) but now cannot tolerate it. Leftovers from the accident who knows ,also have now my dominant eye shift which never had before ,but that could the age factor at any rate there has been a significant changes in my shooting approach RD

There's a cumulative thing called Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) that's just beginning to be understood, mostly because of the experiences of those fighting the 21 year War on Terror. Basically it's cumulative on everything that's happened to you over your entire life and, as with everything, for unknown reasons it seems some are more susceptible to it than others. Check it out and keep it in mind, that's all.
 
Thanks J,that is interesting reading ,but I will Not let my wife see it or there would be a fire sale on magnums :)
 
I am often surprised by what I can break from 21 yds with a 1 Oz. load @ 1,200 FPS.
That said, I’m always looking throw as much lead as I can downrange so, this year, it’s all 1-1/8 Oz at 1,150 FPS or 1,200 FPS.

I’m counting on my 9.0 pound gun to save me! :rolleyes:

ATA limits for 12 gauge.
1,290 FPS 1-1/8 Oz.
1,325 FPS 1 Oz.
1,350 FPS 7/8 Oz.


Sounds like the first thing you need is a proper medical check-up. Then if you are not suffering some malady that prevents you from shooting the next step is a proper fitting gun and LIGHT target loads. A proper fitting gun smacks the crap out of the targets, not the shooter. For target loads, 1oz loads rated no more than 1200 fps to keep the recoil to a minimum.
 
I am often surprised by what I can break from 21 yds with a 1 Oz. load @ 1,200 FPS.
That said, I’m always looking throw as much lead as I can downrange so, this year, it’s all 1-1/8 Oz at 1,150 FPS or 1,200 FPS.

I’m counting on my 9.0 pound gun to save me! :rolleyes:

ATA limits for 12 gauge.
1,290 FPS 1-1/8 Oz.
1,325 FPS 1 Oz.
1,350 FPS 7/8 Oz.


I won a flat of 7/8's oz/1350 fps loads a few years ago and for a lark decided to try them from the 27 yard line, I shot a couple of 22/25's and was very surprised how well they broke targets.
 
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