Retina issues and Recoil

[Dixie Flinter]

It's definitely worth taking precautions when it comes go your eyesight.

 

[flashpoint]

I appreciate your point,. It is a good one. I have been to several retina specialists and they say to "resume normal activities." Then, when I mention shooting, they say avoiding heavy recoil would be a good idea. Obviously perceived recoil is subjective, however, I plan to be extra safe and am of the opinion that even in a lighter southern mountain rifle, a .40 would be no problem. I am wondering about a .45 but have not shot one. I hunt deer at close range, typically 15 to 40 yards), so with well-placed shot, perhaps the .40 would suffice.

In my state (NJ) the minimum legal BP caliber for deer is a .45 which I shoot with a PRB with 70 grains of FF. I equate the felt recoil like shooting a 20 gauge.

 

[sheriff john]

Have had the detached retina problem. Myopic for over 40 years, had Lasik surgery in both eyes- 20/250 to 20/20 life changer. 25 years later, had cataract surgery in both eyes (this year). Floaters are globs swimming around, some bigger than others, all of mine eventually get re-absorbed. Flashes are different - don't take chances, see your doc.

Gotta tell - after cataract surgery, shot sporting clays a coupla weeks later. Had so many floaters, high birds against the sky could only be told from floaters by closing one eye, then the other on more than one station. "Flashes" at night sometimes resemble the headlights of a vehicle passing from behind on either side. My doc doesn't seem concerned - but he's not the one losing points on my score sheet.

See your doctor. You only get one set of eyes.

 

[Capnball]

Had a large tear in my right eye retina due to cataract surgery 13 months ago which required laser surgery. Have given yup shooting heavier recoiling rifles as I do not want to go through that again (lots of floaters still due to torn blood vessel resulting from retina tear). For this reason I am considering having a .40 or .45 southern mountain rifle for target shooting, offhand practice, and up to deer hunting. It will probably have a swamped 42" to 45" barrel. I know the .40 would be no problem recoil wise, but not sure about the .45. Roundballs only. Any thoughts appreciated.

I have a .50 that kicks like a mule. It's not even fun to shoot. Some people really go for that bang. I also have a .45 flintlock that I absolutely love to shoot. Very friendly gun. So friendly, I bought the pistol to match. I had a nasty accident a few years back that left me with some nerve damage in my neck. So far, the .45 hasn't agrivated any of that. I'd be a mess for a couple days after an afternoon at the range with the 50.
Like you, I love the sport too much to give it up, so making consessions is not only recommended, it's required.
That accident I had was on a bike at highway speed head on with a minivan. I hate to refer to it as a "motorcycle accident" because in truth, "I" didn't have an accident! The other guy had a car accident! I just happened to be what he hit when he had his accident. I did absolutely nothing wrong. Short of staying home that day, there was nothing I could do to avoid it. The minivan driver was going to have an accident that day with someone! (85, wrong side of the road) if my Dr said NO more bikes, that would be it. (Although he did ask me if I had any other hobbies, lol) took me two years to get back on the bike, not because I was afraid, but because I physically incapable of riding a bike. When I felt it was safe, I did it. Ask your Dr about the recoil, he may just say " it takes X amount of time for that injury to completely heal, after that you're good to go. ALWAYS listen to your Dr.
Good luck, happy shooting

 

[Dixie Flinter]

I have a .50 that kicks like a mule. It's not even fun to shoot. Some people really go for that bang. I also have a .45 flintlock that I absolutely love to shoot. Very friendly gun. So friendly, I bought the pistol to match. I had a nasty accident a few years back that left me with some nerve damage in my neck. So far, the .45 hasn't agrivated any of that. I'd be a mess for a couple days after an afternoon at the range with the 50.
Like you, I love the sport too much to give it up, so making consessions is not only recommended, it's required.
That accident I had was on a bike at highway speed head on with a minivan. I hate to refer to it as a "motorcycle accident" because in truth, "I" didn't have an accident! The other guy had a car accident! I just happened to be what he hit when he had his accident. I did absolutely nothing wrong. Short of staying home that day, there was nothing I could do to avoid it. The minivan driver was going to have an accident that day with someone! (85, wrong side of the road) if my Dr said NO more bikes, that would be it. (Although he did ask me if I had any other hobbies, lol) took me two years to get back on the bike, not because I was afraid, but because I physically incapable of riding a bike. When I felt it was safe, I did it. Ask your Dr about the recoil, he may just say " it takes X amount of time for that injury to completely heal, after that you're good to go. ALWAYS listen to your Dr.
Good luck, happy shooting

Thank you to everyone for your suggestions. The only thing I have gotten from two different retina specialists is basically "avoiding recoil would be a good idea." Neither one are shooters. I sold my 45-70 and bought a .243. For flintlocks I am selling my .62 jeager, hanging up the .54, and going to a .40 or .45.

 

[centershot]

You need a discuscion with your retinal specialist not some on a gun board on the Internet. Your eyes are more important.

THIS!!! ^^^^^

Dixie Flinter,
I was in your shoes about 30 years ago, detached retinas in both eyes, about 2 years apart. The floaters disappeared in a short time, can't recall exactly. My doc never prohibited me from using heavy recoiling guns after a couple months recuperation. I've not been bothered by retinal detachment again. Every case is different, of course, but YOUR doctor should make this call, no one else! I wish you the best and hope you'll be shooting ALL your rifles again soon!