Like many others here I am afflicted with various age related health problems. One, for me, are my shoulders. Both have torn up rotator cuffs. For those who don't know, a RC is the collection of muscles that attach to the shoulder and allow us to move our arms and lift things. For shooting, on me, the muscle most of us use to hold up a rifle is simply gone. The remaining muscles do not really allow me a steady hold. But, recently I acquired an exercise device that has helped tremendously. (took two ribbons at our club shoot yesterday :grin: ) It is simply a rubber tube with handgrips at each end. I stand on the tube and pull with my left hand to the offhand shooting position. Up to now I have been using weights to try to strengthen my remaining muscles but with limited success. But, this stretchy device has help tremendously and I am very happy. One of the ribbons was third place aggregate for four matches we shot. Meaning I am now not far out of serious contention anymore. For a few years I was concerned my shooting days were nearly over. But, now, I'm feeling like I am back in the game. One of my 'retired' rifles (my favorite flintlock, I feel like a sinner using percussion) is, again, holdable for practice and I may bring it out of the safe for competition again. If you have strength concerns, I reccomend the stretchy device. BTW, it is very light and can fit in luggage for trips.
