Barrels for carpal tunnel

[Alaska Dave]

 Wrist is taking a beating  with the 45/70. 10 rounds is all I can take. Wondering what barrels would be gentler on the wrists and still be able to knock steel and hunt deer/hogs with? I have a 357 max that i'm getting fond of Anyone else in this situation on the pistols? How is the 6&7TCU on recoil? Thanks for any advice, Dave

[Cheesehead]

I had the same problem until a few weeks ago. Surgery on both wrists is a 100% cure and I am very happy about that. Just carrying a firearm of any kind was a struggle. Not to mention running a chain saw, lawn mower, boat and motorcycle. According to the surgeon, delaying the surgery could cause permanent. nerve damage. About a 4 week recovery time, do one hand at a time, I recommend it.

Cheese

[tc scout]

I agree with cheesehead, do the surgery. I had surgery when they were using the old method, its a lot easier now and quicker recovery time. Has been great since I had it done. It will only get worse as time goes by. Chances are your barrel of choice might be a 22 if you don't get it repaired. Just had rotator cuff surgery last week because i couldn't pull my bow anymore without pain.

[Graybeard]

My recommendations would be to go with a 6.5 or 7mm. The TCUs are good choices as are the JDJs and the 7-30 Waters. Any of them should do fine for what you are looking for.

[Alaska Dave]

Thanks Greybeard, that was the reply that I need. Surgery is out of the question for now and i'd never decide between my right hand or the right shoulder

[David D.]

Put a brake on the 45/70 and enjoy!!!!

[Tom W.]

Had to trade off my 30-06 for a .22-250. It doesn't hurt like it used to!

[rbergum95]

i have to agree with graybeard. the 6.5's and 7's are the way to go. the waters will take care of the things you mention without the punishment of the larger calibers.

ron

[PHATINJUN]

I put up with it for quite some time but had mine fixed Feb 1st I could cock a gun after 3 week and now at 5 shooting again and pain free 1st time in 5 yrs I've been pain free and no numb feels great.Hope to pull a bow next week. Kurt

[kennisondan]

Well ... lots of company here, it seems... carpal tunnel in both wrists diagnosed.. that is eight weeks recovery; and then the shoulder impingement releif and spur removal is 6 weeks, I think; then the elbow tendon tears and spurring is about four weeks...
the doctor wants me to try four weeks of therapy before scheduling any surgery... now I have to break out the calendar and see if I have time for all of that before another season starts... and I need time for practicing... and I bet a shoulder elbow and wrist on the same side will slow me down just a bit too....

I would not make the situation worse if you can avoid it.... the sharp shouldered tcu rounds suggested should do the trick for the time being, and to keep the 45 70 - I would take the suggestion of the muzzle break to heart... and would load it down a lot to boot, if I shot it at all...
I am using a 308 with light bullets and do not feel it too a abusive at the moment, on the wrists but the shoulder and elbow are precluding anything but a light 22 for now...

I wonder if the recoil causes the wrist problems or just makes it more noticieable... ? 
dk

[Alaska Dave]

I'm wondering if spending the first 25 years swinging a hammer(roofing,breaking concrete and rough framing) could have anything to do with it The 45/70 does have a break on it and maybe i'll put the old gal back in the safe for a bit   Lately i've been shooting the 221 and the 357 max but with 357 158gr. shells with no problems. Maybe I should be thinking of putting a break on my next barrel whether it's 6,6.5,7, or 7x30?

[Hopalong7]

Getting old ain't for sissys.  Walt

[kennisondan]

I understand that muzzle breaks reduce more recoil where there is most recoil to reduce... but it helps in small calibers with low pressure too... just not as noticeable ....
Hth
DK

[canyon-ghost]

   In 2005, I broke my left wrist, have a plate holding it together. The right one definitely has carpal tunnel syndrome, my hand goes numb until I take aspirin.

      I'm working up loads for the 7mmTCU, and I shot 25 rounds last week. 7-30 Waters is a good hunting round (for the wound channel required).  The TCU is still thumping hard at 200 yards-and I believe, from what I've read, has less recoil.

  The 6mms are closer to the 243 range, just smaller. The 6.5s look interesting too.

     Oh well, the scar on my left is only 3" long, what the heck.