I've been shooting clays for a few months, and although I'm hitting more, the recoil is also bothering me more. I am a small, light woman in my 60s, not very strong, but I'm determined to improve. That said, I'm at a point where I'm not sure if improving is worth any permanent damage I might be getting? Is that possible?
I started out driving my elderly uncle to the range so he could have fun, but ended up shooting with him. It sounded fun in the beginning but now I dread it because it's like getting in a small car accident every week. He is a good shot, although maybe not a good teacher, at least for small women? He's a big man. He says I'm not holding it right, and yet that recoil is all in my head... well, it's also in my neck, shoulder and fingers! He bought me a beautiful old English gun - a 12 gauge SxS double trigger that weighs under 7 pounds, has a short stock that fits me. He makes light loads for us to shoot, but it still hurts. I can't dump the gun because it was a wonderful gift but I pretty much hate it and prefer the 28 gauge semiauto rental! Do you think there is hope I can master this gun or am I just wasting my time and injuring myself? I don't want to appear ungrateful and hurt his feelings but this is no fun at all! I hope he doesn't read this forum... heh.
I don't know any other serious shooters to ask! Thoughts?
By the way, I took my younger daughters and granddaughters, and they got more beaten up than I did and are refusing to go back for more, so it isn't just my age.
I started out driving my elderly uncle to the range so he could have fun, but ended up shooting with him. It sounded fun in the beginning but now I dread it because it's like getting in a small car accident every week. He is a good shot, although maybe not a good teacher, at least for small women? He's a big man. He says I'm not holding it right, and yet that recoil is all in my head... well, it's also in my neck, shoulder and fingers! He bought me a beautiful old English gun - a 12 gauge SxS double trigger that weighs under 7 pounds, has a short stock that fits me. He makes light loads for us to shoot, but it still hurts. I can't dump the gun because it was a wonderful gift but I pretty much hate it and prefer the 28 gauge semiauto rental! Do you think there is hope I can master this gun or am I just wasting my time and injuring myself? I don't want to appear ungrateful and hurt his feelings but this is no fun at all! I hope he doesn't read this forum... heh.
I don't know any other serious shooters to ask! Thoughts?
By the way, I took my younger daughters and granddaughters, and they got more beaten up than I did and are refusing to go back for more, so it isn't just my age.