Posted: 8/16/2015 5:30:47 PM EDT
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I was diagnosed with ALS back in April of this year and hand weakness makes it really hard to work the slide, safety and mag release of my 1911.
Wrist supports will help with supporting it while firing and prevent "limp wristing" it but I need to come up with something to help me operate it a little more efficiently. I really do NOT want to get rid of it or quit using it while I still can. So any suggestions? Main problem is thumb weakness. |
| if you have good use of your strong index finger, there are ambi mag releases like the Smith and Alexander, or just work it with your weak thumb... the same with ambi large paddle safeties... if you are recreationally shooting, working them with the off hand will work... if you thumb cock the hammer first, a slide racker can be dovetailed or drilled and tapped into the slide to make its manipulation easier... a 1911 smith can change the radius on the firing pin stop and cut the hammer to lighten the effort needed to operate the slide... best wishes |
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An extended slide release might make a big difference. The longer release gives you more leverage.
Racking the slide could give you trouble in two ways: gripping the slide, or strength to pull the slide back. If it's gripping the slide that's your major problem, try holding the slide with the butt of your hand and the tips of the fingers instead of just thumb and forefinger. You can also try the two-handed slide rack technique - I've seen it work for very small framed women - Hold the slide in one hand with the grip in the other, and PUSH the grip while PULLING the slide. Once you get the barrel unlocked, it tends to be quite a bit easier to move the slide. |
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Thanks guys.
I have noticed it's easier to rack if I've already cocked the trigger. It's mainly grip weakness that's my problem. The OT gave me some stuff for opening bottles and jars that's a rubber like sheet that works really well so I'll give that a try as well. The paddle safeties and extended release sound like a workable plan. Edit: I've thought about some sort of extension or slide racker grip. It wouldn't take much if I use my fingers (place the slide between index and middle finger and pull back) as I have a Ruger Mark I that can work pretty easily. |
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Quoted:
Thanks guys. I have noticed it's easier to rack if I've already cocked the trigger. It's mainly grip weakness that's my problem. The OT gave me some stuff for opening bottles and jars that's a rubber like sheet that works really well so I'll give that a try as well. The paddle safeties and extended release sound like a workable plan. Edit: I've thought about some sort of extension or slide racker grip. It wouldn't take much if I use my fingers (place the slide between index and middle finger and pull back) as I have a Ruger Mark I that can work pretty easily. HERE is an illustrated set of instructions for the slide rack technique I spoke of earlier. Was the rubber stuff "Dycem," or simply grippy/squishy rubber? Dycem is more rugged than the other stuff, and it's cleanable, while squishy rubber sheets tend to wear out. If the issue could be improved by better traction, you could simply look into skateboard deck tape. A lot of people use that to enhance pistol grips, and you could just apply it to the sides of the slide to help get the grip you need. By the way, I'm an OT. While a lot of OTs are a bit more "granola" than me, if you give us a specific issue, you'll find we're pretty good at digging into it and finding a solution that helps the client. |
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First thing I would do is load a softer round. If you reload or have friends that reload do some 185 Gr. LSMC with 3.8 or 3.5 of Bullseye. These will allow you to run a 13 or 14 lb. recoil spring and a lighter main or hammer spring. That will make it easier to rack the slide.
Install a Heinie Ledge or similar fixed rear sight. This will allow you to use the sight up against a bench or similar hard object to rack the slide by pushing with both hands. 9mm is an option. They are considerable easier to function then a 45. Good luck and keep shooting. |
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Thanks everyone for the help.
Quoted:
HERE is an illustrated set of instructions for the slide rack technique I spoke of earlier. Was the rubber stuff "Dycem," or simply grippy/squishy rubber? Dycem is more rugged than the other stuff, and it's cleanable, while squishy rubber sheets tend to wear out. If the issue could be improved by better traction, you could simply look into skateboard deck tape. A lot of people use that to enhance pistol grips, and you could just apply it to the sides of the slide to help get the grip you need. By the way, I'm an OT. While a lot of OTs are a bit more "granola" than me, if you give us a specific issue, you'll find we're pretty good at digging into it and finding a solution that helps the client. Quoted:
Quoted:
Thanks guys. I have noticed it's easier to rack if I've already cocked the trigger. It's mainly grip weakness that's my problem. The OT gave me some stuff for opening bottles and jars that's a rubber like sheet that works really well so I'll give that a try as well. The paddle safeties and extended release sound like a workable plan. Edit: I've thought about some sort of extension or slide racker grip. It wouldn't take much if I use my fingers (place the slide between index and middle finger and pull back) as I have a Ruger Mark I that can work pretty easily. HERE is an illustrated set of instructions for the slide rack technique I spoke of earlier. Was the rubber stuff "Dycem," or simply grippy/squishy rubber? Dycem is more rugged than the other stuff, and it's cleanable, while squishy rubber sheets tend to wear out. If the issue could be improved by better traction, you could simply look into skateboard deck tape. A lot of people use that to enhance pistol grips, and you could just apply it to the sides of the slide to help get the grip you need. By the way, I'm an OT. While a lot of OTs are a bit more "granola" than me, if you give us a specific issue, you'll find we're pretty good at digging into it and finding a solution that helps the client. I think it's Dycem, looks like it from what I can find on the net. I used a modified version of the racking technique in the link and was able to get it to work with some modification. I'm a lefty and wear an XL glove so I had to grip the front of the slide to prevent the heel of my hand from getting pinched in the ejection port. The skateboard tape may be just the thing (I tend to go for simple and cheap solutions). |
This might be an option as well.
It's supposed to do what you're looking for, and it's not too expensive. Fixed (?) the picture... |
