By Interest
From NRA Family – Arthritis Tips: How to Load & Unload Semi-Autos
Getting older ain’t for sissies, and the number one reason why is arthritis. What can you do when it hurts to shoot? Plenty, as it turns out.

Image courtesy of NRAFamily.org
NRA Family has posted an enlightening and helpful article on the topic of older shooters with arthritis, courtesy of physical therapist Dr. Joseph Logar. While many gun manufacturers dubiously tout good ergonomic design, that simply isn’t true for all of us. If a tool doesn’t fit the user, then it is not ergonomic for that user. If you have arthritis, a standard gun is almost certainly not designed for you.
Enter the expertise of Dr. Logar, who writes –
The pain and weakness of arthritis can be debilitating in firearms handling, particularly when it comes to loading and unloading semi-automatic handguns. In this article, we’ll offer some tips and specific products that you may find helpful. But first, a couple of caveats: First, this information is in no way meant to replace the advice of your doctor. Furthermore, the equipment modifications mentioned here are suggestions, and should only be taken as such. We’re neither endorsing nor guaranteeing that these adaptations are possible for all pistols. Your best course of action is to consult with a qualified gunsmith about the applicability of these to a specific firearm.
In the article Logar lays out three different aspects of loading and unloading where adaptive techniques and equipment can help someone with arthritis. They are:
- Loading the Magazine
- Equipment suggestion to relieve stress on the thumb – The Uplula by Maglula, LTD
- Racking the Slide
- Equipment suggestions include –
- “Halo” charging ring for Browning Buckmark
- The Handi-Racker
- The Beretta 3032 Tomcat
- Equipment suggestions include –
You can find the full article here, and other helpful adaptive shooting tips here on the NRAFamily.org site.
Have any of our readers found creative ways to make shooting easier while managing your arthritis. Let us know in the comments.
Happy shooting!
-
Laws & Rights1 month ago
BREAKING: Washington State Bans Semi-Autos
-
Buying Info2 months ago
Skål! The Viking Desert Eagle Spreads Its Wings
-
Laws & Rights2 months ago
NY Court Tells Hochul Where to Put Those “Red Flags”
-
Laws & Rights3 weeks ago
Anti-Gun Comedian Michael Ian Black is a Joke, Not a Joker
-
Laws & Rights1 month ago
Pink Elephants: NY’s Latest Top Judge Delirium
-
Accessories & Gear3 weeks ago
Flamethrowers Are Legal (Don’t Tell the Fun Police)
-
Accessories & Gear1 month ago
JX Tactical Fat Guy Holster: Appendix Carry for the Rest of Us!
-
Laws & Rights1 month ago
Crimenesia: Not an Anti-Gun State, Just an Anti-Gun State of Mind