Shooting hand injury

[deltakid]

Good morning to all.  I recently tore tendons in my shooting hand, to the extent that surgery to repair them is not an option.  My shooting hand is weak so switching to left hand to shoot is really not an option at this time. I know the Mongols and the Turks used a thumb ring release, but I am wondering if anyone has experience with using a modern release with which to shoot. In my mind, it is about the only way that I can continue to shoot trad, or even archery to that matter.

[reddogge]

I see no reason why a release wouldn't work. Put one of those loops on the string though. You may have to adjust your center shot to more centered and play with your spine to tune the arrows. No big deal.

[D. Key]

Some time back I read of a Trad Shooter that had a similar problem and he took an old leather belt, made a wrist loop and used the tag end of the belt for the holding mechanism.  He would place the tag end around the string and pinch between the thumb and index finger.  Relax tension and loose the arrow.  I had a pic of it somewhere but can't find it.  If I do, I will post for you.  

One other thing.  If this ever happened to me, I would definitely consider a mechanical release, just to prevent me from giving up on this beloved sport.  Best of luck with your injury.

[Orion]

Mechanical release would work fine.  Also, Bob Morrison was making and selling a release aid similar to what D.Keys describes.  Might get in touch with Bob to see if he's still offfering them.

[deltakid]

Thanks for the great ideas.  I don't know that the belt release would work, because, at this time, my fingers are so weak and numb, I don't think I could hold anything with my thumb. I had already started thinking about using a string loop and what it would do to my centershot and nocking point.  I have surgery scheduled next week to relieve the numbness (sort of carpal tunnel) and I will have to wait a bit to try anything.  Thanks for the input guys, it is much appreciated.

Jim

You are saying that your shooting, assuming right hand, is too weak to hold the bow?  I injured my middle finger of my right hand, doing long holds with a 96 pound bow. It took years to recover and I still need to watch how much right hand shooting I do.  Long holding times is what causes me the most physical problems.  I don't know why I ever do it, i shoot better with a smooth fluid rhythm.  I would reconsider about not changing hands.  The strap releases, like the old Wilson Strap Tabs, takes tremendous hand strength. You could go to hand strap on your bow hand with a recurve, like a target shooter.  Your recovery time after surgery may be very long and reinjury is a real concern after surgery.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Mechanical releases will work fine. Just put a loop on. Hopefully your hand heals up.

[streamguy]

Maybe I should start a different thread, but has anyone ever had damage to their bow hand?  I had 2 herniated disks in my neck that left me with nerve damage in my bow (left) hand.  I have reduced grip strength and finger dexterity - and much less muscle in the web between my thumb and forefinger.  I'm having a difficult time finding a riser grip that I can stably and reliably hold.  anyone been through that or have ideas?

Matt

[Noctis]

Thumb draw requires a lot of relearning but it has some very distinct advantages and is a rewarding path to travel. I shoot both styles. If you decide your thumb is strong enough and you'd be interested in trying it out, I can offer plenty of starter advice.

[Keefer]

James,
 I had my right hand cut off in a logspitter mid palm area in 1985 and had to have my hand shortened and all fingers pinned back on !
 It took me several years to even do anything with it but lots of therapy and the will to shoot with that hand I learned to shoot and hold a string once again.
 I had a few release aids that I used at first to shoot and one I had my brother weld a spoon on the trigger so I could release with my thumb since it was the only thing I could bend on my hand.
  I had a wrist strap that helped me pull back my bow but you will have to learn the release aid and shooting will be a bit different but can be done.
  I now shoot with a Damascus style glove and folks hardly notice I had a hand injury until they see my scar across the back of my hand.
 That was 33 years ago when that happened and I don't have full usage of my hand I can shoot fairly well.
 My problem is I can't open my fingers all the way on release but I have adapted pretty well.
  The release aid I used was a tss something and turned 360 and I could spin it around so my trigger with spoon was under my cheek and out of the way .
  I have made a few tabs that seem to help me as well but a release aid can help so try one and learn to adjust your shooting to it.
 It may take some getting used to but can help ya!  

[Roadkill]

Keefer, you da man..

[Big Ed]

Where there’s a will there is a way! Start with the lightest bow you can find or make.  PVC and CPVC pipe make great bows for simulation. Go slow and try not to get frustrated.
 My right hand (shooting hand) got pulled into a 64 ton roll press a few years back which resulted in my pointer finger being amputated and my middle finger with limited strength and mobility.
 If your contemplating looking at a thumb ring get in touch with Joel Turner he shoots one and is a wealth knowledge .
 Hope this helps you and please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can help in anyway,
Big Ed

[Keefer]

Originally posted by Roadkill:
Keefer, you da man..

No I ain't the Man but I sure know "The Man"        

[WVbowhunter]

Mechanical releases work just fine, though they work better off of an elevated rest than the shelf. When I played around with one a couple years ago I found that I shot very well. I anchored by putting the back of a vane (also did the same with feathers off the shelf of one bow but had mixed results) to the corner of my mouth then activated the shot with back tension. I just put two brass nockson the string rather than a d-loop. Thinking about running one for my hunting bow this year.

[Jakeemt]

I’d just grab a wrist strap type mechanical release and slap a bear weather rest on your bow.  You’ll need a new arrow set up and one that is probably weaker too as a release adds a lot less paradox. You might try a back tension release but, not sure if your hand can hold it. Good luck man!

[Hud]

This guy has found two ways to use the thumb ring.