What type of competition for someone with arthritic knees?

[red2000vette]

If I get down to shoot from a kneeling position I might not get up again (for quite a few seconds anyway). What types of competitions are there for the over 50 bunch that doesn't require a background in gymnastics to be competitive.

[Skiprr]

Well, I think I kinda know what you mean, but let's get this out of the way first: bullseye and silhouette competition (NRA, ISSF, and IHMSA are organizations that conduct these kinds of matches) require no timed squatting, kneeling, or moving. All the other forms of "practical" handgun competition requires some degree of movement.

Steel Challenge--which was just acquired last December by the USPSA--involves timed movement from shooting box to shooting box, but no kneeling or prone shooting.

Probably the most available option, as in number of clubs and options to shoot, is IDPA.

The Course of Fire rules in IDPA state that movement of more than 10 yards from one shooting point to another, or total movement of over 15 yards, is prohibited in any string of fire. The rules also say CoF designers should "avoid designing courses of fire that will substantially disadvantage senior and mobility-challenged shooters."

Some CoF designers do a better job of this than others. But for the most part, you'll seldom if ever find a string of fire that requires you to get up and run from a kneeling or prone position. If a CoF calls for that kind of bending, it's going to be the last position in the string; in the case of prone shooting, the only position. That not only makes good "arthritic knee" sense, it just makes good safety sense, too. Don't want people's guns flappin' all over the place while they concentrate on getting up or down.

If you are seriously concerned about the degree of mobility expected in IDPA, I recommend showing up and watching a match at a local club. You'll get a feel for the amount and type of movement, and will see that it isn't exceptional. Do keep in mind that IDPA has different classifications of shooters. If you keep your eyes glued only to master-level shooters, you may come away thinking that this way too much for you. But that's like a kid in middle school watching NBA players and deciding that's a sport he can't play. Watch the marksman and sharpshooter lever competitors.

A lot of folks shoot IDPA for personal goals of practice and range time. You don't have to race the clock. If you shoot safely, clubs will welcome you with open arms and you can get faster at your own pace.

[MoJo]

I am almost 62 have had 3 surgeries on my right knee, and can't get back up fast, I shoot IDPA and steel challenge. Running is harder on me than getting up and down.

[Skiprr]

I am almost 62 have had 3 surgeries on my right knee, and can't get back up fast, I shoot IDPA and steel challenge. Running is harder on me than getting up and down.

So, red2000vette, there ya go! I'm catchin' up to you, MoJo, but I'm a smidgeon younger with two fewer knee surgeries. Had some lower back work, though: just a little caulk and spackle. Whoopee, it's fun gettin' older...

I forgot to mention that, in IDPA, knee pads are legal so long as they are concealed and not worn externally. Since there really isn't that much kneeling in a match--maybe one string of fire, max two--this is where pants like 5.11s come in really handy. They have optional, soft foam inserts about 1/4" thick that fit into internal pockets over the knees. Far more comfortable during non-kneeling wear than strap-on, "tactical" knee pads, and enough padding to insulate the ol' patella. Duluth Trading also sells a very sturdy pair of pants with built-in knee pads, and the pads are actually better than the 5.11's. (If you look at these, be aware that they run a bit on the large side; I bought a pair a several months ago, and even before I lost a couple of pounds they were too baggy for me to wear comfortably, but they're extremely well made.)

And, red2000vette, I don't know where you're located in the state, but I have it on good authority that the IDPA Match Director for the match that happens every fourth Saturday at Pearland Sportsman Club is a 'Vette afficianado. Don't think he has a red one, though. If you're in the greater Houston area, come on out on the 24th. Sign-up begins at 8:00 a.m.; new-shooter orientation at 8:30 (which you'll want to listen to whether you shoot or not); hammer-down at 9:00.

[MoJo]

So, red2000vette, there ya go! I'm catchin' up to you, MoJo, but I'm a smidgeon younger with two fewer knee surgeries. Had some lower back work, though: just a little caulk and spackle. Whoopee, it's fun gettin' older...

Well I'm not mentioning all the other injuries and maladies. Getting old isn't for the weak and timid. You gotta be tough to get old.

[red2000vette]

Thanks to all of you. I didn't know that IDPA was geezer firendly. I will look into it on all of your recemmendations!!!

Red2000Vette