Old guy problems

[uuolf]

It's awesome that age creeps up on ya... And you realize you can't rake a slide as easily... Or carry a heavy rifle around and still shoot well. I love my AR-10 platform rifle but alas I have to admit it's time for a change. Should I trade for a good bolt action in an old guy useable caliber... and if so which one would be good for mostly 200 + yard steel... and MAYBE a deer/hog or two. I'm already moving from my 10mm EDC to a full size 9mm... And I'm kinda starting to like it a bit... Anyway... Just rambling thoughts on aging and moving to more "age appropriate" firearms...if there is such a thing. Thank guys and gals for some great reading.

 

[Redhawk41]

I'm not as young as I think I am sometimes, but we're still kicking. I'm not a big magnum/recoil guy never really liked it.
Do you reload or will you be shooting factory??
I really like my son's AR 6 arc, it's fairly easy and can be as heavy or light as you like, it just takes some $$.
The 22 arc would be fun one too. I think you can find factory ammo for both probably more options for the 6 arc.
I'm learning that reloading for the ar platform is a little different than the bolt guns I normally run, not hard but different
I'm really satisfied with my 6creed bolt gun it's easy enough.
I'm hearing good stuff about the 25/47 and the 25 Creedmoor if you're reloading and looking for something new to play around with. Guarantee the deer and hogs won't like it much.
Rambling thoughts for your consideration.

 

[Thomas B.]

uuolf - I feel your pain. I'm 72 and have become somewhat frail (5'11" 145lbs.). I am riddled with arthritis, spinal stenosis and have nerve damage in my neck. I cannot rack the slide on any of the semi auto's anymore.
I just sold my AR stuff and sold my Glock 43x last year. It's bolt actions and revolvers for me here on out. It was too painful to bend over picking up brass all over the place. Another consideration was if I die before my wife I don't want to leave a bunch of stuff for her to get rid off.
I sold my national match M1 garand and bolt action 30-06 a few years back. The biggest rifle cal I shoot now is 22-250. My everyday carry is a Colt Cobra 38 special. There is no shame in going light on the recoil.

 

[nksmfamjp]

I wonder how you might like the AR15 in 6mm ARC? Maybe with a lightweight 18" barrel and short suppressor!

 

[Holland375]

And a bolt gun in a small caliber, they are just wonderful. Even a good 22. Like Vudoos, you can spend the whole day shooting with them and yes you can shoot past 200 yards.
For pigs maybe limited to ideal shots at 25 lol

 

[Tiny Tim]

Semi autos reduce a significant amount of felt recoil. If going to a bolt action platform (which is often also considerably lighter), I would suggest one of the more modern cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor or any of the popular PRS cartridges. They generally have less recoil and when fitted with a muzzle break or suppressor, are quite enjoyable to shoot. Let us know what you decide.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

What about putting a proof Carbon fiber barrel on that AR10. If you like the platform, you would just be giving it a lighter facelift. Reduce the weight by about 1 pound.

 

[VinceMule]

AR10s are like lugging around a boat anchor; there's no way of getting around it.

 

[Earnhardt]

AR10s are like lugging around a boat anchor; there's no way of getting around it.

Carbon fiber is your friend, fellas...

 

[kerrek]

I purchased a 6.5 CM in the Howa Superlight for these very reasons. Mine comes in at 6.25 # with a Burris 3-15 x44 HD scope. Has factory muzzle break as well, loud but no recoil.

 

[Nimrod]

A little late to the party, as usual. I'm in my late sixties and was in pretty good shape until a couple of years ago when cancer reared its ugly head. I'm holding my own with the cancer but the treatments have cost me about 30 pounds of muscle mass. That, along with a bad back, junk knees and shoulders has left me looking for lighter options. My AR 10 is long gone and I don't carry my AR 15s much anymore. I don't have a huge budget so I've been upgrading as I sell off the heavier stuff. While they aren't the lightest options, I have recently started shooting a couple of Ruger American 2 rifles, a .308 and a .270 Winchester. I haven't weighed the .308 but the .270 is 8 pounds even, ready to hunt, that's with a Leupold VX 5 3-15 x44 and a Banish 30 suppressor. Both of these rifles have been MOA or under from the start with nearly every load I've tried. The Tikka T3 Lite was another option albeit a bit more expensive. I can't bear to let go of my full size 1911 so I'm looking at a shoulder holster or a good set of suspenders. 95% of my hunting is local Whitetail deer and I normally don't even carry a pack but I do love to hunt pronghorns and the lighter weight will benefit me greatly in that regard.

 

[Rotten]

Unfortunately I'm kinda in the same boat but not as bad as others.
At 53 it seems like out of nowhere I started to have knee pain.
Long story short was diagnosed with Rumatoid arthritis. My right wrist is now a big problem I'm unable to bend it to grip straight stocks or shoot anything bigger than a 22lr handgun right-handed.
Everyone is different so if it's just the weight problem on the ar-10 I'd maybe try to lighten it up. If not There's nothing wrong with a bolt action or a lever gun.
Im hopping that the methotrexate they put me on will work and I will be able to use a shotgun for birds next year.
Goodluck with your choice getting old isn't much fun.

 

[SSTX]

I'm right with you at age 66............never had an AR10, but even my 5.56 guns are gathering dust. Have gotten to where I really don't shoot anything that I can't suppress. Went from a 12ga shotgun to a 28ga. Still have a 7mm RM and 257WM, but primarily shoot 6.5CM (Christensen Ridgeline that actually shoots right) and Grendel (Howa mini-action) bolt guns with suppressors. Had to move from a compound bow to a crossbow to favor an old shoulder injury. Can't really shoot iron sights anymore, except some short range handgun stuff. I figure as I roll along, I'll probably end up handing all my guns down to family members and just sit on the bank trying to catch an old catfish. And I'm OK with that.

Here's hoping the best for you old guys out there.

 

[imyourhuckleberry]

I feel your pain, I have been on the verge of retiring my edc a 686 with 3" barrel. I have dropped a grain on my loads to control the pain from recoil in my hands. Eventually when I reach minimum load capacity I might consider going back to my 1911 I used to carry. My plan is to go all the way down to 22 magnum when the time comes.

As far shooting hogs a nice lever action in .357 or 44 magnum would be manageable in my opinion.