Any thoughts on firearms training for visually impaired spouse?

This is an interesting issue. I have no clue what would be most effective. I wonder if this is simply the point at which you submit your fate over to others and God.

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Actually, Texas sounds pretty good to me. Thanks for that recommendation. But is a .22 a threat stopper? I have a .357 which she has shot before with.38’s. I can get a .38 revolver real easy… not contradicting you, just asking questions. I’ll save the snake shot for their intended purpose.
BTW… isn’t the Taurus Judge a .410 ? Never shot one so I don’t know about recoil.

So at a minimum it sounds like that practicing scenarios, going through a plan together, range time, etc are all in order.

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410s don’t have much kick.

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Wow, that’s actually what we do except I would use the term sovereignty of God rather than fate. I believe in being faithful with what God has given me, doing my best with that, and leaving the rest to Him. My wife and I don’t fear ultimate outcomes because we trust Him. But I am going to do my level best to be faithful to God’s call to protect my family.
I really appreciate you bringing that up friend, because so much is out of our control. Also, I am truly just responding to your comment not trying to preach…this all goes hand and hand.

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I actually have considered the judge

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Hey, yes, a 357 has more pow power, but don’t forget HER mental comfort level. If she is cool with the big cal off the bat then for sure, but otherwise we don’t want her to train and have anxiety about every press of the trigger.

My wife carries the Ruger LCR 357 and practices with the LCR 22. In a DCI with her adrenaline flowing she will have no idea of the difference.
She will hit her target as she has trained with the kinesthetic alignment.

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Love dogs too!

_Personal information removed to protect your privacy. -Moderator

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Agreed. If intruders on high on PCP or something else or are psychotic, bird shot may just piss them off!

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Again… thanks for all of the input.

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On the training component @Fizbin nailed it. It’s called point shooting and is very effective. I worked in eyeballs for about 10 years as a Retina guy so I’m clinically curious as to what type of impairment your wife has if you are willing to share. Central vision loss would be one of the more difficult to train to but not impossible I’ve worked with several people with Macular Degeneration / various forms of Retinopathy and while challenging it can be worked through. If she is willing to learn she become very effective.

Cheers,

Craig6

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Hi Craig…I don’t mind sharing a little bit, and I say a little bit only because it’s long and complicated. But, she has a congenital disease called anaridia, the lack of an iris. Numerous surgeries, implants, and experiments has led to the recent loss of one eye (surgically removed) due to a micro bacterial infection. The remaining eye sees fingers about 3 ft away on a good day. You may be familiar with one of her doctors as he is a retina specialist. We can talk about that through private message if you want.
That’s the specific challenge she faces. Point and shoot is great, but there’s more to it than that. The feedback on this forum has been useful in particular @Fizbin and @Sheepdog556. This is going to be a process, but one that I feel committed to and she is with me.
Now that y’all know a bit more of what is specifically seen by her has your perspective or advise changed?

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Hey,
I’ll pray for you guys as yes, it’s a process.

No, I still stand by my advice.
I’ll add to it, by you guys both working on the training together it can only be uplifting and moral boosting and … fun doing something together. Working towards a challenging goal will make you both stronger.

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I would modify 2 things. The comments about being able to aim a pistol are spot on. Place it in the cent or the chest and push out and you’re gonna get hits.

The judge is a great option. The recoil is manageable, it comes off as an intimidating firearm but it’s weight helps reduce the felt recoil.

I stand by my shotgun idea however I would find a way to help her realize where the door is in relation to where she is. With a shotgun thats as precise as you’d need to be. I would also stick with dogs and invest in training for them.

No matter what plan you come up with, training is going to be crucial. Both mental and physical. It sounds like you’re setting yourself up for success and with her being on board you guys are off to a great start.

Just remember failing is learning. It’s only permanent if you quit.

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Challenges are good as they build character and confidence. I appreciate the encouragement to persevere.

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@Scott170 Wow that was one Dx I didn’t see coming (no pun intended) That is truly rare and I have only seen it due to trauma. Blessings and prayers to you and your wife. I agree with both @Fizbin & @Sheepdog556 the training can be had but it will take time and may be unconventional. The one benefit from long standing impaired vision is that most folks have an over developed sense of proprioception (knowing where there body parts are in relation to their body) and with that they are notoriously more aware of their surroundings which allows them to navigate around familiar settings which is another form of muscle memory. While I am not personally familiar with the Judge 3 36 cal balls at each pull of the trigger will get the job done at close quarters. Count fingers at 3’ while seemingly terrible is doable as that is roughly arm movement at 7 +/- ’ and human shape recognition at 10 - 15’ give or take plus or minus lighting and such as I’m sure you are well aware. She may never see a “sight picture” but with proper and well practiced body alignment the grip, bring to center, push and fire will net fair center mass hits at further than you think. We would actually have students draw and fire (and reload) at 10 yards with a welding helmet on towards the end of our classes.

The most important thing she will need to perfect is GRIP and that is where you come in. As she practices each “draw” or “pick up” it will be teaching her body how to hold the pistol or shotty (or whatever you all decide on) . That lays the foundation for a well pointed firearm as well as foot placement but that is a little further down the road. The uncomfortable part is that you cannot do the standard “Close your eyes, point. Open your eyes. Are you still on target?” thing. I’m not advocating it, but to get the grip established YOUR eyes (or eye) may need to be the target, insert all the safety stuff in here. Your circumstance may require that type of training or live video or some such, not sure how I would want to handle that without coming right out and saying “Point a gun at me so I can check your grip and point.” Mebby a laser training device as an option or just a gun mounted laser to get the grip and push nailed down without being in front of the gun? I’m liking those options better than staring down a barrel of any diameter, albeit a bit more spendy. So to answer your question, no it doesn’t change my advice or perspective, it can be done but the training may be a bit unconventional.

Cheers,

Craig6

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Thank you @Craig6 for your input and prayers. We are accustomed to figuring things out and we will figure this out as well, with God’s help and by His grace. I/we are leaning towards the Taurus Judge since it’s a couple of different things in the same package. Easy to handle, shot gun approach and I hear the .410 ammo (if one can find it) comes in pretty effective self defense rounds. Plus, .45 Long Colts are fun to shoot as well and she can practice all of the principles that ya’ll have mentioned regarding the revolver. All of the other components of training are challenging but not insurmountable. She is an overcomer:)
Thanks again to all!

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FYI: Check out https://www.itargetpro.com/

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Hey @Scott170,
I read/watched this Tactical Tuesday and it sounds like the PERFECT drill for you to run with your wife.

It’s why I’m recommending a pistol and this stance. A great closed eye’s drill.
Think about this along with the training firearm and course below. Since you both would be taking the course and befitting it’s almost like a 2 for one. I think i got an email the other day that this maybe on sale with a discount code or something.

https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/store/education/digital-training-courses/uscca-lasertrain-elearning-sw-sirt-pistol-ece0720006/

The great thing about this pistol is as you start to press the trigger a green laser will engage, and upon break a red laser lights up as well. With eyes closed start pressing the trigger prior to break, and then open your eyes to see exactly where your at, so to speak.

This faux firearm is a GREAT home dry fire training tool, for years to come. A good investment.

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Thanks @Fizbin…I just watched this. The pistol is the way to go, I agree. I did find, and purchased a used Taurus Judge magnum (2 1/2 and 3") for a very reasonable price. I know there’s a lot of opinions about this firearm out there, and you either love them or hate them. I’m in the middle. But, with the uniqness of the situation this firearm seems to be the way to go. It shoots 2 1/2 slugs very accurately at 10 yards, .45 accurate enough, I would like to find some 000 buck. All I could find was 2 1/2" shells, looking forward to seeing what 3" can do. So, we will train with this.

That was thoughtful of you to send this video and resource. I will look into the Laser Training. God bless friend.

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Hey,
My pleasure man, I just enjoy firearms and helping people.
Merry Christmas to you guys.

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