At 66, and just now getting back into m-l after a near 26 year absence, I am NOT the man I used to be physically.
With pretty decent osteoarthritis in both shoulders, and a PCP recommending me to NOT to subject my arthritic shoulders to long arms recoil, I have had difficult decisions to make.
My first decision was to take an Optima V2 pistol, have DOC White Javelina-style pistol-grip stocks & a MZ REX 2 muzzle brake installed. With a single -point sling, and flush-mounted push button sling swivels, this pistol set-up will allow me to plink, target shoot, practice, or hunt without subjecting my shoulders to any more stress than necessary.
However, a HUGE PART OF ME still wants to shoot a muzzleloading long arm, preferably a flintlock. Because, that is what I started out with, and it's where my m-l heart lies.
There are a lot of factors that will play into my choice of a long arm, should I decide to take the risk.
What animals will I hunt? Will I be able to still hunt? Can I successfully get within 25-40 yards, on a consistent basis? What are the minimum legal requirements for the animals I wish to hunt? How much power DOES IT REALLY REQUIRE to kill a black bear, feral hog, or whitetail deer? If I decide to include turkey hunting in the mix, what are my states minimum legal requirements for such?
Since I am now 66, and I wish to shoot/hunt until GOD says it is time to stop, my weapon of choice is going to HAVE TO BE MUCH LIGHTER, than when I was a younger man.
Because of economics, I will in all like likelihood forego my fesire for a flintlock smoothbore, and instead settle for the Woodman Arms Patriot with a smoothbore, 28" long, 20 gauge barrel who's bore measures 0.620" in diameter.
Shooting a 340.26 grain pure lead ball, measuring 0.610" in diameter, the 20 bore Woodman Arms Patriot will have plenty of power for the big game mentioned above.
With traditional shot loads in either lead, or bismuth, it will be capable for small game hunting. With mylar-wrapped, plastic wads, and sphero-tungsten shot, it will be capable of medium-range waterfowl hunting.
With a Kick-eez Magnum recoil pad installed on the buttstock, and my wearing an ambidextrous shooting vest with pockets for foam, recoil-absorbing pads on both shoulders; I will be able to alternate shoulders, thus minimizing the potential for damage to any one shoulder.
NOW, ALL I HAVE TO DECIDE IS IF IT IS WORTH THE RISK!