Danbob

I am thinking about getting a Hornaday G3 scale. YouTube reviews look good but until I use it I don't know if it will do exactly what I want it to do. I want to be able to scoop (or throw) a load of powder in a pan. Put the pan on the scale and confirm that it is between two numbers, then pour it in the case. I am using light loads so it needs to be able handle very small weights within a couple tenths of a grain. I bought a cheap little digital scale recently that worked pretty well with larger weights. It came with a standard weight to use for calibration. I can put it on the scale and get a correct reading. I can take it off the scale, wait a second or two and put the standard weight back on and get the same weight every time. If I put a small load on, like a pan with 4.3 grains of power in it, and take it on and off the scale I can get a different weight every time. All I want is a scale that, when given a 4.3 grain load of powder, will never read above 4.4 and never below 4.2. That seems simple but if you buy something that you think is a a good product you don't really know until you use it. This seems to be the case whether the product is expensive or cheap. I don't mind spending a little money but I want to be able to do it only once. Does any one have a recommendation?

What digital scale do you use?

This is sort of a two part question: I reload 9mm plinking rounds. I am not an experienced reloader. Load size is not super critical, however I end up measuring each load on my balance scale. I use a Lee powder scoop. With it I can make an adequately approximate load about 9 out of 10 times. My problem is I have to weigh each scoop to make sure that it is not that 10th out of range, potentially unsafe load. For example lets look at Titegroup powder w/ 115 gr Berry's bullets. From the manual, low load is 3.9 gr and max load is 4.3 grains. For plinking most any load within that range will be ok. About every tenth scoop I am higher than 4.3 or lower than 3.9. Confirming on my balance scale is slow and a little tedious. I have a cheap digital scale that is useless for loads that small. Question 1. Is there a cheap/inexpensive/affordable digital scale that can quickly confirm that the load is within range? Question 2. Is there a manual, inexpensive powder measure that throws small pistol loads with adequate accuracy? I know these things exist but I would like to get some input from folks so I can avoid trial and error purchasing. Thanks, Dan

PM sent w/ email address.

Don_B, Here is a link to a video I made showing how I use a Tandemcross Halo to charge my Ruger MK3. A generous guy named Mike gave me the Halo, so It starts with my telling him hello. I wonder if this will work

Your friend has a tougher situation than I have. I have never had another hand to miss. Things that were easy for him/her before turn into a pain in the A$$. It has to be frustrating. I have recently developed disc degeneration in my back that has caused some neurological pain and mobility issues. This bothers me a lot more than missing an arm. But everybody gets old (if they are lucky) so I don't feel cheated, annoyed but not cheated. Losses due to aging are normal. OTOH, there is nothing normal about losing a limb. Send my best to your friend. I have a video of me racking the slide on my Ruger with my left arm. If I can find it I will post a link. Take care, Dan

Wow, Nubs is incredible. I have tried using my left arm as support once on my air pistol and it seemed strange. I might give it another try. Thanks, Dan

Thanks Louu, You have given me lots of good ideas. I appreciate the amount of thought you gave to this. The RO I met at the match I attended was very welcoming. I am sure he will be patient walking me through the safety protocols. It is just a local club match. The steel baseplate and magnet is an interesting idea. I could glue a piece of steel to a plastic baseplate to try the idea out. Thank all of you who replied. Dan

xpierrat, I use a Tandemcross Halo charging handle to operate the slide. My left (short) arm can get into the ring just far enough to pull the bolt so clearing the last round should be ok. I can safely load a new magazine without violating the 180 degree rule, I just can't do it fast. Thanks for the encouragement. Be well, Dan

Thanks for the feedback. Its a couple of weeks til my first match. I have been practicing with my Ruger MK3. I put up about 5 paper plates and shot various random combinations. Not too impressive but you've got to start somewhere. Broadside72, you are right about reloading and handling between strings. I shoot 10 meter pellet in my basement and have developed bad muzzle habits when I put the pistol under my arm pointed backward. That will not do! I usually practice at the range alone and have caught myself doing it there when I change magazines. The practice of keeping the pistol in the case at all times when not shooting will probably help. Again thanks for your input. Dan (Danbob)

I am missing my left arm at the elbow. The most appropriate pistol competition for me is obviously Precision Pistol or 10 Meter Air pistol. Unfortunately the only clubs that offer those are about 2 hours away. If I was an experienced shooter I might be willing to do that once a month. Unfortunately I have never shot any matches. A nearby club with weekly practice would work but as I said there are none nearby. With all that said, there is a nearby club that has steel challenge matches. I visited a match last month and it looks like fun. I plan to give it a try in a couple of weeks. Now obviously this is not "apples to apples" competition but I am used to that. I can participate and compete against myself. I would try to beat personal best times etc. What I am wondering is if there are any other one handed steel challenge shooters out there. I am curious what there scores are. That way I can see just how bad I am "apples to apples". If there are any other one handed steel challenge shooters out there, I would sure like to hear from you.