TargetTalk

I gained a lot of weight over the past 12 months while dealing with lower back problems, surgery, and recovery. I'm having success taking the weight off but it will be a while before I can fit in the normal size shooting apparel I've found online.

I did find a size 26 jacket at champchoice.com, and that will probably work for me right now, but the largest size women's shooting pants they have are size 20, and it will be awhile before I can fit into those.

Due to my lower back problems, I think I need to prioritize acquiring the proper shooting apparel to avoid stress on my lower back.

Does anyone know where I can find larger sizes in women's shooting apparel? I know from experience that I can't just use men's pants, or I would do that.

I look at this from 2 perspectives:
1) If you REALLY FEEL that you need to get back on the range, then order a set of custom .... however if you are really going to lose weight, what good will that do as they would (hopefully) become not a good fit.

2) My best advice, and advice only, is to work on the weight loss and core body strength before you even consider getting back into positions that will stress your body before you are really ready to be there. If it takes 18 months or longer, it is still better than getting back too early and hurting yourself more.

I hear you, and I'm reconsidering whether to take up air rifle right now.

For example, I observed at an air gun meet today, and I had to leave early due to lower back strain from standing too long.

Additionally, I did observe that pistol seems to be much more popular among the ladies than rifle, and that the competitors are allowed to sit and rest during the competition. So I think I will probably take up pistol.

Also, none of the pistol competitors seemed to be wearing special attire, except glasses. So the price to compete with the best equipment seems to be lower.

Finally, at this point, I'm just trying to figure out which size grip to get on my Steyr.

FYI ... the shooting times in Air Rifle and Air Pistol are the same.
I would only say it is "easier" to sit down in a pistol match, but rifle shooters are able to as well.

Hauling gear into a match/traveling to a match is certainly easier with pistol as well.

When you go to a large National match in the US, you'll probably find almost twice the number of women firing air rifle, so your observation may be only in your local area.

I would still be concerned in your case about the back pain you have ... be safe, remember ... life is long and don't do anything now in the short term that will keep you hurting later.

By all means, shoot, but if you need a year ... two, whatever .... to build yourself up enough to shoot a match, keep your training to short sessions and work hard on building your core up.

A note: A discipline that seems a bit less stressful (and giving you a bit more rest) AND is a hoot to boot, look at sport pistol if you have a range that supports it nearby.