I was pondering this question as I have had to live it lately. It seems like a few of us have had medical problems and in my case it's put at least a temporary stop to shooting handguns and my future with big bores is still in question. So, if you couldn't use a handgun what's your next favorite type of weapon.
Mine is archery equipment but with my wrist and previous shoulder operations that's a big ? for the time being. My next is lever guns, I've always had a thing for them. I think it's the same reason I like single actions, the connection to the past. I've also always wanted a big double gun and just after my last spine surgery I found a 470 NE in a Krieghoff used but by that time my neck was to the point it is now where I have to watch heavy recoiling guns. I also have single shot and bolt guns but the levers are my favorite and my 45-70 Marlin will be bear hunting and elk hunting with me this year even though my 338 has more range to it, of course the stuff I'm hunting if it's out of range of the Marlin I probably don't want to shoot or I'll be spending a day or two trying to recover it. One thing I've found since they worked over my wrist is that the stock on Contender rifle is much more comfortable than a standard rifle stock so I'm thinking I'll take it with the 7-30 barrel for my desert mule deer hunt. So if you were for some reason unable to shoot your handguns what would you hunt with?

my flintlock

If my injury would permit it I would learn to use a long bow or maybe a crossbow. I already have a compound bow but I found it is not for me.

X2

My #2 passion is bow hunting.

Try the Encore in .50 cal muzzel loader. I love muzzel loaders of all kind. I have taken elk and deer with mine. The bull elk fell to one shot with a 230 grain .54 cal round ball. The ram rod may give you trouble if your wrists are weak. It also opens the door to differnt seasons in many states.

I'd like to try a long bow, I have a good friend who loves his. Or a inline muzzleloader.

bows or bolt gun. I grew up shooting bows and I have eaten many deer and an antelope taken with them.Bolt guns because I know them inside and out.

Rod, how is it that you can't shoot big bore handguns but can use big bore rilfes? I would guess that (at least for me)I'd go to my Encore in sumpin like a 6.5JDJ or even a braked 7-8 and shoot it opposite handed? Too me those recoil next to nothing, but we're all different. Obviously I am not up on how bad your injuries are but I know you've had some back problems. Wrists are tough, but bad back and wrists would just about take me out of the sport. My brother has a bad bak and leg and hsooting isn't the problem-walking and carrying a rifle or a holstered gun is. I only hope I don't get affected with those problems, and I hope yours don't get any worse.

I blew out my hearing, Tinnitus, for 6 months by not having one ear plugs in my right ear for two shots of my Omega 50 cal. muzzleloader. I spent the next 4 years only shooting my muzzleloader very minimally during that time, and I did not shoot a high power rifle at all. During that time I became quite attracted to using a crossbow which had limited use in PA until this year.

I got my archery tag and I am ready this year.

Always wear your hearing protection guys, you do not want tinnitus, Trust me !

Well this question hits home. I have not been shooting my big irons as my arms are not strong enough to handle the recoil. Man if I had to give up all my handguns I think I would just sit home and satre at the TV.

I did get my bow out last week. I could not pull it, so I went to the local shop and had it turned down to just under 50 pounds. Sunday I shot 28 of the 30 3-D targets. Man was I whipped when I got done.

So I think if my health would not let me shoot my small caliber handguns the bow hunting would also be out. Don't leave much else to consider.

Rod, I know what you mean about double rifles. If I could afford one I would go for either a .470 or .500. They are truly works of art by master craftsmen. Otherwise a bolt rifle....have a pre 64 .300H&H and a bunch of different premium bullets in 200grs that I have to load for.

460Encore, I did the same thing to my left ear when shooting my
460S&W revolver on a whitetail hunt and did`ent have ear plugs.

Gerry, I actually can't shoot any real big rifles because of my neck. Dan B. got the last one of my hard hitters with my 300RUM and before that I had to get rid of my 458 Lott, 375RUM, 300WBY, and 375H&H. The 338 and my Marlin are pushing the envelope but as long as keep the sessions short and use a good benchrest I can deal with them. I actually have been enjoying the heck out of my little 7-30 Contender rifle because it's accurate and plenty gun for most deer hunting and doesn't kick at all, I've also been playing with my Henry Gold Boy .22 and my model 94 30-30. My Rossi 92 in 45 Colt is a blast to shoot but I've found that factory replacement parts are hard to come by so I don't put alot of wear on it. Basicly though I'm pretty screwed since my lower back and neck are both fused and the neck had to be done twice and the doc just told me I've pulled the two lower bolts in my back loose so I have to back down and then in the wrist they removed 3 bones and tightened up the ligaments and at the same time he removed a bunch of the nerves that had been compressed so I have no feeling in the top of my hand and that is one of the wierdest things to get used to.