I have been told I have no cartilage left in my shoulder and hence need a replacement (metal). This occurred because of a surgical procedure known as a "Bristow", supposed to cure chronic dislocation.

Not that I don't trust my doctor for an objective opinion on how it will affect my shooting, but has any one had this operation and had his shooting live through it?

Thanks.

Both me and my hunting buddy have had shoulder surgery done. Mine was because when i used to weight lift, I screwed up a bench press and tore my cartilage and ligaments in my right shoulder.
Regarding shooting, depends on what I'm shooting. Shooting my .375 H&H doesn't hurt but shooting my 7mmRemMag does. Can only shoot that about 5 times total at the range.
Worst experience was sighting in my 12 gauge for deer season, using 3 inch slug shells. OUCH!!!! But at least its sighted in now.
Yeah, I'm kinda stubborn.

I hate to be the one to answer this first. Depending on your age and your determination you will be able to shoot moderate caliber rifles. The rehab after this procedure is prolonged and sometimes painful if it is done to the level you seek. It can be done though. My best friend fell from a helicopter during marijuana eradication flights and required this procedeure. He was young, 27, and came back to about 75% of what he was before the accident...........JJ

Yes i have had it done. Three months of healing and some re-hab. The worst part is Doc. woulndt let me shoot (heavys)for 12 months. After your last follow up he will probably give you an ok to do it until it hurts. Some pain after initial surgery and then it fades away until you forget and then you remember if you so something stupid Its been 17 months for me and ive worked back into the .470 but i am shooting 6 rounds or so at a session. You will know when to quit and my adice is dont push it. Hope this helps you out. Charlie

Fellas:

I've not had a total shoulder replacement, but as a physical therapist for the last 27 years, I have had the pleasure of doing the rehab on many of these patients. The rehab is not easy and the outcome of the surgery is probably more dependent on the condition of your rotator cuff muscles than anything else. Structured rehab (with a therapist) should take 3-4 months, another 6-8 months on your own, working hard with the weights for 3 days/week. During that rehab, I would strongly encourage you to work on your breathing and trigger control with your .22 RF and leave your centerfire rifles alone. Yeah, I know, so and so was a Marine and he shot his .458 WM 8 weeks after surgery, blah, blah, blah. If you screw around and re-injure your cuff muscles, you may have a non-functional shoulder the rest of your life. Total shoulders turn out just fine IF: 1) you have a good rotator cuff going in, and 2) you do the FULL rehab after.

Just my $0.02.......

MKane160

I dont think any good butcher er surgeon would let you go off and have at it too soon. Re- hab isnt that bad in fact you sort of look forward to it the end that is On The one exersize at home with the rubber bands i repaced them with pints of Guiness, makes it a bit more rewarding. Just kidding Spring if you have reservations get a second opinion. I put it off far too long and wish i didnt now. I should have had it done in 99 but you know how it is. Charlie