For the past year, I have been fretting over my Boston LTC renewal. Your first thoughts might be to say, "what kind of fool would worry about a LTC renewal?The fact is, most of us do worry even those of you who don't have to requalify at Moon Island. You may think that I'm pretty foolish for admitting that I spent a year worrying about Moon Island. The stakes are high and weigh in favor of the Boston Licensing Officer's authority instead of my fundamental right to bear arms. I have arthritis in every joint. Over the course of my years, the arthritis destroyed cartiledge especially in my hands. My hands became as weak as a kitten's paws. A lot of you may know me as I shoot regularly, with BUAS and out at Harvard. Last September, I had surgery on my right hand to try and repair damage and restore the joint to some lesser level of pain and regain strength. It's improving but now the left hand is a good candidate for the same surgery. My surgeon told me it will take 4 months to a year to regain hand strength. At exactly the 4th month, I had my appointment at Moon Island. I had spent the months of November and December focused solely on preparing for Moon Island. I used my .22 to relearn grip and reflex response to firing. After a few sessions, I borrowed Donna's revolver and the ones owned by the BGRA. It would take my hands several days to recouperate after firing 30 rounds. And by that I mean, my hands were pained so much it hurt to pull up my pants!
I called BPD to make my appointment. I mentioned my recent surgery and expressed concern over the Moon Island test requirements. Although sounding sympathetic, the officer said there are no other options for persons with limited physical abilities. There is no option to use a Pistol or even a revolver with a lighter trigger weight. The Moon Island requirement states that candidates must fire 12 rounds, using one hand, double action. The remaining 18 rounds can be shot single or double action. I prepared as best I could. When my appointed day arrived near the end of January, I was comfortable enough and as others have mentioned, the range officers were very pleasant. I mentioned my concern over the conditions of my hands. Out on the range, the officer offered us the "option" of shooting the first 12 rounds using two hands, double action instead of the written condition, one hand. The revolver I used was in much better shape than the one handed to me six years prior. It only jammed up once. I scored 274! I'm 63 years old and grateful I passed so I don't have to move to a "safe house" outside the state line.
It is discouraging to read about the people, especially the women who are intimidated by the BPO licensing authority. The BPO system is working against us and for the anti-gun rulers. I really hope that any instructors reading this forum would sincerely try to talk those who are discouraged and instill in them a sense of "you can do it." It takes time and practice. It can be painful. I would be happy to meet with the reticent candidates and show them my hands and offer my support.
The BPO licensing system is unfair in general terms and blatently discriminatory against persons like me who are aging and losing hand strength.
For all you younger men and women who don't think that any of this is a problem, the day may come when you realize just how much of a problem it can be.
Best regards.