Watch yer topknot

[Don McDowell]

Heard of an AD at a recent shoot in which a bullet got sent down the firing line from the right end of a squad. The individual responsible for that was placing the hammer on his rifle to full cock and then loading the thing while it was laying across his lap and not pointed down range.
This could of been an extremely deadly AD considering the way folks are piled up on the firing line.
It should also serve as a reminder that all on that firing line need to be watching out for their own safety as well as others, especially calling attention to obviously careless and dangerous behavior by other shooters.

[Mike]

Don, I read your report with some relief because at first I thought your "AD" was an accidental death... But yes, safe gun handling must be full time. Mike

[Don McDowell]

Don, I read your report with some relief because at first I thought your "AD" was an accidental death... But yes, safe gun handling must be full time. Mike

Mike it was by the grace of god it wasn't multiple death and severe injury. There was some minor injury from shrapnel to both human and equipment, but fortunately nothing in the serious catergory.
Muzzle pointed down range before chambering a round. Simple rule every place I've ever been...

[Mike]

Yes, very simple rules, not to be broken. Was that shooter invited to leave the range to consider his actions?

[Lumpy Grits]

Glad no one was killed-We are all range safety officers(RSO).
Before the AD-Didn't anyone say anydangthing to this shooter?
If, I was on the 'line' and saw him load'n this way-I sure as heck would have said somedangthing!
Gary

[Don McDowell]

Mike I don't know any of the finer details.
I do think Lumpy has a good point in that someone should of jumped the almost killer before that AD happened.

[Nuclearcricket]

I also am glad to here that there was not any serious injuries. I have spent many many hours on firing ranges and lines. I have been on ranges firing everything from BP rifles to fully automatic weapons. Safety is everyone's business and responsibility. It if Very important that anyone seeing anything being done that is unsafe bring it to the attention of the person as well as the range officials if it continues.
One accident is just one too many, Period.
I have also had the unfortunate experience to have been on a range where there was an individual shot. It was self inflicted, he re-holstered a .45 automatic with the safety off and his finger in the trigger guard. He spend a long time in the hospital as that bullet broke his femur in I think 2 places. He was in traction for quite a while and a long time recovering and as far as I know that bullet will be with him the rest of his life.
It only takes a moment to change many things for the rest of your life.
It is very easy to get a little lazy, let our guard down or just not think about what we are doing. I feel that safety needs to be stressed more now than ever, and especially to those that are new to the sport. But safety needs to be stressed and repeated until it becomes habit for everyone.
Sam

[bobw]

Timely reminder Don and well put. Anytime the gun has a round in the chamber it ought to be on the " sticks" or your out of there immediately with predjuidice. after you have bored somebody with a 45 or 40 cal rd it's a little late to say your sorry cause you got stupid. On the line with loaded guns is no place to be teaching safety but using it to be safe. bobw

[Kurt]

At Baker this year I had the hammer fall on my .45-2.4 when I cocked it during the weeks practice do to a trigger spring breaking. My rifle was on the cross sticks and the shot went down range. Keeping your rifle on the sticks or if not using cross sticks pointed down range when loading is a must. I have called over to shooters to get the rifle on their sticks when I see them with a round in their hand getting ready to load while they are sitting on the ground and had some stern looks coming back at me for saying it to them, but I don't care. That is the way it has to be when your on the firing line.

[Don McDowell]

Yessir I think we've all had one leave the barrel before we were quite ready.
That's the whole point here. Always keep the muzzle in a safe direction, and always keep an eye out around you when on the line. You might end up pizzin somebody off when you mention to them the unsafe practice, but that's much better than having them explain to your widow what happened..