Accidental Discharge... :(

[VegasTech702]

As the title implies, my turn came tonight... A couple of friends and myself had recently gone out shooting my AK-47. While we were firing, the gun jammed up and we could not get the bolt open. I did not have the tools to get it apart at the range and had to bring the gun home with a live round stuck in the tube.

It all goes south from there. Tonight, I began taking the rifle apart on the foot of my bed (since my bench space was used up). I got the machine cover off and went to bring the bolt rearword ... BANG! I nearly lost control of my bowels (to put it nicely).

In any case, the round had gone through the wall at the foot of my bed and into the next door apartment. I dropped the gun and ran next door and pounded on the door several times. No one answered and I didn't hear any thing coming from inside. I called the security and they called the Police.

They came and several Metro officers asked me what happened about 4 different times in addition to my report. They were very professional. I had to stand outside in the cold for a god hour and a half. CSI showed up and got to play with their fancy tools. They were unable to recover the shell casing. They recovered the slug underneath the carpet of the apartment next door. Luckily, no one was home at the time of the incident and the round didn't damage anything other than the wall and carpet.

I feel like such a moron. Here I have owned so many guns for most of my life and I end up having an accidental discharge. Thank God no one was home or got hurt. I was lucky, they didn't even give me a citation.

From now on, if a gun gets jammed at the range, it will remain at the range until it has been cleared. I will never put myself in a situation where this could happen ever again. Now I get to deal with the apartment manager in the morning. Hopefully, they will go easy on me.

[Suicide*Ride]

WOW! :eek: what a story! Glad you're still w/ us & nobody was hurt next door. We learn from our mistakes..... (& reading about other's). Thanks for sharing as it's a good reminder of what all can happen due to a FTF.

FWIW; I sure hope you don't end up in hot water w/ your apt. mgr..... it's too cold to have to move. :rolleyes: :o

SR

[Double D]

Thanks for having the guts to share this story. I know how you must feel. Again thank God nobody got hurt. I am sure you have learned a very important lesson.

[TheGunClinger]

Did the police take your AK?
By the way, been there done that.:o:( I still have a .45 round under my Pergo.

[pinecone70]

Thank God you or your neighbors didn't get hurt.

[petesusn]

Thanx for teaching all of us a valuable lesson.

[USMCSpeedy]

I have a 38 Spl slug in my living room floor from the same thing. I'm glad that nobody was hurt.

[ARB]

I was reading an article in a gun magazine a while back where the author, a man that had been around firearms for 30+ years accidently fired his .38 through the wall in his bedroom. I had an accidental discharge with my 1911 at the range last year. Very, embarrassing! The point is that this has happened to a lot of people. Yes, you are probably going to hear some folks chastise the situation. But, when it comes right down to it, they are right.
No one was hurt, and you learned a lesson that you will never forget. Count yourself lucky. Good luck, with the apartment's management. Are you on good terms with your neighbors? If so, maybe they can help you out with the management. :)

[GoodOl'12gauge]

I still have a .45 slug in the wll of my kitchen from a home made snap cap that wasnt quite a snap cap. Its an honest accident and nobody got hurt so we just learn from our mistakes.

[VegasTech702]

Did the police take your AK?
By the way, been there done that.:o:( I still have a .45 round under my Pergo.

No, they carefully inspected it with their CSI team. I got several complements on the modifications but they didn't give me a hard time or try to take it.

I think someone was watching over me.

[runswithscissors]

Wowee-be more careful... it does happen, and you were at least responsible to run to security and get them to check on your neighbors. Thank goodness you are all ok. One killed a fellow Marine while we were on guard duty in 1989. The Sgt of the guard's 9mm discharged negligently right through our friend's neck and head with one shot. And to make it even worse if possible, another Marine's wife had just stepped into the building and saw it happen the instant the shot went off. AD's, ND's, they are all scary.

[mrkirker]

Glad that You and Yours were not hurt. Gotta compliment you on 'manning-up' and letting everyone know of the event really fast. I'd be willing to bet that helped your situation, even if it wasn't brought up to you.
You are a RESPONSIBLE firearms owner, (even when it's not 'pretty')!

[navis128]

I'll bet you were just sick when no one answered the door. I'm glad things have turned out well so far. You'll have to keep us in "the loop" about the apt management sitch.

[neilin]

Glad that you and no one else were hurt. I always try to never have my gun pointed at anything I would not want to see destroyed, even when I know it is empty. That rule paid off one day, when I put a round through the floor of my bedroom.

[Crpdeth]

Thanks for having the guts to share this story.

Agreed!

Not everyone would admit to an AD, it IS a sobering reminder.

I know most have probably seen this video, but each time the topic comes up I have to post it. LEO shoots himself (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1_EoRZOVes)


Crpdeth

[wpage]

Happens all the time.
Most dont have the courage to discuss it.
God Bless you for doing the right thing for your neighbor.

[Maximilian II]

Thank you for being so responsible, first of all. That covers a LOT.

Firearms are made to expel projectiles at high velocities, and they will do so when the proper conditions are met according to physics no matter what. Our job is to direct that.
Frankly, many people fail this. The more a person is involved with firearms the more opportunities for this arise. It will happen. As you've seen, when we're discussing people who are using firearms a lot, it WILL happen.
I've done this too. Still have a bullet hole in the cieling to prove it, from 20 years ago.
Just keep on doing what you've been doing, with a better and more experienced eye toward safety.

[The_Rifleman]

From now on, if a gun gets jammed at the range, it will remain at the range until it has been cleared.

I've never been to a public range so... wouldn't the range have the necessary tools to clear it?

I try to bring every tool I might need with me when I shoot. Most my firearms don't take but a screwdriver or those newfangled star wrenches to be completely disassembled.

Maybe that would be a good thread for someone to start, (What one needs to bring to the range/hunting.)

[Big ugly]

I done this with my 41mag, only I had mine on my bed while packing for a trip and hit the hammer with a tackle box of gun goodies (tools, cleaning kit, and a few odds and ends) and the damn thing went off. It will most definatly make one soil their pants.

[bizy]

I told my story here before. I had owned guns for 50 before I shot myself in the leg. I was taking it apart just like you.. BOOM! There is no such thing as "Too Careful"...

[VegasTech702]

I'll bet you were just sick when no one answered the door. I'm glad things have turned out well so far. You'll have to keep us in "the loop" about the apt management sitch.

You're right, I was terrified when no one answered the door. I found out she was sleeping at her boyfriends. Thank God.

I went the first thing in the morning to speak directly to the property manager to present my case. She seemed really receptive that it truly was just a "one-off" situation and they chose to keep me here and are willing to sign another lease with me.

[JLA]

WOW! bet that one puckered well you know... I had a similar jam with a .30 carbine. That dang laquered case steel stuff. I had to put the buttstock on the ground and stomp the bolt open with my foot whilt holding the muzzle away from my face. Id a pooped if it woulda went off that close to my head... Thanks for sharing your experience. At least everyone involved has been very understanding so far, you are very lucky in that respect.

[Dirtypacman]

Glad nobody was hurt - thanks for sharing.
A constant reminder of how quickly something bad can happen.

[Bobitis]

I too am guilty. Brothers Glock pistol, off the safe, thru the ceiling. A different angle and who knows the outcome. One time is all it takes.:eek:

Never again! ALL firearms are loaded. Even my unloaded ones.;)

[coreyacp]

You guys just like helped shove a huge idea of gun safety thru my head. After reading that i will strive to be the best i can.

[Bobitis]

You guys just like helped shove a huge idea of gun safety thru my head. After reading that i will strive to be the best i can.

Corey, live the rule.

Far too many 'accidents' take place every year because we (and I'm gonna throw all of us under the bus), think it will 'never happen on our watch'.

I'm here to tell ya, it DOES!

No amount of safety is enough if it costs someones life.

ALL firearms, are ALWAYS loaded.

[coreyacp]

Corey, live the rule.

Far too many 'accidents' take place every year because we (and I'm gonna throw all of us under the bus), think it will 'never happen on our watch'.

I'm here to tell ya, it DOES!

No amount of safety is enough if it costs someones life.

ALL firearms, are ALWAYS loaded.
Understood.

[Helix_FR]

Amen to that. Even when I'm working on a gun. It could be in 100 pieces, unless the barrel and receiver are separated I still act like its loaded. Even then the other day I had a AR barrel on my bench, I picked it up and held it muzzle up. in that state its better used as a bat but after you do it for a while, its just automatic. Kinda like pulling down your pants to pee. (well I hope that's automatic for you all)

[coreyacp]

I guess i live by the term never point a firearm at another human being unless you are prepared to see them die. Thats what my dad always will say

[Helix_FR]

I guess i live by the term never point a firearm at another human being unless you are prepared to see them die. Thats what my dad always will say

He's right

[coreyacp]

Even my mom who is against guns since i was little has said if i was ever using a firearm be aware of my surroundings and where its pointing think she always said

[Marlin T]

VT, when I first read the title of your thread I was thinking Negligent Discharge as there are very few Accidental Discharges. Prime example, the post that Donny linked to, that was a ND. Your case would fall under accidental as I see it.

I have never had a AD but did have one and only one ND. It IS enough to scare the crap right out of you. At least I was still following the basic rule; know your target and what is beyond.

Cudos for doing the right thing (calling the cops), there really could have been somebody injured next door and thank God there wasn’t.

I did learn a lesson about jammed shells at the range. Take care of the jam, THERE.

Thanks for sharing your story.
By the way, what happened with your landlord? Hopefully you don’t have to move because of this incident.

[JLA]

I witnessed an accidental discharge in the gunshop once. One of the regulars brought in an older model Mossberg 500c .410 pump he picked up at the pawnshop. He had just came from the range and walked in with it flopped up over wis shoulder. he handed it to Bill, the owner of the shop at the time, to have a look at. the first thing bill did was pump it and pull the trigger... BOOOOOM!!! big hole in the cieling. Both guys assumed the other checked it and proceeded without caution.

Everytime i pick up a weapon, I open the action and physically place my pinky finger in the chamber. Glancing isnt enough anymore, since bill glanced in the action and missed a 2 1/2 inch red piece of plastic... I think everyone in the shop pooped a little...:eek:

[Marlin T]

the first thing bill did was pump it and pull the trigger... BOOOOOM!!!

That wasn't an accident, that was a negligent discharge.
Negligent being; habitually careless or irresponsible.
Or; law, guilty of failing to provide a proper or reasonable level of care.

Pulling the trigger not knowing if it really is going to go boom is no accident.

[BETH]

Corey i am a new shooter only shot around 1500 rounds all together, after going to the shooting range couple of days later went to clean my gun pulled back the slide and i had a round in the gun. i will never forget it, NEVER, i just thank God i did not pull the trigger. When i leave the range now i check the gun at least 4 times before i go, don't ever take it for granted that the gun is empty it could be your life or someone else that you save, guns are a big responsibility-be safe

[JLA]

That wasn't an accident, that was a negligent discharge.
Negligent being; habitually careless or irresponsible.
Or; law, guilty of failing to provide a proper or reasonable level of care.

Pulling the trigger not knowing if it really is going to go boom is no accident.

Agreed 100%, but Bill was my friend and he already felt horrible and embarassed, I didnt feel the need to rib him any harder for being careless, he had about 6 witnesses to that fact and i fully believe he learned his lesson... We all did...

[VegasTech702]

]By the way, what happened with your landlord? Hopefully you don’t have to move because of this incident.

Luckily, they understood this was a once in a lifetime situation. It helped that I have lived here for a couple of years and always pay my rent early. I just got a call today they renewed my lease for 12 mos and gave me a $60/month discount!

I have always felt I have had it pretty rough with very few breaks. Lately, despite my lower back taking a serious turn for the worse, I have been doing pretty well. I have a job, I was able to get a car for very cheap from my Grandma that is awesome shape so I can get rid of car payments, and my rent went down.

I think I will start taking college classes in the fall.

[Just One Shot]

Amen to that. Even when I'm working on a gun. It could be in 100 pieces, unless the barrel and receiver are separated I still act like its loaded. Even then the other day I had a AR barrel on my bench, I picked it up and held it muzzle up. in that state its better used as a bat but after you do it for a while, its just automatic. Kinda like pulling down your pants to pee. (well I hope that's automatic for you all)

You're supposed to pull them down?

So that's what I've been doing wrong!

:D

It's a good thing when you build safety into your reflexes. I have a son who is 25 and it makes me smile inside whenever I hand him a firearm and the first thing he does is check to make sure it is clear.

[JLA]

Luckily, they understood this was a once in a lifetime situation. It helped that I have lived here for a couple of years and always pay my rent early. I just got a call today they renewed my lease for 12 mos and gave me a $60/month discount!

I have always felt I have had it pretty rough with very few breaks. Lately, despite my lower back taking a serious turn for the worse, I have been doing pretty well. I have a job, I was able to get a car for very cheap from my Grandma that is awesome shape so I can get rid of car payments, and my rent went down.

I think I will start taking college classes in the fall.

Now they are just afraid youll shoot them through the wall if they dont;) Just kiddn, Its good you have understanding folks around you. Taking immediate responsibilty probably had alot to do with it. I commend you sir:)

[blackcat_attilio]

Thank God you or your neighbors didn't get hurt.

That's really right! You have been lucky!

[BETH]

Hope everyone reads this as a reminder

[coreyacp]

Hope everyone reads this as a reminder

Yeah wow beth that sounded scary :/

You guys seriously all have done a good thing with these postings

[mesinge2]

September of last year I went in to buy ammo in a gunshop I had never been to before. I was looking around and they had quite a nice selection. There was one other customer in the store being helped by one of the clerks. The customer was one of these people that knows nothing about guns and is looking to buy a cannon simply because it is hugh and scary. He was looking at that 500 Magnum from Smith, and some Corbon rounds for it.

Anyways, I get my ammo and I am at the register and BOOM!

The glass counter under the register explodes and the register tips, falling half way in the display case. I jump back and grap the grip of my 92 and I was about to draw when I realized that I could barely hear someone yelling, (EDITED BY TFF STAFF) and I see the idiot on the floor with the 500 at his feet.

The police told me later that the surveillance camera saw that the clerk placed the gun on the counter behind the display case when he gave the customer a box of ammo to look at.

The idiot customer leaned over the counter and took the gun to load it when the clerk was not looking.

Then he fired a round about 2 feet from my position.

The police were called by the clerk behind the register and after everyone's statement was taken we were allowed to leave.

While I gave my statement I started hearing this unbelieveable piercing sound. It has gotten better over the last few months but it has not gone away.

[BETH]

they did not give the owner a ticket or anything for being so irrisponsible?

[mesinge2]

No, but the idiot was charged with negligent assault.


The worst park is sleeping.

The ringing is easy to ignore but at night with no other sound its much harder.

I can't sleep without a loud fan to provide back-ground noise. Without it I hear a constant buzzing.

[Marlin T]

No, but the idiot was charged with negligent assault.


The worst park is sleeping.

The ringing is easy to ignore but at night with no other sound its much harder.

I can't sleep without a loud fan to provide back-ground noise. Without it I hear a constant buzzing.


Holy ****, that was no accident, that was pure negligence.
Is there anything they can do for your ears? Some sort of hearing aid?
That is totally crazy, wow:(

[mesinge2]

Is there anything they can do for your ears? Some sort of hearing aid?


The doctors said my right hear has less of an ability to hear high pitch sounds than my left. He said it was like presbycusis. He would not say the gunshot "did" cause the hearing loss, but he did say as I am only 26 it is odd to show this condition this early without an acoustic trauma.

He said that the ringing will most likely stop being a constant thing, but may reassert itself on occasion. Especially, if a sudden loud sound occurs. He said that I will be more sensitive to loud sounds in that ear as well

[TheGunClinger]

The doctors said my right hear has less of an ability to hear high pitch sounds than my left. He said it was like presbycusis. He would not say the gunshot "did" cause the hearing loss, but he did say as I am only 26 it is odd to show this condition this early without an acoustic trauma.

He said that the ringing will most likely stop being a constant thing, but may reassert itself on occasion. Especially, if a sudden loud sound occurs. He said that I will be more sensitive to loud sounds in that ear as well
Would a 500 Magnum discharge next to your ear be considered an acoustic trauma? I'd be talking to a lawyer as this probably would be considered negligence.

[VegasTech702]

Clinger, That's crazy, I hate stupid people... especially around guns.

Thanks everyone for the kudos. I am glad I chose to do the right thing. I did it knowing that I could have been taken to jail or at the very least ticketed. In the end, my conscience was my guide and I was respected by the police, my neighbor and the landlord for doing the right thing.

[Bobitis]

When I was a kid, we were visiting family in Texas. Every year, we stopped by Little America and got fireworks for the occasion.

One time, about 4-5 of us were lighting firecrackers from a match at the same time. We had those big Black Cats and lady fingers. Well, one of my cousins thought it would be funny to throw on straight up. Me (holding a lady finger) immediatly covered my ears. Unknown to me, it was also lit.:eek:
My fingers went numb for a couple hours, lost about 2 sq inches of hair, and couldn't hear out of that ear for 3 days. Took about 3 weeks for my hearing to come back to normal.:(

I'm not comparing it to a handgun at close range, but most of you know that a diminuative lady finger carries a rather LOUD 'CRACK', as opposed to a not so loud 'boom'.

I've been subjected to other really loud noises, and no doubt will reap the hell in the long term. While we can't escape the accidental, we can protect from the intentional. Lotsa folks think shooting .22s doesn't need ear plugs/muffs. WRONG!!!

Sorry for the left turn.:o

[Maximilian II]

Bobitis- I know what you mean. I had a BlackCat go off really near my right ear. I still don't trust them even though I love to pop them off. Believe it or not I hate loud noises, even considering my true love of firearms and racing.

VegasTech- So glad to see a man stand up and say "I made a huge mistake" and take total responsibility for it. Even more glad that you've been venerated for that. You have my respect. That is never free and is easily lost. Makes it a valuable commodity.

[wyoredot]

Late as usual to the party, when I worked for the airport, one of our guys took his .270 out to remove a porkypine hazard from the runway. Why he had a round chambered, we will never know, but as he put his rifle in between the seats, it went off. Musta been like a Howitzer shot inside the cab. He fell back out of the door holding his head like he'd been hit... but the only thing he killed was the O2 sensor wires, a big scratch in the frame and a big hole thru the floor. Truck has never been the same. I think he may be will be a little safer , but who knows. I think his ears are still ringing.