Shotgun Exploded at Range

Status
Not open for further replies.
Ouch! Get well soon Jacky

Unfortunately more than one thing wrong probably caused this, who knows when the stars will align like this for anyone of us. Let’s hope never, we must always pay attention to details and even then, there are no guarantees in life.
Jacky you where in the wrong place through no fault of your own, sure glad it missed your femoral artery or it could have been much worse. Watch that deep wound for infection that can resurface months after it heals on the surface. If it lumps or swells up get professional help right away. I nearly lost my leg five months after a vein was taken out of my thigh for heart bypass surgery.
Hope you are back on the line crushing them soon.
Jan
 
Well thanks for asking. I am healing up well but it is slow going. I still have a scab about 1 1/2 in diameter on the back of my leg. It still hurts like hell at some point during the day and apparently it is nerve damage. I saw the surgeon last Monday and he still feels that I should make a full recovery which is good news. I still get a lot of pm's and emails asking what happened and it is still unclear. Everyone thinks they know but no one really knows for sure. I have my own ideas after examining the blown up gun in some detail but I am going to keep that to myself. I do know some things for sure.

1. I am lucky, very lucky. I could have lost my leg or worse my life.

2. The guy who was beside me is even luckier. If he had been even 6" to 12" forward from how he was standing he would be dead.

3. The event has had a impact on me like I could have never predicted. I am trying to shoot but it is SOOOOOO hard. I am "shell shocked". I have been shooting twice and am continually trying to work through it every time I go up to the line. I hope it all goes away with time and I can shoot like before.
 
Sounds like it could be a mild case of PTSD. I can go into more detail in a PM but I'm working on a clinical research project with DND on soldiers with PTSD.

You wouldn't be out of line for seeking help and I assume this would be covered assuming the shooter had liability insurance like we are required at our club.
 
jacky said:
The event has had a impact on me like I could have never predicted. I am trying to shoot but it is SOOOOOO hard. I am "shell shocked". I have been shooting twice and am continually trying to work through it every time I go up to the line. I hope it all goes away with time and I can shoot like before.
Click to expand...
It takes time and sticking with it as best you can.

Although insignificant compared to your injury, I took most of a clay target in the face a few years ago resulting in a few cuts, a nice shiner and a new respect for Decot shooting glasses. It took me a few months before I could comfortably shoot presentations similar to the one that caused my injury.
 
Last edited:
jacky said:
Ok well I was the guy that got his leg hurt in the accident in Kelowna. We were practiceing and the fella two posts away ( post 2, I was on post 4) shot and the reciever of his gun blew apart. The shot went downrange and the barrel in in tack. A piece of the side plate lodged into the back of my knee and almost came through the other side. It was sticking out but it didn't get all the way through.

First it was not a double charge and there was not anything in the barrel. Although we are still looking at one other possibilty everything is pointing to a faulty gun. I will let everyone know more once I know more.

I will be ok although it is kinda freaky.

Once I know more I will post something in the "trap shooting forum". I even had the surgeon take pictures of the hole in my leg before the surgery so I may post one of those for fun

Jacky
Click to expand...

Glad to hear you are trying to shoot and doing better.

Question:

1) How is it "known" for sure that the round wasn't a double load since it blew up? Asking, not accusing.

2) Did you post the pictures mentioned above? I know some instructors that keep a file for presentations on range and combat injuries.
 
First it was not a double charge and there was not anything in the barrel. Although we are still looking at one other possibilty everything is pointing to a faulty gun. I will let everyone know more once I know more
Click to expand...

Well I still believe it was not a double charge. Truth is ( after some extensive research) any modern shotgun could withstand a triple charge if one could load that much powder and still crimp ?? I have talked to a few people who have loaded a double and then tried it and besides a bit a kick, nothing major. In fact some of the loads guys use for "turkey shoots" are pretty hot.

As far as my faulty gun theory.....well I am not too sure about that anymore. I have changed my mind as to what happenned but until everything is settled.....you know.
 
jacky said:
As far as my faulty gun theory.....well I am not too sure about that anymore. I have changed my mind as to what happenned but until everything is settled.....you know.
Click to expand...

So what you're saying is, there is possibly a cheque being cut for you by the manufacture but part of the deal is you aren't allowed to disclose their name or "bad mouth" their product?

One way or another...here's to a continued speedy recovery with no lasting effects. If needs be, seek profesional help to over come the "shell shock", that's one scary thing to happen. They say if you're still thinking about it a week after...you need to talk to someone.
 
jacky said:
Well I still believe it was not a double charge. Truth is ( after some extensive research) any modern shotgun could withstand a triple charge if one could load that much powder and still crimp ?? I have talked to a few people who have loaded a double and then tried it and besides a bit a kick, nothing major. In fact some of the loads guys use for "turkey shoots" are pretty hot.

As far as my faulty gun theory.....well I am not too sure about that anymore. I have changed my mind as to what happenned but until everything is settled.....you know.
Click to expand...

I had a handgun come apart while shooting. Changes your outlook on things greatly doesn't it? Prior to that incident I may have been one of 'Those Guys'...I'm sure you've run across them.
"You obviously..." then they fill in the blank with whatever they surmise happened.
Truth is there is a lot going on when you pull then trigger. A lot of variables going into the ammunition; more if you reload.
It's a controlled explosion; not unlike a internal combustion engine. Sometimes they, well...just malfunction. It's a fact and short of a forensic investigation; we won't figure it out. And only maybe then. And sometimes it is an easy answer as to what happened.
I think folks want the answer badly so they can tell themselves " Well, I'd never do something like that!"
And let's all make sure we wear the proper shooting glasses & hearing protection. I have actually gone over to armoured gloves for many of my activities too.
Thank god you were not hurt.
And the best of luck getting shooting again; I know the feeling of dread and I was not even hurt.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom