This isn't a case of "nobody got hurt". Some one did get hurt - you injured your wife by your actions.

You had the equivalent of an "accidental discharge" of anger and you really need to have the cause (that would be you) checked. Otherwise, the next time you have an anger "AD" it won't be an "accident" it will be because you didn't care to make sure your "safety" was working.

"Yeah, the safety doesn't always work so it sometimes goes off when I close the action. I'll just be more gentle when close it." is not going to cut it. You need to have the "gun" fixed.


When I take someone to the range who hasn't shot or shot much before I pretty much write off shooting myself at least for the first 1/2 hour. You need to stand by their elbow so you can intervene before there is an "accident" and also to coach them so they start hitting stuff and have fun.

I had an AD once when I was young. I closed the bolt and the gun went off. I was pointing in a safe direction so no one was hurt but still....

As for shotgun shells exploding in the box when shot. That's a movie thing. If you dischage a shell outside of a gun (say, throw it in a fire) it just splits the case. The primers make a big pop, the case may move some but the heavy bullet just sits there. I'd be more worried about cement chips flying if you shoot into a concrete floor or shooting station pad.

-Chris

it is possible that he's being a dick, and is totally justified at the same time.

i've taken numerous girlfriends and dumb as hell co workers to the range. they all mastered the "keep-finger-off-trigger" and "don't-point-weapon-at-me" lessons pretty quick.

i'm not the yelling type. but i can see myself taking the guns away. putting them in the trunk. and driving off without a word.

i'd say he fits the trap shooting group quite well then. oddball bunch of crotchety old effers w/ zero personal skills.

When I take a new person to the range with me, either they are the only person I take or any other shooter is already safe and experienced. If 2 newbies want to go, the second one gets to find their own supervisor for the day...

I honestly don't like taking newbies - I have to concentrate too much on them for me to have a good time. Only exception to this is my daughter...

+1000000

The buck stops at the top.

QUOTE: "LIVID--TWO incidents at the range today... "
__________________

The BIGGEST mistake was ...posting it here and (perhaps?) looking for vindication?

Lighten up men ...at least he was smart enough not to go hunting with Chaney!:p

Lon?

http://www.win2005.net/JPG_pictures/...ie_Gallery.jpg

Very good analogy.

If your wife was pointing the gun down as she was loading it... whats the problem? Thats what you are supposed to do.

We don't agree that often but I'm step for step with you here!

Seems to me that if DENIS is telling you that you've got anger issues, all the other responses are white noise. Time to sit up and listen.

I think you guys have a much different mental image than what actually happened. When I "yell", I talk in a slightly louder, firm voice. I don't scream. I don't get excited. I don't wave my arms. If you were 20 feet away, you'd have trouble hearing me. I call it yelling because it's as excited as I get.

Now, I needed some time to sort through my thoughts before talking to my wife. I fear saying the wrong thing more than not saying anything--and I'd already said the wrong thing once that day.

I went up and told her that I loved her and we would have a talk in the morning. I apologized for "yelling".

This morning, we talked, we went over what she did. I verified that the shotgun was functioning properly (it is). I disassembled the action to look for unusual wear. I didn't find any unusual wear. (The shotgun is 4 months old and has had 400 rounds through it.)

I did find something.

At the front, lower corner of the ejection port, there is a scar in the metal. Something exited the ejection port and scraped and bulged the metal. I think her accidental discharge happened before the action was fully closed. I think she had a shell with an improperly mounted primer that detonated when the bolt hit the back of the shell.

While the ground is a safe direction in general, it is not a safe direction when there is a box of shells at the other end of the muzzle. My wife did make that mistake.

you do understand that shooting a box of shells is no the same as having 25 shells fired through the bbl right?

Rock on Dude. Show her this is worth half your stuff!

Let her read this thread.

Then... bow down.


KT

Legion,
IMO, you're still not "getting it" but you're getting closer.
-Chris

Two problems at the range. One, too many new shooters and too few instructors, two, the instructor your wife had was a dick. Patience and thoroughness is the key to weapons instruction. You obviously were lacking in both. You should have taken your wife quietly off the firing line and just had her watch while you finished up. Weapons safety can be easily taught to any one. For example, here is my 7 year old daughter at the range. Note the trigger discipline.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1195055411.jpg

Apparently we have a BBS full of people who themselves have never made mistakes. I'm so blessed to be around such flawless individuals. :rolleyes:

Still, if you mishandle a firearm around me, you will hear about it from me. Mistakes with guns rarely result in second chances.

My wife is not a novice. Her shotgun may be new to her, but she's been shooting with me for two years. I was not her "instructor". She was shooting like she has done dozens of times before. She should have known better where to point her shotgun and where to place her ammunition.

Chris, I applaud your level of safety and protocol. Being disciplined on the range is a must. However, I agree with the others regarding the treatment of your wife. As others have said, your wife may be your student at the range, she is your equal. I am sure you would have dealt with it different had you had the foresight you do now.

Maintain your level of safety at the range and those around you, but soften the approach and it will be more enjoyable for everyone. Consider yourself very fortunate to have a wife who enjoys your hobby of shooting.

David