[m21sniper]

Is this the thread where i was saying the requirement to pull the trigger before field stripping some pistols is a stupid design that is asking for trouble?

Well, here's one case where it cost a guy a hole in his hand and leg:

I Shot Myself Yesterday

Opening post from above thread:

I SHOT MYSELF TODAY.

I have spent so much time reading about accidental/negligant discharges, thinking about gun safety. I've been cautioning my wife and son, stressing to them how careful we must be with firearms, because all it takes is one lapse in attrention.

Can't believe I shot myself yesterday.

I had my XD-40 with me in a company vehicle yesterday. It was about 4:30, time to go home. I had been field stripping (playing with) it several times during the day. studying it's mechanisms. Thought I'd do it one more time before heading home.

I dropped the mag, failed to clear the chamber. STUPID! Racked the slide, pulled the trigger to release it. BOOM!

In an instant, my ears are ringing, blood is everywhere. Meat was hanging from the side of my hand, blood dripping. Knew instantly I was shot in my leg, too. OMG! knew I had to get to the hospital, started the van, started driving. I then realized, "where's the gun"? Turned around, saw it in the parking lot, knew I had to get it. Went back, threw it in park, stepped out, got it. Started driving.

Didn't know how bad I was hurt. I was mainly worried about my leg, wondering if I had hit an artery. Didn't want to wait for an ambulance, wasn't sure it would arrive before I bled out. Traffic was heavy, waited for a couple of lights, but then turned on my flashers, started to weave in and out, jumping curbs.

Made it, pulled up to the wrong entrance. Backed out, went to where the ambulances come in. Thew it in park, leaned on my horn. No one came, leaned on it again. Female security guard came around the corner, "are you alright"? I said "No, I've been shot, I need help"! She seemed to be reacting in slow motion, trying to process it. She started heading that way, I yelled for her to please hurry.

They came scrambling out with a gurney, rushed me inside. IV"s are being stuck in me, sissors are cutting my pants off.

Moving along...I have to have surgery on my hand Tuesday. I was able to move my fingers, which is a good sign, but I'm going to have a bite missing from the lower side of my hand. They're going to use a skin graft from my leg to cover it.

The bullet went clean through my leg. Amazing, it missed the bone, didn't hit any major veins/arterys, didn't even hit any major muscles. Entry/exit wounds are about 8-9 inches apart, but the bullet kept to the surface, going through fatty tissue. It left some fragments in my leg (it was a hollow point), which are going to stay in there. Doctor says they shouldn't cause me any trouble, and may actually work their way out eventually.

Cops showed up, asking for details. They had to confiscate the gun, but they say I'll get it back. One commented "it's a good gun". Asked how long I'd had it, I said not quite two weeks. I can't use unfamaliarity as an excuse, though, I've had an XD-9 for a couple of months, same mechanism.

I feel so stupid. My ears are still ringing some, hope I haven't done any permanent damage to my hearing.

I'm actually able to walk on my leg if I move slowly. My hand hurts the most, going every day for wound dressing till my surgery Tuesday.

I'm definetely going to get wrote up, but I think my job is safe. No workers comp, since I was in violation of company policy having the gun. I'm hoping I can get back to work later part of next week.

I'm posting this as part confession, part warning. It...can...happen...be careful.

mistergus75