I screwed up....bad!

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Millie

Millie

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Not sure where to put this, but here will do.

Today I was a dumbass and screwed up really in a major way. I had been chatting in the gun room with Billy and wandered down to the range where some forum members were gathered at various tables and I was telling one of them (he can supply details if he wishes to) about my love of the 1911 .45 I'd recently gotten off layaway. I was holding it next to my chest with the barrel facing left, about 10 feet from at least 2 people, finger off the trigger. I'm very sorry and shocked to have done this to them.

I then turned the gun 90* toward the woods, and was telling this young man about how nice the trigger was, I put my finger on the trigger and pressed it.....and I fired the gun.

I have no idea what was behind those woods that I shot into (another rule broken), so I will just wait to hear something happened or it didn't.

Stunned does not begin to describe my feelings at this point. I put the gun down, and sat down, with shaking hands.

I thank the Lord I didn't test that trigger while the gun was pointed at those people 10 feet away. I have no idea if they even knew they had a loaded .45 pointed at them.

I broke Rule #1.....there are only 4, and I forgot the most important one!

My take-aways so far:

1) The gun is always loaded, and in this case, IT WAS.

2) I won't walk away from a gun without locking the slide back and taking the magazine out. Anyone could have picked up that gun after I so carelessly left it on the table.

3) I will never again, I fervently pray, pick up a gun without looking to see if there's a round in it before doing anything else.

After that I did not plan to pick up a gun the rest of the day. I asked the young man to make doubly sure both my guns were unloaded, which he did. I couldn't have picked up a gun at this point.

Billy in his wisdom made me shoot a .22 for a magazine several hours later. Not sure why, and I didn't want to, but I did.

When I think what I could have done to those people to my left, it makes me sick. I'm so thankful I didn't shoot anyone.
Anyone who was there should feel free to make comments.
I won't be shooting for a while, not sure how long, but I'm taking a few days.

Sorry to Billy also, for adding yet more carelessness to your brain! You've had a rough go at your place lately.....
 
I have said for decades that one problem with formal schooling is that you really incorporate very little of what you’re taught. Conversely you incorporate almost everything that you discover or learn on your own.

I bet you agree.

Thanks for the reminder.
 
JimB said:
I have said for decades that one problem with formal schooling is that you really incorporate very little of what you’re taught. Conversely you incorporate almost everything that you discover or learn on your own.

I bet you agree.

Thanks for the reminder.
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And I seem to have to learn things the hard way. I will keep this with me always, I'm pretty sure.
 
Millie first glad no one got hurt and you learned a valueable lesson today that I am sure will stick with you. Second it takes a strong person to openly admit something like that on a open forum such as this and thanks for the reminder to everyone else as we all are human and make mistakes and need reminders from time to time to becareful.
 
Some lessons are hard learned. This is one of those cases. Most of us have done stupid $%#@. This was just your turn. Glad you posted this and glad no one got hurt. I know your nerves are shot, but hang in there and get back out there and practice not only shooting but also the safety part. I learned the hard way years ago also. You are not alone. It is a good reminder to all of us. Always follow all the rules.
 
You learned a valuable lesson. Glad no one was hurt. As much fun as we have with these things, they are dangerous (that’s kinda the point ain’t it?)

The next move is to learn from it, and continue on enjoying the sport, hobby, and lifestyle.


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Safest place to point a hand gun is down. At the range it’s either pointed down or down range.

Rifles are either pointed up, down, or down range.


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You realized a mistake and moved to correct it. That's training and awareness. unfortunately it was followed by another mistake. I too bet it never happens again.

I remember my first ND. (No second one yet, outside of gun malfunctions - slam fire) I was in a shoot off for the Zone 4 .410 runner up, station 1; loaded the gun, dropped a shell while doing it and bend sideways to pick it up. finger slipped onto the trigger - BANG! gun was down range as trained, and no one hurt. I also then immediately missed high 1 single and was first out. I never forgot that and leave shells or bullets on the ground until after I have shot and am clear. That was 40 years ago, and still remember it like yesterday. More shooters than you imagine have a similar story to tell, and that is why "all guns are loaded" and muzzle discipline is so important we KNOW it happens.
 
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Millie said:
Not sure where to put this, but here will do.

Today I was a dumbass and screwed up really in a major way. I had been chatting in the gun room with Billy and wandered down to the range where some forum members were gathered at various tables and I was telling one of them (he can supply details if he wishes to) about my love of the 1911 .45 I'd recently gotten off layaway. I was holding it next to my chest with the barrel facing left, about 10 feet from at least 2 people, finger off the trigger. I'm very sorry and shocked to have done this to them.

I then turned the gun 90* toward the woods, and was telling this young man about how nice the trigger was, I put my finger on the trigger and pressed it.....and I fired the gun.

I have no idea what was behind those woods that I shot into (another rule broken), so I will just wait to hear something happened or it didn't.

Stunned does not begin to describe my feelings at this point. I put the gun down, and sat down, with shaking hands.

I thank the Lord I didn't test that trigger while the gun was pointed at those people 10 feet away. I have no idea if they even knew they had a loaded .45 pointed at them.

I broke Rule #1.....there are only 4, and I forgot the most important one!

My take-aways so far:

1) The gun is always loaded, and in this case, IT WAS.

2) I won't walk away from a gun without locking the slide back and taking the magazine out. Anyone could have picked up that gun after I so carelessly left it on the table.

3) I will never again, I fervently pray, pick up a gun without looking to see if there's a round in it before doing anything else.

After that I did not plan to pick up a gun the rest of the day. I asked the young man to make doubly sure both my guns were unloaded, which he did. I couldn't have picked up a gun at this point.

Billy in his wisdom made me shoot a .22 for a magazine several hours later. Not sure why, and I didn't want to, but I did.

When I think what I could have done to those people to my left, it makes me sick. I'm so thankful I didn't shoot anyone.
Anyone who was there should feel free to make comments.
I won't be shooting for a while, not sure how long, but I'm taking a few days.

Sorry to Billy also, for adding yet more carelessness to your brain! You've had a rough go at your place lately.....
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I don't know Billy personally cause I never met him but I know some of his words here and thereby some of his wisdom. My bet is he made you shoot that 22 cause you fell off the horse and needed to get back on as soon and as safely as possible. Billy can correct or verify that if he wants to. Live and learn Millie. Live and learn.
 
This is exactly why I'm such a strong advocate of "unload and show clear" when on the range. Drop the magazine, open the action. I don't care if your safety is engaged, when you're around guns long enough a mistake will happen.

Like was said above, hard lessons are the most effective.

Also, like Billy obviously did....the best way ahead is to get right back at it with that lesson firmly planted.
 
First if all you need to forgive yourself for making a mistake and then move on. Nobody got hurt and you are now a member of a rather large club. I wonder how many other forum members have had an unintended discharge and are willing to admit to it. I had ONE forty seven years ago and never had another. Lesson learned. Lots of great advice in this forum, I hope you pay attention to it. Billy did you a great service by encouraging you to fire that .22. You have to get back on the horse and ride when it throws you. The next step is up yo you.
 
Thanks for sharing Millie. The others have pretty much said it all. I'm glad you got back at it asap.

I've got a couple under my belt, but since the other rules were being followed, no harm other than my pride.

I attempted to safety my Henry left handed and sweaty when I first got it. Dropped the hammer and sent one down range.

The other would have appeared to be a decently executed double tap with my Canik TP9SF to the casual observer. But I know I only intended one shot. I didn't have as firm a grip as I should have and more or less bump fired it is the best I can come up with. I consider that a ND.
 
Cocked & Locked said:
Nothing is learned from easy lessons.
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And, I've also heard that you don't learn anything by doing it right.

@Millie , no need to beat yourself over it. You learned a valuable lesson. Take your new knowledge and move forward. I'll bet it won't happen to you again. And, at least, yours was outdoors. :rolleyes:
 
Here’s the thing. There’s no reason to not shoot for a while because of this

Do you have your guns for protection? If so, you need to wrap your brain around, and prepare yourself for the time when you might actually have to use one of those pistols as it was intended: to kill a person (or people).

This is a psychological lesson many people never realize they need in addition to all the hours training on the range
 
Not picking on you personally Millie but it is amazing how those auto loaders, the safest handgun on the planet, can load themselves especially in a crowd. Distractions will get you every time and thankfully your guardian angel was paying attention. So now, welcome to the club of the informed and the never ending self inflicted question of "is that gun loaded or not".
 
I was the one who Millie was talking to about her trigger on her 1911. When it went off, I was maybe 3 feet away from her. After the initial shock wore off for her, she then asked if I would check both and clear if necessary. We then talked about it for a few, but man she was shaken up, as she knew what just happened was a big ordeal. I then told her about mine, when I was around 22-23 years old. I fired a 45 round through my bed, and into the floor about the same 3 feet away from my dad, with two cousins in the same room. Talking and looking people in the eyes, I completely was not paying attention to the loaded mag I had just loaded, and for some reason, pulled the trigger and boom. That's the first and last I've had, and that was 22-23 years ago. I had never been properly trained or taught the 4 rules of gun safety. I immediately took some classes and swore to myself to ALWAYS pay attention to what the hell I was doing.The big thing for me was I could have killed my father or two cousins, or really injured them in the least, because I wasn't paying proper attention to the tool in my hands. I told Millie yesterday, comfort sometimes leads to complacency, which can lead to a fubar situation. Learn from it, and NEVER forget about it.

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Thanks to Stick Man for his help on the range. Again, I was not present. I can't always be there and twice in the past week there were problems. This weather tends to sap me quickly so I was in the Gun Room. With Doug Holder [you will remember him as the HK Suitcase man], and Shane down range I knew I was covered.
The thing is, it wouldn't have mattered who was down there. We all strive to Never let this happen and yet when 100s of people and 10s of thousands of rounds are involved it's only a matter of time.
This is the 4th this year....none that I can remember last year. Maybe 10 in the last 10 years. I will not run a range where everyone leaves and thinks they have been exposed to a Range Nazi. Yet, this is Not a commercial business, it is our Home. There are some changes that have to be made and while I' m reluctant , it will have to be done.
This has Always been a HOT RANGE. Only 1 ND has happened OFF the range. That's the one that will always stick with me. I was saved from a fired 357 mag that was fired into the top of my work bench that I was sitting by a man that could be my son. How I was missed I do not know. The Gun Room had 7 or 8 people present, they all got the lesson of a life time.
Millie will be fine. She is a survivor. This hit her hard. She did not try to push it off as "well I have seen others do it". This would have been a problem.
PLEASE, do not hesitate to give ANY advice ANY of you have. Since the only way you can get on this range is to be a CFF member I expect feedback from any who have been or intend to come. Help me with this members, I want to continue to see glowing reports of after action on the range not a disaster.
As always these have been the rules
Gunsite Rules
1. ALL guns are ALWAYS loaded
2.Never let your muzzle cross anything you are not willing to DISTROY
3. Finger off the trigger til your sights are on the target
4. Be sure of your target AND what is beyond

Our rules require there to be a designated singular Range officer when more than ONE [1] shooter is down range.

The Gunsite rules are infallible. Men and women of Battery Oaks I implore you, help me keep this wonderful place open to all of you. If I feel I can't do this safely, we will have to regroup. I ask you all to remember this is our Home, nobody pays Anything here, you are our Guest. When we can no longer go forth with Southern Hospitality. a handshake, a hug, as our only requirement, it will be a sad day.

Billy and Ronnie Sue
 
When folks visit my range they're gonna hear 2 things; keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to fire, and keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
I don't care if you're Massad Ayoob or Jerry Miculek, you're gonna hear it. And often, I've had to repeat it.
It may not seem like it, but I've got my eyes on you.
I've come to understand many years ago, that people are human. We are the only species on earth that behaves outside of how Mother Nature designed us to act.
Millie dear...it sounds as if you're human just like everyone else. And that's ok. It only becomes not acceptable when you make excuses designed to deflect your responsibilities.
Integrity is big with me. Whether it's employees or friends or family, all you gotta do is admit what you've failed and all is forgiven, for no-one is righteous enough to be casting stones...including me. If it's within my skill set, I can teach you anything, but I cannot instill integrity to those who will not accept it. For her well-shown integrity and sense of humanity, I give Millie 5 stars. Most impressive.

BatteryOaksBilly said:
PLEASE, do not hesitate to give ANY advice ANY of you have. Since the only way you can get on this range is to be a CFF member I expect feedback from any who have been or intend to come. Help me with this members, I want to continue to see glowing reports of after action on the range not a disaster.
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Well Billy you're old school enough that you don't need a preacher. But what I do, is I never leave the range. I suppose it's the manager in me, but I assign tasks to others.
Go get this, move that car, put them dogs inside, go see who that is that just pulled in...
If only I can do it, it either waits or shooting stops until I return.
Like you, I'm not a range officer hard-ass. I approach it like I did when I took folks diving on the reef...there's a fine line between interaction and harassment. The payoff I've witnessed is everyone is comforted having me around.
When folks are out shooting with me, I actually get to do very little shooting. I find myself always helping in some fashion, clearing a jam, explaining the mechanics, try this grip, try standing like this, these sights are different, try that target, these bullets might work better, "You're left-handed? No wonder you can't hit anything!" :p

There's always gotta be that one guy and I'm afraid that's you and me Brother. :D
 
I had one, some 30 years ago.

A buddy and I were duck hunting before school. I was using a mossberg 500 that had belonged to my granddad.

After the hunt, I was performing my routine (don't know where I learned it or why) of pumping the action to expel the shells. After the last shell ejected, I pumped it three more times. Nothing came out. So, with it pointed to the ground, I pulled the trigger. Do I really need to say BOOM! I sure do. Not only was it deafening, but it left a divot in the dirt about 6 inches from my buddy's foot. We were both shaken a bit, but also being early 20something males, that shock turned to laughter. I'm sure that was one of those coping mechanisms.

I blame me 100%, but I also found out what went wrong, mechanically. The magazine spring was weak. I was able to reproduce the malfunction at home. Turns out the last shell would not always chamber immediately. Occasionally, it would, but more times than not, it wouldn't. On that day, it took three pumps before the last shell chambered.

The spring was changed, but more importantly, my habits did.
 
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I'm afraid you're right...…..it will mean MUCH shorter actual shooting sessions. My age is catching up. I remember an interview with Ken Hackathorn where he was asked about being the RO at Gunsite....he replied...I never was, there was only ONE and that was Jeff Cooper.
While I am certainly Not The Colonel I need to look into how he handled this delegation of range authority as he got older. The difference is of course, his was a business and ours is our home.
 
kcult said:
I had one, some 30 years ago.

A buddy and I were duck hunting before school. I was using a mossberg 500 that had belonged to my granddad.

After the hunt, I was performing my routine (don't know where I learned it or why) of pumping the action to expel the shells. After the last shell ejected, I pumped it three more times. Nothing came out. So, with it pointed to the ground, I pulled the trigger. Do I really need to say BOOM! I sure do. Not only was it deafening, but it left a divot in the dirt about 6 inches from my buddy's foot. We were both shaken a bit, but also being early 20something males, that shock turned to laughter. I'm sure that was one of those coping mechanisms.

I blame me 100%, but I also found out what went wrong, mechanically. The magazine spring was weak. I was able to reproduce the malfunction at home. Turns out the last shell would not always chamber immediately. Occasionally, it would, but more times than not, it wouldn't. On that day, it took three pumps before the last shell chambered.

The spring was changed, but more importantly, my habits did.
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You were 20something and still in school? It's starting to make sense now.
 
Millie said:
I truly hope so.

I hope I can get past this, though, while learning the lesson. Not feeling real great at the moment.....
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Nobody got hurt but your pride. Pretend this is yoga (I call long distance shooting yoga): accept what happened instead of being angry at you. You are human; the only way to get better is to be mindful and keep on doing it.

If you give up, the lesson was lost.

The last perfect bloke got tied to a cross.
 
Millie, hang in there and thanks for sharing. I am sure if you had started shooting earlier this would be old news... the hard lessons are easiest to remember and will serve you well in the future. and a blessing that no one was hurt. Your sense of shock is proof if your intent to ingrain this lesson into your soul...you are doing fine.

now my ND story...1994 I just started carrying, I don't even think concealed was an option. I went to decock my loaded pistol and a sweaty thumb helped put a 9mm hollow point onto the slab about 10 inches from my foot. I don't believe I will ever forget it.. sharing these experiences will help us all be safer..

thanks for sharing
 
Don’t read this if you will be offended by instruction other then it could happen to anyone.
(this is pointed at no one in particular but needs saying anyway)


I (thank the lord) in 57 years of handling and being around guns have never had a Ad/Nd. Never shot something that didn’t need shooting. I was taught at an early age to treat guns in a certain manner and it stuck.
Those days are pretty much gone. We don’t teach kids about guns anymore, other then to fear them.
Also there are a lot of people just starting to get interested in guns and they have NO experience. They want to jump right in and go to ranges and get togethers and carry and handle guns like they are a long lost friend. Spend some time with your weapon of choice. Get to know it intimately. Long before you ever fire a shot, dry fire it, get to know the trigger. Take it apart and clean it, know its inner workings.

Every gun is loaded. Always know whats beyond your target. Always point in a safe direction. These are more then just words.

Also take the mag out first and then clear the chamber.

And if need be, bring your gun to places where people are talking and displaying guns ... empty. The real kind of empty.

Know your limitations and live within them until you are ready.
 
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Geezer said:
You were 20something and still in school? It's starting to make sense now.
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I think you misread his post. That was “before school”.

Musta been quite a late bloomer but he’s probably close to gragiation by now. ;)
 
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