I won't quit shootin my 73 even though

[rdstrain49]

Just a reminder, don't get complacent.  Earlier this month I experienced a jam with my 73 (45 Colt).  I'm reasonably certain the jam was shooter induced.  While attempting to clear the jam I experienced an out of battery discharge ( my fault, not a gun or manufacturing issue ).  Fortunately for my eyesight my left hand was over the action at the moment of discharge.  Eyes are good, left hand is FUBAR.

Point is that even with nearly 60 years of shooting, plus having been an armorer for nearly 30 years I screwed up.  When an old fool does something stupid, very, very bad things can happen.

Rifle is now repaired, only two more surgeries remaining.  Don't you take anything for granted.  Go shoot, have a "blast", just be aware.

[dusty texian]

Hope you a speedy recovery ! ,,,,,DT

[Fox Creek Kid]

Has the rifle in question been gunsmithed or short stroked?

[Major 2]

dang,  Roger....when ?  will you be 100% with surgeries done ?

Sorry to hear this 

[rdstrain49]

Fox;

The weapon was stock, rough edges cleaned up but stock.  Understand this was all me.  My point is don't get complacent / careless.

[rdstrain49]

Major;

Won't know for a while.  Really no big deal, most likely worst case I might lose a finger or two.   Won't slow me down.  I've already been back on my range a few times.  I always shot dulest anyway. 

[rdstrain49]

DT, thanks.

[Coal Creek Griff]

Wow.  I'll pray for a quick and full recovery. Thanks for the reminder.

CC Griff

[rdstrain49]

Yep, just a momentary laps can lead to bad stuff.  Stay sharp and have fun, in that order.

[yahoody]

Thanks for the reminder.  I try to make a point every time I am out that there to remember there are "no overs" when it comes to guns and ammo.

Glad to hear you are healing up and are back at it already.   No sense dwelling on a mistake other than trying nto to repeat it or keeping us from duplicating it.  Thanks again and best of health to you now!

[mehavey]

While attempting to clear the jam I experienced an out of battery discharge...

Can you tell us the actual circumstances/how things were configured when the cartridge went off ?
Might save some other poor soul (...like me). 

[rdstrain49]

Mehavey; I wish I could be more specific about what happened but unfortunately there is about a five minute gap in my memory.  I remember a cartridge being stuck in the elevator ( I probably short stroked the rifle ).  The next thing I remember is "damn that stung".  I have gone over the forensic evidence with a fine tooth comb.  The only conclusion I can come to is 1: I caused the malfunction.  2: I somehow hit, pried or otherwise forced the cartridge in such a manner as to cause the discharge.   I can't imagine me doing something like that but the facts are the facts. 

I sincerely hope that my stupidity will serve as a reminder, be safe and don't do stupid stuff.  Now get off that stupid computer and put some rounds down range.

Regards
rs

[mehavey]

Got it... cartridge was fully exposed in the elevator when it went off, and all
the energy was funneled straight up into your hand.  YEEOOoowwch!

Rounds down range... last night I got out w/ the 44-40 against my "Take-That!"
hanging 5" steel pig.  Three quick shots at a hundred yards..., three hits.  
I figured it was time to go home before the law of averages caught up.  

[bear tooth billy]

Roger, sorry to hear about your accident  and I wish you the best on your recovery


                                         BTB

[rdstrain49]

Thanks BTB, only slowing me down, I'll be at Colfax next time.  May only be able to shoot the hand guns but I'll be there.

[bear tooth billy]

Roger, I'm putting on the shoot there next Sat. June 6th, hopefully I'll see you and your fingers there



                                             BTB

[rdstrain49]

Sounds like a plan.  What time?

[rdstrain49]

I finished the repairs to my '73 a few days ago.  Today I worked up the nerve to test fire it.  First few test shots fired with a lanyard.   Then shot a couple of ten round sweeps.  No flaws of any kind and to top it off the practice drills I shot, although slow and painful, were clean.  I'm not back yet but stand by, I'm a comin.

[bear tooth billy]

Roger, the usual time, sign up at 9 shoot at 10, hope to see you there


                                         BTB

[rdstrain49]

ok