• You are using the old Black Responsive theme. We have installed a new dark theme for you, called UI.X. This will work better with the new upgrade of our software. You can select it at the bottom of any page.

Had a scare at the range yesterday

Status
Not open for further replies.
B

bushmaster1313

Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2008
Messages
3,653
Location
Peoples Republik of New Jersey
Took my 1897 riot shotgun to the outdoor range.
After finishing up with the shotgun on the short training range I cleared the action and put the shotgun back in its case.

When I arrived at the long range to shoot at 50 yards I opened the shotgun case, and there it was, sitting in the case with the action closed and the hammer back.

I was scared and concerned that I may have caused a danger to me or the other members of the club.

The pump handle was locked and the range master was able to activate the release and operate the pump handle.

Fortunately the chamber was empty, but it gave me a scare.
 
I had a something happen along those lines.

A few days ago my homes new compact mobile alarm unit (Model initials J.R.T.) sounded off at the front door, it was the early morning hours (around 2 or 3) so I picked up the my shotgun and went to the door to check it out,false alarm (Though it might have been Mr. Yote making his rounds).

Started back to the computer room,and checked the chamber on the .410,it was empty.

That isn't going to happen again anytime soon (because next time I might need it).
 
My shotgun right now is sitting chambered and the hammer cocked since it can't be decocked. One less thing to worry about.
 
Perhaps I’m not understanding, but what is the issue with having the action closed in the case? Was the magazine still loaded and when it was closed you thought maybe a round had chambered?

After I check and make sure both the chamber and magazine are empty I always store it in the case with the action close. This is true for all my guns, not just my shotguns.
 
Started back to the computer room,and checked the chamber on the .410,it was empty.
Click to expand...
Yikes. That was probably more scary than hearing the alarm going off.
 
Why is the "range master" touching your gun? Did you ask for their help?

You've been around here for quite a while, so I would guess that you aren't a N00b... I think I'm missing some other piece of the story here. I just don't see what the issue is.
 
I've read the OP about a dozen times and I'm unable to find a problem.

You can't clear your own gun? You weren't carrying it around with the muzzle clamped in your teeth, were you? To check a gun clear at the range, verify the range is "hot" and point downrange while manipulating controls, verify the gun is clear, and leave it obviously clear if desired. If you absolutely must have the gun visibly clear to anyone passing by, get a chamber flag or make one, find a roughly 12g width piece of plastic, attach a brightly colored strut sticking out of the side, and leave the action mostly closed on it
Like this:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/22...safety-flag-12-gauge-brass-and-polymer-orange
Although I would just make such a thing, I'm a cheapskate and don't like the "real round" brass bit
... maybe one like this would be better:
http://dsgarms.com/ProductInfo/SAF-T-INDICATORSHOTGUN.aspx
 
When I opened the case I saw that the action was closed and the hammer was cocked.
As this is not how I would normally case my shotgun, and I had just fired off a box of shells, I was concerned that there might be a live round in the chamber.
When I tried to open the action it would not open because the hammer was cocked.
I panicked a bit because if there was a live round in the chamber I had just endangered myself and everyone at the range and I might have been expelled from the club.

I looked towards the range master and he showed me how to operate the slide release button and when we opened the action the chamber was empty.

The dumbest thing I did was not knowing how to clear thear the action.
 
The problem was panic kicked in and he didn't stop and think.

If he had been relaxed, he probably would have had it all figured out. Instead, panic kicked in motivated by the fear of expulsion b/c of a cocked & unlocked shotgun.

Lessons learned: in a non-threatening situation, slow down, think carefully, and then act.

Q
 
Seriously... if you don't know how to open your gun, you have absolutely no business showing up at the range with it... and I wouldn't want to be at the bench next to you.

A shooter should be totally familiar with the operation of their firearm before showing up at the range to shoot it... this is firearms 101.
 
Wow, tough crowd. He made a rookie mistake and sought out a more experienced person to help him rather than try to fix it himself and risk people's lives. What a jerk, huh? He cleared it then found it in an unfamiliar condition, then probably knowing an 1897 is capable of slam-firing and having trouble manipulating the action he asked for help from the person in charge, give the guy a break.
 
I panicked a bit because if there was a live round in the chamber I had just endangered myself and everyone at the range and I might have been expelled from the club.

I looked towards the range master and he showed me how to operate the slide release button and when we opened the action the chamber was empty.
Click to expand...

You need some snap-caps for that gun and some time running it without live ammo, it would seem.
Is there a factory user manual someone can link to for his model?
 
GP-- A rookie mistake is certainly forgivable. Not knowing the basic operation of your gun is not.
 
you still didn't comprehend the slide release

if you don't know all the controls on the gun, go back to the start with reading the manual and using dummy ammo for experimentation
 
The Model 1897 is an exposed hammer pump gun that predates the Winchester model 1912. I'd guess manuals would be hard to find.

I'm not real familiar with the 97's, but I think to release the hammer with the action closed you'd have to pull the trigger with your thumb on the hammer and ease it down. Any time you operate the action on the 97 you're going to have the hammer back. You'll either have to case it action open, or, ease the hammer if you case it action closed.

Actually - you're statement 'the action is empty because I always clear the mag and chamber' is more of an issue in my mind. Believing that is what gets people shot. I think that you were right to be concerned when you saw the hammer position and the action closed. Learn from that and go from there.
 
You can "believe" anything you want about your chamber. Believe it to be empty, believe it to be loaded, believe that it's full of candy. That won't get anyone shot as long as you aren't pointing the gun at them, and if you point it at someone, you should know good and well that pulling the trigger can kill them.
 
This incident has made me rethink "cased" guns.
Typical soft cases have handles which caused the gun to be horizontal while being carried.

FYI, the shot gun was in the case on the bench and pointed down range when I opened the case and found the hammer cocked.

From now on I will case with the action open
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Big D
  • Locked
Trench Sweeper
Replies
1
Views
510
Big D
Big D
S
  • Locked
First shotgun,for a person,with military experience.
Replies
9
Views
793
Capstick1
C
M
  • Locked
Mossberg 590A1--Froze Up Solid
Replies
16
Views
4K
sm
S
Z
  • Locked
Introducing a female friend to guns [shotgun-specific]
Replies
18
Views
806
THE DARK KNIGHT
T
cfullgraf
  • Locked
Extended Choke Tube save my shotgun
Replies
21
Views
1K
shootbrownelk
S
Back
Top