ND last night

[iapetus]

Had an ND last night at my local range.

As usual, I was using a .22, single-shot bolt-action rifle (prone). I'd already fire one shot at my target, and was loading the rifle for the next shot.

Unfortunately, my middle finger was sticking out as I closed the bolt, and I managed to poke the trigger with it.

Fortunately, I was pointing the gun in a safe direction (straight down range) and was following all the other safety rules, so there was no risk of anything bad actually happening as a result, but I still feel annoyed with myself.


I've been reading THR for longer than I've actually been shooting, and know the Four Rules off by heart, and always bear them in mind, but it seems I've discovered a way to break one that I hadn't considered.

So, to avoid learning them the hard way, what other "non obvious" ways are there to break the Four Rules? And has anyone else had an ND in a way they hadn't considered?

 

[Third_Rail]

The four rules:

Keeping you safe even if you mess ONE up.

 

[ruger270man]

yup.. the rules are there, so if you screw one up, the other ones will save your ass

 

[dfaugh]

I consider one rule to be THE most important

Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction(which you did)...While all the others are important, as long as the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction (up, down or downrange) no harm, no foul (except to kick yourself).

P.S. I did almost the same thing, also single shot .22 when I was young(16)...Luckily range was still hot...

 

[chris in va]

Not a ND, but still embarassing.

Went to the gun store the other day to have my CZ fit for a holster. It was in a zippered gun holder and I put it on the counter. Just as a courtesy I asked if the guy wanted to take it out himself, and as he's checking it I realized it was loaded.

No biggie, that's what safety checks are for. I just forgot I loaded the thing beforehand.

 

[alpineman]

It's bound to happen eventually (the "rubber band theory", I guess). I've only had 1 ND (so far), and hope to never have another one. I preach the 4 Rules so loudly that, when I had my ND, I wanted to go crawl under a rock. It was definitely a learning experience, though, which I suppose is what counts.

 

[bogie]

Rule #5: Keep the dang thing pointed in a direction so that if you do something stupid, nobody but you will know...

Oh. Too late for you about that one!

 

[gulogulo1970]

Might have to call in the judges on this one but I would say you had a AD not a ND if it makes you feel any better.

 

[Gewehr98]

I'd still call it an ND.

Regardless of whether or not it was the intended appendage, he neglected to keep finger off trigger.

 

[psyopspec]

It's bound to happen eventually

About a year ago during one such thread I recall reading about shooters who'd been on the range for 50 years without one, and gentlemen age 60+ who'd been shooting since they were kids and never had an AD/ND. Care to predict when "eventually" will be for those shooters?

 

[entropy]

Could be the next time they fire a weapon. Could be never. Follow the Four Rules and if you have one, the only damage will be to your pride.

Chris in Va, that is why the guys behind the gun counter have gray hair! (Or are losing it,like me!) Fortunately, nothing happened. Hopefully you learned from the experience, and it won't happen again.

 

[utahminirevolver]

I tuned into this thread expecting a good story about Fargo or Bismarck goings-on, but

anyway, it's good to hear everybody's safe and a valuable lesson has been learned, one I'll try to keep well in mind.

Thanks.

 

[Black Majik]

AD is a mechanical error of the gun

ND is operator error.

Good to hear the gun was pointed down range. Luckily no one was hurt.

 

[Andrew Rothman]

It's bound to happen eventually

No, it's certainly not.