THUNDER RIVER RENEGADES

[Red River Mac]

We had a serious accident during the Wednesday side matches at the 2010 End of Trail. I had just walked away from the Long Range side match when I heard an extremely loud discharge. One of the four shooters on line was firing an 1895 Marlin 45-70 and it exploded. The shooter, who was not identified, was seriously injured with shrapnel wounds to his hands and face. He did not appear to be in mortal danger but was taken by ambulance to an Albuquerque hospital. So far, there has been no announcement as to his condition.

No one knows for certain what happened, but the range officer was of the opinion that the shooter had a squib discharge and failed to realize that a bullet may have been lodged in the barrel before chambering and firing the next round. The Marlin was demolished but, to its credit, the bolt was not dislodged.

I am submitting this post and these pictures to illustrate what can happen to any of us if something like this occurs. Even though modern firearms are made of high strength steel, they are not impervious to extreme damage from excessive internal pressure. It definitely got my attention.

http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt55/lmdebose/End%20Of%20Trail%202010/95Marlin3.jpg

http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt55/lmdebose/End%20Of%20Trail%202010/95Marlin4.jpg

http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt55/lmdebose/End%20Of%20Trail%202010/95Marlin6.jpg
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[Two Spurs]

Thanks for the info Mac. We'll mention that at our next match. Good to see ya back.
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SASS# 81842
Native Texan
Thunder River Renegades
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"He is no fool who gives up something he can not keep, to gain something he can not loose." Bill Elliot

[Presidio]

This is the info I got from the SASS Saloon:

The shooter was Jubal Sacket and he is doing OK, I think he was back on the range today but will not be shooting for a while. A couple badly broken fingers on the left hand and some pretty good cuts on his arm and some burns. Really could have been worse. Fowl Lady was a few feet behind him when it went off, don't think it was a squib, more like a over-charge but that is speculation here. Rounds in the magazine tube went off.

Rowdy Bishop

Glad to hear it wasn't any worse than it was....which could have been alot!
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"Rivers be for crossing ~ Prairies be for roaming ~ Drifters' be seeking their stars"

[Ellie Mae]

As bad as it could have been...those Cowboy tattoos didn't come with enjoyable memories....Thank God the partner wasn't hurt any worse.....

Thanks Red River Mac for the report and reminder.
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