OK, we had a shoot today.  There were LOTS of guns all over the tables and there was LOTS of ammo everywhere.

While packing up my stuff to leave, I came to my handgun, a Sig P229/.40 cal.  I found that one of my mags was still loaded, with 9mm ammuntion.

So, the mag was unloaded and I put them in the case.  I then proceeded to rack the slide on the pistol to ensure it was clear.  Out pops a 9mm shell that was bulged out to roughly .40 inches...

The first, second, third and fourth things that raced through my mind were:  "THANK GOD NO ONE WAS HURT!"

Being a Sig (an indestructable god among mere trinkets), there was no kaboom.  However, a million other things could have happened that could have led to a disaster.  There is nothing, NOTHING worse than the thought of someone being hurt or killed because of a mistake like this.  We all have too many more guns to buy, mags to load and produce to massacre to go out like that...

So, everyone, please take this as a friendly reminder to always pay attention to what you are doing and be careful when you are shooting.
This has been a public service announcement from your local recreation director.  We now return you to your regularly scheduled flame war.

very good point
well taken
and thanks for the fun day again

It takes a sharp eye to keep track of all that was going on at the range today.  When firearms of differing calibers are in close proximity to one another, mistakes can, and probably will be made.  As you said, the important thing is that no one was injured.  Hopefully others will heed the warning and learn from this.

I personally have to learn from the mistakes of others...I won't survive if I make them all myself.

ka

I saw 3 of the following rules broken today. PLEASE read these rules, LIVE by them and teach them to other shooters.

The Four Rules of Firearms Handling
by Jeff Cooper

Rule 1
ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED
The only exception to this occurs when you have a firearm in your hands and you have personally unloaded it for checking. As soon as you put it down, Rule 1 applies again.

Rule 2
NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO DESTROY
You may not wish to destroy it, but you must be clear in your mind that you are quite ready to if you let that muzzle cover the target. To allow a firearm to point at another human being is a deadly threat, and should always be treated as such.

Rule 3
KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET
This we call the Golden Rule because its violation is responsible for about 80 percent of the firearms disasters we read about.

Rule 4
BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEYOND IT
You never shoot at anything until you have positively identified it. You never fire at a shadow, or a sound, or a suspected presence. You shoot only when you know absolutely what you are shooting at and what is beyond it.

We will review GUN SAFETY before firing begins at our next gathering,especially on these 4 important rules.I believe the risk factor rises when more people are grouped together at close proximity.Thanks for bringing this up, FrankSquid.

Well stated by everyone.
I'm sure the unexpected turn out and abundance of weapons and limited space had alot to do with it.( Granted this is no excuse)
I'm also sure we can tweak out the problems for next time and keep an eye on each other as well.
On a positive note: I had several people confirm the caliber of the HK, and which mags belonged to it, with me prior to shooting and/or reloading. I appreciated that.
Thanks again.
Take care