So today I’m in our backyard getting ready to shoot my FAL rifle. My buddy, who was next to me, was also getting ready to shoot his FAL. I loaded a magazine (containing 20 rounds of FMJ) into the mag well, pulled back the charging handle, and let go. The first round did not chamber all the way. Not thinking, I peered into the chamber and pulled back the charging handle again and let go. BAM!! :eek:
I received an impressive blast to the face. I dropped the rifle. My buddy is freaking out. “Your face is bleeding!!” Though I was visibly shaking, I didn’t feel hurt. And my eyes could still see. (Good thing I was wearing my glasses.)
I went inside the house and washed up. I could feel hundreds of little bumps all over my face.
Still shaken, I went back to the range to inspect the rifle and evaluate the situation.
The rifle is toast. The upper receiver is slightly bent. We found the receiver cover 30 feet away. The magazine exploded. The firing pin broke in two. A brass case (minus the head) is stuck in the chamber. The 19 rounds that were in the magazine were scattered all over the grass. A casual inspection revealed that the explosion bent the bullet in most of the rounds.
Here’s what I think happened: when I attempted to clear the jam I must have inadvertently tried to force a round into the chamber which was already occupied by another round. The sharp tip of the bullet must have hit the primer of the chambered round. BAM!!
I think I’ll be O.K. But here are some lessons learned:
While my prescription glasses probably saved my eyes, I’m still damn lucky. From now on I will never shoot a gun - not even a frick’n BB gun - unless I’m wearing full-size, ANSI-rated goggles.
When a gun jams I will carefully study the situation before attempting to fix the jam.
Yeah, that gun is pretty hot! Glad you’re okay. That shit is no joke. My buddy had a similiar situation involving a potato gun (I know, but still just as serious!), except with his hand. Almost took the thing off after messing with the chamber and compressed air. Safety first!
I’ve always relied on my trusty “wrap” Smith sunglasses for protection. Since reading this thread, I’m reconsidering. Can someone give me a recommendation for a proven set of comfortable, scratch-resistant eyewear?
On the upside, I bet that was something of an adrenaline rush. however, I recommend finding your highs in safer places, which involve fewer explosions inches from your face.
Holy crap! Be careful with that thing, buddy. Glad you’re ok, though. I second the vote for mounting the gun on your wall as a conversation piece. “See that gun?” “Yeah.” “Blew up right in my face!” “:eek:”
