Ex-cop shoots self [while cleaning gun]

The Jersey Journal (New Jersey) ^ | 3/27/07 | MICHAELANGELO CONTE

[Graycliff]

Does a life insurance policy pay if it's a suicide? If not then you have a motive for making it look like an accident.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Don't know, we had a guy in our office who shot himself, and in his case the insurance paid.

[KeyLargo]

If it is past the 2 year life insurance incontestiblity the claim is paid.

[xsrdx]

I don't like plastic guns.

I like the feel of cold steel in my hands.

Well, you know what they say - A (Kimber/Colt/SIG) is what you show your friends; GLOCK is what you show your enemies!

;-)

I will simply state that both polymer framed and all-steel guns have their relative merits.

[glock rocks]

Well, you know what they say - A (Kimber/Colt/SIG) is what you show your friends; GLOCK is what you show your enemies!

LOL, Hadn't heard that before.

I probablly carry my SIG as often as the Glock, because, as you said, they both have their merits. (If you're curious, SIG in the city, Glock in the boonies.)

[Eaker]

Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use

Good advice.

This is why my Glock is always loaded with one in the chamber except when I am cleaning it.

[Eaker]

I couldn't forget to remove the round from the chamber, but when disassembling a Glock removing the slide is the first step and this would not be done by pointing the weapon at one's chest.

[Eaker]

Thanks for the ping Buddy!

[Pistolshot]

This kind of accident happens to more police officers than civilians. I have read a few reports of officers putting holes in a number of walls, ceilings, lockers, floors and each other clearing weapons.

Familiarity breeds safety, but the costs of practice and instruction are prohibitive enough for most agencies to tell officers, 'if it appears to be a shooting situation to wait for SWAT.' Most officers never draw their weapons in their careers.

[Ramius]

I'm sure even before reading this thread that many replies will ridicule this guy for making a mistake while handling his gun (assuming that's what it was).

I don't trust people who think they're incapable of making a mistake with a firearm. They're more dangerous, IMHO. Nothing invites disaster like familiarity and a perception of invulnerability. This guy no doubt handled guns safely for his entire life, right up until that last time. It's a safe bet that he's quoted all the rules to somebody before...

The first step in caution is to assume that you can screw up too.

IMHO.