Man Shoots Self After Spotting Skunk

UPI ^ | Oct. 4, 2010

[nickcarraway]

Police in Florida said a man attempting to take care of a skunk on his friend's property accidentally shot himself in the hand and face while loading a rifle.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office said the 31-year-old Sarasota man was at a friend's house Friday night and attempted to load a .22-caliber rifle after they spotted a skunk in the yard, the Bradenton (Fla.) Herald reported Monday.

Police said the man, who did not know there was already a round in the chamber, had his right hand on the barrel when he accidentally hit the trigger and a bullet injured his fingers and lodged itself in his left cheek.

The sheriff's office said the man's injuries did not appear life threatening and he was alert when they arrived on the scene.

[fr_freak]

But if you need to inspect the bore the bolt should be locked back and be damned sure there is is no round in the chamber. It only takes once.

It doesn't look like he is inspecting the bore. It looks like he is tightening the sling. But either way, I bet he'd never loaded a single round into that rifle since he was issued it. It's not like he just got back from patrolling the Mekong Delta, or anything. To old Al, that rifle probably amounted to nothing more than a harmless toy, which is exactly what it is without ammo.

[tlb]

He got off easy. Good thing it was a skunk, rather then a rabbit.

Rabbits have been known to stretch the gun barrel around behind you so you shoot off your own fanny.

[nickcarraway]

I saw a documentary on that once.

[blackbart.223]

"It doesn't look like he is inspecting the bore. It looks like he is tightening the sling. But either way, I bet he'd never loaded a single round into that rifle since he was issued it. It's not like he just got back from patrolling the Mekong Delta, or anything. To old Al, that rifle probably amounted to nothing more than a harmless toy, which is exactly what it is without ammo."

I'll go along with that. But it is still a funny picture.

[kabumpo]

No reason to shoot the skunk.

[The Cajun]

Rabbits have been known to stretch the gun barrel around behind you so you shoot off your own fanny.

Only a "Wabbit" will do that to you ;^)

[Squantos]

That must have stunk.....:o)

[Ezekiel]

Police in Florida said a man attempting to take care of a skunk on his friend's property accidentally shot himself in the hand and face while loading a rifle.

Was this a double-wide skunk?

[Slings and Arrows]

That'll learn 'im!

[PowderMonkey]

[pillut48]

LOLOL!!

Darwin Award Honorary Nominee! D’oh.
;-)

[mbynack]

A gaddamn state-run halfway house with trailer parks and palm trees.

As a Florida resident, I take issue with your comment. We really don't have that many palm trees.

[Eaker]

he was alert when they arrived on the scene.

Not that alert apparently!

[ErnBatavia]

[metmom]

NEVER point the gun at something you don’t intend to shoot.

[metmom]

NEVER point the gun at something you don’t intend to shoot.

[TheOldLady]

Yeah, too bad old Al survived this stupidity.

[ArrogantBustard]

All Guns are Always Loaded ...

Never let your Muzzle cover anything you're not willing to destroy ...

Keep your finger OFF the Trigger until you Sights are ON the target ...

Be sure of your target and what is beyond it ...

[TheOldLady]

Give the guy a break. He was only showing the skunk what he was going to do to it if it didn’t vacate the premises.

[r9etb]

Darwin Award Honorary Nominee! D’oh.

Almost. He, um...., shot himself in the hand. Hands don't get pregnant.