Two-pieces of a M1903-A3; shooter injured.

[Adam Helmer]

Today, being Thursday, the "Tioga County Militia" met in a local gun shop when it opened at 0900. A militia member came into the shop with a gun case. This is normal, as we usually have "show and tell" gun subjects and there are many interesting items displayed, week by week.

Today, a fellow had a M1903-A3 that was in two pieces. The receiver was blown off and I did not see who made the WWII rifle. The magazine well, floor plate and rest of the trigger guard were in pieces and the stock was broken in two at the floor plate. A brass cartridge case was still in the chamber.

The injured gun owner had a laceration on his shooting hand middle finger, a "ding" on his nose and forehead. He was shooting a 160 grain cast bullet ahead of 5744 powder and WW primer in a WW case two days ago at the local gun club. On round number 3 the rifle blew apart! He insisted he double checked the charged cases and none were double charged.

At my former gun club in NH we had a half dozen guns in various stages of destruction hanging on the wall in the big hall over the fireplace. Each has a "story."

Adam