Had a very similar AD with the MAG in the Zambezi Valley. Went on night ambush - weapon jammed half way through belt. Got back - belt had been taken out. Weapon still jammed. Using a lot of force pulled the cocking lever back, - an empty shell had jammed - didnt eject properly, live round in breach still - slide went forward bang AD. Luckily I missed the corp's head but made him deaf. Had the bent casing for many years as evidence- it got me off DB. MAG were buggers for that - as they got older the jectors didn't always work or if shell casing got stuck in between exit hole and slide. the slide of course carrying a new live round forward. As a weapons instructor I always told the guys to look underneath at the ejector hole in the MAG if theres a stoppage. The jammed round was bent at about 30 degrees, showing the forces involved to clear the MAG.
Yes, wise words for sure. I remember an AD I had as a kid with my dad while hunting not long after the war. He had done his best to drum the principle of safety into me, as you can imagine an ex-soldier would have. The shock and feeling of disbelief, and then the shame I experienced was indescribable. But luckily no one was hurt. No burden to carry, but a memory that your story has brought back to me. Thank you.
i have met 3 civilians in my time who suffered self inflicted wounds whilst hunting in Australia, Fortunately for their families and loved ones' none of them received a Darwin award. ABC, Always Be Careful.
I never had a Negligent Discharge during my army service because I constantly cleared my weapon (R 5) two or three times each time I picked it up. I did, however, nearly shoot myself with my CZ 83 one night when traveling along a dark road at night on my motorbike. I leaned forward over the tank and heard someone shoot at me from nearby. I accelerated up the hill and stopped just over the rise to draw my weapon to defend myself against this ambush, but to my surprise, my CZ was missing! I quickly figured out my weapon had come out of the inner pocket of my unfamiliar jacket, struck the tar hammer first, and discharged. I went back and found my CZ83 in the road with scuff marks on the hammer. I never used that bomber jacket again.
On a driven hunt last year, I was a driver along with two more drivers and one dog handler in my group. Drivers are required by law to carry their guns with a loaded magazine, no round in the chamber and the safety must be on, wen the gun is not in use, to prevent discharge when walking through thick brush. The dog handler's gun however was fully loaded and cocked and as he bent over to give his dog some water (it was a hot day in october, about 25°C) a twig caught his trigger and we had a .30-06 whistle past us. Someone snitched and the guy is now excluded from hunts with more than seven people in all of Germany for the next five years.
I love listening to Your Stories. They remind Me of those My Uncle Lou Ardito told Me about His experiences as a machine gunner in Italy during WW2. My Dad was too Young during WW2 and had injured a knee playing Football so was 4 F for Korea. His Brother in Law Lou joined at 17 , One of My Dads Older Brothers was 18 in 1944 and a combat Engineer , 289th regiment 75th Infantry, He told about some of His experiences but not with as much detail as You or Uncle Lou. They did mention being fired on by their own people and the 75th had a incident where Men were killed by their own mortars . Long before a similar incident was depicted in Band of Brother’s My Uncle Lou told Me about a officer who instructed a sentry to shoot anything coming up that road and then proceeded on a recon that ended with the officer coming up that very road and being killed by the sentry He gave the order to. Another of My Dads older Brothers was a aerial Gunnery Instructor and told of as many as 50 men being killed and injured when a 50 caliber gun broke free of its mount on the range and the frightened gunner holding on caused the gun to continue firing as it twisted and fell to the ground. There was another story about a trapped ball turret gunner . When I was learning to shoot with a octagon barreled Winchester Pump 22 that had a hammer My thumb slipped and the gun went off . Fortunately it was pointed in a safe direction. My Dad always stressed how You can’t take back a fired bullet and i got chewed out. No one likes being chewed out but if thats what it takes for the importance to be set into You its better that than as You say having to carry a much heavier burden. There are some who might have scolded My Dad for grabbing us and scaring us while showing how fast a strange adult can grab a kid. I am great full that He Did too many kids go missing because they never learned that way. One of My High School Friends was a Embassy Marine and after His term was up went to college whereupon He was tapped by the State Department and eventually became a security chief in Africa. He is a unsung Hero . Unfortunately He was directed to Dar Es Salaam to asses security there and had arrived late but noticed a two gate entry that He determined to address at a morning briefing. The Terrorist’s just so happened to have already a plan in motion that developed that next morning involving water delivery by truck . I don’t think anyone gets in their car thinking they will be in a fatal accident but they Happen . We all have fears about Our kids when they get their licenses . I was born in 57 and even look like You . I remember seeing stories in soldier of fortune magazine but for Americans who grew up watching war movies with uniformed Japanese and German Enemies things in Africa seemed so convoluted . Now the Chickens Have Come Home to Roost so to speak and many Americans are realizing that all that Our Relatives Have Fought and Died for ( one of My Sons and a Nephew saw combat in Iraq.) is being betrayed By Quislings in the Highest offices of Our Government and what stings even more is that there are those in our own families foolish enough to be enamored with them . That is being fired upon By Your Own.
Regardless of where the knowledge came from, your grandmother was a wise woman. Indeed, all it takes is but a moment of negligence, as she said, to have a disastrous outcome. Know that your work on this channel is appreciated, sir. History is always important, and it's best learned from those who lived it. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us.
A tragic story but also something to learn from. It's a damn shame and I'm sure that bullet destroyed two lives: that of the man who was killed, and that of the one who will have to carry this burden. I'm not a religious person but I hope they found their peace, both in life and in death. Thinking about guns makes me wonder: would you be interested in making a video talking about your experience with the various weapons you used during the war? I think it would be interesting. I hope my comments don't bother you, I'm really interested in your stories and I'd like to know more.
Your feedback is most welcome Stefano. You are certainly not a bother. Let's see what we can do about making that video for you. Thanks for your interest.
Regarding the interest in the particular weaponry you had experiences with (both in using and those you encountered used against you) I second that and I believe many other's would be extremely eager to hear what you had to say concerning said subject matter.... Btw you are an exceptional speaker, your recollection of these events are told in a consice manner that is amazingly interesting and easy to follow, and the information you relay is historical invaluable. I do not believe those to be sentiments exclusive to myself, in fact quite the contrary. Much respect for what you tried to do, what you're doing now and thank you so much!
My brother was g5k5 (No gun, no guard duty allowed) in the SA national service, did his best to not be there in the last year of national service before ANC. Not supposed to be issued a gun, nevertheless issued one WITHOUT bullets and told to stand guard with his best friend. They fooled around as lighties do, the mate took a round to the shoulder and died in his arms. He changed completely. Hes a recluse with his wife, luckily she's okay with that. But the bright happy man is gone replaced by a man who believes he's evil and takes meds to stay the course. Old man got us out of Rhodesia when Mugabe came to power, but SA needed willing/unwilling boys too.
I have had two ADs no harm and I was alone but scared the daylights out of me! And mind you I have had safe gun handling drummed into my brain since I was a young lad it paid off since the gun was pointed in safe direction, the ground but the impact of a high powered rifle going off improperly is frightening! Your stories and experiences are profound I am glad knowing the sad history of Rhodesia I had a chance to be with some of these veterans for a brief time.
That is a tragic story. I could not even begin to imagine how that soldier must have felt knowing what had happened. It reminded me of a similar tale, which also ended in tragedy. A soldier was about to Debus from the back of a vehicle in Northern Ireland, he had his Sterling sub machine gun slung over his shoulder, as he jumped down from the vehicle, the cocking handle caught in some strapping, when it broke free it fired one round which caused a fatality. The cause was put down to the same as you explained. An open bolt weapon, with a fixed firing pin, the working parts picked up the first round and the bolt, slammed home into battery and it fired. It must be terrible, as you said, to have to live with that, even though it was purely accidental
My Dad is an Air Force (Blue Job) veteran of the Bush War. National Service, 1969. Told me a story once, about a friend of his in the Army, who was a Sniper and accidentally (tragically)... shot and killed his own brother, in the aftermath of a contact with the terrs. I believe they were both in the RLI. Fireforce.
Nick Campbell. Hi...this is so sad. One hardly knows what to add by way of comment. There were so many tragic incidents in that war, but to have shot your own brother...what a heavy cross to bear! And, yet, how easily it can, and did, happen. Keep well, Nick ...thanks.
@@fiveromeoromeo5225 I love your videos. My Dad doesn't speak about the war much. Can't say I blame him. It's nobody's business. But... I am fascinated by the history of the Bush War, simply because my Dad is a veteran. Thank you for your service, sir.
@@RykerRider46 Hi Nick, I'm a pilot in america and I find myself fascinated by the bush war as well! I was wondering what it was like being a pilot in rhodesia? what did he fly? to your father: thank you for your service
@@agoodchristianpilot159 Cheers, mate. My Dad didn't make it as a pilot, sadly. Failed the medical. But he was a weapons technician (armourer) in the Rhodesian Air Force.
Wow! I carried a MAG 58 on the Angolan border for several months as a Mag Two (and sometimes MAG One) and never knew that the machine gun could do that. I was never formally trained on the Mag gun, but was given the position after we arrived in the ops area. They briefly familiarized me on it and then left me to figure its intricacies on my own one afternoon (without ammo). I've always been good with firearms and practiced excellent muzzle discipline on patrol, but - again - didn't know the weapon could do what was described in the video. Thank God no one ever had an ND. I will note that you should feel the bolt solidly lock to the rear when you cock it. I figured that out almost immediately that first afternoon. Someone definitely should feel that when they operate it. Sad story.
Your Grandmother was a very wise woman, we used to call them ND's or negligent discharges.. they were very rare things, as it was drummed into us harshly that a weapon is always treated as loaded unless proved otherwise in basic training back in the day, I remember realising where the term 'corporal punishment' came from after witnessing the dishing out of such retribution on a fellow recruit that ND'd , I remember feeling quite sorry for him, as the beating he got was quite savage by them - maybe thats why they were rare things back in the 80's
Thank you for sharing this tragic but true story, I don't know if you understand the mechanics of this accident. But. Here is my take. Fixed fireing pin is not the culpret it's the open bolt design. The bolt can be short cocked just enough to catch the base of the next round to be fired but not far enough back to engage the sear. The mg34 and mg 42 can do this. The bren gun will do this these guns have movable firing pins the sten gun and Mac 10 with fixed firing pins may also do this. Lesson to be learned while cocking the firearm full hard sharp movement rearward until the back of the bolt forcefully rides over the sear. Lastly I don't know if training ever covers this or even stresses this design flaw or to look out for it. By the way thank you for sharing your memories. And experiences. I look foreword to each installment. Cheers
Rhodesians NEVER die! Thank you for this 5RR!!! P.S. There are no "accidents" when it comes to firearms and motor vehicles. There is only human error or neglect/incompetence.
Thank you for your channel, it is sooo good 😊 you look exactly like my granfather did, a nice calm elderly man on the outside, but inside, when needed he was a true mean bastard, he was in the resistance here in Denmark back in WWll
1982. 201 Battalion, Omega, Caprivi. Squad getting onto a Buffel. Dude carrying a MAG (yes, also a MAG), handed the MAG to a dude on the Buffel. Dude on the Buffel got hold of the MAG at the tromp / trump (is that the English word?) and started pulling it upward. The MAG said "rrrrrrr". The dude on the Buffel got a nice hair shave and everybody got a fright, but luckily it turned out well. LOL. PS: I'm talking under correction but if I remember correctly the dude handing the MAG was De Bruin and the dude who got the hair shave was Krebbs. And yes, my grandma also warned me about the Devil loading and discharging fire-arms! LOL
I saw 2 soldiers die from an Negligent Discharge. During Training a Bradley Fighting Vehicle discharged its main gun (25mm) it hit a M113 personal carrier, the round split, half went through the drivers head, the other have tore the guts out of the vehicle commander standing up in his hatch. Another man was injured when the vehicle ran over his leg during evacuation of the commander from the M113 (they didn’t realize the driver was hit and the vehicle didn’t have the brakes engaged) thankfully it was on soft sand so the tracks only broke his leg not turn it into mush.. The driver died instantly and the Track Commander died during the flight back to the hospital. (Fyi it was a Training round, so basically like a big solid lead bullet and not a high explosive or armor piercing round, not that it helped the two men who died but if it was high explosive it may have injured the crew inside as well)
I’ve seen a very similar accidental discharge with the MAG the gunner took the MAG of the tripod and placed the gun next to it on its bipod when the gun touched the ground it immediately discharged and the gunner had one hand on the carry handle and the other hand was holding the but What caused this was that the when the gunner cocked the weapon he didn’t cock it all the way to the rear and because the MAG fires from the open bolt position when the gun touched the ground that was enough to dislodge the bolt from the half engaged safety sear. No one was injured and I can’t remember what happened to the soldier.
Howard green yep I have seen that happen a few times over the course of my career. Another similar thing I have seen is operators cocking the weapon with pressure being applied to the safety catch before the gun is fully cocked, locking the sear before the bolt is fully engaged resulting in a single round being fired!
Complacency. Cleaning a weapon and had it go off!! Thankfully no one hurt and absolutely terrifying! It's a lesson I've been able to teach my kids in firearms.... Always treat it as if it's loaded... Even if it's in pieces!
100%. I have zero respect for all these excuses. No way can it ever happen if you follow the drill. Thank you for sharing the first sensible comment this far.
@@G58 honestly it depends on the design of the gun and the wear on the gun. As they get worn, particularly some open bolt guns, the bolt will release due to excessive wear creating unacceptable tolerances. In other guns with cheap components, the sear can deform, and release the hammer unexpectedly. While I would say that you are responsible to inspect your weapons for wear, it is not always an option with a real war going on.
Vidar D It’s even more important in a real war. I checked mine every time I stripped it. I also carried a Swiss file, an Arkansas stone and a piece of 1000 grit polishing paper in my cleaning kit. The sear is the most stressed part of many weapons, therefore it’s essential to ensure it’s operating correctly. I deburred, flattered and polished the mating parts of every weapon I got my hands on.
One of the first things that i was told, when i entered the military life, in Portugal, was that "O diabo deu um tiro com um coto". The devil took a shot with a stick...
Croukamps in his book remarked and this is from my memory but about the only man he lost during the whole war was an Afrikaner in his command and it was at Crouk's hands. They set up for the night and the troopie against protocol went out side the perimeter then re entered without using any warning. Crouk was made to go inform the mother of the troop he killed and it did not go well for him.
Lion and Elephant Hotel, Bubye River. Back exhausted from a patrol and happy to get to the pub. Make safe your FN; mag off; cock weapon to extract the round; ease springs; stow in the rack. Unfortunately, as the holes in the roof testify, some tired soldiers got the sequence mixed up and cocked the rifle before taking the mag off so shoving another up the spout while catching the round ejected! The explosion put you right off your beer for a few minutes!
I remember the lion & elephant!, we stopped there on more than one occasion traveling to Chiredzi. It got flooded one year when the river came down if i'm not mistaken.
@@colinm2056 That bad flood was when the three legged lion floated over the top of her enclosure and she escaped. They had a one eyed baby giraffe called Twiggy that had the run of the place and kept goal for us in soccer matches. I well remember the ball got full of thorns and when you headed the ball it lacerated your forehead! And Gunter the warthog who slept in the radio shack and grumbled if you didn't tuck him in properly under his sacking. We had some funny moments.
@@G58 Thankfully it is only the 1% who don't exactly forget but just remember the drill in the wrong order! Fatigue makes even the best of us do silly things sometimes.
Open bolt designs can definitely close and discharge a round. Even closed bolt designs which have bolt open features are extensively tested for discharge under war time conditions. Soldiers should know this and should never leave an open bolt firearm locked open but the reality war is exhausting and folks are imperfect. Excellent story though!
A few weeks ago to my shame I had one of my own negligent discharges. Foolishly I was testing a temperamental rifle indoors with live ammunition, specifically to ascertain why the action would become stiffly locked upon chambering certain ammunition. After holding the rifle pointed downwards with one hand, I manually loaded a round with the other and dropped the bolt. The rifle discharged to my surprise, with that same bewildered look I tried to process how it fired without deliberately pulling the trigger. Unlike previous experiences where I had unintentionally fired downrange, the sensation of a careless trigger finger was not present. I knew for a fact that my hand was not on the firing grip. At first I thought it was due to slam-fire, where the energy of the bolt closing on a live round in the chamber multiple times could have allowed the firing pin to weaken the primer and detonate. Much like the MAG gunner In a safe outdoor environment I tested the same conditions multiple times but to no avail. In conclusion I believe I paid careful attention to the hand chambering the round and not the one holding the weapon that put pressure on the trigger. Such a failure had many infractions like using live ammunition indoors, and a disengaged safety. Thankfully of all possibilities the gun discharged in a basement pointed towards a concrete floor which dissipated most of the bullet's energy. The barrel was also pointed towards a drywall & concrete corner which caught all the fragmented spall, and by some miracle (after I had cleaned more than one rifle earlier) I attached my silencer to this one in particular. The discharge indoors was already loud as it was, had it not been suppressed I would certainly have suffered permanent hearing loss. Never put your experience ahead of safety for the sake of convenience. Even though I had rigorously trained to keep my finger off the trigger, this was one of those cases where I failed because I acted in a manner completely different from what I had trained myself to avoid. The Devil will find a way to not only slip a bullet in your gun, but also put your mind at ease in allowing it to happen.
Was this an AR-15? because an ar has a floating firing pin it will dimple the primer upon chambering and repeated chambering of the same round can cause an ND.
Seen it happen but with a 105mm field gun. That round dropped 40 meters from a very busy A road here in the UK. A few heads rolled for that one and the civilians were never the wiser. Just pure luck as the kill radius is well beyond 40 meters
ND not a accident discharge ,mag out,rack bolt back,check check chamber ,clear and fucking finger off the trigger,if in doubt ,go through routine again ,if no rounds are in weapon and chamber is clear and pointed in safe direction ,still treat it like its loaded and dont flag anyone with the muzzle
Fortunately I learned my lesson with little in the way of physical consequence as a kid. I had just gotten two starter pistol on vacation that fired little blank "tear gas" rounds. One pistol was 'unloaded' and the other wasn't. One evening while messing around in my room with what I ~swore~ had been the unloaded one (and being a dumb kid) I pointed it at my hand and pulled the trigger. BANG! One scorched hand and a couple of eyefuls of tear gas later...Life lesson learned. Sometimes the devil is in the details. I haven't willingly helped old Hobb since.
Our first day of handgun training at the Police Academy years ago I saw a shocking AD. The instructors advised all cadets to retrieve our unloaded handguns and now d the buses to the range after lunch. All firearms were supposed to be secured in our vehicles and as I was getting mine from the trunk of my CVPI the guy parked immediately to my right was doing the same. I saw him cycle the slide ejecting A round, then drop the magazine. He then pointed the weapon (Glock .40) down in the trunk and squeezed the trigger. The damn thing went off and he dropped the gun and grabbed his ear! I saw blood running down his neck. When he fired the bullet hit the inside of the steel spare wheel\tire which was mounted at an angle in the center of the trunk on those years cruisers. It had apparently followed the curve of the wheel and came back out grazing him on the ear. If he'd been standing a little further over he may have actually killed himself that day. He was released from our class but I heard that he was allowed to return and finish in later class.
one of my friends was hit in the upper thigh from an AD , smashed femur , nearly hit his jewels . very lucky to be alive . all due to sheer stupidity. and a long way from help.
I have a friend that is an instructor....he says to think of a laser coming out of the barrel and anything it crosses it cuts off.....your friends leg....gone....your foot....gone. Makes you think about the muzzle. Even with loaded guns without safeties on if you practice muzzle discipline and keep your fingers off the trigger everyone will be okay.
My Father in Law was in the 95th Infantry Division U.S. Army WW2. He told Me of coming across the scene of a recent fire fight with the German’s in a forested area and there were dead and wounded of both sides lying about. The Medics were treating the wounded as the came walking through the scene . One of the guys with Him found out that a good friend had been killed there. Seeing a German rifle lying on the ground the soldier angry at the death of His friend picked up the German Rifle by its muzzle and swung it one handed against a tree like a baseball bat to break it. The rifle went off , its bullet following a path straight under the Mans outstretched arm into His body killing Him immediately. As a young boy in 1969 I was with My Dad and Brother on a Deer hunt . My bother and I carried Winchester 22 cal. Pump gallery type rifles with exposed hammer. I cannot now remember why I cocked the hammer back but it was necessary to let that hammer down slow and easy before ejecting the live round. The hammer slipped from My thumb and the rifle Fired. Thankfully the rifle was pointed toward the ground in a safe direction. My Dad really made Me feel small, embarrassed with hurt feeling’s that were left to sink in. I was scolded and reminded of the possible tragedy that could have occurred and the thought of having to carry such a burden through life that would make my favorite sport and source of pride a thing of shame and guilt. My Dad told Me He did not want to hurt My feeling’s but Hurt feeling’s I could get over but not the death of another Human being at My own Hand’s. I thank My Dad for teaching Me those things. At 14 we were trusted to carry High power Rifles while Hunting and hiking. A real source of pride in being Responsible and Self Reliant. That serious attitude showed through later when a car went off the Highway on a winding road down a steep brushy embankment. The Highway Patrol Officer was a Family Friend . He Handed Me His Service Revolver and told Me to go down and Check out the Car . He rightly assumed that the Driver had fled and knew there would be no threat. I refused the Gun not wanting Him to get in trouble if something Did happen. I was flattered by the offer because He trusted My judgement. I feel that those who learn such responsibility early in life from older peers and Parents become more responsible Citizens
Is anyone ever truly confident and comfortable 100 percent around a weapon? Maybe if you're a long time soldier in a hot war or experienced special forces operative you're more comfortable and relaxed with a gun then without. I grew up around guns. It didn't matter if I was taking my dads old 1917 bolt action mauser out of his gun safe where the bolt isn't even in the rifle but sitting on a shelf in the safe. All i can think about is keep away from the trigger till i visually confirm its empty. And before ill load the kahr 9mm or 45 i have to make sure theres no clip, clear the slide, close it up, work the safety so im positive if red means hot or safe, pull trigger and then repeat the whole process. Everyone should be afraid of gun accidents
It's such a simple mistake in terms of the mechanics of it that it must come with an almost unbearable level of shame in the short term, even without consequences. But to think it could kill a good man... I wouldn't wish that on any human being
Follow the correct drill at all times. Check safe, Check safe, Check safe. Never drop any weapon. If you’re prone to impatience or drama, stay away from firearms, and stay the hell out of my airspace. Accidents don’t happen, they are caused. Zero tolerance for stupid.
I do ballroom dancing and my dance partner has a farm in rusape and not too long ago her and her brother were shooting a .22 at some targets, and she had an AD when she lowered the gun and put a hole in her foot, it’s been about 4 months since then and she’s only near the end of her recovery now, however she may need additional surgery in the future, very lucky that she wasn’t pointing the weapon in the direction of her brother and very lucky that she didn’t hit anything vital
I grew up in a pro gun state, it wasn't uncommon for 10 year olds to own shotguns. The 10 years i lived there, there was not one AD in the entire county. Fast forward to when i moved to the most gun unfriendly state in the union. Even with the strictest gun control in the country AD's resulting in injury occur almost weekly. I myself was present for 5 close calls. Why this happened became clear anytime a friend of mine who grew up under anti gun influence saw my gun collection. Their first instinct was to grab the gun, cock it, point it at the nearest person and say they got them while pulling the trigger. People who grow up respecting fire arms are the best line of defense against AD's. I think its a shame these skills are being withheld from children because certain democrats are offended.
yes, never drove a pookie, but did stand on a box mine near Chikwarara...... thank heavens I didnt stand on the detonator, but it was awful close. Then later as we were returning to base the driver of the vehicle said "I remember seeing a round hole in the road just up here.." so we stopped, and found another mine in the road, this time a "cheese mine" three dets on the bottom and one on top....
This happened last year at my college with two ROTC students that lived together, one of them was cleaning a rifle and it went off, killing his friend, and he couldn’t live with himself and turned the rifle around for the next shot. Really really tragic stuff.
The last story. About the mag gunner. Sounds right, ak bolts get hung up on their hammer occasionally, though, they wont discharge when it rides home. Sub machine guns are similar to the mag, same thing can happen. Fixed firing pin guns need to be kept bolt down, unloaded until needed
We'd always refer to them as negligent discharges, as opposed to accidental. Thank you for sharing this story.
Had a very similar AD with the MAG in the Zambezi Valley. Went on night ambush - weapon jammed half way through belt. Got back - belt had been taken out. Weapon still jammed. Using a lot of force pulled the cocking lever back, - an empty shell had jammed - didnt eject properly, live round in breach still - slide went forward bang AD. Luckily I missed the corp's head but made him deaf. Had the bent casing for many years as evidence- it got me off DB. MAG were buggers for that - as they got older the jectors didn't always work or if shell casing got stuck in between exit hole and slide. the slide of course carrying a new live round forward. As a weapons instructor I always told the guys to look underneath at the ejector hole in the MAG if theres a stoppage. The jammed round was bent at about 30 degrees, showing the forces involved to clear the MAG.
Yes, wise words for sure. I remember an AD I had as a kid with my dad while hunting not long after the war. He had done his best to drum the principle of safety into me, as you can imagine an ex-soldier would have. The shock and feeling of disbelief, and then the shame I experienced was indescribable. But luckily no one was hurt. No burden to carry, but a memory that your story has brought back to me. Thank you.
i have met 3 civilians in my time who suffered self inflicted wounds whilst hunting in Australia, Fortunately for their families and loved ones' none of them received a Darwin award. ABC, Always Be Careful.
I never had a Negligent Discharge during my army service because I constantly cleared my weapon (R 5) two or three times each time I picked it up.
I did, however, nearly shoot myself with my CZ 83 one night when traveling along a dark road at night on my motorbike.
I leaned forward over the tank and heard someone shoot at me from nearby.
I accelerated up the hill and stopped just over the rise to draw my weapon to defend myself against this ambush, but to my surprise, my CZ was missing!
I quickly figured out my weapon had come out of the inner pocket of my unfamiliar jacket, struck the tar hammer first, and discharged.
I went back and found my CZ83 in the road with scuff marks on the hammer.
I never used that bomber jacket again.
On a driven hunt last year, I was a driver along with two more drivers and one dog handler in my group.
Drivers are required by law to carry their guns with a loaded magazine, no round in the chamber and the safety must be on, wen the gun is not in use, to prevent discharge when walking through thick brush.
The dog handler's gun however was fully loaded and cocked and as he bent over to give his dog some water (it was a hot day in october, about 25°C) a twig caught his trigger and we had a .30-06 whistle past us.
Someone snitched and the guy is now excluded from hunts with more than seven people in all of Germany for the next five years.
Awfully somber yet timeless reminder
I love listening to Your Stories. They remind Me of those My Uncle Lou Ardito told Me about His experiences as a machine gunner in Italy during WW2. My Dad was too Young during WW2 and had injured a knee playing Football so was 4 F for Korea. His Brother in Law Lou joined at 17 , One of My Dads Older Brothers was 18 in 1944 and a combat Engineer , 289th regiment 75th Infantry, He told about some of His experiences but not with as much detail as You or Uncle Lou. They did mention being fired on by their own people and the 75th had a incident where Men were killed by their own mortars . Long before a similar incident was depicted in Band of Brother’s My Uncle Lou told Me about a officer who instructed a sentry to shoot anything coming up that road and then proceeded on a recon that ended with the officer coming up that very road and being killed by the sentry He gave the order to. Another of My Dads older Brothers was a aerial Gunnery Instructor and told of as many as 50 men being killed and injured when a 50 caliber gun broke free of its mount on the range and the frightened gunner holding on caused the gun to continue firing as it twisted and fell to the ground. There was another story about a trapped ball turret gunner . When I was learning to shoot with a octagon barreled Winchester Pump 22 that had a hammer My thumb slipped and the gun went off . Fortunately it was pointed in a safe direction. My Dad always stressed how You can’t take back a fired bullet and i got chewed out. No one likes being chewed out but if thats what it takes for the importance to be set into You its better that than as You say having to carry a much heavier burden. There are some who might have scolded My Dad for grabbing us and scaring us while showing how fast a strange adult can grab a kid. I am great full that He Did too many kids go missing because they never learned that way. One of My High School Friends was a Embassy Marine and after His term was up went to college whereupon He was tapped by the State Department and eventually became a security chief in Africa. He is a unsung Hero . Unfortunately He was directed to Dar Es Salaam to asses security there and had arrived late but noticed a two gate entry that He determined to address at a morning briefing. The Terrorist’s just so happened to have already a plan in motion that developed that next morning involving water delivery by truck . I don’t think anyone gets in their car thinking they will be in a fatal accident but they Happen . We all have fears about Our kids when they get their licenses . I was born in 57 and even look like You . I remember seeing stories in soldier of fortune magazine but for Americans who grew up watching war movies with uniformed Japanese and German Enemies things in Africa seemed so convoluted . Now the Chickens Have Come Home to Roost so to speak and many Americans are realizing that all that Our Relatives Have Fought and Died for ( one of My Sons and a Nephew saw combat in Iraq.) is being betrayed By Quislings in the Highest offices of Our Government and what stings even more is that there are those in our own families foolish enough to be enamored with them . That is being fired upon By Your Own.
Regardless of where the knowledge came from, your grandmother was a wise woman. Indeed, all it takes is but a moment of negligence, as she said, to have a disastrous outcome.
Know that your work on this channel is appreciated, sir. History is always important, and it's best learned from those who lived it. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us.
A tragic story but also something to learn from. It's a damn shame and I'm sure that bullet destroyed two lives: that of the man who was killed, and that of the one who will have to carry this burden. I'm not a religious person but I hope they found their peace, both in life and in death.
Thinking about guns makes me wonder: would you be interested in making a video talking about your experience with the various weapons you used during the war? I think it would be interesting.
I hope my comments don't bother you, I'm really interested in your stories and I'd like to know more.
Your feedback is most welcome Stefano. You are certainly not a bother. Let's see what we can do about making that video for you. Thanks for your interest.
Regarding the interest in the particular weaponry you had experiences with (both in using and those you encountered used against you) I second that and I believe many other's would be extremely eager to hear what you had to say concerning said subject matter....
Btw you are an exceptional speaker, your recollection of these events are told in a consice manner that is amazingly interesting and easy to follow, and the information you relay is historical invaluable. I do not believe those to be sentiments exclusive to myself, in fact quite the contrary.
Much respect for what you tried to do, what you're doing now and thank you so much!
I would be very interested to hear that as well.
Keep the stories coming mate!
My brother was g5k5 (No gun, no guard duty allowed) in the SA national service, did his best to not be there in the last year of national service before ANC. Not supposed to be issued a gun, nevertheless issued one WITHOUT bullets and told to stand guard with his best friend.
They fooled around as lighties do, the mate took a round to the shoulder and died in his arms.
He changed completely.
Hes a recluse with his wife, luckily she's okay with that.
But the bright happy man is gone replaced by a man who believes he's evil and takes meds to stay the course.
Old man got us out of Rhodesia when Mugabe came to power, but SA needed willing/unwilling boys too.
It's a terrible burden to bear. I can't imagine what that must feel like.
In the 1980s it was a UD (Unauthorised Discharge) in the Australian Army.
Great Story!👍
I have had two ADs no harm and I was alone but scared the daylights out of me! And mind you I have had safe gun handling drummed into my brain since I was a young lad it paid off since the gun was pointed in safe direction, the ground but the impact of a high powered rifle going off improperly is frightening! Your stories and experiences are profound I am glad knowing the sad history of Rhodesia I had a chance to be with some of these veterans for a brief time.
That is a tragic story. I could not even begin to imagine how that soldier must have felt knowing what had happened. It reminded me of a similar tale, which also ended in tragedy. A soldier was about to Debus from the back of a vehicle in Northern Ireland, he had his Sterling sub machine gun slung over his shoulder, as he jumped down from the vehicle, the cocking handle caught in some strapping, when it broke free it fired one round which caused a fatality. The cause was put down to the same as you explained. An open bolt weapon, with a fixed firing pin, the working parts picked up the first round and the bolt, slammed home into battery and it fired. It must be terrible, as you said, to have to live with that, even though it was purely accidental
I just bought my first firearm recently. Thanks for the words of wisdom
Statistically you and everyone in your house is much more likely to die by a gunshot now. Always follow the 4 rules :)
My Dad is an Air Force (Blue Job) veteran of the Bush War. National Service, 1969.
Told me a story once, about a friend of his in the Army, who was a Sniper and accidentally (tragically)... shot and killed his own brother, in the aftermath of a contact with the terrs. I believe they were both in the RLI. Fireforce.
Nick Campbell. Hi...this is so sad. One hardly knows what to add by way of comment. There were so many tragic incidents in that war, but to have shot your own brother...what a heavy cross to bear! And, yet, how easily it can, and did, happen. Keep well, Nick ...thanks.
@@fiveromeoromeo5225 I love your videos. My Dad doesn't speak about the war much. Can't say I blame him. It's nobody's business.
But... I am fascinated by the history of the Bush War, simply because my Dad is a veteran.
Thank you for your service, sir.
@@RykerRider46 Hi Nick, I'm a pilot in america and I find myself fascinated by the bush war as well! I was wondering what it was like being a pilot in rhodesia? what did he fly?
to your father: thank you for your service
@@agoodchristianpilot159 Cheers, mate.
My Dad didn't make it as a pilot, sadly. Failed the medical. But he was a weapons technician (armourer) in the Rhodesian Air Force.
Wow! I carried a MAG 58 on the Angolan border for several months as a Mag Two (and sometimes MAG One) and never knew that the machine gun could do that. I was never formally trained on the Mag gun, but was given the position after we arrived in the ops area. They briefly familiarized me on it and then left me to figure its intricacies on my own one afternoon (without ammo). I've always been good with firearms and practiced excellent muzzle discipline on patrol, but - again - didn't know the weapon could do what was described in the video. Thank God no one ever had an ND. I will note that you should feel the bolt solidly lock to the rear when you cock it. I figured that out almost immediately that first afternoon. Someone definitely should feel that when they operate it. Sad story.
Your Grandmother was a very wise woman, we used to call them ND's or negligent discharges.. they were very rare things, as it was drummed into us harshly that a weapon is always treated as loaded unless proved otherwise in basic training back in the day, I remember realising where the term 'corporal punishment' came from after witnessing the dishing out of such retribution on a fellow recruit that ND'd , I remember feeling quite sorry for him, as the beating he got was quite savage by them - maybe thats why they were rare things back in the 80's
Thank you for sharing this tragic but true story, I don't know if you understand the mechanics of this accident. But. Here is my take. Fixed fireing pin is not the culpret it's the open bolt design. The bolt can be short cocked just enough to catch the base of the next round to be fired but not far enough back to engage the sear. The mg34 and mg 42 can do this. The bren gun will do this these guns have movable firing pins the sten gun and Mac 10 with fixed firing pins may also do this. Lesson to be learned while cocking the firearm full hard sharp movement rearward until the back of the bolt forcefully rides over the sear. Lastly I don't know if training ever covers this or even stresses this design flaw or to look out for it. By the way thank you for sharing your memories. And experiences. I look foreword to each installment. Cheers
Rhodesians NEVER die! Thank you for this 5RR!!! P.S. There are no "accidents" when it comes to firearms and motor vehicles. There is only human error or neglect/incompetence.
The Aussies had the best slang for a Negligent Discharge, a 'Bang Fuck,' because that's what you always hear when it happens.
*BANG*
"FUCK!"
Thank you for your channel, it is sooo good 😊 you look exactly like my granfather did, a nice calm elderly man on the outside, but inside, when needed he was a true mean bastard, he was in the resistance here in Denmark back in WWll
1982. 201 Battalion, Omega, Caprivi. Squad getting onto a Buffel. Dude carrying a MAG (yes, also a MAG), handed the MAG to a dude on the Buffel. Dude on the Buffel got hold of the MAG at the tromp / trump (is that the English word?) and started pulling it upward. The MAG said "rrrrrrr". The dude on the Buffel got a nice hair shave and everybody got a fright, but luckily it turned out well. LOL. PS: I'm talking under correction but if I remember correctly the dude handing the MAG was De Bruin and the dude who got the hair shave was Krebbs.
And yes, my grandma also warned me about the Devil loading and discharging fire-arms! LOL
I saw 2 soldiers die from an Negligent Discharge. During Training a Bradley Fighting Vehicle discharged its main gun (25mm) it hit a M113 personal carrier, the round split, half went through the drivers head, the other have tore the guts out of the vehicle commander standing up in his hatch. Another man was injured when the vehicle ran over his leg during evacuation of the commander from the M113 (they didn’t realize the driver was hit and the vehicle didn’t have the brakes engaged) thankfully it was on soft sand so the tracks only broke his leg not turn it into mush..
The driver died instantly and the Track Commander died during the flight back to the hospital.
(Fyi it was a Training round, so basically like a big solid lead bullet and not a high explosive or armor piercing round, not that it helped the two men who died but if it was high explosive it may have injured the crew inside as well)
I’ve seen a very similar accidental discharge with the MAG the gunner took the MAG of the tripod and placed the gun next to it on its bipod when the gun touched the ground it immediately discharged and the gunner had one hand on the carry handle and the other hand was holding the but What caused this was that the when the gunner cocked the weapon he didn’t cock it all the way to the rear and because the MAG fires from the open bolt position when the gun touched the ground that was enough to dislodge the bolt from the half engaged safety sear. No one was injured and I can’t remember what happened to the soldier.
Howard green yep I have seen that happen a few times over the course of my career. Another similar thing I have seen is operators cocking the weapon with pressure being applied to the safety catch before the gun is fully cocked, locking the sear before the bolt is fully engaged resulting in a single round being fired!
Yup. Many open bolt guns operate this way. It’s incredibly dangerous to not load it right.
I had an AD once and can relate to your description of the chaps who had the ADs. For some inexplicable reason I was never charged.
Powerful story, goes to show how very important firearm safety is.
Sometimes it isn't the soldier but the training. Ive seen a lot of firearms training that doesn't ingrain keeping the muzzle away from people.
my old corporal Ian, was wounded but later died from that AD..... the other AD i saw was our batman being shot in the jaw 1RR days...
Complacency. Cleaning a weapon and had it go off!! Thankfully no one hurt and absolutely terrifying! It's a lesson I've been able to teach my kids in firearms.... Always treat it as if it's loaded... Even if it's in pieces!
100%. I have zero respect for all these excuses. No way can it ever happen if you follow the drill.
Thank you for sharing the first sensible comment this far.
I do HATE guns that you have to dry fire to disassemble...
@@G58 honestly it depends on the design of the gun and the wear on the gun. As they get worn, particularly some open bolt guns, the bolt will release due to excessive wear creating unacceptable tolerances. In other guns with cheap components, the sear can deform, and release the hammer unexpectedly. While I would say that you are responsible to inspect your weapons for wear, it is not always an option with a real war going on.
Vidar D It’s even more important in a real war. I checked mine every time I stripped it. I also carried a Swiss file, an Arkansas stone and a piece of 1000 grit polishing paper in my cleaning kit. The sear is the most stressed part of many weapons, therefore it’s essential to ensure it’s operating correctly. I deburred, flattered and polished the mating parts of every weapon I got my hands on.
One of the first things that i was told, when i entered the military life, in Portugal, was that "O diabo deu um tiro com um coto". The devil took a shot with a stick...
Croukamps in his book remarked and this is from my memory but about the only man he lost during the whole war was an Afrikaner in his command and it was at Crouk's hands. They set up for the night and the troopie against protocol went out side the perimeter then re entered without using any warning. Crouk was made to go inform the mother of the troop he killed and it did not go well for him.
Lion and Elephant Hotel, Bubye River. Back exhausted from a patrol and happy to get to the pub. Make safe your FN; mag off; cock weapon to extract the round; ease springs; stow in the rack. Unfortunately, as the holes in the roof testify, some tired soldiers got the sequence mixed up and cocked the rifle before taking the mag off so shoving another up the spout while catching the round ejected! The explosion put you right off your beer for a few minutes!
I remember the lion & elephant!, we stopped there on more than one occasion traveling to Chiredzi. It got flooded one year when the river came down if i'm not mistaken.
@@colinm2056 That bad flood was when the three legged lion floated over the top of her enclosure and she escaped. They had a one eyed baby giraffe called Twiggy that had the run of the place and kept goal for us in soccer matches. I well remember the ball got full of thorns and when you headed the ball it lacerated your forehead! And Gunter the warthog who slept in the radio shack and grumbled if you didn't tuck him in properly under his sacking. We had some funny moments.
Loved their roast Zealand man it was great
How do you FORGET? Should be second nature. Practice Practice Practice
@@G58 Thankfully it is only the 1% who don't exactly forget but just remember the drill in the wrong order! Fatigue makes even the best of us do silly things sometimes.
Best opening line EVER.
Open bolt designs can definitely close and discharge a round. Even closed bolt designs which have bolt open features are extensively tested for discharge under war time conditions. Soldiers should know this and should never leave an open bolt firearm locked open but the reality war is exhausting and folks are imperfect. Excellent story though!
A few weeks ago to my shame I had one of my own negligent discharges. Foolishly I was testing a temperamental rifle indoors with live ammunition, specifically to ascertain why the action would become stiffly locked upon chambering certain ammunition. After holding the rifle pointed downwards with one hand, I manually loaded a round with the other and dropped the bolt. The rifle discharged to my surprise, with that same bewildered look I tried to process how it fired without deliberately pulling the trigger. Unlike previous experiences where I had unintentionally fired downrange, the sensation of a careless trigger finger was not present. I knew for a fact that my hand was not on the firing grip. At first I thought it was due to slam-fire, where the energy of the bolt closing on a live round in the chamber multiple times could have allowed the firing pin to weaken the primer and detonate. Much like the MAG gunner In a safe outdoor environment I tested the same conditions multiple times but to no avail. In conclusion I believe I paid careful attention to the hand chambering the round and not the one holding the weapon that put pressure on the trigger. Such a failure had many infractions like using live ammunition indoors, and a disengaged safety. Thankfully of all possibilities the gun discharged in a basement pointed towards a concrete floor which dissipated most of the bullet's energy. The barrel was also pointed towards a drywall & concrete corner which caught all the fragmented spall, and by some miracle (after I had cleaned more than one rifle earlier) I attached my silencer to this one in particular. The discharge indoors was already loud as it was, had it not been suppressed I would certainly have suffered permanent hearing loss.
Never put your experience ahead of safety for the sake of convenience. Even though I had rigorously trained to keep my finger off the trigger, this was one of those cases where I failed because I acted in a manner completely different from what I had trained myself to avoid. The Devil will find a way to not only slip a bullet in your gun, but also put your mind at ease in allowing it to happen.
Was this an AR-15? because an ar has a floating firing pin it will dimple the primer upon chambering and repeated chambering of the same round can cause an ND.
@@andreahighsides7756 AR-10
@@AnonEMus-cp2mn could be due to the floating firing pin. try not to rechamber rounds if you can
Seen it happen but with a 105mm field gun. That round dropped 40 meters from a very busy A road here in the UK. A few heads rolled for that one and the civilians were never the wiser. Just pure luck as the kill radius is well beyond 40 meters
ND not a accident discharge ,mag out,rack bolt back,check check chamber ,clear and fucking finger off the trigger,if in doubt ,go through routine again ,if no rounds are in weapon and chamber is clear and pointed in safe direction ,still treat it like its loaded and dont flag anyone with the muzzle
Fortunately I learned my lesson with little in the way of physical consequence as a kid.
I had just gotten two starter pistol on vacation that fired little blank "tear gas" rounds. One pistol was 'unloaded' and the other wasn't. One evening while messing around in my room with what I ~swore~ had been the unloaded one (and being a dumb kid) I pointed it at my hand and pulled the trigger.
BANG! One scorched hand and a couple of eyefuls of tear gas later...Life lesson learned. Sometimes the devil is in the details. I haven't willingly helped old Hobb since.
We remember
Our first day of handgun training at the Police Academy years ago I saw a shocking AD. The instructors advised all cadets to retrieve our unloaded handguns and now d the buses to the range after lunch. All firearms were supposed to be secured in our vehicles and as I was getting mine from the trunk of my CVPI the guy parked immediately to my right was doing the same. I saw him cycle the slide ejecting A round, then drop the magazine. He then pointed the weapon (Glock .40) down in the trunk and squeezed the trigger. The damn thing went off and he dropped the gun and grabbed his ear! I saw blood running down his neck. When he fired the bullet hit the inside of the steel spare wheel\tire which was mounted at an angle in the center of the trunk on those years cruisers. It had apparently followed the curve of the wheel and came back out grazing him on the ear. If he'd been standing a little further over he may have actually killed himself that day. He was released from our class but I heard that he was allowed to return and finish in later class.
one of my friends was hit in the upper thigh from an AD , smashed femur , nearly hit his jewels . very lucky to be alive . all due to sheer stupidity. and a long way from help.
I have a friend that is an instructor....he says to think of a laser coming out of the barrel and anything it crosses it cuts off.....your friends leg....gone....your foot....gone. Makes you think about the muzzle.
Even with loaded guns without safeties on if you practice muzzle discipline and keep your fingers off the trigger everyone will be okay.
I came up with that myself too, the laser analogy. I use it when teaching newbies :)
My Father in Law was in the 95th Infantry Division U.S. Army WW2. He told Me of coming across the scene of a recent fire fight with the German’s in a forested area and there were dead and wounded of both sides lying about. The Medics were treating the wounded as the came walking through the scene . One of the guys with Him found out that a good friend had been killed there. Seeing a German rifle lying on the ground the soldier angry at the death of His friend picked up the German Rifle by its muzzle and swung it one handed against a tree like a baseball bat to break it. The rifle went off , its bullet following a path straight under the Mans outstretched arm into His body killing Him immediately. As a young boy in 1969 I was with My Dad and Brother on a Deer hunt . My bother and I carried Winchester 22 cal. Pump gallery type rifles with exposed hammer. I cannot now remember why I cocked the hammer back but it was necessary to let that hammer down slow and easy before ejecting the live round. The hammer slipped from My thumb and the rifle Fired. Thankfully the rifle was pointed toward the ground in a safe direction. My Dad really made Me feel small, embarrassed with hurt feeling’s that were left to sink in. I was scolded and reminded of the possible tragedy that could have occurred and the thought of having to carry such a burden through life that would make my favorite sport and source of pride a thing of shame and guilt. My Dad told Me He did not want to hurt My feeling’s but Hurt feeling’s I could get over but not the death of another Human being at My own Hand’s. I thank My Dad for teaching Me those things. At 14 we were trusted to carry High power Rifles while Hunting and hiking. A real source of pride in being Responsible and Self Reliant. That serious attitude showed through later when a car went off the Highway on a winding road down a steep brushy embankment. The Highway Patrol Officer was a Family Friend . He Handed Me His Service Revolver and told Me to go down and Check out the Car . He rightly assumed that the Driver had fled and knew there would be no threat. I refused the Gun not wanting Him to get in trouble if something Did happen. I was flattered by the offer because He trusted My judgement. I feel that those who learn such responsibility early in life from older peers and Parents become more responsible Citizens
i was a mag gunner at that time and what that man said was true.
Was the weapon involved an FAL? I have been told that the FAL can accidentally discharge.
Is anyone ever truly confident and comfortable 100 percent around a weapon? Maybe if you're a long time soldier in a hot war or experienced special forces operative you're more comfortable and relaxed with a gun then without. I grew up around guns. It didn't matter if I was taking my dads old 1917 bolt action mauser out of his gun safe where the bolt isn't even in the rifle but sitting on a shelf in the safe. All i can think about is keep away from the trigger till i visually confirm its empty. And before ill load the kahr 9mm or 45 i have to make sure theres no clip, clear the slide, close it up, work the safety so im positive if red means hot or safe, pull trigger and then repeat the whole process. Everyone should be afraid of gun accidents
It's such a simple mistake in terms of the mechanics of it that it must come with an almost unbearable level of shame in the short term, even without consequences. But to think it could kill a good man... I wouldn't wish that on any human being
Open bolt fixed firing gun will fire from not being cocked properly
Follow the correct drill at all times. Check safe, Check safe, Check safe.
Never drop any weapon. If you’re prone to impatience or drama, stay away from firearms, and stay the hell out of my airspace.
Accidents don’t happen, they are caused. Zero tolerance for stupid.
I do ballroom dancing and my dance partner has a farm in rusape and not too long ago her and her brother were shooting a .22 at some targets, and she had an AD when she lowered the gun and put a hole in her foot, it’s been about 4 months since then and she’s only near the end of her recovery now, however she may need additional surgery in the future, very lucky that she wasn’t pointing the weapon in the direction of her brother and very lucky that she didn’t hit anything vital
I used work at shell service station (was owned by Mike lepatourel)
I grew up in a pro gun state, it wasn't uncommon for 10 year olds to own shotguns. The 10 years i lived there, there was not one AD in the entire county. Fast forward to when i moved to the most gun unfriendly state in the union. Even with the strictest gun control in the country AD's resulting in injury occur almost weekly. I myself was present for 5 close calls. Why this happened became clear anytime a friend of mine who grew up under anti gun influence saw my gun collection. Their first instinct was to grab the gun, cock it, point it at the nearest person and say they got them while pulling the trigger. People who grow up respecting fire arms are the best line of defense against AD's. I think its a shame these skills are being withheld from children because certain democrats are offended.
Pookies and landmines. Did you ever experience them?
yes, never drove a pookie, but did stand on a box mine near Chikwarara...... thank heavens I didnt stand on the detonator, but it was awful close. Then later as we were returning to base the driver of the vehicle said "I remember seeing a round hole in the road just up here.." so we stopped, and found another mine in the road, this time a "cheese mine" three dets on the bottom and one on top....
His mother told the thruth.
That is why those soldiers where so suprised.
This happened last year at my college with two ROTC students that lived together, one of them was cleaning a rifle and it went off, killing his friend, and he couldn’t live with himself and turned the rifle around for the next shot. Really really tragic stuff.
He did the right thing. Any idiot that cleans a loaded weapon needs to exit stage left.
i dread the day i have an AD/ND
US Army changed from AD to ND while back. Now you get punished for a ND
When men were men.
and girls were afraid.....
The last story. About the mag gunner. Sounds right, ak bolts get hung up on their hammer occasionally, though, they wont discharge when it rides home.
Sub machine guns are similar to the mag, same thing can happen. Fixed firing pin guns need to be kept bolt down, unloaded until needed
5 RR.. when men achieve Perfection... will that 'State' eliminate Satan?
No.
You are first reaction and broke cover?
.
It happens in training ...never in action..