Earlier this month, a group known as Humanium Metal was participating in a firearm disposal put on by the Maine Gun Safety Coalition. The group was tasked with destroying the guns that had been collected by the group and delivered to the local Old Orchard Beach police department. During the course of the process, traditional rules of gun safety were not respected and a muzzleloader was negligently discharged. Fortunately no people were hit or injured, though two cars were impacted by the shot.

According to the Maine Wire, the incident happened when contractors working for the Main Gun Safety Coalition and the Old Orchard Beach Police Department attempted to saw a loaded black-powder firearm in half. It is speculated that the sparks or heat produced by the sawblade cutting through the barrel ignited the powder charge, resulting in the discharge. Humanium Metal specializes in the safe disposal and “transformation” of firearms into other products.

In addition to the three NRA gun safety rules (listed below), it’s important to know how to clear a muzzleloader before handling one. One needs to determine whether there is a priming cap on the nipple, or if there is priming powder in the pan (for a flintlock). Once that has been checked and the primer removed if present, stick a ramrod down the barrel, mark it, then remove and place it alongside the barrel. If the ramrod does not go all the way to the bottom of the barrel with the mark aligned at the muzzle, the gun is loaded. Some ramrods are even pre-marked to show where they should sit loaded and unloaded.

Of course, even once the above has been performed, never forget the three NRA rules for firearm safety:

1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
3. Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

Perhaps we need to add a fourth: “don’t saw your gun in half.”

Article by DAVID HERMAN

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