They shot me - TWICE!! - Page 2

dukalmighty · July 7th, 2008, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JudoJake

I had shot steel on several occasions and never had a problem. However when I went to instructor school we shot on steel and it was murderous. Everyone was hit with fragmentation on almost every volley. We had to stop several times for first aid. One guy I think had to have stitches later. I'm not sure, but it opened up a pretty good cut on his nose. One round that hit me in the gut nearly doubled me over. Safety glasses were a must, I took several shots to the face. Mostly minor injury. But it sure made you think.

Talk about good training. I'd be up there firing anticipating taking rounds! It doesn't get much more real that that, and I can tell you that it does make it harder to concentrate on shooting. I enjoyed it, not because I wanted to, but because I had to be there and decided to make the most of it. They made us put up with it for the first week, then on the second week they allowed us to step back a few yards so that we only caught one occasionally. I don't recommend the experience.

I have to say what is safe about knowingly shooting steel targets where you are getting hit by so many ricochets you gotta stop for medical treatment,

AzQkr · July 7th, 2008, 10:45 AM

Not all steel is created equal.

I've had steel plates for something over 15 years. Shoot em pretty regularly at 5-7 feet as well as further out. Catch a ricochet occasionally, have gotten cut occasionally but not very often compared to the tens of thousands of rds thrown downrange on them.

The plates are angled down from the top and turned just slightly so the bullets impact and head down and away from the shooter.

If you are getting whacked with lead and copper fragments regularly, the plates haven't been designed with enough forethought.

Brownie

HeadHunter · July 7th, 2008, 11:08 AM

The type of bullet used is a big factor. That's the reason we don't allow JHP ammo at the Rogers Shooting School. Our course is shot on all steel targets. The instructors can tell within one magazine when a student is using JHP ammo because of all the splashback it creates.

Thumper · July 7th, 2008, 02:12 PM

Reminds me to ALWAYS keep my safety glasses on!

cmidkiff · July 7th, 2008, 05:41 PM

On the idea that JHP's 'splash' more... I wouldn't have thought this to be true, at least it doesn't seem obvious to me, but from experience, I know it is.

I was shooting HP .44 mags at some steel a while back (armored, rated for .308) and got more splash than I have ever seen with hard cast, soft point, or jacketed ball. The offending loads were Remington 210g JHP's over 232, loaded fairly mild. I use same load with soft point and FMJ bullets, with no problem at all.

Needless to say, I switched ammo.

I can't imagine just going right ahead and shooting something that you know is causing an inordinate amount of back splash. Why take the chance of injuring someone? You never know when someone's going to remove their eyewear to wipe away the sweat, or something equally innocent.

JudoJake · July 7th, 2008, 09:03 PM

I didn't have much choice. If I wanted to be come a firearms instructor I had to shoot on that range. I wasn't happy about it, but I chose not to be upset. I expected them to shop, but they just kept running the range. I guess to them it was normal. I survived.

Sky Pilot · July 8th, 2008, 09:50 AM

We were qualifying when the cry went up, "Medic!"
I holstered and sprinted for the end of the line.
One of my brother officers was standing one-legged, swearing at the instructor that no he was not going to drop his drawers in front of God and everybody!
I knew him and called him by name and said "Where you hit?"
He indicated the hip pocket area.
I told him "You know me, John, now turn around and drop 'em!"
He did.
He had a welt big around as a silver dollar and raised to an impressive degree.
I don't believe he ever lived that one down.
Well, yes, he did, for he died of diabetic complications about ten years ago.

Rob P. · July 8th, 2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kerbouchard

WoooHooo! More sensational titles that have nothing to do with the posts...

Glad you enjoyed the match, but getting a little splash is nothing like being shot.

Hey there Grumpy Gus, at least I GOT YOU to look.

The thread title was sensationalized for a couple of reasons. One, to get people to read the thread so that they would be reminded of the risks we take from ricochets and frag and to wear appropriate gear and be aware of their surroundings while on the range.

The other was so that I'd get my 15 seconds of fame.

I think I successfully achieved both purposes.

Natureboypkr · July 8th, 2008, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIGguy229

Are you the collary to Murphy's Law of Combat? Don't share a foxhole with someone braver than yourself...and Friendly fire isn't?

Kerbouchard · July 8th, 2008, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob P.

Hey there Grumpy Gus, at least I GOT YOU to look.

The thread title was sensationalized for a couple of reasons. One, to get people to read the thread so that they would be reminded of the risks we take from ricochets and frag and to wear appropriate gear and be aware of their surroundings while on the range.

The other was so that I'd get my 15 seconds of fame.

I think I successfully achieved both purposes.

Well, you got me to look twice, and I'll remember to wear my eye protection next time I'm at a match, so I guess you were successful.

Regards,
Kerb

July 7th, 2008, 10:45 AM	#12
AzQkr Distinguished Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In the Superstitions Posts: 1,451	Not all steel is created equal. I've had steel plates for something over 15 years. Shoot em pretty regularly at 5-7 feet as well as further out. Catch a ricochet occasionally, have gotten cut occasionally but not very often compared to the tens of thousands of rds thrown downrange on them. The plates are angled down from the top and turned just slightly so the bullets impact and head down and away from the shooter. If you are getting whacked with lead and copper fragments regularly, the plates haven't been designed with enough forethought. Brownie __________________ The mind is the limiting factor http://www.threatfocused.com/forums/index.php

July 7th, 2008, 11:08 AM	#13
HeadHunter Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Hotel Carlton Posts: 36	The type of bullet used is a big factor. That's the reason we don't allow JHP ammo at the Rogers Shooting School. Our course is shot on all steel targets. The instructors can tell within one magazine when a student is using JHP ammo because of all the splashback it creates. __________________ Dry Fire Practice CDs help improve your shooting skills.

July 7th, 2008, 02:12 PM	#14
Thumper VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sparks, Nevada Posts: 3,701	Reminds me to ALWAYS keep my safety glasses on! __________________ ALWAYS carry! - NEVER tell!

July 7th, 2008, 05:41 PM	#15
cmidkiff Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Posts: 812	On the idea that JHP's 'splash' more... I wouldn't have thought this to be true, at least it doesn't seem obvious to me, but from experience, I know it is. I was shooting HP .44 mags at some steel a while back (armored, rated for .308) and got more splash than I have ever seen with hard cast, soft point, or jacketed ball. The offending loads were Remington 210g JHP's over 232, loaded fairly mild. I use same load with soft point and FMJ bullets, with no problem at all. Needless to say, I switched ammo. I can't imagine just going right ahead and shooting something that you know is causing an inordinate amount of back splash. Why take the chance of injuring someone? You never know when someone's going to remove their eyewear to wipe away the sweat, or something equally innocent. __________________ Liberty is an inherently offensive lifestyle. Living in a free society guarantees that each one of us will see our most cherished principles and beliefs questioned and in some cases mocked. It's worth it.

July 8th, 2008, 09:50 AM	#17
Sky Pilot Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lorain County, Ohio Posts: 478	We were qualifying when the cry went up, "Medic!" I holstered and sprinted for the end of the line. One of my brother officers was standing one-legged, swearing at the instructor that no he was not going to drop his drawers in front of God and everybody! I knew him and called him by name and said "Where you hit?" He indicated the hip pocket area. I told him "You know me, John, now turn around and drop 'em!" He did. He had a welt big around as a silver dollar and raised to an impressive degree. I don't believe he ever lived that one down. Well, yes, he did, for he died of diabetic complications about ten years ago. __________________ Center Township Combat Pistol League

July 7th, 2008, 09:03 PM	#16
JudoJake Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: USA Posts: 230	I didn't have much choice. If I wanted to be come a firearms instructor I had to shoot on that range. I wasn't happy about it, but I chose not to be upset. I expected them to shop, but they just kept running the range. I guess to them it was normal. I survived.

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