Author Topic: CATASTROPHIC rifle failure!!!!!! (Read 8986 times)

Tpi_Demons · « **on:** December 30, 2011, 11:49:27 PM »

New to this forum and need some advise. I got myself a pristine browning A-Bolt medallion in 300 win mag. Decided to take it to the range the other day. Purchased two boxes of remington express core-lokt ammo. I fired eleven rounds and she was hitting perfectly. Loaded round number 12 and took aim. When I squeezed the trigger the entire rifle exploded in my face. I now have a fractured skull and a shattered nose, along with numerous lacerations. We checked the target and there were 12 holes in it. The barrel was measured and there is no bulge from a stuck round causing this. I believe it was an ammo issue but am not sure. Any help would be great!!!!! P.S. I am doing ok now other than the pain and dizzyness.

351 power · « **Reply #1 on:** December 31, 2011, 01:13:06 AM »

sounds very bad. glad you are recovering. check the rest of the ammo for bullets with wrong caliber projectiles. weigh them to see if any are much heavier than others

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #2 on:** December 31, 2011, 01:47:10 AM »

i would guess more toward a gun failure. A 300 mag is factory loaded with slow powders and i dont know if you could even get enough in a case to do that. What i would do is NOT pull down and of the remaining rounds. Id box the parts up and the ammo and send them to browning for testing. If they find an ammo problem tell them to document it. Someone should be paying for your gun and your medical bills.

52bagman · « **Reply #3 on:** December 31, 2011, 02:08:10 AM »

Looking at what a mess the gun is, you are lucky to be alive. Hope you do well.

skyhigh_seller · « **Reply #4 on:** December 31, 2011, 02:19:08 AM »

not cool!
glad you made it.

Wearing glasses?

I'm gonna buy a brand new pair of shooting glasses before I go to the range again.

I'd likely develop a flinch after that.

kynardsj · « **Reply #5 on:** December 31, 2011, 02:38:26 AM »

Glad you're doing ok after a situation like that, could've been much worse. Definately would have everything checked out by professionals. I agree with skyhigh, I would have a flinch after an accident like that. Could be gun or ammo. I guess I'm paranoid but for 36 years or so since I started reloading I won't shoot factory ammo other than shotgun or 22's. When I load my own I know exactly what's going in my ammo and aren't depending on a stranger running a machine to do it for me. Get well soon and please let us know the outcome.

drdougrx · « **Reply #6 on:** December 31, 2011, 03:18:49 AM »

Glad you are OK......what a disaster!

huntswithdogs · « **Reply #7 on:** December 31, 2011, 03:35:14 AM »

I developed one heck of a flinch after crawling the stock and getting popped in the eye by the scope. That right there woulda put me in a straightjacket! Glad you made it thru. Looks like the explosion was directed down thru the magazine instead of straight back.

I'd be interested what Browning has to say about this one.

HWD

mannyrock · « **Reply #8 on:** December 31, 2011, 04:15:45 AM »

TPI,

Whatever you do, do NOT send the ammunition or the rifle to anyone. Do not let them out of your possession. Box them both up in their current condition.

IF, the ammunition or rifle were defectively manufactured, then you more than likely have a claim directly against the manufacturer for your damanges, including pain and suffering, and compensation for permanent disfigurement, under the product liability laws. It is not necessary that you show that they were negligent. If the elements of the products liability statute are met, then it is strict liability upon the manufacturer.

Do have someone immediately take pictures of your face and all injuries.

Do keep copies of each and every medical record, doctors visit, and medication, including all expenses. Make a hand-written log as well.

Do go immediately to a large law firm, with first hand experience in successfully prosecuting product liability claims. They are equipped to investigate the matter for your, and let you know whether they believe you have a cause of action or not. They will know the expert engineers who can examine both the ammunition and rifle.

I am not one who believes in frivilous lawsuits or wild damage awards, but you have suffered a serious and perhaps life threatening injury under circumstances which indicate a defectively manufactured product. The time limit for filing any valid claim by you is currently running. Go see the attorneys.

Mannyrock

spruce · « **Reply #9 on:** December 31, 2011, 04:51:58 AM »

Glad you're still with us and hope your recovery goes well.

Excellent advice from Mannyrock. This is definitely NOT a frivolous lawsuit and you deserve to be compensated for the trauma that was incurred.

Until you can get to an attorney document everything, even if it seems unimportant to you. Pictures, pictures, pictures - date and time, who took them, etc. Anyone who witnessed (saw, heard) the incident happen, witnessed the aftermath, came to your aid, etc. Your attorney will take care of these details, but until then gather as much information as you can on your own.

I think I may pass on any used A-bolts I see sitting in the gun racks, even though I'm sure this was a freak occurance and could conceiveably happen with any gun/ammo combination!!!

AtlLaw · « **Reply #10 on:** December 31, 2011, 04:52:47 AM »

First, I'm glad you survived.

Secondly and most importantly, what Mannyrock and Lloyd said is exactly correct. Do nothing until you find that law firm, one who feels good enough about your claim to foot the expenses prior to trial or settlement, then follow their advice.

As an aside, the receiver ring portion of the action is conspicuously absent in you photo. I hope you have it or can find it.

Tpi_Demons · « **Reply #11 on:** December 31, 2011, 07:37:44 AM »

Thank you everyone! And that is great advise Mannyrock. I contacted remingtona and browning and they both want the rifle and ammo. I decided not to send it to either of them. I am 100% postitve that shooting glasses saved both eyes. Absolutely worth the $4. I am trying to get a law firm to take the case but I have been told that I was not injured bad enough to have a case. But I am still looking for one that will. This only happened 2 days after christmas so I have not been able to do much looking since my face is still the size of a watermellon. I have detailed pictures of every mark on my body. I normally only shoot ammo that i loaded but I am visiting my dad out of state. I did not bring ammo with me just the rifle. Never again will I trust factory loads. WEAR YOUR SAFETY EQUIPMENT!!!!!!!!!!!

Rock Home Isle · « **Reply #12 on:** December 31, 2011, 07:51:17 AM »

You are so lucky...that gun is destroyed.

I'm glad that you are Okay.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #13 on:** December 31, 2011, 08:07:49 AM »

I think mannyrock has the best idea.

Quote from: mannyrock on December 31, 2011, 04:15:45 AM

TPI,

Whatever you do, do NOT send the ammunition or the rifle to anyone. Do not let them out of your possession. Box them both up in their current condition.

IF, the ammunition or rifle were defectively manufactured, then you more than likely have a claim directly against the manufacturer for your damanges, including pain and suffering, and compensation for permanent disfigurement, under the product liability laws. It is not necessary that you show that they were negligent. If the elements of the products liability statute are met, then it is strict liability upon the manufacturer.

Do have someone immediately take pictures of your face and all injuries.

Do keep copies of each and every medical record, doctors visit, and medication, including all expenses. Make a hand-written log as well.

Do go immediately to a large law firm, with first hand experience in successfully prosecuting product liability claims. They are equipped to investigate the matter for your, and let you know whether they believe you have a cause of action or not. They will know the expert engineers who can examine both the ammunition and rifle.

I am not one who believes in frivilous lawsuits or wild damage awards, but you have suffered a serious and perhaps life threatening injury under circumstances which indicate a defectively manufactured product. The time limit for filing any valid claim by you is currently running. Go see the attorneys.

Mannyrock

kevinsmith5 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 31, 2011, 08:52:10 AM »

Did the rounds in the magazine chain fire? That's an incredible amount of damage. More incredible is that you're not only alive, but well enough to type. Somebody (other than Browning and Remington) had an eye on you.
Much as I hate lawsuits, Mannyrock is right. I'd also like to hear what the cause if this turns out to be....anyone with ballistics software who could try to run pressures on a double charge?

BBF · « **Reply #15 on:** December 31, 2011, 09:27:28 AM »

I may be way out in fantasy land here with what I propose.

Did someone purchase at least one of the factory ammo boxes prior and pullet one or more bullets( If I would have done this on purpose it would only have been one) and refilled the case with a very fast pistol powder. Obviously the store would have had to take the ammo back. Would they own up to it? More then likely not.

Motive! Someone really hates hunters big time.

briarpatch · « **Reply #16 on:** December 31, 2011, 09:29:17 AM »

I dont see how you can still have a trigger finger with both hands in working order. Physics must have been turned off on this event. Like the rest, Glad you are safe.

Rock Home Isle · « **Reply #17 on:** December 31, 2011, 10:17:17 AM »

I used to set up the hunter safety classes here in town...the instructors would bring damaged firearms to show the students what can happen...But I've never anything like that. I am so glad that you are Okay.

Wholly Cow...You Are So Lucky. Go buy a lottery ticket.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #18 on:** December 31, 2011, 11:03:31 AM »

Quote from: Tpi_Demons on December 31, 2011, 07:37:44 AM

I am trying to get a law firm to take the case but I have been told that I was not injured bad enough to have a case. But I am still looking for one that will.

You're looking in the wrong place. Sounds like you're talking to personal injury lawyers instead of products liability lawyer.
What about the receiver ring?

45-70.gov · « **Reply #19 on:** December 31, 2011, 01:31:55 PM »

start a diary.....now
write down every thing that has happened up until now
date it now
and inter into this diary every thing relevant, milage to doc visit,lunch for your driver etc......DAILY
daily..... even if to note nothing relevent......[don't forget $4 for the safety glasses]
daily.....witness of any thing and contact info
only let your lawyer see this diary

make no mistakes...
enter a doc visit and your doc's records show your not there
you and your diary loose credability

i am no lawyer but i NEVER loose in court.....diarys is my advantage

Swampman · « **Reply #20 on:** December 31, 2011, 01:40:17 PM »

I don't like Brownings. Glad you're ok.

Ron/Pa. · « **Reply #21 on:** December 31, 2011, 02:56:22 PM »

BBF, my exact thoughts. Many times, at our local Wal-Mart, I have seen customers open a box of Ammo that set on an open shelf,and take a look at the Bullet. Wouldn`t be hard to switch a good Cartridge for a bad one. Most of the times there are no Clerks in the Sporting Goods department.
TPI, thank goodness you survived to tell your story. It might save someone else from the same fate???

Swampman · « **Reply #22 on:** December 31, 2011, 03:55:14 PM »

Walmart ammo is kept in a locked glass case.

mechanic · « **Reply #23 on:** December 31, 2011, 04:01:24 PM »

Quote from: Swampman on December 31, 2011, 03:55:14 PM

Walmart ammo is kept in a locked glass case.

Same here. The only ammo I see anywhere that customers can handle is shotgun shells...

Ben

charles p · « **Reply #24 on:** December 31, 2011, 04:10:08 PM »

Met a guy who lost his thumb in a fire arms accident. Company settled for $1200 in the 70's. Not a fair price for a thumb but it would purchase a used Mustang.

eye shot · « **Reply #25 on:** December 31, 2011, 04:13:39 PM »

TPI if you can remember that I dought with a explosion like that did you have an FTF and started to open the bolt? The reason I ask is in the pic it looks like the bolt is open or parcially open. The bullet hit the target and the barrel looks ok so I would leave out ammo failure. Even an oversize bullet will swage down, or at least it did for a guy using a Mauser with out herting the gun. I'm glad that your going to recover and hope you fined the problem.

Ron/Pa. · « **Reply #26 on:** December 31, 2011, 04:16:30 PM »

Beg to differ. At our local Punxsutawney, Pa. Wal-Mart they are displayed in an open area. This Wal-Mart stopped selling Firearms for a couple years. The Ammo was locked up. Now, they have resumed selling Firearms again and the standard Calibers, 30-06, 270 etc are displayed in an open are. I suppose they don`t want the bother/expense of putting someone in charge of the Ammo. I suppose someone should put a bug in there Ear as it is a safety concern. The local Gunshop, Mahoning Milling, keeps their Ammo behind the Counters.....

Swampman · « **Reply #27 on:** January 01, 2012, 02:20:23 AM »

After looking at this picture carefully, I really can't imagine anything we might normally think of causing this kind of failure in a modern bolt action rifle. I've been shooting nearly 50 years and I've seen a lot of failures. IMO there would have to be a major flaw in the receiver. It isn't easy to blow up a modern firearm.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #28 on:** January 01, 2012, 03:57:25 AM »

That was my thought exactly Swampus! From that picture it appears to me the failure began at the ring. Those parts are, as I said, "conspicuously absent." That's why I asked about them... twice.

That makes me wonder, and, if I were on the defense side, I'd bet I could make the jury wonder about it also...

Tpi_Demons · « **Reply #29 on:** January 01, 2012, 11:22:52 AM »

The receiver ring split into 4 pieces. Two are still attached to the gun and one I have found. The piece from the top of the ring is missing. But with the distance the scope was from where I was standing it could have gone anywhere.I have been back to the range twice to look for it with no luck. And the ammo was in a glass case and all remington ammo boxes have the flaps glued and this one was still sealed. The bolt is partially open. When it exploded it sheared the locks off the bolt and the and added new groves in the gun. And I have already starter a diary.