Know Your Target and What Is Beyond It
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By MFD Staff
//ADDED on 04/08/2018 // Since few people are reading are second post about the incident that attempted to counter accusations that the original post is "fake news." Here is a photo of the 50-caliber bullet after it was removed from the wall:
The other day a man in Marion violated the following cardinal firearms safety rule: "KNOW YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEYOND IT." While shooting a 50-caliber rifle for target practice, he unintentionally shot a round into the home of one of our firefighters. After missing the shooter's makeshift target, the large round flew for a mile through the woods before puncturing through exterior and interior walls of our firefighter's home. Our firefighter and his wife were at home when this happened. Thankfully, the weren't injured, but they were justifiably scared and angered when they called 9-1-1. The shooter was identified and has agreed to pay for repairs to the home. Not that it feels like it today, but spring is here and will feature hunters and target shooters out in the woods. Whether you're a hunter wanting to sight your rifle before the season opens next week on black bears, or you're out for some fun plinking, don't go traipsing off into the woods thinking you can set up a target anywhere you like under the mistaken belief that the area is so underpopulated that, if you miss the target, the odds of being anything more than embarrassed are low. There are homes hidden by trees and folks out hiking with their dogs. Hunters and target shooters, be aware and cautious!
The rifle round that penetrated our firefighter's home.
The other day a man in Marion violated the following cardinal firearms safety rule: "KNOW YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEYOND IT." While shooting a 50-caliber rifle for target practice, he unintentionally shot a round into the home of one of our firefighters. After missing the shooter's makeshift target, the large round flew for a mile through the woods before puncturing through exterior and interior walls of our firefighter's home. Our firefighter and his wife were at home when this happened. Thankfully, the weren't injured, but they were justifiably scared and angered when they called 9-1-1. The shooter was identified and has agreed to pay for repairs to the home. Not that it feels like it today, but spring is here and will feature hunters and target shooters out in the woods. Whether you're a hunter wanting to sight your rifle before the season opens next week on black bears, or you're out for some fun plinking, don't go traipsing off into the woods thinking you can set up a target anywhere you like under the mistaken belief that the area is so underpopulated that, if you miss the target, the odds of being anything more than embarrassed are low. There are homes hidden by trees and folks out hiking with their dogs. Hunters and target shooters, be aware and cautious!
The rifle round that penetrated our firefighter's home.