Our Learn-From-This Collection


This is a small collection illustrating mistakes that individuals and organizations have made. We hope that others can learn from them.


120MM Double Load



This mortar killed and injured several in Finland during a firing exercise with HE rounds. The tube was loaded with two rounds, and caused one or both of the rounds to explode in the tube. We're not certain if this was caused by a problem with SOP, or the operational supervision, but we hope that it's addressed thoroughly. If you're a GI operating a mortar, remember this picture as you don't want a repeat with your head anywhere near it.

Tip: Remember the instruction to duck your head? You might want to do it in a way that places the helmet between you and the barrel.

Source of picture: unknown; presumably from the Finnish military accident investigation

Browning 50cal Head Space

If you are fortunate enough to own a 50 BMG Browning machine gun, you probably already know that setting correct headspace when the barrel is inserted is extremely important. Unfortunately some of our servicemen in Iraq and Afghanistan had insufficient prior experience and/or training with the gun, and either did not headspace the gun when replacing a barrel, or did so incorrectly. The consequences of performing this task incorrectly can be seen in this video.

Tip: RTFM. RTFM. RTFM. When north of 7.62mm, mistakes kill much easier.

Source of video: unknown

[Video redacted for editing -- please check back for an update in a few days]

Incorrect Operation of 57mm

A 57mm gun is a great enhancement to any collection (and we have one available, though it'll set you back an arm&leg), but you have to know what you are doing. Sometimes in the military the guys writing the operating regulations don't think about the practicalities of what they are imposing on the poor guys having to abide by them. This video shows one example of poor handling.

Tip: don't operate a 57mm like these guys do, and certainly not without hearing protection!

Source of video: www.strategypage.com



57mm Oops (2.7 MB)

DEA Accidental Discharge

It's just a shame that an accidental discharge takes place just when it's least wanted, i.e. in front of a class demonstrating safe handling of firearms. It serves as a reminder for everyone to be careful.

There's some upside to this video. It illustrates the benefits of developing safe gun handling habits. While the agent made a mistake in the accidental discharge itself, he did not injure anyone (except himself) thanks to pointing the gun in a safe direction for the "Glock empty shot".

Tip: remember the basics of safe gun handling. RTFM.

Source of video: unknown.



DEA Accidental Discharge (6 MB, WMV Format)

Hot Barrel Grip

It's obvious that being a terrorist doesn't suddenly increase someone's IQ, and perhaps it's just a reflection of a low one to begin with. This is illustrated by the quality of the leader of the nasties in (in-) action in Iraq, that we have also highlighted in our Photo Ops section.

These guys being nasty doesn't mean we can't learn from their mistakes. In this video one of these guys (while waiting for his opportunity to get a fast-pass to the land of virgins) pickups up a M249 SAW by the barrel. As we can see, it's a painful experience with the bumbler buckling, quickly switching hands, and finally waving his burned hand in the air.

There's a good reason black gun makers put plastic on their guns. That's where you can usually pick the gun up without having to worry about burning your hand. Learn those grips, and use them when the gun is hot or cold, and you won't get 'burned'.

Tip: remember the basics of safe gun handling. SOP. SOP. SOP.

Source of video: www.mnf-iraq.com



Hot Barrel Grip (2.8 MB)

LVPD Accidental Discharge

We're not sure if the accidental discharge of a firearm in this video clip is quite so bad, considering that the suspect who is peppered by bullet jacket fragments is unlikely to cause trouble in Vegas again. Otherwise it's unfortunate that this accident took place. It also demonstrates how basic gun safety habits could have avoided this one.

Tip: even under pressure remember where your trigger finger is, and when you don't expect to need a sub-second response, make sure the trigger finger is outside the triggerguard.

Source of video: www.ebaumsworld.com.



LVPD Accidental Discharge (1.2 MB, WMV Format)