Thread: Beware the Hangfire !!

I have always been aware that a hangfire / delayed ignition can happen. I have had it with a Sako 223 a few times and a 22. Wait a few seconds cycle the bolt etc

The following account that I was told about on Friday has made me much more wary of the implications.

Two blokes I know were hunting. Ian, who is an amazingly good shot on running game dropped one running pig and squeezed off on a second. 'Click' F--k ! As the bolt was lifted to chamber another round the shell fired sending the 'unlocked' bolt down the side of Ians cheek, leaving a permanent scar.

I had always thought the danger was that the shell could explode outside of the breach like ammo on a bonfire and at worst send bits of brass flying. Never realised that the bolt could become a projectile !!