I was out in my shop and could hear someone shooting what sounded like a .22, ten rounds at a time. No big deal since it's legal to shoot out here in the county.

Coming from the shop to house (about 15-20 ft. of open area) I stopped to try to figure out where it was coming from, which is somewhat difficult since I'm almost deft in my left ear. As I was standing there, after about 3-4 rounds had been fired, there was a sharp, loud snap right next to my right ear.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: olfuzzy,

Yes

yes

If I learned anything from Blackhawk Down, snap means it's close. I remember being a few berms over at the gun range and hearing the difference thanks to some jagoff down the way. Very noticeable, as you can imagine

REAL close. Not funny.

Guess I'll go calling on some neighbors tomorrow.

check the siding on the house and shop,

if it buzzed past you while you were inbetween, some may have hit the house or shop

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
[FLASH_VIDEO]<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ohD8FT5Fs6c" width="420"></iframe>[/FLASH_VIDEO]

Okay, that's pretty cool and informative.

Yes, sounds like someone was either unsure of backstop and what lies behind... I'd be somewhat irritated.

Had a similar experience outside of Paducah, KY years ago. I couldn't figure out the noise. I later found the remnants of a bullet embedded in the grips of my K-22. S&W had replacement grips.

There is an outdoor range here in Utah that is always hot. To manage targets one walks around the side and down a tunnel. On the other side of the tunnel you are below the range in a 12 ft ditch. You lower the target, do your thing and raise it back up. The snapping sound of projectiles overhead is really something. Sounds like my cap gun from the 60's maybe a bit louder since the ditch is concrete and does not absorb sound well.

By your description that projectile missed you by the hair on your chinny chin chin.

I had a bullet land somewhere near our patio a couple of weeks ago. There is a range behind us but we're buffered by hills, had to be a really errant shot to get near us.

Police should be notified

quote:

Originally posted by Rightwire:
Police should be notified

If OP has a good relationship with the neighbors, a friendly conversation might be a better start.

Rifle rounds passing close by have the crack and you can feel the shock wave cause by the bullet when they are close. You feel the pressure wave in your ear, weird, yes, unnerving yes.

quote:

Originally posted by MNSIG:

quote:

Originally posted by Rightwire:
Police should be notified

If OP has a good relationship with the neighbors, a friendly conversation might be a better start.

In either case, someone should figure this one out. Because somebody, somewhere, needs some behavioral correction.

Culprit found, situation resolved.

After looking around I figured out which neighbor was most likely doing the shooting. There is a really thick tree line between our properties. I’ve only talked to him a few times but he seemed like a nice guy so I paid him a visit.

I asked if he had been shooting in his yard yesterday and he said “No, why?” When I explained to him what had happened, he called his teenage grandson into the room and asked where he had been shooting yesterday. The kid had a puzzled look on his face but answered the question, confirming what I thought. When I told him what had happened, he turned as pale as a ghost and started apologizing. He scored immediate points with me because he was the most well-mannered, respectful teenager that I’ve met in a long time.

As I was leaving his grandfather was explaining to him why they always shoot where they do. They seem to have a very close relationship.

Long story short, the kid learned a valuable, cheap lesson and I don’t have any additional holes in my body. I would consider that a win-win.

welldone, olfuzzy

Well done Sir. I believe this fortunate outcome for both you and he is a lesson not soon forgotten.

I am glad you did not get hurt, and very glad for the outcome of your visit.